Transforming Pain Archives · Page 11 of 24

Waiting For The River To Flow

Published on February 12, 2023

There are days when everything just flows. When you wake up on time feeling refreshed; when your clothes fit great; when you walk more confidently, speak more clearly, find the right words more easily. Days when even your muse is feeling you and waltzes in on cue.

It’s on days like this where the very essence of life comes crashing down over otherwise untouched canvas. Days where blank pores and blinking cursors get filled with statements of unique existence. Days that leave you in awe as you look back on what feels like vanished time because of a hypnotism from a higher power.

…And then there are days when everything just doesn’t.

The key to more days like the former is to keep showing up on the days that feel like the latter. Because while waiting for the river to flow might seem like an appropriate strategy… the frequently overlooked truth is: the river never stops flowing.

Only our temporary moods and comfort-seeking egos make it seem that way in how they fog up and misguide our minds. Some of my best pieces were written on days when I “wasn’t feeling it.” Some of my favorite art was created by artists who dragged their feet. Some of the greatest insights were unveiled by those who forcefully cut their way through mental fog.

The river never stops flowing.

It’s only when we stop doing the dirty work required to access it that it “suddenly” disappears.

P.s. In case you missed it, you can read the best of what I posted to MoveMe Quotes last week, here.

I’m Willing To Work On That

Published on February 10, 2023

Anyone who says “That’s just how I am” (or something along those lines) is fixed in their ways and isn’t interested in changing.

Don’t waste any additional effort on trying to change / influence their mind if they believe their behaviors / actions are innate / unchangeable.

We all have the ability to change.

But, not until we can at least admit it to ourselves and adopt the mindset of “I’m willing to work on that.”

The Walk From Lonely To Alone

Published on January 28, 2023

“Lonely” is the state of being avoidant and discontent with yourself—an indication that inner work is required.

“Alone” is the state of being present and content with yourself—a healthy indication of inner acceptance.

The transition from lonely to alone will vary in difficulty one person to the next.

But, in each case, when we start small and commit to incremental increases in things like journaling, meditating, solo walking, etc… we can slowly head in the direction of alone.

Which, is an imperative direction to head as being without people will only increase as we grow older. Better to learn the skill now and acclimate before you’re thrusted into the position, unprepared later.

Expert Inner-Workers

Published on January 15, 2023

Normalize people working with expert inner-workers (therapists) so that they can better understand the inner-workings that drive literally 100% of their experience of life.

Placing (and accepting) a stigma on this is to rob people of a chance to live their most fulfilled life.

Onto The Endless List

Published on January 13, 2023

Do not think that today will come without challenges.

To think so would be naive and in contradiction to the countless challenging days that have come before.

No.

Instead, think that today’s challenges will be met with the inner strength, resilience, and resolve that has helped you overcome the endless list of the challenges that have come at you before.

And with this… head into your day with your posture straight, mindset ready, and smile on for whichever sorry challenge makes its way onto your path first.

Because onto that endless list it too shall go.

P.s. I’m giving away the first 3 meditations from my new guide away for free to anyone who shares it—on social media or wherever. If this is you and I missed you, reply to this email and I’ll send them to you asap! And if you don’t really do social media, reply and I’ll send them to you anyway :)

This Too Shall Pass (Sooner)

Published on January 6, 2023

Whatever hardship you’re going through right now remember: This too shall pass.

…What you do while it passes, however, is worth talking about, too.

Try and suppress, ignore, hide, or run and the passing will take longer.

Remain present, open, reflective, soft, and connected (to yourself and others)—and the passing will come sooner.

Time shouldn’t be the end-all-be-all strategy.

Inner work is the real means for having this, too, pass… and sooner.

P.s. I shared a book update today. 👀

Undeniable Luck

Published on January 1, 2023

I can think back to several times in my life when I could’ve easily died.

Times when I was really sick
Times when I acted recklessly
Times when I’ve been in the path of others who were acting recklessly

And I think about all the proud things I’ve done since those days.

And I think about all of the beautiful interactions I’ve had with others since those days.

And I think about how much progress I’ve made on my path towards self-actualization since those days.

And all of this reminds me that luck is undeniably a part of my life’s equation.

Because I think of the countless others… people whom I knew personally… people who were younger than I… people who were stronger than I… people who acted less recklessly than I… people who were wholesome, good-hearted people… people who were met with just one thread of bad luck…

…And it was there that it all ended for them.

And I think about how this could’ve been me 10, 20, 30 years ago.

And I think about how much I would’ve missed if it had been.

And I think about how there’s no guarantee which way luck goes for any of us moving forward.

And it is with this in mind, that I do my damn best to make sure I don’t waste a single one of these gifts that are bundled up in moments that others would’ve given literally ANYTHING for.

…And I hope, with this in mind, you might do the same, too.