Engage in radical self-inquiry to clearly see and acknowledge personal problems and delusions, combining it with radical self-acceptance to welcome and integrate all aspects of oneself, especially fears and ‘messiness’.
Strive to align your inner self with your outer presentation, and when caught in moments of misalignment or shame, practice self-regulation to regain balance.
Continuously strive to ‘just keep opening’ to experiences as they are, rather than resisting or trying to control them, as this fosters deeper understanding.
Engage in meditation to cultivate resilience for the inevitable challenges of daily life, rather than seeking perfect meditation experiences or using it for self-recrimination or self-aggrandizement.
When distracted during meditation, gently return to the breath and intention without immediate self-judgment; if judgment arises, observe it mindfully before redirecting attention back to the breath.
Extend mindfulness to everyday situations, such as waiting in line, by observing feelings like anger with curiosity, compassion, and humor, recognizing your own contribution to suffering.
Become aware of ‘if only’ thoughts that externalize happiness and lead to suffering, and actively challenge this pattern of outsourcing your sense of well-being.
Engage in ‘charnel ground practice’ by intentionally going to and exploring the places that most scare you, embracing raw and visceral life experiences to foster growth.
Consider engaging in long-term therapy or psychoanalysis for deep self-understanding and healing, as demonstrated by the speaker’s 24-year relationship with his therapist.
Aim for a daily meditation practice, establishing a consistent time (e.g., morning) and a dedicated, sacred spot to reinforce intention and build habit.
Use Shamatha (breath awareness) as your primary meditation technique, focusing on the breath as the object of your meditation to anchor your attention.
Sit for meditation anywhere from five minutes to an hour, adjusting the duration based on how you are feeling and your current capacity to maintain consistency.
If it aids your practice, use a timer, incense, and a candle to create a sense of sacredness in your meditation space, but ensure these rituals do not become a form of spiritual bypassing from actual inner work.
Break out of self-focus to practice compassion and empathy by actively listening to and understanding the struggles of others, offering support without needing to ‘fix’ anything.
Read books like ‘When Things Fall Apart’ by Pema Chodron, ‘Let Your Life Speak’ by Parker Palmer, and ‘Faith’ by Sharon Salzberg for insights into self-reflection, depression, and spiritual practice.
Visit reboot.io to access free five-day reboots, guided practices, and peer support groups designed to explore the existential relationship with work and self.