Acclaimed actor Rainn Wilson brings his charisma to the University of Richmond to share his spiritual journey and New York Times bestselling book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. I spoke.
Wilson is a three-time Emmy Award-nominated actor best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s “The Office” for nine seasons. Last April, Wilson published his third book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, which explores how spirituality is equipping humanity to face an increasingly difficult world. I searched to see if I could guide you.
The April 1 event, part of the University of Richmond Chaplain’s Sylvester Spirituality Series, was moderated by the University’s chaplain, the Rev. Craig Kocher, and began with thunderous applause as Wilson and Kocher took to the stage. . As soon as he took his seat, Wilson entertained the crowd with his “That’s What She Said” joke.
The laughter continued as Wilson said, “Wow, I’ve never spoken in church.”
Mr. Kocher immediately replied, “The place has never been so full.”
Kocher began by asking Wilson, known as a light-hearted actor and comedian, what inspired him to write about his spiritual journey. Wilson responded in two parts.
First, he said he grew up in a family deeply involved in the Baha’i faith, which is “all about peace, love and unity.”
Continuing with his second reason, Wilson explained that in his 20s, he abandoned religion because he believed there was too much suffering and evil in the world for God to exist.
“Then I focused all my attention on becoming an actor,” he said.
For a while after the switch, Wilson said she experienced a mental health crisis.
“Despite having movie after movie and appearances on talk shows, I always wanted something more, and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.
Back then, Wilson said, mental health wasn’t something that was commonly discussed or talked about.
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“It wasn’t really in our everyday vocabulary, and no one could afford treatment,” he said. “Well, except Woody Allen, and we all know how that happened.”
Wilson continued, “I was living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I was a nerdy guy from Seattle living in New York City.” Despite his fame, Wilson said he struggled with anxiety and panic attacks, and after a few years he turned to spirituality because he “didn’t know what else to do.” explained.
Mr. Wilson ended his remarks by quoting actor Jim Carrey. “I think everyone should be rich and famous and achieve everything they’ve ever dreamed of. Then you’ll realize that’s not the answer.”
Junior Mia Wilson said she appreciates Rainn Wilson’s wisdom.
“I think he had a really good, balanced perspective on religion and spirituality. I really appreciated how open-minded and understanding he was,” she said. Told.
When asked to describe his spiritual journey, Wilson likened it to two 1970s television shows: “Kung Fu” and “Star Trek.”
Wilson explained that “Kung Fu” is the story of a Chinese monk from the Shaolin Temple who leaves the American West and travels, armed only with his spiritual training and martial arts skills.
”[‘Kung Fu’ is] “It’s a really beautiful metaphor for the spiritual path we all walk,” he said, “while navigating the dangers of a world where there are racists and oppressive weirdos and toxic people everywhere.” , we are all trying to develop wisdom, kindness, compassion, and patience.” Bent. This is the part of the spiritual journey that most people are familiar with, “How can I use my spiritual practices, beliefs, prayers, and teachings to guide myself into deeper stillness?” ”. ”
Wilson went on to talk about “Star Trek” and how it is similar to his spiritual journey.
“Because with Star Trek, we were able to solve all of these problems, we were able to end income inequality with the power of technology. We solved racism. We solved sexism. We have solved discrimination. We live in peace with nature. We have solved racism. We live in peace with nature. ” he said. So I see this as a spiritual journey in a larger context, a spiritual transformation of the tribe. ”
Wilson added that these comparisons in the book are really rooted in his mission of “making you a stronger person and making you a better person” when you read it.
Sophomore Eva Scott came to the event after reading Wilson’s book.
“I liked that the talks were a little more interactive and a little more applicable to college students,” she said. There’s a lot about this. ”
The evening concluded with a Q&A session where we asked Wilson for advice on how college students can find time for their spirituality in their busy schedules.
“Many college students have the mindset that ‘I just need to get through these four years and once I get out, it will be easy.’ But that struggle is perpetuated by an unhealthy system in our new world.” He said. It’s a day to rest and reflect on our connection to nature. ”
Contact Lifestyle Editor Emma Gargano at emma.galgano@richmond.edu.
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