Episode 33

E32 - The Zen Shift: Navigating the Outer and Inner Paradigm Shifts

The Game of Zen Podcast: The Outer and Inner Shifts

Hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul explore a global paradigm shift from a materialist to an animist understanding of reality, emphasizing the primacy of consciousness. They examine the accelerating pace of change, particularly with technological advancements like AI, and advocate for an inner shift towards presence, non-control, and a mind of not knowing to navigate this rapid transformation. The conversation highlights the importance of human connection, compassion, and self-awareness as essential tools for flourishing in an ever-evolving world, recommending resources like Paul's "The Zen Shift" newsletter.

0:00 - 5:20 | Introduction and The Outer Shift

Hosts Scott Berman and Sensei Paul introduce the episode, focusing on the interconnectedness of professional, personal, and spiritual growth. Paul discusses the evolution of his newsletter from "Zen at Work Today" to "The Zen Shift," which reflects a broader global paradigm shift that is impossible to compartmentalize. This "outer shift" moves society from a materialist worldview, which struggles to explain consciousness, to a new animist paradigm where consciousness is understood as primary.

5:20 - 15:15 | The Acceleration of Change

The hosts explore the unprecedented acceleration of change in modern times. Scott highlights rapid technological advancements like AI and neuroplasticity. Paul quantifies this, noting a "20x acceleration factor" over millennia, which means shifts that once took generations now happen in years. They discuss the challenges this poses, as traditional worldviews cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to an "uncontrolled way" of change.

15:15 - 25:00 | The Inner Shift: Navigating Change

The conversation shifts to managing the destabilizing external changes through an "inner shift." Paul emphasizes using the "mind of meditation" to cultivate presence and an intimate relationship with one's being. This involves cultivating clarity (wisdom) and capacity (compassion) to stay grounded amid challenges, rather than being subject to the "whims of the world." The key is to be the "eye of the hurricane."

25:00 - 32:40 | Interconnectedness and Engaged Buddhism

The hosts discuss the transition from a view of isolated individuals to one of profound interconnectedness. Paul and Scott highlight that the new paradigm recognizes that all beings arise from the same fundamental element. This aligns with Thich Nhat Hanh's concept of "interbeing" and "engaged Buddhism," which emphasizes that simple acts of kindness affect everyone. They stress that compassion is essential to counteract the egoic nature of the old materialist paradigm.

32:40 - 38:00 | Personal Practices and Meaning-Making

Scott and Paul share their personal strategies for navigating these shifts. Scott’s practices include meditation, getting out in nature, and seeking support from mentors and friends. He highlights the importance of surrender and acknowledging you can't "figure everything out." Paul discusses the opportunity to become the center of your own sense-making by relying on personal sensory experience and creating meaning through one’s own intentions and commitments.

38:00 - End | Conclusion

The conversation concludes by reiterating that navigating the shift is a "daily thing" and a "work in progress." They encourage listeners to use the "Game of Zen" principles as a foundational rock to help handle daily life. Paul's newsletter, "The Zen Shift," and other resources are recommended for continued learning and support.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

One Body Sangha -- https://www.onebodysangha.org/

The Zen Shift Newsletter - https://thezenshift.substack.com/

One Body Sangha - https://www.onebodysangha.org/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment #Impermenance

About the Podcast

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The Game of Zen
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About your hosts

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Paul Agostinelli

Paul is a transmitted Zen teacher, Executive + Life Coach working at the intersection of professional, personal and spiritual development. He is Founder and Spiritual Leader of Eon Zen Center and offers Zen-informed Executive Coaching and Consultancy services through his Zen@Work program (www.zenatwork.org).

Paul received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Dartmouth College and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago, and has had a long career as an Internet Technology entrepreneur, co-founding and running multiple companies. He is on the Faculty of Willow Farm Contemplative Caregiving Center, and taught Zen for seven years as Adjunct Faculty at Naropa University.
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Scott Berman

Scott is a serial entrepreneur with a long career in Venture Capital, Digital Marketing & Jewelry Manufacturing. He is a devoted student of Zen Buddhism and has been studying with Sensei Paul for the last 3 years. Scott is an avid reader of spiritual books. In addition to the various business ventures, he has been keeping official NBA Basketball Stats for the Philadelphia 76ers since 1988.