Janet Ettele on the How Joyous Effort Transforms Our Lives

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Janet Ettele, an author, musician, and student of Buddhist teacher Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, to explore the transformative power of Joyous Effort, one of the Six Perfections in Buddhist philosophy.

Through her novels rooted in the principles of Tibetan Buddhism and her own spiritual journey, Janet shares how applying Joyous Effort to daily life reshapes our relationship with discomfort, routine, and personal growth. Whether it’s parenting, creative work, or self-discipline, Joyous Effort becomes a sacred path—not a grind, but a gateway to meaning.

Together, John and Janet discuss why true purpose isn’t about checking boxes or external achievements, but about how we show up, again and again, with intention and heart. Janet opens up about her journey from Berklee College of Music to the dharma path and how writing her “How Life Works” fiction series helped her embody Buddhist teachings in everyday scenarios.

If you’ve ever struggled to stay motivated, felt overwhelmed by spiritual jargon, or wondered how to bring ancient wisdom into modern life, this episode is both a balm and a guide.

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Modern Life Meets Buddhist Practice: Discovering Joyous Effort with Janet Ettele

What if effort didn’t feel like effort? In this thought-provoking episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles and Janet Ettele explore how the ancient Buddhist principle of Joyous Effort can radically reframe the way we experience struggle, discipline, and motivation.

Drawing from years of spiritual practice and personal evolution, Janet explains that effort doesn’t have to be a burden—it can be a source of energy and purpose when rooted in compassion. Rather than chasing achievement, Joyous Effort asks us to show up with heart, to keep going not because we “should,” but because we care.

From letter writing and mindfulness to parenting and artistic creation, Janet shows how simple, intentional actions become sacred when we align them with presence and purpose. The conversation blends spiritual wisdom with everyday relevance, making profound ideas feel accessible and actionable, without the jargon or pressure to be perfect.

On This Episode with Janet Ettele, You’ll Learn:

• Joyous Effort isn’t hustle – It’s a consistent, compassionate commitment to inner growth and service to others.
• Spiritual practice is everywhere – You don’t need a cushion or a monastery; everyday life is the path.
• Mindfulness rewires repetition – Most of our thoughts are recycled. Awareness helps us choose better patterns.
• Compassion is contagious – Small, conscious moments of kindness shift not just your mindset, but the people around you.
• Growth lives in discomfort – Avoiding pain limits progress. Facing it with intention becomes fuel for transformation.
• Mentorship matters – The right guidance, like that of a spiritual teacher, can reshape how we view our purpose.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH JANET ETTELE A MUST-LISTEN?

If you’re tired of burnout culture or frustrated with spiritual advice that feels out of reach, this episode offers a refreshing alternative. Janet Ettele’s insights cut through the noise, reminding us that meaningful change doesn’t come from grinding harder—but from showing up, again and again, with clarity and care. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, emotional healing, or a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation will inspire you to embrace effort as an act of love toward yourself and others.

Key Takeaways

• The Six Perfections (Paramitas) offer a practical framework for living with wisdom, generosity, and balance.
• Routine, repetition, and practice—often overlooked—can be sacred tools for transformation.
• You don’t need a monastery to practice spirituality; daily life is your training ground.
• How Janet’s fiction brings abstract spiritual principles to life in relatable, modern ways.

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Unlocking The Six Perfections: How Ancient Wisdom Brings Joyous Effort to Life

On this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, host John R. Miles dives deep with Janet Ettele into a Buddhist concept that’s both timeless and totally relevant today: The Six Perfections, or Paramitas. These aren’t just abstract spiritual ideals — they’re practical tools that help us show up with intention, energy, and heart in the messy, beautiful chaos of everyday life.

Janet, whose journey took her from Berklee College of Music to writing Buddhist-inspired fiction, including her insightful book How Joyous Efforts Work: The Energy to Benefit Others, explains how these Six Perfections create the foundation for a life well-lived.

So, what exactly are these Perfections? Here’s the lowdown, straight from their ancient roots to how Janet brings them alive on this episode:

1. Generosity (Dana): It’s not just about giving money, but about offering your time, attention, and compassion. It’s that open-hearted willingness to contribute without keeping score.
2. Ethics (Sila): Living with integrity, kindness, and respect — not just for others, but for yourself too. It’s the backbone of trust in relationships and in your own life.
3. Patience (Kshanti): The real spiritual superpower. Janet talks about how patience is more than just waiting — it’s a loving endurance that steadies us when life throws curveballs or when we feel stuck.
4. Joyous Effort (Virya): The shining star of the episode and Janet’s book! This perfection flips the Western idea of effort on its head. It’s not about grinding harder or pushing through burnout. It’s about showing up with curiosity, consistency, and compassion — especially on the days you don’t feel like it.
5. Meditative Concentration (Dhyana): Training your mind to focus and find calm amid the noise. It’s the practice of presence that grounds all the other Perfections.
6. Wisdom (Prajna): Seeing things clearly and deeply — understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface of our thoughts, fears, and stories.

Janet tells John that without Joyous Effort, our “best intentions stay grounded.” This effort is the “wind beneath the wings” of practice. It’s about showing up repeatedly, not perfectly — choosing intention over reaction, tenderness over self-judgment.

In their conversation, they explore how these Perfections aren’t just for meditation retreats. They come alive in parenting, creative work, moments of resistance, and even the mundane tasks we often overlook. Janet shares candid moments when writing felt hard or motivation waned. But by returning to her intention, not waiting for the “right” mood, she kept moving forward. That’s the heart of Joyous Effort: the courage to persist with love and purpose, even when the going gets tough.

And here’s the magic: practicing these Six Perfections reminds us that our presence matters. That the small acts of care and attention ripple out into the world. That we matter, not because of what we accomplish, but because of how we show up. Janet’s insights — captured in her book and in this Passion Struck episode — offer a fresh way to think about discipline, effort, and meaning. It’s not about doing more, but about doing what truly matters, over time, with heart.

And honestly? That might be the most radical effort of all.

THANKS, JANET ETTELE

If you enjoyed this interview with Janet Ettele, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram

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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH JANET ETTELE

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Janet Ettele’s Website
2. Janet Ettele’s Instagram
3. Janet Ettele’s Twitter
4. BUY Janet’s Book ‘How Joyous Efforts Work’
5. APA’s recognition of mattering as critical to child mental health
6. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
7. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
8. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

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About Today’s Guest, Janet Ettele

Janet Ettele is an author, musician, and dedicated student of Buddhist teacher Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche. She holds a musical education from Berklee College of Music and is best known for her Buddhist-inspired fiction series, How Life Works, which makes timeless spiritual teachings accessible through relatable, everyday stories.

Janet’s latest book, How Joyous Efforts Work: The Energy to Benefit Others, explores the transformative power of Joyous Effort (virya), one of the Six Perfections in Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing how consistent, compassionate effort can reshape our lives and deepen our connection to purpose. Through her writing and practice, Janet inspires readers to bring ancient wisdom into modern life with intention, heart, and kindness.

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