Unlearn

by Humble the Poet

Two months ago life-as-we-know-it was upended by a world-wide epidemic. All of the sudden we couldn’t go on as usual, which is understandably distressing, but also creates pockets of possibility. When a normal way of life gets suddenly interrupted, it creates an opportunity to slow down, reexamine our choices and reflect on our reactions. We might find that we were living on an auto-pilot following the old patterns that no longer have value.

For the next two months we will be reading Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths For a Better Life by Humble the Poet. Humble The Poet (Kanwer Mahl), is a Canadian-born rapper, spoken-word artist, poet, internationally bestselling author, and former elementary school teacher. “In Unlearn, he opens our eyes to our own lives, helping us to recognize the possibilities that await us and the challenges that prevent us from realizing our dreams. With his characteristic honesty and forthrightness, he helps us shed the problematic lessons we’ve learned throughout our lives that limit us, from sabotaging habits, to fixed mindsets, to past regrets, and relearn new, unconventional ways of moving through life.”

I chose this book because it is full of simple yet profound nuggets of wisdom, that to me is reminiscent of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This book is written in a casual, accessible manner and the author doesn’t pretend like he is imparting new and important knowledge on the world. Instead, according to Humble the Poet, “if you want to continue facing life, the most important thing isn’t learning the new lessons you have to learn, it is unlearning the old ones we have to let go of.” This book helps you look at the way you are living your life in a new light and go back to the basics that are the most important to you. I believe that this is a perfect read for current times.