Personal Development Archives - Page 3 of 7

#45 How to Observe Without Purpose

As I set route to run through Golden Gate Park, I’m halted and forcibly ambushed by the senses. Every where I turn I’m infiltrated by the colors, smells, sights, and sounds of nature.

Today I will walk and observe.

#44 Practical Ways to Be Present

I’ve been practicing meditation with formal and informal training for a few years now. Today I wanted to share practical things that have worked for me and may work for you.

Now before I begin, let me just reference that meditation is much more than sitting in one place with your eyes closed for extended periods of time. Although, I do this for about an hour a day, it came with practice, and making the decision to live as a monk for 10 days, I’ve learned that moments of joy and bliss are open to us at all times.

#43 Why You Should Be Fearless as Fuck

It was early July 2015. Summer was in full swing, but in San Ramon, CA it felt like spring and fall were playing music together.

The sun felt like a warm blanket on a cool day. The leaves were multicolored and almost translucent. I picked one up and held it in front of the light for good measure and was in awe holding nature’s stained glass.

#42 Technological Imprisonment

The cops pulled me over. I knew it was bad. Although I didn’t know exactly what I did. It was dusk and the air was restless. The mood of that evening reminded me of the first episode of the Wonder Years when Kevin went for a walk only to find Winnie in the forrest after her brother had just died in Vietnam. Except with this story, there is no comforting end and no Percy Sledge to ease my woes.

#41 Let the Body Heal

It hit me a few weeks ago as I strolled to the coffee shop down the street. I sat down with some lemon ginger tea and within 45 minutes, I knew something wasn’t right.

A rush of cold sweat hit my body, my sinuses become inflamed, and a headache was building up like an avalanche.

#40 – 8 Great Lessons From Seneca

I’m currently reading Letters from a Stoic by Seneca. He was a Roman Stoic philosopher and his work has had profound impacts on my life. I wanted to share some golden nuggets of wisdom from his book.

Whether it’s wealth, love, education, death, joy, or getting older. Seneca has something to say about it. Since you may be in a time crunch, I’ve taken the liberty to jot down some of the most important parts in the book, complete with my own commentaries.

#39 Finding Inner Peace

I got out of bed at 3:30 am to the smell of fire. I walked outside of my balcony and noticed the sky had a pinkish hue. Falling down were bits of debris. I felt ash on the wooden ledge but couldn’t see any evidence of a fire. I proceeded to the internet and saw that Napa and Sonoma counties were currently experiencing forrest fires. My heart is with them.

This was an extremely unsettling week for me. I was not affected personally, but those close to me were.

#38 Cause and Effect

A drunk is hungover the next day.

A greasy burger causes heartburn.

A few days without a shower will cause you to stink.

Do ya catch my drift? If not, keep reading.

#37 What Is Character?

It’s doing what’s right when no one is watching.

It’s being cognizant of the monkey mind and not identifying with thoughts.

It’s being thoughtful in every interaction with another living entity.

#35 Morning Rituals — a Gateway to Clear Thinking

I wake up between 4:30–5:00 am 7 days a week. It’s come to a point where staying in bed past these hours is incomprehensible. Because I am trying to create a livelihood through writing and other creative projects, having a system in place where I can stir up inspiration is a necessity.