This is the way.
Thanks for the tagline, Mandalorians. We’ll address ‘The Way’ shortly.
Welcome back, y’all. June has never looked greener. We’re sharing sweet summer vibes with this month's recommendations.
(Photo by Izzy Chelini @Steamboat Lake)
Product Rec:
The Way - That was fast (thanks, Mando). As someone who tried and failed to meditate consistently for years, this app has completely changed my relationship with meditation. It’s led by Zen teacher, author, and poet Henry Shukman.
He simplifies the way by offering a single path of meditation within the app. You are not able to skip around or face an overwhelming amount of options (cough cough Headspace). All you're asked to do is show up for your session and embrace a few minutes of stillness.
It’s one of the few apps that doesn’t encourage you to look at the screen, and instead takes you away from it.
Try taking 10 minutes off your daily screen time, and enjoy the pursuit of peace. The first 12 sessions are free with no credit card required.
Show Rec:
The Pitt (Max or HBO Max? Not sure when the rebrand of the rebrand bringing us back to the old brand is happening)
I’ve never been a consumer of medical dramas until discovering this binge and award-worthy content.
This 15-episode show, displaying a 15-hour workday, does a tremendous job of patient character introductions, intense plotlines, and relatively accurate portrayals of an emergency room environment (I know a nurse or two). It will pull at heartstrings and generate a tremendous amount of respect for the unsung heroes that healthcare workers truly are.
Parable Rec:
The Story of the Mexican Fisherman - I was introduced to this parable while reading the 5 types of wealth (a May recommendation). Sharing a brief excerpt below:
“But what then?” Asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”
“Millions – then what?”
The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
The parable provides a perspective on what makes a fulfilling life for different people. We have all kinds of wandering paths in life, but it seems most of us want love, community, and health during our time on earth.
Song rec:
Boa Sorte - Vanessa Da Mata.
Thank you to a Starbucks located near The Domain in Austin for this tune. It has an incredibly soothing sound and is available in both English and Spanish.
Song rec part 2:
When It Comes To You - Dead Ghosts. An awesome band name. This new era tune brings the sounds of The Beach Boys back to life.
Quote to consider:
“A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.” (The 4-Hour Workweek)
(Rocky Mountain National Park, CO)