E9. A Retreat for the Mind with Oliver Burkeman

What if embracing imperfection could be the key to a more fulfilling life?

This is the guiding philosophy of author,

Oliver Burkeman

, and for many of us it’s the lure of this that draws us to his writing. This is surely something we could talk about endlessly, and indeed that’s often the challenge, how do we do more than talk about it!

After revisiting our earlier conversation (see yesterday’s episode), I’m thrilled to share our recent discussion as he prepares to launch his latest book. Meditations for Mortals is designed as a ‘retreat for the mind,’ featuring 28 short chapters that Oliver encourages us to read daily. I’m eagerly awaiting my copy and plan to embrace his suggestion of a chapter a day (or at least ‘dailyish’), possibly sharing some ‘field notes’ from my own experience along the way.

Meditations for Mortals isn’t just another book - it’s a guide to nurture how we embrace our human limitations and how we might do so with grace. Oliver’s insights offer a daily practice that can transform the way we approach our lives

Every conversation with Oliver leaves me with more questions - questions that linger long after our discussion ends. This, I realise, is part of the practice: accepting our limitations while staying curious about the world and lives we inhabit. It is, I guess, Oliver’s philosophy of ‘imperfectionism’ in action.

As you listen, I encourage you to reflect on your own questions. What resonates with you? Share your thoughts, and who knows, they might just become part of our next conversation.

Up next: Freedom in Boundaries with

Anna Considine

Thanks for listening to Space to Think, a podcast where I create space to think through conversations with guests exploring their knowledge, insights and stories.

Each conversation holds the potential for ideas to grow wild.