In the other side of today’s lesson, I’m going to make an announcement.
If you’ve been reading these emails every day, please stay tuned for it.
(if you just read these emails once in a while, it may matter less to you)
Here’s the story…
Earlier this year, I ran a private retreat alongside one of my core teachers.
He’s an extremely advanced practitioner with over 30 years of experience in meditation, medical QiGong, internal martial arts, and clinical psychotherapy.
In other words, he’s a master.
And yet, midway through the first night of retreat, he turned to me and said:
“I don’t know what’s going on with me right now. My mind is wandering in the middle of these sessions… Maybe my heart isn’t in this work anymore.”
I smiled:
“Dude, I think you’re just tired from the flight.”
The guy just landed three hours ago, and was already giving hands-on treatments to participants.
He laughs, instantly recognizing his error…
“Oh right, thanks.”
…Then refocuses, and gets back to work.
Before long, he’s right back in his usual flow state, firing on all cylinders.
There’s a lot to take from this exchange, so let’s break it down:
1. Even masters have off-days, and make mistakes.
Mastery doesn’t mean you aren’t human.
2. The simplest answer is usually the right one.
Maybe an off-day is cause for a giant life course-correction. But more likely, it’s just an off-day.
(for extra points, think about how this could apply to your relationships, to your work, and to your thinking process in general…)
And, of course:
3. When you’re feeling off, don’t make big decisions or judgement calls.
If you’re tired, emotional, or just off-center, it’s not a good idea to take your mind too seriously.
Which brings us to that announcement:
Earlier this week, I realized I haven’t taken a full day of rest in ~6 weeks.
Preparation for our retreat turned into the retreat itself, which turned right back into writing daily emails…
…And it’s been a blast.
But my mind is really starting to feel the strain.
I’m not all the way “off” yet, but I’m definitely not “on.”
Ideas aren’t flowing, clarity isn’t clear, all signs point to a much-needed break.
So that’s what I’m going to do.
I’m not sure how long I’ll be away:
Most likely a week or two, but I might even disconnect until after another retreat that same teacher and I are running in early September.
I’ll keep resting until I’m reloaded and ready to come back firing.
We’re only just getting started here, after all — and some big changes are coming soon.
I can’t wait to share them with you 🙂
Until then, have an amazing August and I’ll see you on the other side…
– T
P.S. Of course, I could always catch a wave and write an email or two while I’m on break.
But I’m going to try not to.
(those waves can be addictive)