So, here’s the deal… Human beings are amazing…
We have capacities for creativity, strength, joy, presence, health, focus, deep connection and much, much more.
But in the same way that a muscle shrinks or grows according to our level of engagement, so do our human capacities shrink and grow according to our level of engagement.
Use it or loose it… such a brutal principle of nature.
To put it short:
Use the qualities of your mind, or loose the qualities of your mind.
Use the capacities of your body, or loose the capacities of your body.
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From the Substitute to… the real thing:
Buy a biohacking freezer for 10.000 USD or go for a little Swim in cold water.
Buying vegetables from the store or growing/ foraging them yourself.
Driving to work or walking/bicycling to work.
Meeting people on social media or in real life.
Listening to Spotify or playing an instrument.
Reading a book or engaging in a conversation.
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Levels of Engagement
There are different levels of mind/body engagement in each activity we do.
The more you use your mind & body to get what you want & need, the more benefits of Holistic Engagement you can reap.
So, let’s say you need a shirt.
Here are 5 levels of engagement.
Level 0. Almost zero engagement
Connect AI to your mind and order a t-shirt with drone delivery. Bzzzzz…
Level 1. Very little engagement
Look at a screen and push some buttons to buy your shirt. Click, click, click…
Level 2. Some engagement
Driving to a second hand store to buy your shirt.
Level 3. Very engaged
Walking to a second hand store to buy your shirt.
Level 4. Holistically Engaged
Walking the most beautiful path you know, to your local garment maker, choosing your unique material and sowing your own shirt together with some friends infront of a fire. Adding your personal touch to your shirt and maybe taking a break every now and for some yoga or jamming. Mmmm…
***
See, at level 4 we are holistically engaged. Physically, mentally, problem solving, sensory intelligence, social connection, creativity and more.
Use your capacities or loose them…
***
A Great Question
I remember how I used to ask myself:
What would I like to do & how would I like to live if I was a billionaire?
I remember how I often came to the conclusion that I just wanted to be happy and healthy.
I knew that if I did not give attention to my joy & wellbeing, then little else would matter.
The last 5 years has been dedicated to the search for what brings health and happiness.
I interviewed professors & authors, read hundreds of summaries of books on holistic health and positive psychology (the science of happiness & flourishing).
And the more I studied, the more I understood that we naturally flourish when we are holistically engaged, in direct relationship with nature and the people around us.
We flourish when we shift from being mere consumers, to becoming engaged creators.
And the good thing is that… it does not cost much to live a life of holistic engagement, which can free up time to do more of what you care about. 🙂
***
With love,
Daniel Galovan
Gamleby
ps. I think this dude is on his way to the gym. And he’s excited because its leg day ❤
DANIEL GALOVAN 