How to Unlearn: Humble The Poet On Simple Truths For A Better Life

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“We all have the unlimited power to shift our perspective, and with that the unlimited power to change the way we feel about life.”

 Humble The Poet

We craft our identity around story. And that story is comprised of beliefs. But you are not your beliefs. And that story isn’t just incomplete, it’s generally wrong.

The path to self-actualization requires deconstructing that story. And disentangling your beliefs from the truth of your highest self.

To do this we must unlearn much of what we reflexively accept as truth. And open ourselves to a more expansive perspective.

My guest for this exploration is the Toronto-based, rapper, author and spoken word artist, Kanwer Singh, known broadly as Humble The Poet.

Covered in tattoos, a thick beard, and Sikh head wrap, Humble commands attention with his silly smile and warm, inviting presence. A former school teacher turned artist, he challenges conventional wisdom with dynamic live sets that simultaneously entertain while questioning the status quo.

Humble shares his distinctive style and point of view on his wildly popular blog. He’s been featured on a multitude of media outlets, including CBC’s Canada Reads, as well as on Apple’s first Canadian ad spot for their #ShotOnIphone campaign. He’s the author of Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for A Better Life* and the upcoming book, Things No One Else Can Teach Us*, hitting bookstores everywhere October 15, 2019 and available for pre-order now.

Flipping the script for happiness, Humble’s point is simple — our hardest moments are our greatest teachers, because they invite us to change our perspectives. We can’t control the setbacks in life but we do have the power to control how we react to them.

It’s a process that begins with unlearning what we think we know. And being open to a new story — about ourselves, others and the world we share.

This is a fun and wide-ranging conversation about that very shift. Sharing raw and honest stories from his own life — from his rocky start to becoming a rapper to nearly going broke to his worst breakups — it’s an exploration of how a change in mindset can radically alter our outlook.

It’s about arresting our negative impulses to see the positive opportunity in everything.

It’s about the power of gratitude and mindfulness.

It’s about art, creativity, and authenticity.

It’s about the difference between paying attention and getting attention.

But mostly, it’s about the power of story. How you are not your beliefs. What we all may need to unlearn. And how a change in perspective about one’s own story can transform everything.

The visually inclined can watch our entire conversation on YouTube here: bit.ly/humblethepoet461 (please subscribe!) and the podcast is of course available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Humble brings great energy. I loved learning about his life and experience. And I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen.

Peace + Plants,

Photos courtesy of Ali Rogers