014: The Courage to Be Present: Moving the World Towards Compassion with Marianne Elliot (Activist, Author, Yoga Teacher, Ultramarathon Runner)

Marianne is one of the best teachers I’ve experienced and I’ve been a teacher for many years. 

-Brene Brown

Marianne Elliot is a human rights advocate, writer, runner and yoga teacher. She served in the United Nations mission in Afghanistan with a focus on human rights and gender issues, helped develop human rights strategies for the governments of New Zealand and Timor-Leste and worked as Policy Advisor for Oxfam. She’s written a book about doing good and being well in Afghanistan (Zen Under Fire, Penguin, 2013) and writes for the Huffington Post. (Adapted from marianne-elliott.com)

In this episode, Marianne shares reflections on the connection between long distance running and activism, her contemplative practices and the courage to be present.

Marianne Elliot is an activist, writer, yoga teacher, and ultramarathon runner. You can learn more about Marianne and her work through her website, marianne-elliott.com

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EPISODE SHOW NOTES

Book by Marianne Elliot

• Zen Under Fire: How I Found Peace in the Midst of War (2013)

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Marianne Elliot’s Ted Talk – True Courage
• The Places that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times by Pema Chodron
• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine
• Marianne’s online yoga classes

People

• Jennifer Louden
• Peter Levine
• Pema Chodron

Contemplative Practices (3m30s)

• Yoga, Running

Drinks Pairings

• People’s Coffee, Don Willfredo blend (morning)
• Red Wine (after morning)

Highlights

1m20 What drinks do you recommend to pair with this episode?

3m30s How does the term ‘contemplative’ relate to you and your work?

6m45s How did you get into ultramartahons?

11m11s What is the connection between working in human rights and long distance running?

16m25s How do you not get attached to the results when you make gains as a human rights activist?

19m30s How did you first step into the work of human rights advocacy?

23m20s What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just before going into human rights activism?

33m40 What teachers and/or books have contributed to your own path?

43m45s What is at the growing edge of your horizon?

 

 

Photo credit: Death To Stock Photo