23 Questions to Ponder

by Liz Lindh

The inspiration for our blog this week comes from an article I read over the weekend in an email newsletter I enjoy called Brain Pickings Weekly. The article was David Bowie’s answers to a set of questions from the book “Vanity Fair’s Proust Questionnaire: 101 Luminaries Ponder Love, Death, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life”, a compilation of celebrity interviews from the back page of Vanity Fair. I’m sure you all know David Bowie, and many of you know Marcel Proust, but I will explain a bit more so that we are all on the same page. Marcel Proust was a French writer, critic and socialite at the turn of the 20th century. His brilliant mind explored the relationship between memory and the unconscious, art and Nature, men and women, men and men...

Asking friends variations of these questions was a popular parlor game in Proust’s day to shed some insight into the true nature of one’s personality. He didn’t write the questions, but his answers continue to be thought provoking and clever. James Lipton also adapted this questionnaire for his interviews on the TV show Inside the Actors Studio.

The questions are simple yet profound, and seem to be the perfect way to introduce our guest teachers and retreat leaders to our online kula. This week I have revealed my inner most self in answering them, I hope you enjoy!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is eating a delicious meal with people I love; fresh, local, healthy food and interesting conversation in a lovely environment, followed by dancing

Also, quiet time with Jeff.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I want the best for everyone; humans, animals and the planet...and I believe achieving that is possible, not mutually exclusive.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Maintaining my imagination as an adult

What is your greatest fear?

That love isn’t enough

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Alice

Which living person do you most admire?

That’s a tough one...Jane Goodall?

Who are your heroes in real life?

People who influence the world in a positive way through creativity and leadership

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Feeling inadequate

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Closed-minded self-righteousness

What is your favorite journey?

The holographic depths of self-exploration

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Physical attractiveness

Which word or phrases do you most overuse?

Amazing

What is your greatest regret?

Bad real estate investments

What is your current state of mind?

Present

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

I wish they were more health conscious

What is your most treasured possession?

My body

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Hate

Where would you like to live?

In a tree-house in the jungle in Costa Rica

What is your favorite occupation?

Superhero

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Respectfulness

What is the quality you like most in a woman?

Creativity

What are your favorite names?

Sophie and Eskil

What is your motto?

Savor every moment, it’s all a miracle

Liz Lindh is the Director at The Sanctuary at Two Rivers, a unique boutique Eco-conscious yoga retreat and yoga teacher training wellness center in luscious Costa Rica.

She is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a licensed holistic skin care therapist and yogini for the past 20 years. Liz hosts retreats and teacher trainings where ancient wisdom meets modern expression to inspire personal growth and transformation. Join her at The Sanctuary at Two Rivers August 27- September 2, November 23- 29, December 21-27 and December 28- January 3 for The Sanctuary Experience Yoga Retreat, February 15- 21, 2015 for Jungle Alchemy Life Empowerment Training with Jaycee Gossett, April 12- May 2 or June 28- July 18, 2015 Jungle Alchemy Yoga Teacher Training Certification, May 17- June 6, 2015 The Sanctuary at Two Rivers Yoga Teacher Training Certification and August 2-22, 2015 Universal Wisdom Yoga Teacher Training Certification with Marg Mahan.