A Series of Thoughts For Perspective
So much has already been spoken, shared and speculated about what’s taking place right now around the world. The truth is nobody can predict what the future holds. Below are a collection of recent thoughts/things that I’ve run across that are helping me maintain clarity and perspective on my situation:
1) Remember that anyone on the internet can say anything. And they will. Forget an apple a day, doctor’s orders should be a massive grain of salt (I’m no doctor, so whatever I say should be included in that).
2) A famous Mark Twain quote:
“I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
This is not a call for complacency or carelessness but rather a reminder that we must distinguish that which is actually taking place in our lives from our imagination.
I catch myself worrying about scenarios that have yet to, or may never, take place. The more clarity you have on fiction vs. reality, the more intelligently you can go about addressing situations that arise.
3) Never again will I take my physical freedom for granted. Here in France, you need written permission to do exercise outside right now. I know that many countries are in a similar place. The last time I went on a run a couple of days ago, I got stopped by the police 3 times. It does not take much for that privilege to disappear.
4) Pain is an evolutionary tool that is designed to keep you alive. Without pain sensitivity, you can be of great danger to yourself. Pain is your body telling you to pay attention to what is going on, and to avoid the things that could be life threatening.
Extrapolated in a metaphysical sense (as many of you know I’m prone to do), we can apply that to what’s going on right now.
This is a reminder that we’re alive, and we should be listening a little more closely to ourselves and to the planet. Maybe we’ve been living life a little too quickly. Perhaps we’re structuring societies in ways that prioritize certain things (perpetual economic growth) instead of others (wellbeing, better distribution of wealth & preparedness for when things don’t go as we hope).
MORE RESOURCES:
→ Here’s a piece I’m very proud of, on what to do when things go wrong (inspired by the Buddhists!). I’d really love all of your input and feedback on it.
→ If you’re looking to take your mind off of things, last year a very lucky series of events led me to eating at one of the world’s best restaurants. I made a video about my experience, designed for foodies.
→ I also did a video on introversion that received a wonderful reaction a couple of weeks ago, check it out if you haven’t already.
→ I encourage everyone to practice Tonglen whenever you have even a few moments free.
Thanks for reading!
Nathaniel Drew
