On the Path | Issue 6 | June, 2021
On the Path | Issue 6 | June, 2021
A newsletter, written with joy, for the curious, adventurous, and modern-day action-takers of the world.
Summer's here! So is summer travel, and changes in schedules. This is especially relevant in my life since my son is graduating from the 8th grade, starting summer school, and headed to high school in the fall. Between all of that, we're working on summer travel plans of our own to see family members that we haven't seen in about 2 years.
I don't know about you, but I welcome the changes, even though it's disruptive to the very steady, plain, and ordinary schedule that I've maintained since March 2020. There is a certainty, regularity, and "known-ness" that I've become accustomed to, and comfortable with, but it's time to inject some uncertainty, change, and adventure back into life in spite of it's disruptive nature, and I'm EXCITED about it!!
I hope you enjoy what I've got in the newsletter this month. If you do, I'd love to hear from you... let me know what you like, dislike, and perhaps what you'd like to see more of.
Until July...
Andy
PS - If you love this newsletter, please consider forwarding it to someone you care about. They can subscribe here.
On the Path Podcast
OK. So the artwork might not be the greatest, BUT... the content... well, it's DEFINITELY worth a listen (even if I say so myself)!
I've been shooting SHORT (5 min or less), LIVE videos on Facebook and Instagram now for the past year based on topics, conversations, or ideas that come into my head based on life, client conversations, or current events. I didn't realize how many until I sat down to put them all together - over 60 and counting.
Here are a couple of episodes:
Would you do me a HUGE favor?
First... Listen & SUBSCRIBE 😊 (if you like it, that is!)
Second... leave a RATING or REVIEW. Go to Apple Podcasts (any of the links), and give it an honest rating. If you feel you can write something authentic about it after listening to an episode or two, I'd love it if you'd be willing to give it a review too!!
Here's the link to the general podcast page.
THANKS 🙏 in advance!!
Lucid: Learn Visually
About 6 weeks ago, a friend of mine texted to let me know that he had gotten completely off of social media... deleted all his accounts. For me, that wasn't the important part of the email... it was his P.S. that intrigued me.
In it, almost as an afterthought, he said that he had replaced the endless wasted time scrolling through social media feeds with an app called "Lucid". That was all he said. But that's all I needed.
I did a quick search in the App Store, sure enough, found an app called Lucid, and quickly downloaded it.
I knew he was on to something within 30 seconds of opening the app.
Turns out, it's a visual learning app... meaning they've taken many popular books, condensed them down to the most important topics, and put them together in a format with graphics, pictures, and even quizzes to help ensure you retain key concepts from chapters.
I think it's fantastic. I've read "Black Swan" and re-read "How to Change Your Mind". Really enjoyed the process of visual learning and the speed at which I got the main points, and am looking forward to the next batch of titles I consume (note: it does require a monthly or yearly subscription).
Quote I'm Pondering
“Let me respectfully remind you.
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by, and opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive to awaken. AWAKEN.
Take heed.
Do not squander your life.”
~ Zen Evening Gatha
Give Your Eyes & Brain a Break
I've been saying a prayer with my son every night that I put him to bed since I can remember.
Part of that prayer includes setting the intention to live each day like it's the first day of the rest of your life... because it is.
And this short video captures that, plus a whole lot more - the essence of all there is to be grateful for in each and every day.
Sometimes we can all use a reminder.
Give Your Eyes & Brain a Break
In one of my recent videos, I was wearing my blue-blocking glasses. I had a bunch of people ask me about them, so I thought I'd share my source - TrueDark.
They are truly the best and most comfortable blue light blocking glasses that I've ever put on my head (and I've tried quite a few).
In case you don't know the science, the artificial light created by indoor lighting and blue-light sources like your computer monitor, iPad, iPhone, and TV can cause significant strain on your eyes and brain. I tend to notice it after a long day of computer work and zoom meetings (here's more on the real science).
When I slip mine on in the mid-afternoon or early evening, they help to relieve the strain, and if I remember to put them on earlier, they prevent eye and brain strain from coming on at all. They even help to improve my sleep.
If you suffer from headaches, or even just a bit of eye, face, or brain strain, they might be worth a try.
Last but Not Least... Something to Consider
I had Nir Eyal on my podcast a few years back. He's a technology expert who specializes in and has written two bestsellers on the science and psychology of how people become hooked on technology; and on the flip side, how to make yourself in-distractable.
His newsletter is one of the few that I subscribe to.
A few weeks back he came out with this article - a fantastic piece about two specific factors that during COVID, were notably different in teenagers' lives, and had a strong impact (positively) on their mental health (I'll bet you won't guess what they are).
Don't think that just because you don't have a teenager, you shouldn't read the article... these two lifestyle factors are relevant and important for just about anyone.
Enjoy!