And Perfectly Still, I Remain

As I sit here for my morning meditation, I remind myself that I am in control. I am breaking the habit of being myself, as Dr. Joe Dispenza would say.

The urge is there to jump straight into work, check my phone, answer messages, or get a workout in. But instead, I pause.

I choose to honor my values.

I have three core values that guide my decisions.

1. Awareness and Truth

The first is living with both awareness and truth.

Truth without awareness can leave us stuck in the past or projecting into the future. Awareness without truth can be misleading.

For example, I can be aware that I enjoy my work. I can be aware that there are emails to answer, opportunities to pursue, and tasks to complete. But awareness alone can become an excuse.

I can convince myself to skip meditation because work is productive and work feels important.

The deeper truth, however, is that I enjoy meditation even more. The truth is that starting my day grounded, centered, and intentional creates the life I want to live.

So I choose meditation.

2. Freedom

My second value is freedom.

Freedom has two dimensions: freedom to and freedom from.

Freedom to live life on my terms often requires financial freedom, physical health, energy, and the ability to choose how I spend my time.

Freedom from is the freedom from a restless mind. It is the ability to quiet the noise, slow down the constant stream of thoughts, and experience peace.

I pursue both.

I create a freer mind through meditation.

I create financial freedom by building meaningful and successful businesses.

I create physical freedom by taking care of my body, moving regularly, and investing in my health.

3. Adventure, Experience, and Learning

My final value is adventure, experience, and learning.

I choose to play every day.

I choose to hike, swim in rivers, practice yoga, cook a new meal, explore a new place, and chase experiences that make me feel alive.

I choose to learn.

I choose to remain curious.

I choose to spend my limited time on this planet creating stories, memories, and growth rather than simply accumulating accomplishments.

Work matters.

But life matters more.

When I drift toward productivity for productivity’s sake, I return to my values.

I return to awareness and truth.

I return to freedom.

I return to adventure.

And perfectly still, I remain.