How to Find Wisdom in the Things You’re Struggling With | Pádraig Ó Tuama

In this episode, Pádraig Ó Tuama explores how to find wisdom in the things you’re struggling with by looking more closely at the emotions, desires, and stories beneath our experiences. He and Eric discuss why fear and anger often point to deeper needs, how to stay present with difficult emotions without becoming consumed by them, and why some lessons simply can’t be rushed. Pádraig also shares insights on belonging, the stories that shape our identities, and what healthy communities can teach us about questioning our beliefs. Along the way, they explore poetry, prayer, desire, and how paying closer attention to what’s happening within and around us can help us meet life with greater curiosity and openness. Free Guide: Outsmart the Hidden Saboteurs of Self-Control. What’s been holding you back lately? In this free guide, Eric shares the six common saboteurs that quietly derail our best intentions—like autopilot behavior, self-doubt, and emotional escapism—and offers practical strategies to help you regain control and move forward. Download your free copy at ⁠oneyoufeed.net/ebook.⁠ Key Takeaways: Look beneath fear, anger, and hatred to understand the deeper needs driving them. Why belonging can sometimes reinforce conflict and polarization. Learn to stay with difficult emotions without becoming consumed by them. Some forms of wisdom can only come with time—and can’t be rushed. Question the stories and beliefs that shape your identity and sense of belonging. Pay attention to what your circumstances are asking of you instead of wishing you were somewhere else. Healthy communities make room for disagreement, criticism, and complicated stories. Explore what your desires reveal about you—and why getting what you want doesn’t necessarily end the wanting. For full show notes, ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠! ⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life⁠ is available now! Order your copy today! If you enjoyed this conversation with Pádraig Ó Tuama, check out these other episodes: How to Embrace Life’s Paradoxes with Rosemerry Wahtola-Trommer How to Live the Questions of Life with Krista Tippett This episode is sponsored by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pebl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – an AI-powered platform that helps companies hire and manage global teams in 185+ countries. Get a free estimate at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hipebl.ai⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tiny Health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘s at-home gut health test provides science-backed insights into your microbiome, along with personalized recommendations to help you improve your digestion, energy, and overall well-being. Get $50 off your first test kit at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tinyhealth.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ButcherBox:⁠⁠⁠ Make dinnertime easier with ButcherBox, delivering high-quality 100% grass-fed beef, organic chicken, wild-caught seafood, and more, right to your door. Get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ground beef for life or free chicken thighs or top sirloins for a year, with free shipping always. Visit ⁠⁠⁠ButcherBox.com/FEED⁠⁠⁠ to claim your offer. ⁠⁠⁠Talkiatry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ connects you with licensed psychiatrists for personalized, evidence-based mental health care, all online and covered by most major insurance plans. To get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Talkiatry.com/FEED.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices