Who is Christopher Phoenix?
I am a writer, keynote speaker, philosophy enthusiast (nerd), hypnotist, and co-author of the Phoenix Cups book.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Read more. Think more. Write more.
Who inspires you and why?
Every writer, philosopher, or psychologist who has ever calmed, excited, expanded, and confused my brain. My biggest inspiration goes to Sandi (founder of the Phoenix Cups framework), who is my love, my wife, and my hero.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
What I do right now – deliver the Phoenix Cups framework to people all over the world.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I am fortunate in my job that I get to travel a great deal. I love exploration so much that I don’t necessarily have a favourite holiday destination but many favourite travelling experiences. Whether that be playing in the snow in the South Island of New Zealand, riding motorbikes along China Beach under the scorching Vietnam sun, exploring the eclectic markets in Ubud, eating from the street carts in Malaysia, or even kayaking around Double Island in Palm Cove. Travelling fills my dominant Freedom Cup – and I look forward to filling it with much more travel in the future.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would pack us all a nice lunch and take them out on the boat. We can then stop off on one of the sandy islands and picnic on the beach.
What are you currently reading?
I am always reading more than one book at a time. Currently on my bedside table is I am Dynamite! A Life of Nietzsche, and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. One of my biggest fears is dying before I get to finish my “To Read” pile, that is continuously growing. Self-sabotage perhaps. It does not help that I biennially re-read some Richard Yates, and Oscar Wilde.
What are you currently listening to?
My love of music is on par with my love of the written word. I pursued writing (and presenting) when it turned out my band (perhaps just me) wasn’t very good. My family insists my musical taste has arrested development and has not progressed past of the 90s – however, I am moved by anything I feel has authenticity. Whether that be Janice Joplin or Nine Inch Nails. The Rolling Stones or The Smashing Pumpkins. Talking Heads or Nick Cave. The Cure or Violent Femmes. The very last song I listened to before I wrote this was Perfect Day by Lou Reed.
Happiness is?
Subjective! Spoken like a true philosophy wanker! Seriously though, often we mistake pleasure for happiness. Instead of aiming for happiness I try to aim for fulfilment. I do this by aligning my time with my values, and actively filling my Cups. My Freedom Cup is my dominant Cup, so I try and fill that through travel, and creativity. My Safety Cup is my next biggest Cup, so I ensure I get enough rest and eat well. After that is my Connection Cup, so I do my best to remain in contact with friends and loved ones. My Fun Cup I fill by motorcycling and practical jokes with the family. Finally, I fill my Mastery Cup with my work.
What does the future hold for you?
Uncertain. However, I will aim towards trying to reach as many people as possible with the Phoenix Cups framework. I will also do my best to live in the present moment, aligning my time with my values.
Christopher is the co-author (with Sandi Phoenix) of The Phoenix Cups: A Cup Filling Story – which is available at www.phoenixcups.com.au
Image: Christopher Phoenix (supplied)