If you’ve ever felt like joy is just out of reach, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew—revealing how meaningful effort, not ease, might be the key to lasting fulfillment.

In today's episode, I’m joined by Janet Ettele, a novelist, meditation practitioner, and devoted student of Buddhist philosophy whose mission is to bring timeless spiritual teachings to life through accessible, story-driven fiction. She is the author of a four-book series inspired by the six perfections of Buddhism, with her latest release, How Joyous Effort Works: The Energy to Benefit Others, featuring a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Janet’s writing blends insight and emotional depth, drawing from her background as a trained musician and Berklee College of Music graduate to create prose that is both lyrical and grounded. Her journey into Buddhism began at a Tibetan monastery just five miles from her home in Connecticut, where she continues to live, write, and teach with quiet dedication.

Throughout this episode, Janet brings these influences to life, offering a grounded yet inspiring perspective on joy, effort, and spiritual growth. She shares how the teachings of Shantideva and her connection with Tibetan monks shaped both her personal evolution and the character arc of Troy, the protagonist of her series. Their parallel journeys reveal how challenges can become turning points when met with mindfulness and compassion. Janet’s reflections on meditation, silence, and intentional action illustrate how spiritual practice translates into everyday life. With warmth and clarity, she reminds us that lasting joy doesn’t come from striving for perfection, but from showing up—consistently, consciously, and with an open heart.

Tune in to episode 210 of Joy Found Here as Janet Ettele shares how Buddhist wisdom, storytelling, and intentional effort can lead to inner peace and purposeful living. Learn how meditation and spiritual practice bring more clarity, joy, and connection.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The roots of Joyous Effort (3:35)
• From silence to spiritual seeking (6:23)
• Music, poetry, and the first steps toward Dharma (9:30)
• Finding her teacher—Just five miles away (11:20)
• What Joyous Effort really means (16:41)
• Compassion over judgment (19:15)
• From the Dalai Lama to DIY publishing (22:48)
• Building a daily practice with coffee (31:11)
• The unexpected joy of grandparenthood (34:34)
• Life is a patchwork, not a tapestry (38:49)
• A tribute to Aunt Gertrude (39:39)

Connect with Janet Ettele:

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• Spotify

Let's Connect:

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