MADONNA: For the First Time Ever
In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Madonna discusses her 28-year journey with spirituality, which began when she discovered Kabbalah during a period when her success and fame left her feeling unfulfilled. She explains how spiritual practice has influenced her perspective on life's challenges, sharing her belief that difficulties serve as opportunities for growth rather than random occurrences.
The conversation explores how Madonna incorporates spiritual principles into various aspects of her life, from her creative process as an artist to her approach to parenting. She describes the practical elements of maintaining a spiritual practice, including daily reflection and study, and explains how these practices have helped her navigate personal challenges. The discussion also covers her views on overcoming ego, releasing the need for external approval, and finding success through sharing rather than ownership.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 29, 2025 episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Madonna's Personal Spiritual Journey and Awakening
Despite her successful career, Madonna shares that fame and fortune didn't bring her happiness. She describes feeling lost and victimized by others' opinions until a chance invitation to a Kabbalah class changed her perspective. This introduction to spiritual study provided answers that her Catholic upbringing hadn't, leading to a 28-year commitment to spiritual practice that she credits with keeping her grounded through life's challenges.
Core Spiritual Concepts and Principles
Madonna explains her belief that life's challenges are meaningful lessons rather than random events. She views difficulties as opportunities for growth, tied to karmic destiny, and suggests that actions like forgiveness can alter one's path. The singer emphasizes that true success comes from sharing rather than ownership, and stresses the importance of being mindful of one's thoughts and actions. She discusses overcoming the ego by releasing the need for external approval and embracing limitations and fears.
Applying Spirituality To Different Areas of Life
In her career, Madonna approaches creativity as a spiritual channel, praying before shows and viewing herself as a vessel for divine inspiration. She applies spiritual principles to parenting by practicing acceptance and encouraging her children to find their unique paths rather than following her expectations. The singer views personal challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the importance of humility and gratitude in life's journey.
The Practical Aspects Of Maintaining a Spiritual Practice
Madonna describes maintaining regular spiritual practices, even if it means adjusting her performance schedule. She emphasizes the importance of daily reflection and study, crediting her 29-year relationship with her spiritual mentor for providing crucial guidance. The singer stresses the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals and returning to spiritual practices during difficult times, such as during her custody battle, when spiritual wisdom proved most valuable.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Madonna found answers in Kabbalah that her Catholic upbringing didn't provide, others may find that Catholicism or other religious or spiritual practices offer them a sense of fulfillment and guidance that Kabbalah does not.
- The idea that life's challenges are tied to karmic destiny may not resonate with everyone, as some believe in randomness or chaos theory, which suggests that many events in life are unpredictable and not necessarily linked to an individual's actions.
- The concept of forgiveness altering one's path is subjective and may not hold true for everyone, as some individuals may find that certain actions are unforgivable or that forgiveness does not necessarily change the course of their lives.
- The belief that true success comes from sharing rather than ownership might be challenged by those who argue that personal achievement and ownership can also lead to fulfillment and societal progress.
- The emphasis on mindfulness and the monitoring of one's thoughts and actions could be seen as overly introspective or self-focused, and some might argue for a balance between self-awareness and outward engagement with the world.
- Overcoming the ego and the need for external approval is a complex process that may not be as straightforward as suggested, and some psychologists emphasize the importance of a healthy ego for personal development.
- The approach to creativity as a spiritual channel might not align with the views of those who see creativity as a product of human ingenuity or cultural and social influences rather than divine inspiration.
- The practice of acceptance in parenting could be criticized for potentially leading to a lack of guidance or boundaries, which some believe are necessary for child development.
- The idea of maintaining regular spiritual practices can be difficult for individuals with demanding schedules or those who struggle with consistency, and some might argue for a more flexible approach to spirituality.
- The value placed on surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals could be seen as potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and inhibiting personal growth that comes from encountering differing viewpoints.
- The reliance on a spiritual mentor for guidance might be questioned by those who advocate for self-reliance and critical thinking in one's spiritual journey.
- The notion of returning to spiritual practices during difficult times could be challenged by advocates of more pragmatic or therapeutic approaches to dealing with life's challenges.
- The assertion that spiritual wisdom was most valuable during a custody battle might be countered by those who believe in the importance of legal counsel and the judicial system in resolving such disputes.
Actionables
- You can explore different spiritual or philosophical traditions by attending introductory sessions or workshops in your community to find a perspective that resonates with you, similar to how exploring Kabbalah helped Madonna find grounding. For example, look for local meditation centers, spiritual gatherings, or philosophy groups that offer open sessions and commit to attending at least one new group each month to broaden your understanding.
- Start a daily practice of writing down three things you're grateful for and three lessons you've learned from the day's challenges to cultivate humility and gratitude. This could be as simple as keeping a journal by your bedside and spending five minutes each night reflecting on your experiences, which can help shift your focus from external validation to personal growth.
- Create a "mindfulness jar" where you write down and deposit thoughts or actions you want to be more mindful of on slips of paper. Each week, draw one slip from the jar and focus on being more conscious of that thought or action throughout the week. This could help you become more aware of your habitual patterns and encourage positive change, much like being mindful of one's thoughts and actions can lead to personal transformation.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Madonna's Personal Spiritual Journey and Awakening
An exploration of Madonna's spiritual journey reveals how the pop icon found deeper meaning in life beyond the glamour and success of her entertainment career.
Madonna's Life Before Discovering Spirituality
Madonna candidly shared that despite a successful career, fame, and fortune, she was not happy. She explained that there was a time when she appeared confident and audacious, yet she realized she knew nothing and was a victim of other people's opinions. Madonna described periods where she was demonized by the press and contemplated the impermanence of her career, associating motherhood with death and pondering her identity beyond entertainment.
Madonna's Introduction to Kabbalah
A search for answers led Madonna to Kabbalah when she was invited to a class by a vaguely known costume designer. Still occasionally in touch with this woman today, Madonna recalls going to the class with a friend, at a time when she felt like an outsider and her friend group had no interest in spiritual studies. She embraced the anonymity of being a student, a respite from her public persona. Initially skeptical about the class's relevance, Madonna was quickly drawn in by the teachings that gave her a fresh perspective on courage, intention, and purpose. Unlike her Catholic upbringing, Kabbalah encouraged questioning and provided answers, an approach that resonated with her inquisitiveness.
Madonna's Commitment to Spiritual Practice
Madonna speaks of the spiritual wisdom accrued over 28 years, emphasizing how it has kept her sane through life's ups and downs. Crediting her spiritual practice for her survival compared to peers who have succumbed to the pressures of fame, she expresses a desire to share this meaningful part of her life, not for promotion but for genuine connection.
Madonna has shown tenacity through her 29-year association with the same teacher she met in her first Kabbalah class. She discusses her consistent dedication to int ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Madonna's Personal Spiritual Journey and Awakening
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Start a daily five-minute reflection journal to explore your identity beyond your career. Use this time to write down thoughts about who you are outside of your job and societal roles. This can help you understand your values and aspirations that aren't tied to external success.
- Explore a new philosophical or spiritual text each month to broaden your perspective. Choose texts from various traditions or philosophies that challenge your current worldview, and spend time each day reading and contemplating their meanings. This practice can introduce you to new ideas about courage, intention, and purpose, similar to how Kabbalah offered a fresh perspective to Madonna.
- Create an 'anonymity challenge' where you ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Core Spiritual Concepts and Principles
Madonna delves into the profound aspects of personal growth and spiritual journey, exploring the principles of karma, consciousness, and the critique of ego-driven desires.
Karma and Belief Everything Happens For a Reason
Madonna shares an intimate revelation about her belief in destiny and the idea that life doesn’t present us with random occurrences.
Viewing Challenges as Opportunities For Growth and Learning
She expresses that life's challenges are meant to be lessons, and "the worst things" that occur can lead to the most substantial growth. Understanding struggles as part of one's "karmic destiny" helped her see them as opportunities for growth rather than punishments. This karmic understanding means approaching life's trials, like betrayal or rejection, not with self-pity but with the question, "What's the lesson?". Madonna even suggests that one can change their destiny by actions such as forgiveness.
Accepting Life Is Not Random Events
The singer rejects the notion that life’s happenings are a series of coincidences. Instead, she believes that every experience is a lesson linked to the principles of cause and effect, akin to quantum physics. She postulates that souls choose their birth circumstances to navigate these challenges, which are part of their karmic path.
Intention and Consciousness
Madonna and Jay Shetty discuss the profound implications of approaching life with a conscious mindset.
Success and Fulfillment Come From Sharing, Not Ownership
Madonna rebuffs the idea that spirituality and success cannot coexist and suggests that true success involves sharing and alignment with a spiritual path. She reinforces the idea that success should be about giving rather than owning and cautions against the fleeting happiness brought by selfishly obtained materialistic possessions.
Awareness of Thoughts, Motivations, and Impact on Others
She underlines the importance of being mindful of one's conscious thoughts and actions in all areas of life. Shetty agrees, emphasizing that success cannot simply be manufactured without acknowledging an inner source of inspiration and consciousness. Together, they imply that being aware of intentions can help understand the impact of one's actions on others and align more closely with fulfilling ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Core Spiritual Concepts and Principles
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of karma and destiny can be criticized for potentially fostering a passive attitude towards life's events, where individuals might attribute their circumstances to fate rather than taking proactive steps to change them.
- The belief that "everything happens for a reason" can be seen as a form of confirmation bias, where people ascribe meaning to events in hindsight, ignoring the role of chance and unpredictability in life.
- The idea that souls choose their birth circumstances is a spiritual belief that lacks empirical evidence and can be challenged from a scientific perspective, which requires testable hypotheses and observable data.
- The notion that success comes from sharing and not ownership might overlook the complexities of economic systems and individual motivations, where ownership and personal gain can also drive innovation and progress.
- While mindfulness and awareness of intentions are valuable, they might not always lead to the desired impact on others or align with one's true purpose, as human understanding and self-awareness are limited and can be flawed.
- The critique of ego-driven desires could be seen as an oversimplification of human psychology, where ego and self-interest can also be healthy and necessary for survival and personal development.
- The idea of releasing the need for external approval might not acknowledge the social aspect of human beings and the importance of feed ...
Actionables
- Start a "Karma Journal" to reflect on daily events and personal growth, writing down challenges faced and the lessons learned from them. This practice encourages you to view difficulties as growth opportunities and to identify patterns in your life that may be linked to your actions and thoughts. For example, if you had a disagreement at work, write about how handling it with empathy could be a lesson in effective communication and relationship building.
- Create a "Forgiveness Map" where you chart out people or events from your past that you feel have wronged you and actively work on forgiving them. This could be a visual representation, like a tree with branches representing different areas of your life, where you add leaves for each act of forgiveness. This exercise helps change your destiny by releasing negative ties and fostering positive karma through forgiveness.
- Develop a "G ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Applying Spirituality To Different Areas of Life
Madonna's reflections reveal how spirituality can deeply influence various aspects of life, from career and creativity to relationships and personal growth.
Career and Creative Pursuits
Using Spiritual Practices to Access Inspiration and Creativity
Madonna warns against the danger of the ego falling into the trap of recreating successful formulas in one's career, a practice that opposes spiritual teachings. She credits her "Ray of Light" album to her spiritual practices, which infused a new dimension into her work. Madonna views herself as a vessel channeling light and aims to share this light through her music and personal relationships. Before every show, she prays, recognizing that her success, such as a well-received show, is a manifestation of divine assistance rather than just personal achievement. She asserts that creative ideas shouldn't be seen as personal property, as this mindset can block continued inspiration and innovation, a concept she equates with magic.
Maintaining Purpose and Intention Beyond Personal Gain
Madonna discusses the importance of maintaining a broader purpose and intention in one's work. She insists that being conscious of channeling and serving as a vessel for something greater is part of her labor and that this mindfulness is essential to transcend personal gain. Madonna, therefore, focuses on the deeper significance of her actions and strives to make a difference in the world with a clear vision of the impact she wants to create.
Relationships and Parenting
Practicing Acceptance, Forgiveness, and Non-judgment With Loved Ones
Madonna reflects on her ability to forgive as liberating and creating empathy that can benefit the world. She shares her struggles with forgiveness, especially with her brother, emphasizing how letting go of expectations with her children is vital. Madonna stresses the importance of not attempting to control her children's lives; instead, she encourages them to find their unique paths.
Guiding Children on Their Unique Paths, Not Parental Expectations
Madonna strives for her children to be happy and authentic individuals, not constrained by comparisons to others or societal judgment. She believes her role is to help them discover their life's purpose and to achieve their highest consciousness, an approach that sometimes involves going against her instincts as a mother to say no for their long-t ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Applying Spirituality To Different Areas of Life
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While spirituality can be a source of inspiration and creativity, it is not the only path; some individuals may find equal or greater inspiration through other means such as education, science, or secular philosophy.
- The concept of being a "vessel channeling light" is a metaphor that may not resonate with everyone, especially those who prefer a more pragmatic or secular approach to their work and creativity.
- The idea that creative ideas should not be seen as personal property could be challenged by intellectual property laws that recognize individual or collective ownership of creative works as a means to incentivize innovation and protect creators' rights.
- While maintaining a broader purpose and intention in work is admirable, it is also valid to acknowledge personal gain and ambition as legitimate motivators for many successful individuals.
- The importance of forgiveness and non-judgment in relationships is a valuable perspective, but setting boundaries and having expectations can also be healthy and necessary for personal well-being and the dynamics of a relationship.
- Encouraging children to find their unique paths is important, but it is also the responsibility of parents to provide guidance an ...
Actionables
- You can create a "creativity journal" where you record daily inspirations that come to you, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. This practice helps you recognize the flow of ideas and reinforces the belief that creativity is not owned but shared. For example, jot down a line of poetry that comes to mind while cooking or a melody that strikes you during a walk.
- Develop a "challenge reflection ritual" where, at the end of each day, you write down a challenge you faced and reflect on what it taught you about yourself. This could be as simple as dealing with a difficult coworker or as complex as overcoming a personal fear. The key is to find the lesson in each challenge, fostering a mindset that views obstacles as growth opportunities.
- Engage in "intention ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
The Practical Aspects Of Maintaining a Spiritual Practice
Madonna discusses the importance of regular spiritual study, rituals, and the guidance she receives from her long-term spiritual mentor as critical components of her practice.
Establishing Regular Rituals and Routines
Dedicating Time For Study, Meditation, and Introspection
Madonna insists on dedicating time for spiritual practices, even if it means being late to a show or not scheduling performances on study days. She stresses the necessity of having ritualistic moments, such as daily or weekly, for spiritual reflection and considering one's deeds and wishes. Her commitment to regular study and introspection is further evidenced by her habit of bringing a notebook to take notes during classes and studies.
Incorporating Spiritual Principles Into Daily Activities and Decision-Making
Madonna emphasizes the daily practice required to transform and to maintain a shift in perception and self-awareness, suggesting that spiritual principles need to be practiced routinely to sustain this transformation.
Seeking Guidance and Support
Relationship With a Spiritual Mentor
Madonna has been learning from a teacher for 29 years, indicating a consistent relationship with a spiritual mentor. She credits her teacher with deep insights, such as the realization that she is the manager, not the owner, of her talent, and discusses the importance of guidance in understanding the nature of her talent and its appropriate use. Although her relationship with a spiritual mentor wasn't immediately one-on-one, the development of regular meetings signifies the importance of such a relationship in her spiritual practice.
Surrounding Oneself With Like-Minded Individuals
Madonna acknowledges the necessity of a support system of like-minded individuals who are striving to understand deeper life meanings and maintain higher consciousness as an environment that fosters one's spiritual pursuit and practice.
Overcoming Obstacles and Setbacks
Practicing Radical Acceptance and Trust In the Process
M ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Practical Aspects Of Maintaining a Spiritual Practice
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While regular spiritual study and rituals can be beneficial, they may not be practical or necessary for everyone's spiritual growth; some individuals may find spontaneous or less structured practices more fulfilling.
- Dedicating time for spiritual practices is important, but it should not come at the expense of one's responsibilities or commitments, as this could lead to negative consequences in other areas of life.
- Incorporating spiritual principles into every aspect of daily life is an ideal that may not always be attainable; individuals must also be adaptable and pragmatic in their decision-making.
- The guidance of a spiritual mentor can be invaluable, but it is also important for individuals to develop their own understanding and not become overly dependent on a single source of wisdom.
- While surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can provide support, it is also beneficial to engage with a diverse range of perspectives to avoid echo chambers and fo ...
Actionables
- Create a digital "spiritual toolkit" with apps and resources that align with your beliefs to facilitate daily practice. For example, use a meditation app for guided sessions, an e-journal for introspection, and a quote generator that provides daily wisdom based on your chosen spiritual texts. This integrates spiritual practice into your routine without the need for extensive knowledge or preparation.
- Designate a "mentor hour" each month where you connect with someone who embodies the spiritual qualities you admire. This could be through a live webinar, a community meet-up, or a one-on-one video call with a person you respect in the spiritual community. The goal is to gain fresh perspectives and personalized advice that resonates with your spiritual journey. ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
