There are days when I find it challenging to shake off a bad mood, and most often when I do, it’s because someone has noticed and asked. Rarely happens. Much more often, I find myself recognizing the moods of the children at my school and talk to them. Sometimes they share. Sometimes they can’t, but they do always appreciate that someone noticed, and it often changes their day…and allows them to think.
I believe that this is on the hierarchy of needs. Your physical and emotional needs are more pressing to the body and mind, so when they aren’t fulfilled, you are literally not in a state of mind to do your best thinking.
Have you had any hangovers since the philosophical one?
How many comments have you received on the vest? I’m sure the people on your commute have gotten accustomed to it now. Isn’t it typically the same people day after day?
And yes, do get a fair few comments on the vest. Mostly people talking about their own phone use, mostly describing themselves as being uniquely addicted. After hearing that a few dozen times you tend to believe they might not be so unique!
I agree, 3) is the main driver in most things. Yes, all the good physical things you do helps, but it also helps when you "try" and approach life with a positive perspective. I have to use "try" as it is not natural for me. It's at least helping me not dwell on the bad moods and extend them to everything; to get over the hangover faster. The device helps distract, but doesn't help process.
"The device helps distract, but doesn't help process" is such a good line. I think I could get a tattoo of that.
And raises some really interesting questions, definitely going to give this a lot of thought. My initial reaction is, circular as it sounds, I feel like the energy and instinct to "try" for me also comes from (3). That if I've used the phone heavily, the basal ganglia (habit centre) is running a script that bypasses the prefrontal cortex (intentional choice) entirely. So for me at least the "trying" disappears entirely in those moments.
This post kept twisting and bending my mind. That’s a hell of experience 😂
The bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6a; “be anxious for nothing. And also in Mathew 6:27 ESV, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Pay attention to the things that matter and let go of the ones you can’t control. You will be freer.
That is such a kind comment. Honestly really made me smile. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it. Have to say really bent my mind out of shape writing it too :-)
And that verse from Matthew is excellent - will definitely take it with me into the long hours ahead!
Here come the external factors 😂 I think it’s a brave thing to do and good on you for doing it.
It’s also a very hard job to separate the thoughts/feelings from who and how you truly are in reality! The fact that you’re so intentional about noticing patterns and good at discerning where thoughts originate is already very impressive.
External factor hugely appreciated! And very effective!
Thank you, that's extremely kind of you to say so. Though I'm only counting out loud the hours on the train, I should make doubly clear I got started with meditation before I stepped on the commute. (Indeed it was learning how to meditate that convinced me this was a good idea!) I plan to write a bit more about that (very interesting) experience in upcoming posts - definitely helped give me the tools to see things a bit more clearly now.
What you are doing is fucking brilliant. Hands down. And you should 100% keep it up.
I have read all of your articles and the ones you linked from others. Time for me to start joining in with you. Look for something from me very soon about this.
There are days when I find it challenging to shake off a bad mood, and most often when I do, it’s because someone has noticed and asked. Rarely happens. Much more often, I find myself recognizing the moods of the children at my school and talk to them. Sometimes they share. Sometimes they can’t, but they do always appreciate that someone noticed, and it often changes their day…and allows them to think.
I believe that this is on the hierarchy of needs. Your physical and emotional needs are more pressing to the body and mind, so when they aren’t fulfilled, you are literally not in a state of mind to do your best thinking.
Have you had any hangovers since the philosophical one?
How many comments have you received on the vest? I’m sure the people on your commute have gotten accustomed to it now. Isn’t it typically the same people day after day?
Far too many hangovers unfortunately!
And yes, do get a fair few comments on the vest. Mostly people talking about their own phone use, mostly describing themselves as being uniquely addicted. After hearing that a few dozen times you tend to believe they might not be so unique!
Maybe one day there will be a shift of the pendulum…after realization….probably when some massive shit hits the fan.
Reading this is getting me excited about my phone-free week. Thanks for your honesty and humour.
It seems like your vest keeps you under control. (Pause. Breath.) I wonder what keeps me under control.
I must say it has taken on a surprising variety of roles throughout this. Very curious.
If you haven't read Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks, you should, you'll be able to relate more than most!!
Thank you for the recommendation! I remember wanting to read that years ago, and never got round to it. Definitely back on the list.
I agree, 3) is the main driver in most things. Yes, all the good physical things you do helps, but it also helps when you "try" and approach life with a positive perspective. I have to use "try" as it is not natural for me. It's at least helping me not dwell on the bad moods and extend them to everything; to get over the hangover faster. The device helps distract, but doesn't help process.
Thank you, really interesting point.
"The device helps distract, but doesn't help process" is such a good line. I think I could get a tattoo of that.
And raises some really interesting questions, definitely going to give this a lot of thought. My initial reaction is, circular as it sounds, I feel like the energy and instinct to "try" for me also comes from (3). That if I've used the phone heavily, the basal ganglia (habit centre) is running a script that bypasses the prefrontal cortex (intentional choice) entirely. So for me at least the "trying" disappears entirely in those moments.
This post kept twisting and bending my mind. That’s a hell of experience 😂
The bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6a; “be anxious for nothing. And also in Mathew 6:27 ESV, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Pay attention to the things that matter and let go of the ones you can’t control. You will be freer.
That is such a kind comment. Honestly really made me smile. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it. Have to say really bent my mind out of shape writing it too :-)
And that verse from Matthew is excellent - will definitely take it with me into the long hours ahead!
Here come the external factors 😂 I think it’s a brave thing to do and good on you for doing it.
It’s also a very hard job to separate the thoughts/feelings from who and how you truly are in reality! The fact that you’re so intentional about noticing patterns and good at discerning where thoughts originate is already very impressive.
External factor hugely appreciated! And very effective!
Thank you, that's extremely kind of you to say so. Though I'm only counting out loud the hours on the train, I should make doubly clear I got started with meditation before I stepped on the commute. (Indeed it was learning how to meditate that convinced me this was a good idea!) I plan to write a bit more about that (very interesting) experience in upcoming posts - definitely helped give me the tools to see things a bit more clearly now.
What you are doing is fucking brilliant. Hands down. And you should 100% keep it up.
I have read all of your articles and the ones you linked from others. Time for me to start joining in with you. Look for something from me very soon about this.