It's Now Again! Welcome back to It's Now Again, your daily mindfulness training session with Jeremy West. Today, we’re diving into the world of pop culture to explore the mindfulness messages hidden in one of my favorite shows, The Good Place, which I just finished binging.

If you’ve seen this show, you know it’s packed with humor, philosophy, and a unique perspective on the afterlife. There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t watched The Good Place and want to avoid spoilers, come back to this episode later.

Beyond the comedy and ethical dilemmas, The Good Place offers some profound lessons about mindfulness. Here’s what I found most powerful:

Lesson 1: The Power of Choice and Intentional Living
At its core, The Good Place revolves around choices. Every character is faced with decisions that shape their lives—and their afterlives. Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason are constantly grappling with ethical dilemmas, figuring out how to live and improve their moral selves. Mindfulness reminds us that it’s essential to be intentional with our choices, just like the characters do. Eleanor’s journey from selfishness to conscious kindness is a perfect example of this, reflecting how mindfulness empowers us to pause, notice automatic reactions, and choose a more compassionate path.

Lesson 2: Impermanence and Embracing Change
One of the most profound teachings in mindfulness is the concept of impermanence—everything changes, nothing is permanent. The Good Place captures this beautifully. What begins as a seemingly perfect eternity soon reveals its flaws, and the characters realize that even in the afterlife, nothing lasts forever. This message aligns with mindfulness by reminding us that life is in constant flux, and peace comes from accepting this fact. In fact, the characters find meaning again when they’re allowed to leave, realizing that impermanence brings value to every experience.

Lesson 3: Self-Improvement as a Lifelong Journey
The characters in The Good Place are always working to become better versions of themselves. Eleanor’s journey from self-centeredness to genuine care for others mirrors the mindfulness concept that growth is an ongoing process. Similarly, Chidi, the philosophy professor, spends a lot of time agonizing over moral decisions, highlighting that while reflection is vital, it’s equally important not to get trapped in endless loops of thought. Mindfulness teaches us balance, blending reflection with action, and letting go of the fear of making mistakes.

Lesson 4: Connection and Compassion
One of the most beautiful messages in The Good Place is the power of connection and compassion. Throughout the series, the relationships between the characters grow stronger as they learn to care for and support one another. Mindfulness teaches us that we’re all interconnected, and when we’re present with others, we deepen those connections. Compassion, particularly between Eleanor and Chidi, shows how mindfulness can help us cultivate understanding and kindness for ourselves and others.

Lesson 5: Ethical Living and Mindful Action
At its heart, The Good Place is about ethics, a constant theme as the characters work to make better choices and align their actions with their values. This resonates with mindfulness, which teaches us to act with intention. Chidi’s journey, though fraught with overthinking, serves as a reminder that mindfulness is about living in alignment with our true selves and values.

Lesson 6: Finding Meaning in the Present Moment
The characters in The Good Place gradually discover that peace and fulfillment are rooted in the present moment. In the final episodes, they’re given the choice to leave when they feel ready. This powerful metaphor highlights the transient nature of life and reminds us to focus on the beauty of the present. Through mindfulness, we can find contentment in the everyday moments, just as Eleanor does when she reflects on small joys like sitting with friends.

Lesson 7: Letting Go
One of the most moving elements in the final season is about letting go. When the characters realize that eternal life can become monotonous, they’re given the option to exit peacefully once they feel complete. This aligns with the mindfulness practice of non-attachment—allowing things to come and go without clinging. Whether it’s a relationship, stage of life, or desire for control, letting go is key in mindfulness and brings true peace.

The Good Place may be a comedy with humor that’s fun to laugh at, but it’s also incredibly deep and philosophical. From choice and ethical living to embracing impermanence and letting go, the show offers insights that are worth exploring.

The next time you watch The Good Place, consider the mindfulness messages woven into its humor and philosophy. They just might inspire you to live a more mindful, meaningful life.

That’s all I’ve got for today. If you enjoyed exploring the mindfulness lessons in The Good Place, think about how these messages show up in your own life. How can you bring more awareness, compassion, and intentional action to your daily routine?

As always, if you have questions or want to hear about a specific topic, feel free to email me at itsnowagain@gmail.com—no apostrophes, just the letters. And if you’re interested in one-on-one or group mindfulness coaching, visit jeremywest.net for more info on coaching and guided meditations that accompany this podcast.

Stay present, keep practicing, and remember—it’s now again.