Let's Try This Again: What's in Your Cup?

Espresso macchiato

Remember last week when we talked about those 17th-century coffee houses - those remarkable spaces where, for just a penny and a cup of coffee, people from all walks of life gathered to share ideas?

I asked you to imagine settling into your favorite reading spot with The Ikigai Way and your perfect companion drink. I was looking forward to a marvelous conversation about your favorite book reading drink and spot.

Unfortunately, the message format didn't allow for comments. Ugh!

But some of you like Teyani and Greg found other ways to share your thoughts.

Teyani: Depending on the time of day, my choice varies: morning would be a cup of dark coffee with an enormous dollap of heavy cream, afternoon would find me with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a small splash of cream, evening calls for a marvelous bourbon. Sipping on something delightful always adds to the experience of reading great writing.

Greg: Coffee is the most powerful catalyst for conversation ever. Along those lines, you referenced a macchiato in your post. Starbucks is now selling cortados that are made closer to the traditional definition of a macchiato than the macchiato currently on their menu. To say this is upsetting my Qi would be an epic understatement.

Just as King Charles II couldn't suppress the vibrant discussions in those early coffee houses, a simple technical limitation won't stop our community from connecting. So I’m posting here with comments on and asking again:

Imagine when you open your brand new copy of The Ikigai Way and sit down to read, what's in your cup? What setting helps you dive deep into these explorations of purpose and meaning?

Quest well, David

PS: As I was composing this I got an email from my publisher announcing Barnes and Noble is running a special on pre-order books. Today and tomorrow only you can pre-order The Ikigai Way for 25% off!

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🌀 In case you missed the coffee contemplation here is the whole story behind King Charles II banning coffee shops in 17th Century England.

Audio narration by David Marlow

Did you know that in 1675, King Charles II tried to ban coffee houses in England? These were gathering places where, for the price of a penny and a cup of coffee, people from all walks of life could come together to share ideas and engage in deep discussions.

The king feared the power of these spaces so much that he tried to shut them down - but the ban lasted just eleven days. It turns out you can't stop people from wanting to connect over coffee and conversation.

When I write, you'll often find me with a macchiato nearby - a simple shot of espresso marked with just a touch of steamed milk. There's something about its intensity that helps bring clarity to my writing. It's been my steady companion through the writing of The Ikigai Way.

Imagine you've just opened a brand new copy The Ikigai Way for the first time. Maybe you're in your favorite reading spot, ready to dive into these explorations of purpose and meaning. What would be your perfect companion drink for this journey of discovery?

The spirit of those old coffee houses lives on in our Coffee Contemplations, and now flows through the pages of The Ikigai Way.

We’ve created this cool gathering place right here - one where we explore the deeper meanings of purpose and fulfillment together. I don’t think even a king could ban us.

So, again what’s in your cup?

Quest well,

David

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P.S. Mark your calendar for March 25th. That’s the launch date for The Ikigai Way.

I have some exciting plans for the release that I know you'll love - especially if you're someone who believes, as I do, that the best conversations happen over coffee.