6x - 13hr Days back to back and I’ve never Flourished more.
My dad has told me my whole life: “The more you do, the more you can do.” When it comes to being a creator, there’s nothing more true. We dilute ourselves often — over-protecting our energy, minimizing our output, and trying to figure out how we can do less, not more. There can be benefit to this in certain circumstances. But for the most part, we were born to create. And when we’re not actively creating — working on projects, giving gifts, participating in community — we’re not really happy. Even the most introverted of us. Dave, owner of the Istana and our business partner — the one who hosts the meditation Truth Talks with Leo said to me in a meeting one day: “Justice, do you know what the Blue Zones are?” I said yes. He said, “Do you know what makes up a Blue Zone — what the most important aspects are?” I said, “Yeah… clean air, nutrient-dense soil and food, super clean water, good air quality…” And then I drew a blank. He said, “Yes — all of those are great. And all of them are irrelevant compared to the one you missed.” Community. The Japanese have a principle called ikigai. Ikigai literally means: “the reason you get up in the morning” or “that which makes life worth living.” Or purpose. And all science shows that when human beings lose purpose, they stop working, stop moving, stop participating — and they die. They wither away. We have to find things to be doing, to be creating, to be working on. We flourish the most when we’re creating. So ask yourself: What are you not allowing yourself to create right now? What story might you be telling yourself about why you don’t have the energy, the time, or the resources to do it? How much are you diluting yourself into thinking you can’t do the thing — when really, you can? This is my reflection for today :) Go create. Go work on your passions. Go out and dance. Be in community. Find a way to give your gifts to the world. I promise, happiness will follow. Peace and Love, Justice