Weird subject line right? LOL.

It stems from a Naval Ravikant concept that finding peace, and being present, is an extremely elusive concept to human beings. Which is why practicing meditation is so important to improving mental health. It helps with both!

An easy example of this elusiveness of presence, the shower.

Why can't I just be present and enjoy the hot water on my skin? Why do I have to think about all that didn't get done, or needs to be done.

Another example, brushing your teeth.

Half the time I don't even realizing I am brushing my teeth because I am so lost in my own mind thinking about things.

Do you also notice all the thoughts that run through your head during moments like above?

If not, I want you to do an experiment today and see what thoughts come about when you are in these moments.

Okay we are going to completely pivot this conversation to what I truly wanted to talk about this morning. They do relate though.

PAIN = PRESENCE.

The human experience with pain is an interesting one. Most people do their best to avoid it, yet if you are like me, it is almost like you have an addiction to it.

And no, I am not talking about all types of pain.

I am talking about the pain of lifting weights, or going for a run, or sitting in an ice bath for 5+ minutes, or heck, sitting still for 20 minutes and meditating with no distractions.

The pain of pushing yourself to a level you once thought you had no chance reaching.

This type of pain brings a presence to my mind, body, and spirit that I think many people are struggling to find today.

Which is why I am even talking about it in the first place.

People may see me on the outside and say that "he exercises too much, or he's obsessed with what he eats/doesn't eat and he can't just 'chill'," or the fact that I will literally bail on meetings and other things because I NEED to get outside at least for some portion of the day.

^^^ I used to view this as a problem WITH ME.

Yet, what I have come to realize...

1. Obesity epidemic - there is a very concerning problem with the majority of everyone else in America.
2. ADHD medicine being prescribed to millions - there is a legit problem with our "healthcare" system (adults and kids ARE NOT MEANT TO SIT AT DESKS ALL DAMN DAY... put them outside and let them play, there would be no such thing as "ADHD").
3. I spend less time exercising/etc, than the average person spends watching TV every day (it is roughly 4 hours, crazy right?) I don't even have cable.

It is a statistical FACT that there are many problems with the large majority of everyone else.

And nobody seems to be talking about it because that would hurt their feelings and ego.

Again, my lifestyle is NOT the problem.

Why did I ever think it was?

I used to allow others to make me feel like it was.

I am not the crazy one. Well, we are all a bit crazy, but you know what I mean. :)

Putting yourself through good types of pain, and gaining presence of mind/body/spirit IS NOT BAD. IT IS NOT CRAZY. IT IS HUMAN.

Sitting down inside all day, for hours on end at a desk, pecking like a chicken...watching TV/Netflix for 4+ hours a day, eating processed garbage... IT IS NOT THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE THAT THE UNIVERSE INTENDED FOR US.

And I beg you to realize this and help me fight against it.

Humans were/are ...

1. Meant to move.
2. Meant to play.
3. Meant to be in communities.
4. Meant to challenge ourselves to grow as people.
5. Meant to do things, sometimes "painful" things, that bring peace and presence.

And sadly, most are either not doing any of the 5 above, or those around them are trying to take away the ability to do those things.

My mission here on earth is to inspire you, and everyone around you, to THRIVE... and if you lean into allowing good pain to bring you presence/peace, and you challenge yourself to do more of the 5 things above, you will find yourself LIVING a better life. I promise you this.

#thriveon

CJ

p.s. today I am grateful that I got to see one of my mentees, and partner in business, Hamza speak at a panel at University of Austin. This is his last semester of college. I met him when he was a freshmen, so last night was my first experience as a "coach" seeing someone grow up right before my eyes. I hope to have many of these moments in my lifetime because of the joy it brought me.