In The Two Oceans, you combine your memoir, philosophy, finance, and business knowledge to explore balance, resilience, money, work, relationships, and how to find meaning in everyday experience. How did the metaphor of the two oceans, the inner world and the external world, develop?

The metaphor developed from needing a book title that could encapsulate its wide breadth of contents. At one point, the book’s title was going to be Whales Outside Our Windows, the name of one of its chapters. However, it seemed to me that title puts the focus on the external world.

I arrived at the conclusion that what we can control – the aspects within ourselves – and what we cannot control – the factors outside of us – were equal halves in my manuscript. Consequently, both are important to recognize, understand, and navigate. From there, I made the connection to what would be the book’s eventual title and central metaphor.

The Two Oceans concept then guided the shape and structure of my book project, including the inspirations I pulled from. I hope that this collection of essays and short stories translates as a cohesive body of work to its readers.

Zen Buddhism, Stoicism, Taoism, Jungian psychology, and existentialism all appear throughout the book. Why was it important to connect philosophy to ordinary experiences rather than discuss it primarily in abstract terms?

This book started as a project with the intention to document some of my experiences in entrepreneurship, personal finance, and human society. At the same time, I sought to reflect on my emotions, thoughts, and ideas at this stage of life. Journaling allowed me to do both, while the study of various philosophical traditions helped me metabolize all these real-life events.

I didn’t set out to write a book about different philosophies; it just became its logical, natural, and organic progression. As I was writing, I continued this exploration, inspiration, and research into them.

I feel like making these stories grounded in present times and rooted in practical applications contextualizes these ancient and historic philosophies, making them more specific, relatable, and accessible in the process.

All of us begin to search for answers, meaning, or coherence at some point in our lives. I looked towards the named philosophies for my own edification. My intention with this book was to write it in a conversational or storytelling manner, like an old friend sitting across from you sharing a hot cup of tea.

You write about money and time as finite resources. How has that perspective influenced your own decision-making?

The perspective that everything in life is temporary or ephemeral has hopefully taught me to live in the present in moderation and with greater appreciation. Thus, I try to make decisions with greater awareness and intention.

Progress is not a straight line, and I am nowhere near being enlightened. Sometimes, I still catch myself falling back on old habits, making the same mistakes, repeating bad patterns, or experiencing dark gray skies. I continuously remind myself of these teachings through the importance of having ritual, routine, and rhythm.

Each of our decisions has consequences, both on ourselves and the people around us. Since there is no catch-all solution to every decision, the best we can do is make sound judgments informed by knowledge, experience, intuition, or a combination of these. It is about being purposeful and balancing perspectives, so we have a life without regret and a future with plenty of consideration.

What practices from the book can readers begin applying to their own lives without needing extensive knowledge of philosophy or finance?

First, cultivate personal virtues in our everyday lives, which are within our power — wisdom, courage, justice, temperance, resourcefulness, resilience, etc.

Take the opportunity to be a better version of yourself. It will pay great dividends.

Second, start simple and small, learn from your mistakes, and course-correct when necessary. Ask others, find resources, gain experience. The best time is now, and every journey starts with a single step.

Take the risk by putting yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while. If you are in a rut, try new or different things.

Third, individuation through introspection. Don’t be a stranger to your own self. Find out what works and doesn’t work for you. Stick to a plan that works, knowing that emotions and setbacks, though not optional, are momentary and impermanent.

Take the time to sit with yourself, look inside, and identify what would truly give you purpose or personal fulfillment, knowing that it is not the same for everyone, and everyone has their own journey to take.

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