Zoom Out a bit

Underratedly one of the hardest things to do in life is getting the 30,000 foot view. One simple way is to buy an airplane ticket and look out the window 15 minutes into the flight. Done.

Another easy way I discovered in college is ___ (you can fill in the blank).

However you may want to get to the clouds, sometimes when you’re in the clouds, it’s a farce. You smoked a joint, yet you’re not gaining clarity. You’re on a plane, yet it’s turbulent.

So how can we properly find a way as humans to effectively find that 30,000 foot view and prime ourselves to get to that view and enjoy it for everything that it offers?

5 minute timer instituted.

I can spend 3 hours writing about the subject but I’m in Fire Island and have to get on with the night.

My method — change your environment. For me, it was going to the beach and spending the day with a cousin with the phone in airplane mode. No one to answer or tend to. Throw on some music, listen to the water, and just breathe. Focus. It takes work. It’s not easy to get to a very mindful state. The ocean crashing helps, but once you’re there — focused and locked in on the present moment. You made it to step 1.

Be Present

Once you’re here, often in social settings, it’s hard to break away. The bathroom doesn’t count. Defintiely doesn’t count. Go for a walk. 15 minutes. Put on some music and at least for me, I’m in the proper headspace to effectively zoom out and sit in my thoughts. For so many people I could imagine this is an uncomfortable place. I’ve been there, sitting in my own discomfort. But the more you do this over time, the greater the benefits are. And now I view it as recalibration time. I could spend 3 hours trying to solve a problem at my computer seemingly “working” but within 30 seconds on a beach with the waves crashing, problem is solved effortlessly. All it takes is a little priming

Create Space

Working harder doesn’t always solve problems. Sometimes, it’s just the opposite. Take an intentional break, give yourself space, zoom out, and you’ll thank yourself later.

-Jack