On Presence, Community, and Flourishing | Daniel Coyle

In his new book Flourish, bestselling author, scientific journalist, and leading culture expert Daniel Coyle trains his eye on the groups and people who demonstrate exceptional connectivity, presence, and dynamism. 

His focus driven by a deep curiosity to better understand some of life’s biggest questions:

What is a meaningful life, and how do we make one? 

And

How do certain communities foster closeness, fulfillment, happiness, and energy?

To uncover the answers, Daniel spent 5 years visiting with, 

and studying these diverse groups who he writes: 

"Have, accidentally or on purpose, demonstrated an extraordinary ability to cultivate joyful, meaningful growth." 

Some of them include: 

• An unlikely brotherhood of thirty-three men who were trapped in a Chilean mine, 
• A tiny Michigan deli that blossomed into a $90 million ecosystem of businesses, while still keeping its soul.
• A children’s television show host whose quiet presence captured the hearts of parents and kids across generations.
• And a nonprofit in an impoverished Nairobi settlement that has improved quality of life for thousands of people.

Through his trademark original reporting,

Daniel found that these flourishing groups do two things: 

1. They make meaning
2. They build community

But how this unfolds is where things get really interesting: 

Daniel shares:

“The curious thing was, The source of aliveness seemed to be located in moments in which the group did absolutely nothing. That is, they often stopped their activities and came together in ritual-like stillness, and in those quiet moments meaningful connections would arise.

These moments were mostly defined by what they lacked. There was no deciding, no information sharing, no reaching for outcomes. Instead the were about deliberately stopping, zooming out to take in the bigger picture, noticing and savoring connection."

His beautiful new book, and today’s conversation, offer a powerful reminder - 

To slow down, 

To practice presence, 

And through the process, 

To connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

If we do, it may just be the doorway to the meaning, joy, and fulfillment 

so many of us yearn for. 

For more on Daniel, his books, and other work please visit danielcoyle.com

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