In a world of constant distraction and endless scrolling, we've lost the ability to be still. This solo episode explores why self-reflection is the cornerstone of personal growth and how learning to slow down can transform your life. Using the powerful analogy of still water reflecting your image, Wes shares his personal journey from chaos to clarity, including his transformative experience living in a monastery for six weeks.
In this episode, we cover:
- The neuroscience of autopilot living - Why 80% of what we do is subconscious and how intentional reflection helps us break free from simply "skimming the surface" of our lives to align our actions with our values and goals.
- Wes's monastery story - How childhood trauma, ADHD, and an inability to be still led to a six-week monastery stay that completely transformed his relationship with silence, stillness, and self-awareness.
- Practical reflection frameworks - Daily morning intentions and evening check-ins (what went well, what didn't, what did I learn), weekly pattern analysis, and monthly life assessments across all major areas, plus specific tools like journaling, walking, and meditation apps.
- The Sufi fire metaphor - Understanding the difference between knowing about stillness, feeling stillness, and being consumed by it - and why breakthrough moments only happen when we create space for them in our overstimulated lives.
Resources:
- Substack Newsletter: "Lessons I Learned Living in a Monastery"
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