HUMILITY — Imitate Socrates.
Simply being is easy to understand but difficult to embody. In week six I tried to point at the moon, while hoping my pointing finger didn’t draw your attention instead.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
WE CREATE OUR OWN STRUGGLES — “All the stress, all the frustrations and disappointments, all the busyness and rushing … we create these with attachments in our heads. By letting go, we can relax and live more simply.” ~ Leo Babauta
In week five we tried the tiniest taste of capturing our thoughts. Reflection is a power tool for self-improvement. Journaling—and there are many kinds—is another.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
WHAT IS MY TALK-TO-LISTEN RATIO? — It’s better to listen to understand, rather than to, (for example,) listen to refute. Silence is fine provided one’s own thoughts are pleasant company. When speaking, think first about why you are about to say whatever it is you’re about to say.
Awareness occupied our practice during our fourth week. Inward. Outward. Simply being aware is awesome.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
How do individuals navigate transformation and mindset shifts in their personal and professional lives, and what role does reflection and intentionality play in fostering deeper connections and growth?
Transformation is often thought of as a particular turning point, but Vivian Carrasco views it as a daily practice. She discusses stillness, shifting your mindset, and her touch stones. Vivi unpacks her thoughts on transformation, and how podcasting fits into her journey. She shares her personal practices, thoughts on success, and reflections on her beginnings and her own path.
When I was going through my transformation, the biggest pain point for me was when you have a loved one that’s closer. Even my kids are like, ‘Why are you changing? You’re good the way you are.’ That will pull you back. […] The bus is going to come again and you can get on. The one thing that I want to say to your listeners is: You didn’t miss your opportunity. It’s going to come back around. You’re being invited to open, to change, to have a new way of thinking. It’s just going to come again. You didn’t miss the bus.
~ Vivian Carrasco (30:41)
Vivian Carrasco is a wisdom teacher, mindset mentor, and podcaster based in Fort Worth, Texas. She encourages and coaches people to Love.Being.Human(tm), helping them find their truth, overcome fear, and move forward on their heart’s path. Vivian works one on one with individuals, and also created Within (U)niversity, an online platform for people to come together on their journey of living from their core.
The conversation explores the nuanced nature of personal transformation as a gradual process rooted in daily practices. It highlights the importance of stillness, patience, and self-reflection as vital tools for navigating change. The discussion ties these ideas to metaphors such as the “fan belt,” which represents interconnectedness and the continuous flow of energy between humanity and love.
Other topics include the role of movement in childhood and its connection to freedom and identity. Rituals and meaningful moments, such as family dinners, are emphasized as ways to foster connections and align with one’s values. The conversation also goes into the evolution of mindset shifts, viewing life as an iterative process similar to laundry, where growth is incremental and ongoing.
Takeaways
Transformation as a practice — It is a continual and incremental process rather than a single turning point.
Role of movement — Movement is connected to freedom, play, and a natural regulation of the body and mind.
Significance of rituals — Rituals create intentional and meaningful connections with others.
Daily practices — Regular small actions can lead to significant shifts in mindset and personal growth.
Metaphors for life — Using relatable metaphors, like a fan belt, can provide clarity and connection in understanding life’s complexities.
Evolution of identity — Mindset shifts involve moving away from fixed roles and embracing change as an opportunity.
Connection and community — Building meaningful relationships is central to personal well-being and growth.
Reflection on success — Success is subjective and defined by personal alignment with values rather than external measures.
Resources
Within University — Vivian’s online platform designed for community and personal growth.
Movers Mindset Podcast — A podcast exploring movement and mindset-related topics.
Oura Ring — A wearable device discussed for tracking movement and lifestyle patterns.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
CHASTITY — “Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Week three was about the practice itself of reflection; becoming aware explicitly that we are— well, practicing being aware.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
PRACTICE DOING NOTHING, EXQUISITELY — “No need to plan, no need to read, no need to watch something, no need to do a chore or eat while you do nothing. You will start to notice your brain’s habit of wanting to get something done. This exposes our mental habits, which is a good thing. Keep doing nothing. Sit for awhile, resisting the urge to do something. After some practice, you can get good at doing nothing, and this leads to the mental habit of contentment and gratitude.” ~ Leo Babauta
Our second week was focused on creating a new habit. Do you have your new habit attached to a trigger?
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
TRANQUILLITY — “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
We’re in our final week together. The first week was about creating space. 2 minutes: Pause life. Read. Think. Resume life.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
AM I SELF-AWARE? — The first step in my journey was realizing I was unhappy. This realization — detecting it, understanding it, believing it, surrendering to it, and finally owning it — was the first piece of bedrock on which I started building.
It’s time for the student to become the teacher. What prompts and triggers are you going to create for yourself as you go through your life being your own teacher?
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
CLEANLINESS — “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Do you recall the beginning of this journey? While I created the prompts and the system which you are now enjoying, how will you continue it yourself?
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
GET CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT, AND SAY NO TO MORE THINGS — “We are rarely very clear on what we want. What if we became crystal clear on what we wanted in life? If we knew what we wanted to create, how we wanted to live … we could say yes to these things, and no to everything else. Saying no to more things would simplify our lives.” ~ Leo Babauta
The best choice for medium and method—for prompts, for journaling, for reflection—is whatever reliably triggers you to reflect. Make it yours; change it whenever you wish.
ɕ
Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin?
(The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)