This is more of a personal note from me (Josh). Enjoy some ideas to bring in a healthier and more mindful 2024.
Our lives are determined by the thoughts that go through our mind and little else. It’s a simple concept, but one that has far reaching consequences for how we live out the moments of each day.
The goal then, is to become more aware of our minds and create environments and habits that facilitate a more positive headspace. The good news is that physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual health all play a role and can improve on any given day! The bad news, is that it’s incredibly difficult to change our habits.
Where to begin? I will share 3 ideas.
1. Breathe. Focusing on even one full breath immediately interrupts whatever our mind is telling us in a given moment. This interruption creates an awareness of something other than what our mind is telling us so we can OBSERVE our minds instead of playing victim to its whims. Remember, we are not our minds! We are far more.
2. Move. Movement is another way to immediately change the physiology our body is experiencing. Movement dilates our blood vessels, allows release of endorphins, improves our memory, and always leads to improved state of mind.
3. Think of one thing you’re grateful for. Sure, there are myriad problems in the world. But if you’re reading this newsletter you have more than that majority of humanity has ever had- electricity, comfort, and access to most of the worlds known information. This is not to minimize struggles, despair and challenges. It’s simply to make us more aware of the things we take for granted each day.
As a new year unfolds, I want to share a concept that’s been giving me more peace of mind and hope: We all exist in a tiny corner of an enormous universe. Our lives, while meaningful to many, are not so important that we should be solely focused on ourselves or what others think of us. Our lives should be focused on making our tiny corner as joyful and rich as possible. This means focusing on relationships, health, activity that stimulates our minds and bodies, and lifting others in our corner up. The more we hope for the best for those around us, the higher we feel. A rising tide lifts all boats as they say.
Thanks for reading and a cheers to 2024. Let it be a great year full of thoughtfulness, awareness, health, joy, and curation of a magical corner of our universe.
Josh
