“Why, in a country that consumes 25% of the world’s resources (the USA), is there an epidemic of loneliness, depression, and anxiety? Why do so many in the West who have all of their basic needs met still feel impoverished? While some politicians might answer, ‘It’s the economy, stupid,’ based on scientific evidence a better answer is, ‘It’s the lack compassion, stupid.’”
This is how James Doty began a blog he wrote recently for The Huffington Post. It’s a powerful opening because it highlights the extent to which governments misunderstand the causes of happiness, believing everlasting economic growth to be the antidote to all that ails us. Fortunately there are individuals like Doty on a mission to seismically shift the dominant paradigm.
Doty is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose later life trajectory belies hard and humble beginnings. Doty, who is presenting at Mind & Its Potential in October, shares here some of his personal story, including a pivotal encounter he had when he was still a young boy living in a poor and dysfunctional home with an alcoholic dad and invalid mum.
Doty describes how one day when he was 13 he walked into a magic shop and met the owner’s mother who took a liking to him and promised that if he returned she’d teach him how he could change his life. He had nothing better to do, so he went back and during a six-week period, learnt about mindfulness, visualisation and positive thinking. He says the interaction was “transformative” because it showed him that he could steer his own destiny.
To read the full article, click here.
Leave a Reply