I spend a few hours driving each day, and although I don’t want driving to be a part of my long term lifestyle, I have found ways to make the most of my time while driving. I enjoy music, podcasts, and other things, but I have found that a more directed form of learning is best. I recently purchased an app that teaches languages, and have been using the app for a few weeks. Podcasts are also great, but it can become scattered and disperse the focus from learning about a specific topic. Recently, Tim Ferris, Rhonda Patrick, and Joe Rogan have all been on the trend interviewing people about nutrition and I feel more empowered about the topic, not as an expert, but someone who is able to better prioritize and understand my needs.
A common trend I’ve noticed from listening to top performers in different fields is an existing morning meditation or act of mindfulness. This is a morning routine that sets a priority to a structured routine in the morning to win the day. The morning routine is an opportunity to prioritize your own needs so that you are able to satisfy the needs of everyone else. The routine allows you to find consistency in your otherwise scattered and busy day. Recently I’ve found a drastic improvement in my ability to manage my busy schedule, and the only difference has been a consistent morning Wim Hof breathing and meditation session.
I believe the self talk that takes place during the meditation sessions are critical. Headspace is a wonderful app that establishes a concrete set of mantras to think about in silence. While Wim Hof directs us to find connection and focus. I enjoy both. Although not my first choice for meditation, I’ve become quite accustomed to my morning meditation taking place while in my parked car after getting through the commute. I am able to get to my destination in lighter traffic and engage in my meditation with few distractions. (I used to spend the nights in my car while I was in graduate school, so the idea of a 10-15 minute meditation session in the car doesn’t bother me at all) Ideally, I would do it in our garden or outdoors, but I haven’t been able to work that into my routine.
Establishing that routine is critical. Just like you would make a morning coffee or get in the shower, brush your teeth or put on your clothes, establish a routine that gives you some introspection. A chance to connect with your breathing. To visualize. To have gratitude. Doing so will make a difference in your day.
This difference is especially applicable to our current times. At the moment our attention is directed to the phone from the very first thing at the beginning of the day to the very last at the end of the day. A routine of meditation allows us to break away from that pattern where we get sucked into the world of social media and distractions on the phone. This is a way to super charge your phone use to promote your morning routine practices.
The two apps I recommend for people who are looking to learn and explore more about meditation and mindfulness:
Try some of the tutorials available and decide for yourself what you enjoy doing. Ultimately, it should be something you enjoy because you need to enjoy the activity for it to be consistency. And consistency is the key to gaining the benefits of your practice.
You are a brilliant dude Elliot.