@tferriss Yes, but often the same things are the answers to both questions ๐ and that's the real hard part of life.
There is rarely a huge driver of happiness without requiring an acceptance of corresponding pain.
@bryan_johnson It's your brain itching. You can't be present because something itches. You don't know how to scratch it but worry, fear, fixation, dopamine - those feel close to comfort.
But you only keep spiraling.
Meditation phases
1 - Cool, this helps me focus better!
2 - I don't really get as mad at things, that's interesting
3 - Hard things don't feel as overwhelming
4 - I can enjoy all the moments, I'm here.
Life is short - find ways to be there for it.
1/3 Feelings are hard when you're a bit lost.
Anger, fear, worry, comparison feel productive.
At least you're rejecting your circumstances?
But you know what you want. You don't need to wade into the mess to reinforce it. You're taking action. The rest is just distraction.
2/3 And worse - a waste of mind.
Do the hard thing. Be grateful even though you're not there yet. Be present even though there are parts of the present you're pushing away from. Be kind to yourself even when you resent your past decisions.
The gap between what you do and what you think, is unhappiness.
Be present for the process.
Be present for the pain.
That's the only way you'll eventually be present for the prize.
Reminder: underneath the noise, you know exactly what need to do.
Progress is hard, slow, and beautiful.
Distraction is fast, feels good, and leaves you empty.
Choose.