In episode #821 of "What's Your Problem" Podcast, I delve into the rhythm of my daily routine, one that resonates deeply with the pursuit of wisdom and self-reflection.
Every morning, I dedicate the first 15 minutes solely to reading—immersing myself in the profound words of Tolstoy, James Allen, the Bible, and the Tao Te Ching. This practice isn't just about reading; it's about connecting with the essence of these timeless works, seeking guidance and insights to navigate the complexities of life.
After this, I spend another 15 minutes reflecting on my reading. It's a time for me to internalize the lessons, to ponder and extract personal meaning from the words that have passed before my eyes. However, today was somewhat out of the ordinary. I expanded my reading to include works by Rick Rubin but found myself unable to pen down my thoughts. Despite having two journals at my disposal—one for free-flowing thoughts and ideas for upcoming episodes and another for personal reflection—I was met with an unusual silence, a void where words usually flow.
In this silence, my thoughts drifted to a book by Haemin Sunim titled "Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection." Sunim's compilation of short, insightful thoughts, many of which originated from his tweets, offers a profound perspective on accepting and embracing our imperfections. This book, particularly a passage I'm about to share, holds a special place in my heart for its ability to articulate feelings of frustration and the cyclical nature of life—a familiar theme.
Lately, I've been grappling with a sense of spiritual unrest, a frustration stemming from the feeling that despite my efforts, things aren't aligning as they should. It's a reminder of the fragility and unpredictability of life, where moments of despair can suddenly shift to periods of contentment and fulfillment. This dichotomy, this cycle of highs and lows, is essential for growth and self-realization. It teaches us to appreciate the wins, understand the losses, and find balance in the chaos.
The passage from Sunim's book speaks directly to those feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, those who find themselves in a slump, unable to see a way out. It challenges the notion of viewing storms as disruptors, encouraging us instead to embrace these moments as necessary phases of energy building, preparing us to ride high once again. This perspective is about enduring the low points and emerging from them with humility, wisdom, and a greater capacity for compassion towards others.
Moreover, Sunim's words remind us that our efforts are not in vain, no matter how insignificant they may seem. They accumulate, contributing to eventual change, much like the individual pitches of Chan Ho Park, the first Korean-born Major League Baseball player. Every pitch, every effort, holds the potential to alter our circumstances, to weather the storm and witness the sun shining once more.
As I conclude this episode, I encourage you to reflect on the cyclical nature of life, whether you're riding high or feeling low. Embrace both the light and the darkness, for they are two sides of the same coin, each necessary for our journey. Remember, in moments of struggle, we often find our purpose, our opportunity to truly give back and make a difference. Let's hold onto this perspective, for we can find true peace and fulfillment through understanding and embracing the cycle of life.
Keep it simple. Keep it moving. Never settle. Stay tough. Let's get it!
