All aboard the self-discovery ship.

Discovering myself onboard a cruise, becoming OK with being wrong, my favorite Myers-Briggs test, and more

Hi friend!

After my health issues from last year, I made radical changes to my lifestyle and every day. Along with that, many of my closest friendships had evolved. Most dissipated and I was thrust into a whole new world where many of the people I would go to for emotional support were not there anymore. I thought that I had worked through this, but the cruise was a reminder that this work is not complete.

This week, I share with you a few things.

Whenever I am harboring disagreement or conflict with someone, I throw myself into Metta: loving-kindness meditations. I realize that holding onto negative feelings like anger, resentment and upset comes from the hurt ego. By focusing my energy on love and kindness, I can forgive and let go of these negative feelings. Ultimately, to free up space and attention to the things that truly matter.

As a part of my travels, trying something different with daily unscripted and raw vlogs. I created a daily(-ish) Eat, Pray, Love adventure video blog series where you can follow along each day.

Lastly, I am headed to the first of my 6 meditation destinations at Insight Meditation Society this week. The time has come! There, I surrender all of my devices and attention to become a student once again. Hope to have insights to share with you all.

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When's the Last Time You Said: "I Was Wrong"?

Discovered this Vox essay on intellectual humility - the openness to be wrong. A bit of a lengthy piece, but a great collection of research shining the light on our "blind spots". We are blind to our ignorance and prejudice - the more we can shift our perspective outside of us, the more we can truly grow.

As a part of this year, I'm going to try to change my mind about something this year. Embracing and relishing in being wrong.

The Only Myers-Briggs Test You Need

Most of you know, I am obsessed with taking personality tests. I did 16 Personalities years back and it is the test that just keeps giving. Unlike most assessments that harass you with more products or services, 16 Personalities sends additional insights once a month without the upsells. The extra insights range from love to work communication and most are not available on their website.

I got ENFJ (Protagonist) and their description fits me pretty well. Reliable, altruistic, but sometimes a bit too selfless and easily caught up in other's emotions.

Curious to see what you got and if it fits you!

While I'm Here in Austin

A timely article popped up on my feed about a story of a bank robbery here in Austin, Texas. The catch? He was blind with only one foot. Lengthy and eye-opening (no pun intended) piece on why a previously successful computer programmer resorted to robbing a bank.

Why Meditation is Here to Stay

One week ago, Calm (a meditation app) became the first mental health unicorn (company valuation of $1B).

I've been a huge advocate of these meditation apps and the velocity of their growth indicates that mindfulness is just getting started.

For those of you looking to start a daily meditation practice, I highly recommend Headspace. They have meditation practices as short as 1 minute that can integrate into even the busiest calendars.

As always, thanks for reading!

P.S. If you enjoyed this, share or sign up here: mindfulmoments.substack.com

Anything else? You can always hit "reply" to email me directly. 💌

Have a beautiful day!

Metta (loving-kindness),
Steven

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