Meditation Master Light Watkins on the Pursuit of Meaning Through Spiritual Minimalism

It seems human to yearn for more—more meaning, more fulfillment, more time, more happiness, more, more, and then some more of it.

Some seek contentment and the answers to life’s perplexities in material pursuits. Others seek them through minimalism. But today’s guest believes the answers lie in being present. Meaning, it’s not about the material or lack thereof—it’s about how you communicate, incorporate service into your life, how you show up for others, and most importantly, how you express your love.

Enter Light Watkins—an expert meditation and spiritual teacher who gave up all his earthly possessions five years ago (save what he could fit in a small backpack) and proceeded to travel the world giving talks on happiness, mindfulness, inspiration, and meditation.

Light wrote a fascinating new book about what this experience taught him called, quite cheekily, Travel Light, which extends beyond the traditional narratives around minimalism and gets to the heart of what’s really important about life, and most importantly, how to practice it.

Today Light imparts wisdom that I think is equal parts profound and hyper-practical on how to prioritize and cultivate inner happiness through presence, the importance of following your curiosity, the joy of giving what you want to receive, and something he calls the “freedom of choicelessness” that declutters your life decisions.

The visually inclined can watch this exchange on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I love Light. He is a wise and gifted teacher, and I always feel nourished after time spent with him. My sense is that this conversation will leave you with more than a few life-altering profundities to ponder and practice.

Note: Today marks Light’s fourth microphone communion—you can check out our previous conversations back on episodes #172, #357, and #603.

Enjoy!

Peace + Plants,