Resources for open-mindedness and reducing suffering

[Raze]

Inspired by Leo’s recent blog post, I want to make a thread about sharing the best resources for having an open minded understanding as well as reducing suffering. These are some I’ve found:

-The Righteous mind by Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist who studies morality and politics. In this book he discusses why people have different perspectives specifically in politics. Understanding why someone believes what they do can make you far more understanding of their perspective and better at communicating with them.

talk with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SOQduoLgRw

-Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny

This book was more from the perspective of business, but it’s actually useful in all parts of life when it comes to communicating emotionally charged or difficult issues in general such as relationships or disagreements.

talk with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc3ARpccRwQ

-Break through difficult emotions & Break through pain by Shinzen Young

These are audio talks by American meditation teacher Shinzen Young about how to use meditation to reduce both emotional and physical suffering.

talks with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD1ny_Q8sKo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdulQzPqRi8

-No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz

Richard Schwartz is the founder of the internal family systems model of psychology. It stipulates that human psychology functions as a combination of different “parts” reacting to each other. One foundational principle discussed here is that no part is “bad” and shouldn’t be pathologized but rather understood.

talk with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbNlOP26KvI

What do you think of these? What resources have helped you?

 

Edited August 3, 2023 by Raze

[Ulax]

@Raze I think these are all fantastic books. I haven't read the righteous mind personally.

I think no bad parts is one of the most groundbreaking books of our era too.

And Shinzen's work has completely changed my relationship to intense emotions in my life. I especially love his noting gone technique.