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- The Quest Newsletter
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Today at a glance:
Quote: Impact of our Attention
Ideas: Meaning, Systems, and Breathing
Article: Have More Fun
Tweet: Maps
Question: Life Trajectory
Quote
John Mark Comer on how our attention impacts who we become:
“What you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way: the mind is the portal to the soul, and what you fill your mind with will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to.”
Related to this, I’ve been thinking a lot about my phone usage lately. My screen time has been atrocious at times. This week I deleted every app that my brain mindlessly goes to and my screen time has been down 80%. Not only have I had more time but I’ve also had more energy.
Less phone time means I’m not constantly in this fight-or-flight, emergency mode looking for the next hit of dopamine. Studies show more screen time leads to more acute stress AND chronic stress. No thanks.
Ideas From Me
I.
We think we want a life of leisure.
We don't.
A life of ease and comfort doesn't lead to fulfillment.
It leads to boredom.
Something deep inside of us longs for meaningful pursuits.
No challenges = depression
Too many challenges = burnout
Right amount of challenges = flow
II.
The system of your life is perfectly designed for the results you’re getting.
If you don’t like it, change it.
III.
The “Physiological Sigh” is a powerful breathing technique that can quickly lower stress and anxiety.
• Double-inhale through your nose
• Long exhale through your mouth
• Repeat 4-5x
Research shows that just a couple minutes of breathwork is enough to reduce stress and anxiety.
Check out this video from Dr. Huberman demonstrating it.
Article
“Happiness is a state of mind. But fun is something you can do. It doesn’t require education, money, or power. All it requires is intentionality. If happiness is a mirage, fun is your backyard oasis.”
What if the answer to some of your biggest problems was more fun? I’ve been exploring this idea of how “play” impacts well-being for adults.
A fun read here.
Tweet
Really neat Twitter thread here on maps from Tomas Pueyo. I can’t believe how big Africa actually is.
Maps twist our perception of the world
Here are 20 to rethink it:1. Countries closer to the equator (~poorer) seem smaller than they are
(map by @neilrkaye)
— Tomas Pueyo (@tomaspueyo)
11:56 PM • Apr 14, 2023
Question
Will your current lifestyle lead to your desired future? If not, what changes can you make to alter your trajectory?
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Make it a great weekend.
Much love,
Beau Burns
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