Sarah Ruhl is an award-winning American playwright, author, essayist, and professor. Her latest book is Lessons from My Teachers: From Preschool to the Present.
Episode Cheatsheet
The big takeaway
In this episode, award-winning playwright and author Sarah Ruhl joins Dan Harris to explore the art of staying open and curious—even in moments of exhaustion, annoyance, or difficulty. Through personal stories of health struggles, parenting, and mentorship, Sarah dives into how orienting ourselves as lifelong students and teachers unlocks a richer, more grateful engagement with life. The conversation blends practical insights and Buddhist wisdom, challenging us to learn from anyone, anywhere—even during life’s messier moments.
Beginner’s mind: Staying open when life gets frustrating
Openness unlocks magic: Approaching the world as a perennial student (beginner’s mind) keeps life vibrant, even when things feel gray or overwhelming.
Teachers are everywhere: Sarah argues that teachers appear in many forms—family, babysitters, neighbors, or even annoying people—and that learning is deeply relational.
Illness and adversity as teachers: Chronic health challenges transformed Sarah’s understanding of resilience, presence, and non-attachment, helping her become more curious and less stuck.
Mutual learning: The line between student and teacher is porous; students often teach as much as mentors, and openness to reversal creates deeper growth.
6 practical tips for keeping your curiosity alive (even when annoyed or exhausted):
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