Ep 146: Travel Light with Light Watkins

 
 
 
 

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Ep 146: Travel Light with Light Watkins

Episode 146: Show Notes

Bringing the focus back onto Light, and in particular his new book, Travel Light, this episode expands on the ideas of spiritual minimalism, following inner guidance, and the process of writing a book.

Light first coined the term 'spiritual minimalism' while reflecting on the last couple of years and his backpack lifestyle, his decreasing need to accumulate possessions and material items, and the gifts that present themselves in each of life's situations. The episode starts off with some helpful insights and tips about the process of publishing a book, either through the self-publishing route or by way of traditional publishers.

Listeners can expect some great information on where to focus one's energy, and the steps that enable an author to get a book out into the world. From there, Light starts to delve into the subject matter of Travel Light, tacking the ideas of choicelessness, the benefits of a unique idea, finding comfort and discomfort, and much more.

So if you want to hear all of this and more on the background of book number four from Light Watkins, be sure to listen in!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • Starting out with self-publishing and the current possibilities for print-on-demand.

  • Tips for seeking out a book agent, and leading with any platform that you may have.

  • Creating an effective marketing plan for the book you want to publish!

  • What happens at publishing houses when they assess a book deal.

  • Explaining advances and royalties; the financial specifics of being an author.

  • The final touches, editing process, and book release.

  • The inspiration behind Travel Light, and the commitment that helped get the book done.

  • Thoughts on book titles and what makes them appear more professional.

  • Light's unique take on minimalism and the influence of his meditation practice and teaching.

  • The further cutbacks on wardrobe and possessions that became the principles of spiritual minimalism.

  • Finding your own form of minimalism that suits you and your intuition.

  • Connecting and following the voice of our inner guidance.

  • Constant opportunities for growth; the change of perspective that allows this to come into view.

  • Giving what you want to receive and getting in tune with how the miracles actually work.

  • A suggestion around giving up alcohol for three months and what this might offer you.

  • Following curiosity and the magic that happens when we allow ourselves to do this!

  • The story of Light and the Rubik's Cube, and the video he created for YouTube.

  • Dealing with difficult times through reassessing our habits at the time.

  • Light's decision to give up coffee after a relationship ended.

  • Unpacking the principle of the freedom of choicelessness.


Tweetables:

“Spiritual minimalism is really more about an inside-out approach to the practice of minimalism. Meaning, you're prioritizing your inner work. You're cultivating fulfillment and happiness inside.” — @LightWatkins [0:02:10]

 

“When I wrote my first book, I didn't have anybody guiding me through a process. I was just having to figure it out on my own. I always wish that I had someone who would give me this blueprint of how the whole thing works.” — @LightWatkins [0:04:46]

 

“If you go through a publisher, you're going to probably need to get a book agent, a literary agent. Your literary agent is the liaison between you and the publisher.” — @LightWatkins [0:06:56]

 

“Establishing that connection with your inner guidance is key to becoming more and more self-aware.” — @LightWatkins [0:38:41]

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

The Inner Gym

Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying

How Meditation Works on YouTube

Penguin Random House

Sounds True

Wanderlust

Cast Away

Light Watkins

Light Watkins on Twitter

Light Watkins on YouTube

Knowing Where to Look

The Happiness Insiders Community