Ben Jackson

Animal you identify with: Coyote

If you could give one piece of advice to every single person in the world, it would be?
Listen to others, really listen closely, and practice kindness. I'd share the words of Ram Dass: "The quieter you become, the more you can hear" - and the words of the Dalai Lama: "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."


Whats your biggest struggle, and what do you do to work on it? 
Perfectionism is my biggest struggle. I work on it by easing up my standards, particularly in those areas where I consider myself to be a total beginner, and by practicing patience and self-forgiveness. 

Recommended read:
Lately i've been reading Lucia Berlin's short stories, which I highly recommend. I'm also revisiting the work of some of my favourites like Rainer Maria Rilke, Shunryu Suzuki (Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind), and Elizabeth Bishop. 

Recommended listen:
I recommend Charlie Haden's collaborationswith Pat Metheny (Beyond the Missouri Sky) and Hank Jones (Steal Away). Lately i've been digging the afrobeat legend Ebo Taylor, particularly his album Life Stories. 

Recommended place to visit:
Istanbul. 

On a Sunday morning, we’ll find you:
You'll find me at a park or a playground with my wife and two kids.