Interview With Author Talmud Bah
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Talmud Bah and I’m an international consultant, coach, behavioural educationalist, and public and motivational speaker, on complex behaviour change, Implicit bias, performance coaching, trauma-informed engagement, equality, inclusion and diversity, gender inequity, neurodiversity, mentoring, facilitation, mental health, wellbeing, and personal development. This is my debut publication.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called The Portable Temple and as young as I can remember, I’ve always been a seeker, often asking questions and daydreaming about possible and impossible things.
You see, the questions weren’t about the things which had immediate answers, which could be readily explained scientifically; but more questions of ‘Why?’ Why do humans exist?’ For what purpose? And what does it mean to be a human being?’.
My growing interest led me to multiple religious and spiritual doctrines; then philosophy, psychology, coaching, counselling, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) brief therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, informed my practice as a coach and consultant on mindset, well-being, behaviour change and inclusion. I also developed an amateur interest in theoretical quantum physics/theory, specifically how it can be applied to ideas of consciousness, mindset and belief systems.
For example: could such complex organisms, planets, stars and galaxies, really exist – just because? Could it really just be a cosmic accident, that happens to work perfectly, despite some of humanity’s best efforts? So perfect, that if everything in the universe weren’t exactly as it is, it wouldn’t exist?
Everything in the universe is connected at an atomic level; our bodies are conscious, our cells attract and repel. The Big Bang Singularity Theory could alternatively be looked at as, a single point where all the potential for life in our universe was contained until it expanded and time, space, existence was born…sounds familiar right? This echoes many creation stories/beliefs and myths. What I find interesting is the theory that thought process and observation/what we pay attention to, can have a direct impact on our reality, in real-time, not in a hypothetical sense. Whatever you think or believe, isn’t it incredibly empowering to know that we are literally, the stuff of the universe? And being so connected, can we ever truly be alone?
I first began meditating at around 10 years old, but really got into it, in my teens, as I journeyed into adulthood. I began speaking with rabbis, imams, priests and Buddhists; reading the Bible, The Koran, The Talmud (my namesake), The Bhagvadgita and holy books across every belief. All these belief systems had common themes; a belief in a higher power, somewhere to go to worship and a daily practice of prayer/meditation, which could be done anywhere.
The many benefits of these principles, for physical health, mental health and well-being are recognised in Mindfulness:
Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, who founded the Plum Village Tradition, historically recognised as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. Known as the “father of mindfulness”, Nhất Hạnh was a major influence on Western practices of BuddhismMindfulness is a practice involved in various religious and secular traditions—from Hinduism and Buddhism to yoga and, more recently, non-religious meditation.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the present, the moment, without interpretation or judgment of any kind. People have been practising mindfulness for thousands of years, whether on their own or as part of a larger tradition. Practising mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness helps to answer the questions asked by the average person working hard, managing relationships and navigating the many challenges that life presents:
‘Why should I care about this stuff? Why is it important? And how would this knowledge benefit my life now?’
All things exist in the moment, in the perpetual now, our yesterday’s and tomorrow’s are a product of what we do in the present. As I meditated more on this and sat with the silence more frequently, I began to write down, the ideas and concepts, that would come into my mind as a result.
These thoughts and ideas would inform my practice as a coach, consultant and behavioural educationalist and the people I engaged with, benefited from my insights for the last two decades. This led me to the concept of a Portable Temple, being able to create space wherever you are, to find clarity, calm, clear your head, problem solve, and be inspired and motivated. This whole book is your Portable Temple, but later on in the book, I outline how to create it specifically, using your mobile phone. Although I’m a bit of a social media recluse, I began to share these thoughts online and again, people seemed to find them helpful; either as daily inspiration/motivation or to help them, with a challenge they were facing in their lives.
It was this that prompted me to collate these thoughts, born from meditation, informed reflection and over 20 years of experience in supporting people; into a book, to offer help, support, questions, inspiration and motivation to anyone on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, challenge and aspiration who feels they could benefit from having TPT – The Portable Temple in their lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before I write, I tend to meditate or listen to mindfulness music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of self-help and mindfulness, I’d say, Alan Watts, Dr Wayne Dyer, Neville Godard, Joseph Murphy, Sadguru and Deepak Chopra.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next Portable Temple and a fantasy fiction book about, through the eyes of a black cat, the challenges he faces and his journey into a world of mysticism and ancient deities.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m using my Instagram page, Facebook page and website to promote my book, as well as Awesome Gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take a leap of faith and believe in your ability.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen with humility, to those who would seek to support you, but ultimately seek your own counsel.
What are you reading now?
The Kyballion By The Three Initiates – A little book on Egyptian and hermetic philosophy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing, publishing and reaching more people.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Kyballion By The Three Initiates – A little book on Egyptian and hermetic philosophy.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Become What You Are By Alan Watts
Author Websites and Profiles
Talmud Bah’s Social Media Links
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