The Messy Path to Inner Peace // LL Kirchner's "Blissful Thinking"

When life falls apart, how far would you go to put yourself back together? 

In this thought-provoking episode, my friend, Jaime, and I dive deep into LL Kirchner's memoir "Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution," exploring one woman's global quest for healing after her marriage suddenly ends.

From yoga teacher training in India to ten-day silent meditation retreats, energy healing sessions to Buddhist temples, Lisa's journey takes her across continents and through numerous spiritual practices as she fights to maintain her sobriety and rediscover her self-worth. But beneath these exotic wellness pursuits lies a universal struggle: how do we heal our deepest wounds and learn to truly love ourselves?

Alex and Jamie thoughtfully unpack the concept of "emotional sobriety," the trillion-dollar wellness industry, and the privilege inherent in spiritual seeking. They share their own experiences with meditation, yoga, and cold plunges while maintaining a balanced perspective on what truly helps us heal. The conversation weaves through Buddhist wisdom from Pema Chödrön, the science behind wellness practices, and honest reflections on family trauma and personal growth.

What emerges is a profound discussion about the revolution of self-acceptance. As Lisa writes, "For the duration of my spiritual search, I'd been fixated on detecting my faults. The idea that I didn't need to change myself was a revolution." This episode invites listeners to consider whether true healing might begin not with fixing ourselves, but with embracing who we already are.

Join us for this vulnerable, insightful conversation that will leave you questioning your own wellness journey and perhaps discovering that you've been enough all along. Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions about books that change how we see ourselves and the world.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

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If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:

Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Journey by LL Kirchner

Other ways to support/connect with LL Kirchner:
Instagram

Show Notes:
Carl Sagan - Pale Blue Dot - video
Tara Brach - Radical Compassion - book
Christy Harrison – The Wellness Trap - book
Adam Grant: How to stop languishing and start finding flow | TED TALK