5 YEARS LIVING Out Of A Backpack: Lessons On MINIMALISM | Light Watkins X Rich Roll Podcast

Light Watkins is an expert meditation and spiritual teacher who gave up all his earthly possessions 5 years ago (save what he could fit into a small backpack) and proceeded to travel the world giving talks on happiness, mindfulness, and meditation. Today he joins me to talk about cultivating inner happiness and how to live a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.
To read more about Light and peruse the full show notes, go here👉🏾bit.ly/richroll768
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/rrpitunes
Spotify: bit.ly/rrpspotify
Google: bit.ly/rrpgooglepods
ROKA - GET 20% OFF
YOUR FIRST ORDER: www.roka.com/pages/richroll?u...
Meal Planner: meals.richroll.com
Voicing Change Book: richroll.com/vc
Clips Channel: / richrollpodcastclips
Newsletter: bit.ly/rollcallemail
CONNECT WITH RICH
✩ Website - richroll.com​
✩ Rich Roll Podcast - richroll.com/all-episodes/
✩ Instagram - / richroll
✩ Twitter - / richroll
✩ Facebook - / richrollfans
✩ Strava - www.strava.com/athletes/14443...
✩ Memoir: Finding Ultra - www.richroll.com/shop/books/f...
✩ Meals - meals.richroll.com​
✩ Cook - The Plantpower Way - www.richroll.com/shop/books/t...
✩ Italian! - The Plantpower Way: Italia - www.richroll.com/shop/books/t...
✩ Support - / richroll
FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS & DAN DRAKE
www.dandrake333.com/
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:04 Spiritual minimalism
00:11:30 Finding Purpose through Curiosity
00:15:15 Listening to the Still Small Voice
00:23:07 The Rubik's Cube revelation
00:24:45 Following curiosity and trusting the heart
00:26:37 Ad Break
00:27:35 No throwaway moments
00:32:09 The lucky escape
00:33:07 Surrendering to choicelessness
00:36:34 Split testing your internal voice
00:43:09 The importance of acting on the voice
00:43:29 Aligning heart voice with values
00:52:44 The $4000 book deadline
00:54:20 Discipline and honesty
00:57:41 The power of saying yes to scary things
01:02:03 The birthday commitments
01:03:10 Scaling back and focusing energy
01:05:11 Living with minimal possessions
01:12:25 Ownership and Reckoning
01:13:21 Cultivating Inner Happiness
01:15:26 Living with Less
01:21:38 The podcasting journey
01:22:55 Rosa Parks moment
01:29:59 The difference between drama and adventure
01:33:16 Living for Two
01:33:46 Finding Your Purpose
01:36:35 Making Difficult Decisions
01:41:46 The benefits of aimless walking
01:45:25 Abstaining from alcohol for self awareness
01:48:01 Creating sustainable habits through gradual change
01:53:04 The book design and concept
01:53:35 The interactive reading experience
01:54:25 Closing remarks and future appearances
* * * * *
NEW TO RICH?
Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
bit.ly/otillonyt
bit.ly/vegansglam
I LOVE MAIL! SEND IT HERE:
2630 Conejo Spectrum St.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
#richroll #richrollpodcast

[@emptyist]

"It is easier to carry an empty cup than one that is filled to the brim" - Lao Tzu

[@steviurben1425]

One of my favorite interviews! Contrary to the saying, curiosity doesn’t kill, it opens doors… thanks Rich and Light!

[@loricunningham2681]

I am reminded of when I was a teen and the family home was sold - it was painful - so much so I came to realise once we re-settled that home is truly a state of mind - I appreciate this conversation - many reminders of living in the present

[@mywaybyshynggys]

When I heard he’s 50 it just blew my mind. I thought he’s in his 30s!

[@gainde1137]

Meditation & Walking is the best to start!

[@thebritneylashaun]

Not even 6 minutes in and I've already received confirmation on a journal entry from 1 hr. ago. 💛 Feels good to know I'm on the right track. 🙌🏾 God.

[@MathPhilosophyLab]

"Cultivate spaciousness internally".. beautiful.

[@TheLoopDigga]

50 years old. Wow,

[@TheVonnieVonVonShow]

Fountain Of Youth 💯

[@julians5613]

So much wisdom shared in a digestible manner. Light‘s talent to dig deep with few words, to ask and answer the obvious follow-up questions and to back it up with interesting personal stories is a great joy!

[@Zenjohnny]

I have lived out of a small backpack for two years now. Cant wait to watch this one!

[@RobinAlbertsen]

Well done! How much clothes do you own?

[@lonnieraesmith2482]

Thank you, Rich, for choosing guests who share life changing messages with a world addicted to "junk food."

[@diogonpbrito]

I really pray for a Rich Roll episode with Tara Brach!

[@jannadownie]

That would be amazing!

[@brianreimer2851]

Rich interacting with Tara Brach would be awesome.

[@andreaandersonphd8360]

I agree!

[@verenaj5811]

This was a fantastic conversation. A children's/teen's book on how to listen to the little heart voice would be amazing too. Also, 50!!? Wow. Much love.

[@helenhelen3940]

6k more subscribers and Rich is going to hit 1 million, wow!

[@jakesanders8]

I couldn’t wait to get off my flight to comment on how transformative this conversation was for me. This is the second episode in a row that I’ve watched/listened to that has been immensely impactful. Thanks, Rich for interviewing such intelligent people and exploring important topics like these.

[@mppdidi9436]

Top notch - the way out is the way in - amen

[@bradgantt1818]

It was Derek Sivers who talked about "hell yes, or no" on Tim Ferris' show, btw.

[@KerstinMillerPsychology]

What a beautiful person xx

[@zsofi9816]

I really enjoyed this conversation. Thank you for both of you ❤️ this episode is a good reminder that we need to pause and be in the present moment!

[@eclecticbasil]

What a beautiful human being.

[@mcedgar]

Best podcast I’ve listened to in a couple years ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@alistairgreen1272]

Haha ! 40min in, he talks about a FIAT & a Ferrari & giving the Ferrari owner tire polish. Great story & both cars probably came out of the same factory in Turin, Italy. As FIAT is Ferrari's parent company.

[@kellyhall1997]

Thank you for the part about Dengue fever. I was infected in Central America and the effects of the virus after my initial illness lasted for years. Sorry to hear about your friend and his experience with Dengue

[@beerman204]

This is a philosophy of inner truth and meaning and present awareness, which may or may not "look like success" to others...

[@observer5864]

Love this video!!! Only listening to it for the 5th time❤

[@kerstinmiller223]

Enjoyed this so much - great guest 😊

[@heidikamrath1951]

Wonderful! Thank you, Light! Thank you, Rich!

[@karenscookingkorner]

Loved this episode! I am beginning my own journey of being present each day, using prayer, meditation and looking to the 14 virtues of the Shaolin monks. I already feel more peace in my heart.

[@benlee2775]

Can’t wait to dig into this! Thanks for your work and commitment Rich!

[@ACIMatOne]

Love, love...Thank you.

[@erikabrown6804]

The favor of God is on your life. The Most High of ants to and speaks to you. Time to acknowledge Him. He directs our path. “Nudges” “still small voice” is your creator speaking to you. Glory to His Name.

[@nateshattuck4353]

Been living the same way since I’m in my twenties it’s a great feeling to want nothing I have 1 spoon 1 fork 1 knife less is more

[@Victoria-Monique]

The power of listening to your heart. Loved this. Thank you Light, Thank you Rich.

[@janedeuber1596]

Just got the book on Audible. I’m looking forward to being in nature with you, Light, as I listen. 🙏🏻

[@gabrielamaja9672]

Amazing conversation. Thank you both!

[@pamelamarshall3665]

Light is my favorite (and actually how I stumbled upon the RRP, in the first place)!

[@stevejensen5112]

Loved this one. The shows you do with friends are the best - they come across as very genuine. That said, what I'm going to say may sound harsh, but I mean it in a loving way. This show is promoting Light's book, but it doesn't sound like it is. Please don't fall for the temptation to start doing shows that sound like infomercials. I've noticed a hint of this recently and thought I'd mention it. I would hate to see you go in that direction, even if unwittingly. Can't wait for next one, you all are great. S

[@DrKM-hp9eg]

These “voices” you follow… can also be learned about in therapy through IFS (internal family systems) therapy and inner child work. Finding the authentic self takes work. Fun discussion

[@lfgraf]

rich delivers it

[@JPatelLive]

I KNOW; OCD People's big loud voice: _"MOVE that Bottle OUT of the way!"_ LOL!

[@consciouscreationacademy]

great podcast, thx

[@caseymurrell]

I thought about this one for a day. I'm a Patreon supporter and I'll give Rich credit that it's a shorter episode, but am scratching my head. Episode started out with apologizing for Will Smith, then we segue wayed into living out of a backpack, e.g., taking advantage of friends and the use of Airbnb. Then we move into "I haven't had a drink in 20 something years, except for ..." and "I only have one pair of pants except for ..." Rich did call him on the one pair of pants. I guess the kicker, why I'm compelled to comment, is the story about the Fiat and the Ferrari. That is a bold move to own that story. I remember it so well when my youth minister told it as the Pinto and the Porsche. I keep thinking fiduciary obligation. I'll also keep listening.

[@delphinelisabeth]

Whoa

[@marygrogan6101]

Amazing conversation

[@katiuskasotomayor1285]

what an amazing conversation. Loved it.

[@TheVonnieVonVonShow]

So informative & insightful 💯

[@beerman204]

"Song of the Open Road"......Walt Whitman

[@WeMeditateAsOne]

Yes, Love this!

[@amirael-daibani6343]

I enjoyed every moment of this conversation 😊

[@drewa1999]

Awesome sesh. One thing I've observed is that we are all traffic/ each other's traffic...:)

[@ricardoe.jaramillo8871]

Thank you!

[@ajits9429]

Amazing conversation.

[@simini1837]

As to the way of living: I see some similiarities with Rob Greenfield. Wonderful conversation!

[@user-bs9bs6ki3o]

Absolutely loved this podcast ❤️ thank you both so much 🙏

[@majbaeschlin5394]

Such beautiful souls, it was wonderful to listen to you! Loved every minute of it. Thank you so much for that episode ❤

[@jemimajane9503]

Incredible podcast , thank you ❤

[@TinbirdCreative]

That was a really great conversation! Thank you!

[@mtnstylus]

Rich great guest.

[@moniquemichelle7295]

Fellow college classmate. Great conversation!

[@wisdom_of_the_heart]

beautiful and inspiring conversation! may it reach those that need guidance for connecting to their purpose and inner voice.

[@gulmoran1267]

As a single mom with ADHD - a Neurodivergent woman - my curiosity changes a million times, even in a single day. This fact about my brain’s workings suggests my path towards my purpose is extra ordinarily challenged. Listening to this talk triggered me so much that i wanted to jump into the screen and just scream ‘stoooppppppp this linear know it all talk’ … argghhhhhhhh

[@moyolenovo3914]

From my experience I can say that having less things I might be even happier. After rusian terrorists start to appear in my city on tanks on the second day of war we decided to move to the western Ukraine to Carpathian mountains. We lived in a small room 3 meters by 3 meters with one chair two beds and a small table we put all of our food and everything else on. No fridge no nothing. We cooked all the food (soups, pasta, etc) with just a small spiral boiler intended for one cup of water. I wore two t-shirts a couple of pairs of socks and underwear, two pairs of joggers, a jacket, one pair of sneakers for three months. We also wash all the clothes every day by hands. And we were happy in that small room in a village with many inconvenience but beautiful nature and great people around.

[@-_M___M_-]

this is very reminiscent of "Up in the Air". 🎒😉

[@suewarren4486]

Made it to 63. Never even crossed my mind to polish my tires.

[@erikabrown6804]

The principle of sowing and reaping. Read the Bible beloved!

[@Farcon]

1:03 the guys who lives out of a daypack wants to scale down ;)

[@erikabrown6804]

The still small voice is God

[@rozaucja8612]

A lovely conversation :) Please invite Gangaji to your podcast. I guarantee it would be a life-changing experience for multiple people as well ❤

[@erikabrown6804]

When you both encounter Jesus, you will be freakin amazing!!!!

[@heidikamrath1951]

They already ARE amazing!

[@vulcanlady1090]

Wow 👀 was anyone else amazed at how much he resembles Will Smith?

[@iarab.1588]

Imagine if it was a woman in the same journey, exploring life, seeking purpose and be ready to settle and have a family on her 50’s…

[@lauramonahan9343]

One of the true gifts of ADHD is lifelong intense curiosity. The curiosity of our childhood never switches off. Thank God. People that are not curious baffle me.

[@maryeastham]

Can we please apply all of this to the current political situation?

[@lesworks]

Love this conversation so much. Have been on this path as well, yet I gained some beautiful insights 💓 My question is, if you have assets, post 911, you can't be "homeless" as our gov't wants to track you ie you're gonna pay taxes. You must "domicile" somewhere?

[@phantom696]

What is Rich wearing around his wrist?

[@chereobrien2338]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@ivanak7149]

How old is he now?? No way! Crazy!

[@edithmc1182]

Why does Rich's channel doesn't have the donate option? It should!

[@raskolnikov1873]

Can you be a minimalist when you travel by air that much? His carbon footprint is massive compared to most people.

[@bradgantt1818]

Nah, it isn't. You have to consider all the other ways in which he offsets travel with reduced consumption, not owning a car and travelling by foot, etc.

[@beerman204]

Only if he flies by private jet, otherwise the carbon footprint is the same whether he has a seat in that plane or not?

[@raskolnikov1873]

@@beerman204 It doesn't work that way. If no one is on the plane, is it still going to fly? An empty plane? So, in light of that fact, the passengers all share equal responsibility for that plane going where it's going. They divide the kerosene that gets burned equally because they all share in creating the demand for that plane to fly. Every time you fly you increase demand. No demand, no flight. But by your logic, if passengers don’t need to share the overall footprint of a flight, then that can extend to every industry. So everyone can fly, drive and consume as much as possible without affecting their footprint. Because, even if I don't consume this product, someone else will. So I don't personally have to change anything. Wow. That's awesome! Everyone would have an eco-footprint of zero, however they live. No, the footprint of a flight has to be shared by its passengers / customers. Where else is it going to go? Ultimately, if humans are to survive, humanity’s footprint has to come down to below one planet - and that’s impossible as long as we’re all entitled enough to believe that it’s OK for us to fly.

[@igotdrip9972]

50 damn I thought he were like 36 or something

[@__nav]

I mean, the traffic example, these are just random. they don't have any meaning, don't you agree? it could have easily been the scenario that you'd have - I hope you'd never- a terrible accident because you had to change route to get to class and get severely hurt or even die. while I get the notion of still small voice & choicelessness, I find the examples are forced. what's even worse, is that they look a lot like religous thinking: oh be grateful that didn't happen because it saved you from something worse.

[@jeanne553]

Nothing new here. You can find this self help stuff in a thousand different books.

[@Test-eb9bj]

I thought the same- nevertheless am easy listening.

[@willzinc6137]

Putting $14k on a credit card to take a trip to India because you feel "aligned" is an unbelievably bad and dangerous message to put across.

[@StephenPaice]

Absolutely love Rich Roll and these podcasts but this one feels a little too much like a Spiritual Salesman to me. "I got into real estate and then I realised it didn't align with my heartvoice". If you need a heart voice to realise real estate isn't virtuous you might need more than a heartvoice to get you through life. It all just feels a bit of a stretch to beleive this is all legit stories, feelings and beleifs imo.

[@jonkelley7713]

In my 50’s now but dropping all in 2017/18, I thru-hiked the PCT at my pace alone where peace, joy, patience, long suffering bloomed. So much so afterwards others in the Matrix either fed by it or envy it so. 5 years later and all our stories, this affirmed my minimalist life past but such a fight for that to not be taken. I go in Friday for brain surgery. The paradox of it all is all this last 5 years exposed that need not to cripple me onwards but a huge life saving liberty to even more fathomable. God requires our conscious so the Spirit can more clearly be fathomed. Be funny to see Dave Goggins in this show. 😂 🫡