Tag: wisdom

10 Books That Will Expand Your Wisdom

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I have to admit I have a huge problem with buying books. What other people have with cloth, I have with books. I simply can’t stop myself from buying them. Recently I started ordering more e-books, to save some trees, but I can’t yet get completely used to it. As there’s simply nothing like holding a book in your hands for the first time and flipping through the fresh pages…

Books serve as powerful tools

I believe that in our quest for personal growth, books serve as powerful tools that can shape your thinking, broaden your horizon, and inspire profound transformation.

That’s why I’d like to share this list of ten books that I read recently with you. From exploring the mysteries of the human mind to unraveling the interconnectedness of nature, these books offer unique insights and profound wisdom that can guide you on your journey of becoming a wiser person and leader.

Ten of my favourite books that will make you wiser:

 – ‘THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES’ BY PETER WOHLLEBEN:

I simply can’t get enough of this book! Want to know how trees communicate with each other? And how genius trees brush off giraffes? Then don’t hesitate to order this book and discover the captivating world of trees.

This fascinating book reveals the intricate and interconnected lives of trees, unveiling their wisdom and resilience, and inviting us to rekindle our relationship with the natural world.

– Wiser’ by Dilip Jeste:

Delve into the science and art of wisdom with this insightful book by neuroscientist Dilip Jeste. Drawing on his extensive research, Jeste explores the various dimensions of wisdom and provides practical strategies for cultivating wisdom in everyday life. Jeste also found out wise people master 7 ‘skills’ and these are all teachable. My Wisdom Compass, a brand new tool for personal development, is partly based on his fascinating research.

–  ‘How Emotions are Made’ by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett

Challenge your understanding of emotions with this groundbreaking book by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. Explore the concept of constructed emotions and gain insights into how our brains shape our emotional experiences, offering a fresh view on self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

This is a book everyone should read! It will give you a new perspective on life. You can read a sneak preview of the book and how emotions are really made here.

 – ‘The Atlas of the Heart’ by Brené Brown:

This book is not so much a book that you read on the sofa until it’s finished. It’s more a reference work you want to keep close to you. If you really take the time to integrate the words, it will change every relationship you have. Beginning with the one with yourself.

‘The Atlas of the Heart’ delves into the complexities of human emotions, vulnerability, and resilience, offering valuable insights for cultivating emotional well-being and authentic connections.

‘- Wisdom of the Shamans’ by Don Jose Ruiz:

A very small book that you can read in one evening, but the captivating stories will stay with you forever.

Don Jose Ruiz guides you with ancient wisdom and shamanic teachings on a path towards self-discovery, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection with the world around us.

–  ‘How to Grow a New Body’ by Alberto Villoldo

Unlock the secrets of holistic health and transformation with Alberto Villoldo’s ‘How to Grow a New Body.’ This book combines ancient wisdom and modern science to offer practical guidance for rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit, leading to enhanced well-being and vitality. For everyone that is interested in a Vision Quest this book is absolutely indispensable.

– ‘Man’s search for meaning’ by Victor Frankl

In this profound work by Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Frankl he chronicles his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and explores the fundamental question of human existence: finding meaning in life.

The book examines how individuals can discover purpose even in the most extreme circumstances, emphasizing the power of choice, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Frankl’s reflections offer deep insights into the human spirit and inspires you to live a full life of purpose.

– ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers

Embark on an extraordinary literary journey with “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel weaves together the stories of diverse characters and the profound impact of trees, prompting us to reflect on the interconnectedness of all living beings and our responsibility towards nature.

–  ‘Being You’ by Anil Seth

This thought-provoking book explores the nature of identity, the illusion of self, and the profound implications of understanding the mechanisms that shape our experience of reality.

– ‘Braiding Sweetgrass ‘by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Braiding Sweetgrass explores the reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world. The book takes its title from the act of braiding sweetgrass, a sacred indigenous tradition. The braiding represents the interconnectedness of human beings with nature and the intertwining of different forms of knowledge.

I love it how Kimmerer weaves together her own experiences as a scientist and a member of an indigenous community, sharing traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations.

Enhance your wisdom and transform your perspective

I hope these books help you on your path of self development and enable you to expand your consciousness, enhance your wisdom, and transform your perspective.

Are you inspired to become a wiser person? The FREE Wise Leadership test will help you understand where you’re at right now and how to become wiser.

7 reasons why wisdom is essential for successful leaders

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Leadership requires a broad range of skills and qualities. While intelligence, knowledge, experience, and charisma are often associated with effective leadership, there is one attribute often overlooked, that stands out as a vital asset: wisdom. 

Wisdom goes beyond knowledge and expertise; it encompasses a deep understanding of oneself, others, and the world, and it plays a critical role in guiding leaders towards making sound decisions, inspiring others, and fostering positive change.

In today’s fast-paced world, wisdom is becoming more and more important for successful leaders facing a multitude of challenges, that require more than just intelligence and technical expertise. Leaders need wisdom, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on their experience, intuition, and ethical principles. 

why wisdom is a Very valuable asset for leaders:

1. Wise leaders foster a positive work culture

Leaders who prioritize wisdom understand the importance of creating a positive work culture. They are able to navigate conflicts and challenges with grace and humility, and they encourage their team members to do the same. This kind of culture leads to greater job satisfaction, productivity, and overall success.

Wisdom entails self understanding, reflection, emotional intelligence and empathy, enabling leaders to connect with others on a deeper level. The far most important skill for leaders is how they regulate their own emotions. Leaders who understand and regulate their own emotions are better equipped to handle difficult situations and build strong relationships.

2. Wise leaders make better decisions

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders face complex challenges and uncertain circumstances. Wisdom equips leaders with the ability to navigate through ambiguity and make informed choices. Wise leaders consider not only the short-term gains but also the long-term consequences and impact of their choices on various stakeholders.

They demonstrate a keen awareness of the limitations of their knowledge and are open to seeking diverse perspectives to arrive at well-considered decisions. They uphold moral principles, integrity, and fairness, ensuring that their actions align with the values and purpose of the organization. In challenging situations, wisdom guides leaders to make choices that benefit the greater good and uphold the ethical fabric of their organizations.

Wise leaders are known for their ability to make good decisions that benefit both their organization and the people they lead. They are able to evaluate complex situations and weigh the pros and cons of different options before making a choice. Their decision-making is guided not only by their experience and knowledge but also by their intuition and ethical values.

3. Wise leaders inspire trust

Wisdom entails emotional intelligence and empathy, enabling leaders to connect with others on a deeper level. Leaders who understand and regulate their own emotions are better equipped to handle difficult situations and build strong relationships. By demonstrating empathy, wise leaders foster a sense of trust, respect, and inclusivity within their teams, leading to enhanced collaboration and creativity.

Leaders who demonstrate wisdom are more likely to inspire trust and loyalty among their followers. Their wisdom helps them build rapport with their team members and stakeholders, leading to better communication, collaboration, and engagement.

4. Wise leaders adapt to change

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders face complex challenges and uncertain circumstances. Wisdom equips leaders with the ability to navigate through ambiguity and make informed choices.

Wise leaders possess a broader perspective that allows them to see the interconnectedness of various factors and anticipate potential consequences. They demonstrate a keen awareness of the limitations of their knowledge and are open to seeking diverse perspectives to arrive at well-considered decisions.

The world is constantly changing, and leaders who lack wisdom may struggle to keep up. However, wise leaders are able to adapt to changing circumstances and make the necessary adjustments to their strategies and approaches. Their wisdom helps them navigate uncertainty and ambiguity, and they are able to lead their organisations through difficult times with confidence and resilience.

5. Wise Leaders inspire and mentor others

Leadership is not just about achieving personal success; it is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. Wise leaders possess the ability to inspire and motivate individuals by sharing their knowledge, insights, and life experiences.

They serve as mentors, providing guidance and support to nurture the growth and development of their team members. Through their wisdom, leaders empower others to become wise leaders themselves.

6. Wise leaders Build Sustainable Organizations:

In an era characterized by global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic instability, wise leaders understand the importance of building sustainable organizations.

They recognize the interconnectedness between the organization and its stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Wisdom drives leaders to make choices that prioritise long-term sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring the organisation’s positive impact on society.

7. Wise leaders have a long-term vision

Wise leaders are able to think beyond short-term goals and focus on the long-term vision and mission of their organization. This involves strategic thinking, careful planning, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

Cultivating Wisdom

It’s wise to say that wisdom is a critical asset for leaders as it enables them to navigate complexity, make ethical decisions, inspire others, and build sustainable organisations. 

By cultivating wisdom, leaders can create a positive and inclusive work culture, make informed choices, and drive meaningful change. As the world continues to evolve, the need for wise leaders who can lead with compassion, empathy, and a long-term perspective becomes increasingly crucial.

Want to know more about Wise Leadership? Do the FREE Wise Leadership test.

How to Regulate Your Emotions and become a Wise leader

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Wise leaders are very skilled at regulating their emotions. But how do they do that? And how can you learn it? In this article we explain how embracing past experiences can empower individuals to become wise leaders capable of navigating life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.

It’s probably not the first thing you had in mind, but understanding how emotions work is an important asset in the journey towards wisdom. The ability to regulate emotions and reflect on one’s actions, thoughts, and emotions is a key element of emotional intelligence and plays a crucial role in developing wise leaders.

Embracing past experiences can empower individuals to become wise leaders capable of navigating life’s challenges with resilience and clarity. It focuses on how individuals regulate their emotions and the significance of the meaning they assign to their past experiences.

Therefore emotional regulation and experiences are important components in the Wisdom Compass, a new self development tool based on neuroscientific research and indigenous wisdom.

The Impact of Past Experiences

Our past experiences hold significant power over our present emotions and shape our future. Certain experiences can evoke warm feelings and bring smiles to our faces, while others can trigger negative emotions such as anger, depression, anxiety, or addiction. Often, these emotions manifest without us consciously understanding their origins.

How we perceive our experiences influences how we feel in the present moment and how we shape our future. Unresolved past experiences can lead to physical pain, negative self-perceptions, and emotional distress. The field of Experiences within the Wisdom Compass encourages individuals to heal from these past experiences by shifting their perceptions and accepting them fully. It focuses on how individuals regulate their emotions and the significance of the meaning they assign to their past experiences.

Understanding How Emotions Work

Recent research by neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett has shed new light on the intricacies of emotions. Emotions are not simply innate responses; instead, they are constructed based on the concepts and interpretations in our brains. Our brains constantly receive signals from our bodies, including information from internal organs, tissues, hormones, and the immune system.

These signals have no inherent meaning on their own. Instead, our brains rely on concepts to interpret both internal and external sensations. This process, known as interoception or our seventh sense, allows us to make sense of the sensory signals and construct emotions.

You can read more on how our emotions work here.

Changing Concepts to Transform Emotions

The Wisdom Compass recognizes that changing our concepts is the key to transforming our emotions. Merely reliving past experiences and dwelling on them can perpetuate the same emotional loops because our brains recognize the familiar sensations and trigger similar emotional responses. To break free from this cycle, we must change our concepts.

The following practices can help in this process:

            • Meditation: Meditation enables individuals to distance themselves from their emotions and gain awareness of their predictions and emotional responses. By putting emotions into perspective, they can become less overwhelming. However, meditation alone does not change the predictions made by the brain, meaning that emotions may continue to arise.

            • Trauma Release Therapy: Trauma Release Therapy provides a targeted approach to address specific traumatic experiences that may have a profound impact on individuals’ emotional well-being. This therapy aims to release the trapped energy and emotions associated with traumatic events, facilitating healing and resilience.

            • Relationship and Emotion Training and Coaching (RETEC): Developed by international trainer and coach Wassili Zafiris, RETEC is a method rooted in the latest neuroscientific knowledge about emotions. This approach emphasizes that emotions control almost everything, and working directly with emotions in coaching and therapy is highly effective. RETEC focuses on creating new neurological networks by utilizing unconscious reminders. This method helps transform deeply ingrained patterns and facilitates lasting change.

By engaging in these practices and understanding the workings of emotions, individuals can regulate their emotions effectively. This enables them to overcome past experiences, shift their perceptions, and embrace a more balanced and wise approach to life. By harnessing the power of emotions, individuals can become wise leaders who navigate the complexities of the world with empathy, compassion, and self-awareness.

Want to learn more about how to regulate your emotions and become a Wise Leader? Contact me. 

The endless wisdom of nature

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Six ways nature helps us heal.

The need to grow is in people’s nature; developing themselves and being compassionate towards others. But in our hectic (digital) lives we can lose connection with our true nature. 

Every day we struggle with thousands of stimulants and seductions. This makes us react continuously; consuming and striving for financial growth. In this constant endeavour for more, we can lose our empathy. We can lose our contact with nature. We can lose ourselves. 

We work too hard, have busy social lives, we have children with all kinds of needs and we run to the gym to keep ourselves ‘fit’. At the end of the day we feel stressed and exhausted. We cope with the stress by drinking alcohol, eating too much or binge watching series. Then we go to bed too late and wake up tired with a headache. We take a few aspirins and start all over again. 

Results of disconnection with nature

After a while we feel tired all the time, we get feelings of depression and our body refuses to go on. Our doctor gives us a description or the phone number of a psychologist. This often results in the label: BURNOUT. 

Only then we start to realise we need to change. We’ve lost our energy, our love for life and the connection with ourselves. And we don’t know how to retrieve it.

Therefore it’s super important that we make time to spend in nature. Actually, that we make a habit of it. I’ll guarantee you, if you consciously spend time in nature on a regular basis, you’ll be surprised how much you benefit from it!

“By restoring our connection with nature, we restore our connection with our own true nature.”

It seems we forgot the importance of nature 

We lost sight of how beneficial it is for us to spend time in nature. We live or work in a big city and sit inside behind the computer all day. And when we come home, other screens lie in wait to seduce us. We barely spend time outdoors and we hardly have any knowledge of our natural surroundings.  

Along the way we’ve forgotten the power of nature.

British research showed:

  • 33 percent of people can’t recognise an oak tree
  • 25 percent of children believe that lions and crocodiles currently live wild in the UK
  • 33 percent of parents say they don’t have enough knowledge about wildlife to pass on to their children

With the digital representation of reality becoming more and more part of our lives, we tend to forget the importance of nature and how we could benefit from it. 

The wisdom of nature is endless:

1.    Nature provides medicine

A lot of medicine were derived from natural sources such as trees, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Did you know that antibiotics, codeines, aspirin and morphine all were extracted from trees? The bark, leaves, fruits and seeds of trees have been used for eras as medicinal remedies for cancers, asthma and other diseases. 

2.    Connecting with nature improves our health

It’s scientifically proven that spending time in nature helps us to:

  • cope with pain better
  • reduce our blood pressure, blood glucose levels, muscle tension, heart rate and production of stress hormones. 
  • increase our work memory performance, antioxidant level and inflammation 
  • boost our immune system. 
  • produce NK cells in our body that fight cancer cells 

Walking barefoot – also known as earthing or grounding – in nature especially  is beneficial. Studies are showing that the health benefits come from the relationship between our body and the electrons in the earth. Reconnection with these electrons has been found to promote intriguing physiological changes and subjective reports of well-being.

3. Nature improves our mood 

Nature has an enormously positive effect on our mood. Nature can reduce feelings of anger, fear, anxiety and depression and increases feelings of belonging and meaningfulness. 

4.    Nature inspires innovation

By observing nature, we can find solutions to human problems and inspiration for new inventions. This is what Biomimicry deals with. One of the many examples of design imitating nature is velcro: this invention is inspired by the clinging of burdock burrs on clothes.

5. Nature sparks creativity

Spending time in nature can reboot our mental system. According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, just twenty minutes a day outside is all you need in order to allow your brain to reboot. When we give our brain and mind a new (6D) perception of the world, it stimulates our creativity.

6. Nature helps us reconnect with ourselves and our purpose

If you reconnect with nature, you reconnect with your own true nature – and the other way around. Research showed that when people have a sense of purpose in life they are more likely to live longer and healthier. Being aligned with what is truly important to you can also make you feel happier and more motivated. 

The healing power of nature 

Before we start talking about healing, it’s good to get an understanding of what it means.

The Oxford Languages Dictionary says: “The process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.” And yet curing means: “Relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition.” 

This is an important distinction. Shaman and Ph.D. Alberto Villoldo believes that when you have a serious (chronic) disease, you need to go to a Western doctor to cure you from your symptoms. For instance when you have a tumour in your body or you’ve been bitten by a snake.

But when you want to heal, a different process is needed. You need a bigger, more holistic view to know why you became ill and what you can do to prevent it in future.

This doesn’t mean it’s your fault when you become sick or that you can heal every disease yourself. It means it could be a good idea – after having a doctor examining your physical condition – to also look at your mental, emotional and spiritual condition, as they are all connected. 

Indigenous Wisdom

Alberto Villoldo spent more than 30 years with Indigenous people in the Amazon. In his book Grow Your New Body he explains that in the West doctors and hospitals ‘flourish’ and earn money when people are sick. 

This is in contrast to Indigenous cultures in which the medicine man is seen as doing a lousy job when people get sick. It’s an interesting perspective. 

When I’m talking (or writing in this case) about the healing power of nature, I’m talking about the process of becoming healthy in a broader perspective; on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Nature can play an important role in this.

Apart from all the physical benefits, nature also has a huge impact on our well being. Nature enables us to reconnect with ourselves and our life’s purpose. And research has shown when we make a meaningful difference we feel happier and more fulfilled.

So hereby a few more reasons to go outdoors!

6 ways nature helps us reconnect with ourself:

1.   THERE IS LESS DISTRACTION IN NATURE

When we walk in nature we usually face little distractions. No computer, video, advertising boards, shop windows, buses or traffic lights. You’re less distracted by the triggers of the outside world, which makes it easier to go inwards. 

2.   OUR SENSES ARE FULLY AWAKENED IN NATURE

In contradiction to our mind, our body and senses are always in the present. The warm sun on our body, the amazing beauty of a butterfly; in nature our senses awaken and make us present. By tuning in on our senses we are able to reduce the volume of our inner thoughts. We go from a state of ‘doing’ and ‘thinking’ into a state of ‘being’. And being in the present enables us to go inwards and connect with our inner wisdom. This way we make use of the wisdom of nature. 

3.   NATURE DOESN’T JUDGE

Everything and everyone in nature is accepted for what they are; a huge tree, a tiny tomato, a prickly hedgehog, a grey mouse, a black sheep, a red rose. There are no judgements. This helps us to connect with ourselves without judgement as well.

4.   EVERYTHING IN NATURE HAS A NATURAL RHYTHM 

Nothing and no one is in a hurry. Everything and everyone in nature moves at its natural pace. Nature invites us to move in our own natural way as well. Just like it’s supposed to be. 

5.   YOU CAN’T CONTROL NATURE 

The rain, falling leaves, the cold temperature: it’s just what it is. We know we can’t change it so we accept it. When you stop fighting and resisting and start accepting, the thoughts and emotions in your head can fly away or just be. This creates space to connect with what is underneath or behind all that.

6.   WE’RE PART OF NATURE

All living things in nature are in one way or the other connected, they all depend on each other for their existence and well-being. Us humans are part of nature and nature is a part of us. That can make us feel ‘whole’ when we are in nature.

If you want to heal; get in touch with yourself; your inner wisdom and your higher purpose, reconnecting with nature is a great medicine. In my free e-book Discover Your Purpose I give you more insights on how to reconnect with your purpose.