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  • This week’s episode is about sharing the experience of the lumii founding boot camp in Malaga, reflections on what a company is and can be, my lumii product updates, what the lumiilympics are, and what most companies don’t get.

    Resources:

    * Join the my lumii early-access

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Leave a comment on howtounrasonable.com, or contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this week’s episode, I read a passage from the essay How to Do What You Love by Paul Graham, and share a little update on my lumii’s development process.

    If you want to try my lumii, your emotional and mental wellbeing companion, then join our my lumii early-access!

    Have a good day everyone

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  • * my lumii update:

    * 200 early-access members

    * 12% week-to-week growth rate at this stage

    * One thing that stressed me:

    * Things are getting real:

    * The importance of seeking out uncomfortable conversations early on when founding a startup.

    * How to split shares?

    * What is fair?

    * How do we define the principles we want to live up to?

    * How do we make sure we plan for the worst case?

    * “Easy life tough talk - tough life easy talk”

    * One thing that humbled me:

    * We almost made a 35k euro mistake

    * The importance of compound effect in a startup

    * small steps every week instead of big jumps

    * One thing that gave me joy:

    * My dad is back

    * One thing that inspired me:

    * Reading Paul Graham's essay about startups

    * One thing to be grateful for:

    * To be able to do what I love

    Resources:

    * How to Do What You Love by Paul Graham

    * Join the my lumii early-access



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this week’s episode, I give a little update on my lumii development. We have some amazing news to share :-)

    Then I looked back at the previous week and thought about:

    * One thing that stressed me.

    * One thing that humbled me.

    * One thing that gave me joy.

    * One thing that inspired me.

    * One thing to be grateful for.

    Enjoy

  • * Late-night rambling while sipping a Peruvian ceremonial cacao

    * The difference between emotions and feelings by Vivian Diitmar

    * Early childhood traumas

    * Why I quit social media for now

    * How can we create things that deliver TRUE value vs shallow value?

    * A little update on my lumii early access

    * Join the free lumii early-access

    *

  • Just wanted to share something about ‘competition’ - it’s quite easy to fall into the thinking of seeing other companies as our competitors in the sense of “how we can we beat them?”. It’s just the game investors play, and the common language and mindset. But I feel many forgot the true meaning of competition: the root word for the competition is Latin - competere - meaning “to strive together”, i.e. working cooperatively towards a common goal.

    I see in all of them contributors/collaborators. Hence, we should always be striving for win-win, and honoring each other’s contribution.

    At worst we should inspire each other to create greatness, at best we will contribute and complement each other to solve this enormous mission ahead of us: healing people, elevating self-awareness, and finding their true selves again. By regaining a sensitivity and healthy relationship with their soul-mind-body connection 🙏✨

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Leave a comment on howtounrasonable.com, or contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • Should you have a plan B, C, or a safety net?

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Leave a comment on howtounrasonable.com, or contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In today’s episode, I take you on a journey of enhancing productivity through the principles of doing less.

    This episode is sparked by an exploration into the concept that reducing work hours can significantly boost productivity. Drawing on insights from productivity experts and personal experimentation, I discuss how imposing strict work constraints forced me to prioritize effectively, focus more intensely, and achieve greater output in shorter periods.

    The core of the discussion is the transformative power of work compression. This idea suggests that by confining our work to fewer hours, we not only enhance our productivity but also unlock a suite of 'productivity superpowers' that allow for a more fulfilling work-life balance. It's a testament to the notion that constraints can catalyze creativity and efficiency.

    Throughout the episode, I challenge conventional work norms, such as valorizing long hours and multitasking. Instead, I advocate for the efficacy of dedicated work sessions, the strategic elimination of low-impact activities, and the critical importance of rest and recovery for maintaining high productivity levels over the long term.

    I also share personal anecdotes that underscore the effectiveness of these strategies, including my adoption of the impact-effort matrix for task prioritization and the substantial benefits of focusing on one task at a time. These insights go beyond mere theory; they are practical, proven methods that have fundamentally transformed my work habits and approach to productivity.

    For those eager to delve deeper into applying these principles, I encourage reaching out for a one-on-one session. Let's embark on this journey together, redefining what it means to be productive and discovering the vast potential of doing less to achieve so much more.

    Resources:

    * Rian Doris: The Most Overlooked Productivity Superpower

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Leave a comment on howtounrasonable.com, or contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In today's episode, I dive deep into the essence of navigating life's uncertainties, a journey I've aptly named "Walking The Path Of Not-Knowing." This concept emerges from a blend of personal reflections and the realization that much of our lives are spent in pursuit of dreams and ambitions. We often find ourselves striving to map out our lives, seeking answers, and planning every step with precision. Yet, through my experiences, I've come to understand that our minds are not solely tools for plotting life's course but are meant for creativity, solving problems, and embracing the moment.

    It requires faith, trust, and most importantly, surrender. Surrendering doesn't mean giving up; it's about quieting the mental noise to create space for intuition, for communication without words. It's about walking without knowing, guided by an inner compass that steers us through the fog of life's mysteries.

    This week, I'm inspired to reflect on the difference between dreaming and surrendering. Dreaming is envisioning a future, often with our minds firmly in the driver's seat. Surrendering, however, is a delicate dance of faith, where intuition leads and the mind follows. It's a state of being where we accept that some questions don't have immediate answers, and that's perfectly okay.

    Understanding life's 'whys' isn't always possible, and what an uncomfortable truth that is. Yet, this discomfort is a necessary part of trusting our deeper knowledge and intuition. I emphasize the importance of rekindling our relationship with our inner selves. Human evolution must reconnect with our intuition and body, our ultimate sources of truth. These internal guides are more reliable than any external source of wisdom or guidance could ever be.

    I argue that this internal compass leads us to make decisions aligned with our true nature, decisions that foster joy, peace, love, and collaboration. Our true nature is inherently geared towards creating win-win situations for everyone involved.

    Through today's musings, I hope to inspire you to trust your journey, even when the destination isn't clear. It's a reminder that in silence and surrender, we find our most profound truths and the strength to embrace life's uncertainties with grace. Join me in this journey of self-discovery, and let's navigate the uncharted waters of life together, guided by the stars of our intuition and the compass of our inner wisdom.

    Resources:

    * Alan Watts - Just Let Go

    * The Art Of Non-Doing

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Then contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this episode, we dive into lumii's journey through its early-access phase, highlighting the intertwined themes of facing challenges, embracing failure, and nurturing optimism. Reflecting on lessons from a past startup failure, I've learned that beginning with the odds stacked against you is beneficial. It forces focus, prevents delusion, and fosters a mindset where optimism lives alongside fear and anxiety, each acting as a guide and teacher.

    This approach has informed our development of lumii, emphasizing that failure is not a setback but a step forward. Failing equals learning. It's a lesson in humility and the importance of luck in success. Believing too soon in one's infallibility can be a pitfall, hence the value of embracing each failure as a learning opportunity.

    Our journey with lumii is akin to archery. Initially, the target is a blur. The goal is not just to hit the target but to learn with each shot, refining our aim and approach based on feedback and introspection. This process has already led to over five major updates in just three weeks, each inspired by user feedback and our insights. This rapid evolution was unplanned but a testament to the importance of staying present, listening, and allowing creativity to guide us without ego.

    Creativity demands letting go of fixed ideas and being open to destruction as much as creation. This cycle of feedback, iteration, and learning is not just how we develop lumii; it's a philosophy for innovation. It's about understanding that progress is a journey of continuous improvement, driven by a balance between realism and optimism.

    As we move forward, the experience of refining lumii has been a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance, the insights gained from each failure, and the clarity that comes from focusing on the process. Here's to the ongoing journey of lumii, shaped by failures, learnings, and the relentless pursuit of creating something truly valuable for our users.

    Resources:

    * How Jeff Bezos Started Amazon | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips

    * The Creative Act: A Way Of Being By Rick Rubin

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Then contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • Welcome back to the Unreasonable Art of Living, where today we're exploring how your chronotype can elevate your productivity and well-being.

    A chronotype is your body's natural clock, influencing when you feel alert or sleepy. By aligning your daily activities with this internal clock, you can reach new heights of productivity and maintain a healthier lifestyle. As a certified High Flow coach, I've seen firsthand the incredible benefits of living in sync with your chronotype.

    In this episode, I break down the science behind chronotypes, how they differ from circadian rhythms, and their impact on your life. Understanding which of the four main chronotypes—Bear, Lion, Wolf, or Dolphin—you are, allows you to tailor your day for optimal performance.

    My personal discovery as a Lion transformed how I schedule my day, boosting both my productivity and health. I encourage you to find your chronotype using the self-assessment test linked in the show notes. It's a simple step that could dramatically change your approach to daily life.

    This conversation is about more than just productivity; it's an invitation to live more harmoniously with your natural rhythms. I'm excited to hear your experiences and questions as we embark on this journey together. Understanding and applying the science of flow and chronotypes isn't just about getting more done—it's about enhancing your overall quality of life. Let's unlock our full potential by embracing our natural tendencies.

    Resources:

    * Find Out Your Chronotype

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Then contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this episode of the I dive into the thrilling and nerve-wracking early access launch of lumii, our holistic well-being app focused on self-awareness. I share the blend of excitement and vulnerability that comes with releasing something I've poured my heart into, emphasizing the importance of creating with love and passion. This, I believe, is what truly resonates with users.

    I also talk about the inevitable presence of bugs in software development, likening it to natural processes where imperfections occur. It's a normal part of creating complex systems, and every bug reported by our early users is an opportunity to improve lumii. Their feedback has been invaluable, leading to rapid iterations and enhancements that better align with their needs and desires.

    Personal discipline and maintaining a balance between work, health, and well-being have been crucial during this intense phase. I stress the importance of meditation and structuring my day around my peak performance times, or "chronotype," to stay focused and productive without burning out. Despite the temptation to work late into the night, I've reminded myself of the diminishing returns of prolonged work hours and the value of rest and recovery for creativity and problem-solving.

    The goal is to work smarter, not harder, by aligning work practices with one's natural rhythms and achieving a state of deep, focused work that maximizes output in minimal time.

    The collaborative spirit of this project has been a source of joy and inspiration, and I'm eager to continue co-creating with our users to make lumii an even more impactful tool for self-awareness and holistic well-being.

    Thank you for tuning in, and if you're interested in trying out lumii and being part of this journey, I encourage you to visit lumii.io to join us. Your support and feedback are what drive this project forward, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this adventure with you.

    Resources:

    * lumii.io

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Then contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @avocadohooman



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this episode, I explore the concept of 'Flow', a unique state of consciousness where one is completely immersed in an activity, leading to heightened focus and creativity.

    I kick off the episode with exciting news from lumii, our innovative team that's now grown to four members. We were thrilled to introduce two new team members - Maximilian Freiler, a leading Wim Hof instructor in Europe, and Miika Kuisma, an exceptional front-end engineer and musician. Maximilian is set to create an exclusive mini-podcast series about the Wim Hof method, while Miika will be composing music for our lumii app’s guided meditations.

    For our first-time listeners, lumii is more than just an app. It’s a comprehensive method designed to help you assess and improve various aspects of your life with the support of expertly curated tools and guidance. We're on the brink of launching early access to lumii. If you also want to get early access, visit lumii.io!

    On a personal note, I am now a High Flow coach, certified by the Flow Research Collective. This organization, steered by the renowned neuroscientist Steven Kotler, dedicates itself to the neuroscience of peak human performance, focusing especially on the state of flow.

    The main segment of this episode delves into the intricacies of Flow. This state is where work feels almost effortless, and you find yourself completely absorbed in what you're doing. It's characterized by a sense of fluidity and an almost out-of-body experience in productivity.

    Flow is not just a fleeting moment of clarity; it's backed by extensive research. Over ten thousand papers have examined flow, linking it to enhanced learning, creativity, and productivity.

    Achieving flow is a skill that can be cultivated. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the father of flow, along with Steven Kotler, have identified several key aspects to achieving this state. These include recognizing and eliminating flow blockers like phone distractions, enhancing flow proneness by optimizing one's physiology and environment, utilizing flow triggers such as clear goals and immediate feedback, and understanding the flow cycle which emphasizes the importance of recovery after achieving flow.

    Looking ahead, I plan to delve deeper into each aspect of flow, offering more insights and practical tips in our upcoming episodes.

    Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on harnessing the power of flow in our lives. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.

    Links:

    * Flow Research Collective

    * Jeff Bezos on banning PowerPoint in meetings at Amazon

    Feedback, questions, or wanna simply say hi? Then contact me at [email protected] or on Instagram @thehighflowcoach



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In this episode, I dive into a personal and passionate topic of mine: creativity as a birthright. I start by sharing my recent experiences with the intense development of the lumii app, which has shifted my focus slightly away from the podcast.

    The core message of this episode is about the innate creative potential within each of us, often suppressed by conventional schooling and societal norms. I introduce "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin, a book that struck a chord with me, shedding light on understanding and reclaiming our natural creative instincts. Each chapter is a revelation, inspiring us to embrace our inherent ability to create and innovate.

    I also reflect on my personal journey, from embarking on a PhD to creating a creative storytelling card game. This part of my story emphasizes the importance of divergent thinking and how traditional education systems often hinder this natural inclination. I discuss a NASA study on creativity, which shows a worrying decline in creative genius from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the negative impact of rigid educational systems.

    A clip from Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk further emphasizes this issue. He discusses how the fear of being wrong inhibits creative expression and how education often 'educates out' our natural creative capacities. I passionately argue that we need to redefine what it means to be an artist, broadening the term to include all forms of creative expression, whether it's in software engineering, surgery, or any other field.

    I encourage you, to embrace your inner creative genius, no matter your profession. The most important thing is the joy found in creation and the importance of loving what you do.

    This episode is not just a discussion on creativity but a personal invitation from me to you, urging you to break free from societal constraints and rediscover the creative genius you were born to be.

    Resources:

    * Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/12/09/how-to-unleash-your-creative-genius-at-work/

    * Ted Talk: https://twentyonetoys.com/blogs/teaching-21st-century-skills/ken-robinson-at-ted

    * Article: https://yourstory.com/2023/10/nasa-study-creative-genius-educational-impact

    * Book: The Creative Act: A Way Of Being



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • In the latest podcast episode, I had the unique opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of remote work with Tamara Sanderson, a visionary with over 15 years of experience in distributed work. Tamara, who has worked across various domains including design at IDEO, tech at Google and Automattic, and finance and strategy at Oliver Wyman and Audax Group, brings a wealth of knowledge and a profound understanding of how remote work can revolutionize our professional lives.

    During our conversation, Tamara shared her insights on why remote work is more than just a working mode; it's a catalyst for freedom, flexibility, and focus. Her journey through different industries has cemented her belief in the transformative power of remote work, emphasizing its potential to enhance autonomy, dignity, and ingenuity among professionals.

    Tamara, along with Ali Greene, has also co-authored 'Remote Works: Managing for Freedom, Flexibility, and Focus. This book is an essential read for anyone navigating the remote work landscape. It offers a comprehensive guide on how to manage remote teams effectively, with practical advice on communication, tool selection, team norms, and productivity. It's an indispensable resource for those ready to rethink and redesign their work life to fit into the digital era.

    In an unexpected yet fascinating twist, our conversation turned toward the psychological concept of Carl Jung’s shadow work. We explored how self-awareness and introspection, central to Jung's theory, can significantly enhance the remote work experience, making it a journey not just of professional growth but personal development as well.

    As we concluded our discussion, it was evident that remote work is more than a fleeting trend. It represents a fundamental shift in how we perceive and approach our professional lives. Tamara's perspectives remind us that work is not just about completing tasks but about creating a lifestyle that resonates with our values and aspirations.

    For anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of remote work, I highly recommend Remote Works: Managing for Freedom, Flexibility, and Focus. It's not just a book; it's a roadmap to a new way of thinking about work and productivity in the remote era. It is worth reading if you are…

    * … an employee working remotely and you want to harness the full potential of remote work

    * … a leader, founder, or CEO, who wants to experiment with remote work but is afraid of doing it

    * … or if you have experienced only negatives with remote work (just at home, endless Zoom calls) and learn how to re-invent your organization, culture, or way of living and working through remote work

    Thank you for joining us in this enlightening episode, and I look forward to bringing you more insights and discussions that challenge the conventional and inspire a new way of professional thinking. Stay tuned!

    Resources:

    * Remote Works: Managing for Freedom, Flexibility, and Focus



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • This week’s episode is a bit of improvisation, as Pete and I initially planned to record the ‘The Unreasonable Awards 2023’, where we give out the most important awards to movies, series, products, and other important things.

    Unfortunately, Pete got a bit sick, so the award ceremony got postponed.

    I know, like millions of other people, I was also disappointed.

    However, this unexpected pause has given me a chance to delve into something deeply personal and perhaps familiar to many of you. Have you ever experienced periods of feeling down, heavy, or even depressed? I've documented these phases over the past 18 months, realizing they're not just unique to me.

    These moments of struggle are often when I'm disconnected from my inner self. They're a signal from my subconscious, urging me to listen more closely. By embracing this inner darkness, I've uncovered beautiful insights. It's a dance of sorts – wrestling and loving the darkness within, reducing outside noise to hear what lies deep inside.

    Have you ever had such periods in your life? Where did embracing your inner struggles lead to greater self-connection and insight?

    Join me in this impromptu episode as we explore the process of birthing ideas from our darkest moments.

    Resources:

    * YouTube: Rick Rubin on Depression

    * Instagram: The Power Of Negativity



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • Happy New Year Everyone!

    In this episode, I talk about my peak POSITIVE and NEGATIVE experiences based on the “Past Year Review”, share with you my learnings, and give you a little outlook for 2024.

    Thank you for listening so far, and tuning in. Can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us.

    Tim Ferris “Past Year Review”:

    1) Grab a notepad and create two columns: POSITIVE and NEGATIVE.2) Go through your calendar from the last year, looking at every week.3) For each week, jot down on the pad any people or activities or commitments that triggered peak positive or negative emotions for that month. Put them in their respective columns.4) Once you’ve gone through the past year, look at your notepad list and ask, “What 20% of each column produced the most reliable or powerful peaks?”5) Based on the answers, take your “positive” leaders and schedule more of them in the new year. Get them on the calendar now! Book things with friends and prepay for activities/events/commitments that you know work. It’s not real until it’s in the calendar. That’s step one. Step two is to take your “negative” leaders, put “NOT-TO-DO LIST” at the top, and put them somewhere you can see them each morning for the first few weeks of 2024. These are the people and things you *know* make you miserable, so don’t put them on your calendar out of obligation, guilt, FOMO, or other nonsense.

    Books:

    * Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman

    * The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • This week’s episode is a short one, and an invitation to play :)

    Allow your inner child to surface.

    To play with your loved ones.

    To believe that the magic in life can be found everywhere.

    As long as we want to look for it.

    It’s refreshing, to sometimes, not take life, and oneself too seriously.

    Merry Christmas everyone

  • Welcome to Episode 28 of the "Unreasonable Art of Living" podcast. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of hosting Maria Vesanen, whose journey from a life of conventional success to one of authentic wholeness is both inspiring and enlightening.

    Maria recounts the days when she was living what society deemed “normal.” Working hard, exceeding expectations, and seeking external validation, Maria appeared “successful.” She was leading a hectic life, managing an international career, overseeing global projects, and traveling for work. Living in the heart of Stockholm, she enjoyed delicious dinners with friends and nice holidays.

    However, beneath this facade of success, Maria felt exhausted. Her body sent alarm signals, and she felt disconnected from herself. A weak voice at the back of her mind kept asking, “Is this what life is about?”

    In early 2020, Maria embarked on a journey of self-discovery. She left her job, began freelancing, and set off for Central America, prioritizing her well-being. Over the next three years, she dedicated her life to personal and spiritual growth, exploring meditation, metaphysics, and various healing modalities.

    Maria's transformation was profound. She began embracing all aspects of herself and expanded her self-awareness, infusing her life with joy and love. This journey led her to redefine her priorities and values, aligning her life with her true self, a state she refers to as authentic wholeness.

    During our conversation, Maria shared her experiences of establishing a second home in El Salvador and becoming a Health and life Coach, marking a new chapter in her journey. Her mission is to foster authentic wholeness in a world dominated by grind culture.

    Maria and I discussed the concept of cognitive load and authenticity. Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process and retain information. Authenticity, Maria explained, reduces cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort caused by conflicting beliefs or values, thereby lowering the cognitive load. Being authentic aligns our internal state with external expression, reducing the need for constant emotional regulation and self-monitoring, which can be mentally taxing.

    Maria's aim as an Authentic Wholeness Coach is to help people walk through life with less exhaustion and more bloom. She believes in prioritizing authentic well-being, honoring individual uniqueness, and promoting a conscious, human-centered world.

    In this episode, Maria's story reminds us that the world is a reflection of our inner realities. When we shift towards authentic wholeness, the world shifts with us, leading to less exhaustion and more bloom. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore the unreasonable art of living authentically.

    Are you ready to find your authentic way of living? Then get in touch with Maria Vesanen.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com
  • Welcome to episode 27 of the "Unreasonable Art of Living" podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the realms of Zen, the practice of Kriya Yoga through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, and the multifaceted world of meditation. As someone who has embarked on this transformative journey alone, I've discovered layers of self-awareness and connectedness that are both challenging and profoundly rewarding.

    We begin by exploring the concept of Zen and its intriguing first step, koans. These puzzling and often paradoxical statements or questions are not just intellectual exercises; they are tools for introspection and spiritual awakening. As we unravel the enigmatic nature of koans, we start to perceive the world and ourselves in a new light.

    We then shift our focus to the Self-Realization Fellowship and its core practice of Kriya Yoga. Here, the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda provide a blueprint for attaining spiritual growth through mindfulness meditation and non-dual meditation. These practices emphasize the unity of all existence and the dissolution of the ego, leading us toward a deeper understanding of our true nature.

    The journey of meditation, as I've personally experienced, begins with a simple yet profound step: calming the body. This initial stage is crucial but can be immensely challenging. The difficulty of quieting the mind and finding inner peace is a common struggle for beginners. However, with persistent effort, the benefits begin to manifest, often subtly at first. In my case, it took around 2-3 years of consistent practice before the transformative effects of meditation became apparent.

    Embracing meditation is a commitment for life. It's akin to maintaining physical fitness; just as we exercise to keep our bodies healthy, we need to nurture our minds and souls to stay spiritually robust. In the Western world, we often forget that we are not merely our physical bodies. This oversight, I believe, is a fundamental cause of suffering. We are complex beings composed of mind, soul, and body, all intricately linked and in constant interaction with the universe and its life force.

    Meditation is indeed hard work, comparable to the effort required to keep our bodies in shape. Through meditation, we develop a heightened sensitivity to our inner world, establishing a direct connection with everything around us. This process transforms us, making us adaptable and fluid like water, and enabling us to flow harmoniously with life's currents.

    Furthermore, meditation is not an isolated activity but an integral part of our daily lives. It calls for cooperation, sensitivity, and intelligence. It frees us from the shackles of envy, greed, and the pursuit of power, which are often the root causes of hostility and discontent.

    In conclusion, meditation is a journey of self-discovery and universal connection. It's a path that demands dedication and patience but offers profound rewards in return. As we embrace this practice, we not only transform ourselves but also positively impact the world around us.

    Until next time, keep exploring, keep meditating, and remember, we are far more than just our bodies. We are interconnected beings, continuously in touch with the universe's vibrant energy.

    Resources:

    * Alan Watts - Zen Bones



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com