109: Breaking Free from Envy: Finding Joy and Focus in Your Life with Brother Curtis

Great Practice. Great Life. by Atticus™ Helping attorneys grow thriving practices, increase revenue, lower stress, and achieve a work/life balance.

Have you ever been envious of someone like Harry Connick, Jr., who seems to have it all?

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Brother Curtis, a seasoned monk, joins Steve to explore the tangled web of envy and jealousy that can often trap us. With humor and wisdom, we unpack how these emotions, while natural, can undermine our personal and professional growth. Through engaging stories and reflections, we learn to identify envy as a signal of deeper issues like self-acceptance and how cultivating empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence can open new doors.

Through this conversation, we examine the roots of our envious feelings, often tracing back to childhood and family dynamics. Brother Curtis provides guidance on understanding these emotions through the lens of our personal life practice and the concept of vocation. By focusing on who we are called to be rather than what we do, we can find balance and resilience amidst life's changes. We also highlight the importance of nurturing present moments, shifting from a mindset of fear and scarcity to one focused on contribution and fulfillment.

Finally, we invite you to reflect on your true calling and essence in life. Consider moving beyond mere occupations to embrace a life that heals past wounds and cherishes what is mortal. Foundational practices like gratitude and relationship-building are essential for daily living and professional growth.

Join us in wrapping up with a meditation to release envy and embrace gratitude, paving the way for greater purpose and clarity.

In this episode, you will hear:

• An exploration of envy and jealousy, including their roots and impact on personal and professional growth
• Insights from Brother Curtis on identifying envy as a signal for deeper issues like self-acceptance
• Strategies for transforming envy into empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence
• Examining childhood and family dynamics as origins of envious feelings
• The concept of vocation and finding balance by focusing on who we are called to be
• The importance of nurturing present moments and shifting from scarcity to a mindset of contribution
• Foundational practices like gratitude and relationship-building as anchors for a fulfilling life

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Supporting Resources:

• Brother Curtis Almquist, SSJE: www.ssje.org/br-curtis-almquist

• Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Massachusetts: www.ssje.org

• 101: A Monk, a Lawyer and a President Walk into a Podcast: A Conversation Featuring Brother Curtis: atticusadvantage.com/episode101

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.