Watch or Listen to the Full Interview:

Have you ever wondered how ancient wisdom can help you handle modern-day stress, sadness, and burnout?

In this week’s episode of The Vibe With Ky Podcast, I had the incredible honor of speaking with Janet Ettele. Janet is an author and long-time student of Buddhist philosophy who found a unique way to bring ancient teachings into our everyday lives. She doesn’t just explain Buddhist ideas—she tells powerful stories that show them in action. And get this—her latest book How Joyous Effort Works has a foreword written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

No pressure, right?

But here’s what makes Janet special: she doesn’t expect you to change your beliefs or become a Buddhist. She offers tools you can use no matter who you are or what you believe.

Who Is Janet Ettele?

Janet Ettele is a Buddhist dharma student, author, and mindfulness coach. She holds a certificate in Life Coaching from NYU and has been studying Buddhist teachings since 2008. Her fiction series, How Life Works, takes Buddhist teachings like The Six Perfections and presents them through relatable characters in modern-day New England.

Learn more about Janet at janetettele.com. You can also follow her on social media:

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation

Here are some of the most important lessons from our chat:

1. Spiritual Wisdom Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Janet breaks down Buddhist teachings into digestible steps. She uses fiction and everyday examples to show how timeless wisdom still works today. You don’t have to sit in a temple or wear robes to benefit.

2. Joyous Effort Starts With Knowing Your Why

If you understand the value behind what you’re doing, you’re more likely to feel joy in the process. Janet explains how effort becomes joyful when it aligns with your personal values and deeper purpose.

3. Self-Focus Is Not the Path to Happiness

We talked about the shift from self-focus to serving others. According to Janet, joy often comes when we help others—even people we don’t know. She describes this as “expanding your circle of compassion.”

4. Meditation Can Be Simple

You don’t need an elaborate setup to meditate. Janet suggests starting with just three deep breaths while your coffee brews. That’s it. Start small. Build from there.

5. Letting Go Isn’t Always Easy—But It’s Worth It

We joked about the noise from hedge trimming outside my window during the interview. But it led to a great point: it’s not about never getting annoyed. It’s about how fast you can return to peace.

A Simple Action You Can Take Today

Try this short meditation Janet shared:

  1. Sit comfortably with a straight back.
  2. Take three deep breaths, focusing on the inhale and exhale.
  3. Think of someone you love. Wish them happiness.
  4. Think of a stranger. Wish them happiness.
  5. Think of someone who frustrates you. Wish them happiness.

If you can do that without judgment, you just practiced a key step toward compassion and inner peace.

FAQ

Q: Do I have to be Buddhist to enjoy Janet’s books? A. No. Janet’s stories are written for everyone. You don’t have to subscribe to any religion to learn from the characters or reflect on the teachings.

Q: What are The Six Perfections? A. They are generosity, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom. Janet’s book series uses each of these as a theme to teach practical life skills.

Q: How is this different from toxic positivity? A. Great question. Janet says Buddhism acknowledges suffering. It doesn’t ignore pain. Instead, it gives us tools to face it and move through it.

Final Thoughts

Janet reminds us that wisdom is most powerful when it’s lived. Whether you’re struggling with anger, burnout, or feeling stuck, her message is clear: things can change. You can change. And you don’t have to do it all at once.

If you want to bring more joy and purpose into your life through Buddhist wisdom, I highly recommend checking out our full interview and grabbing a copy of Janet’s book.

Much love. Good vibes. – Ky