Your Attention Is Like a Beam of Light
From this point forward (until I get bored or change my mind), each newsletter will contain 4 ideas/quotes/bits of internet inspiration relating to memento vivere & mental clarity. I’ll throw in random things that make me laugh from time to time as well for kicks and giggles. :)
I. Your attention is among the most valuable resources that you have. I cannot believe how carelessly people use their attention. I like to think of it as a flow of energy that pours out of me, like a beam from a flashlight at 3AM. When I work at it, cultivate it and center myself, I have more control over where that light goes.
It’s not how much you do, it’s the attention that you bring to the things that you do.
II. Here’s excellent conversation starter material for the next time you find yourself suffering through idle small talk. It’s an article on Isaiah Berlin’s two concepts of freedom, a really wonderful wrinkle of nuance on an already massive topic → https://aeon.co/ideas/tools-for-thinking-isaiah-berlins-two-concepts-of-freedom
III. I’ve shared this once before, but this particular podcast episode was one of my favorites from 2020 → https://onbeing.org/programs/devendra-banhart-when-things-fall-apart/
IV. Here’s an interesting thought: There isn’t a person from throughout history that I feel has a perfect track record, who’s actions and ethics I align with completely. The more I learn about historical figures in the arts, politics or religion, dead or alive, the more I realize how imperfect we all are.
In fact the people that most inspire me were often the most controversial, people with the guts to do things that people - most people even - would frown upon.
No matter how larger-than-life someone seemed, they stumbled just like the rest of us. They said stupid things.
I don’t want to tear down my heroes. I’m just reminding myself that they’re human.
Bonus
→ I have a new class now live on Skillshare! It is called: Beat the Distractions: 4 Methods to Find Meaning In Your Life. I shared how I go about intentionally documenting my life in a variety of ways that I feel enrich my experiences. It’s made for all skill levels – this is not a technical class!
→ As a little thank you for being signed up to this newsletter – here’s a 23+ hour French playlist I made, containing many of my favorite artists.
Thanks for reading!
Nathaniel Drew
