<aside> 💬 This was a post from my now defunct Substack, published in June 2023

</aside>

I went on a retreat a few weeks ago. Picture a tiny monk’s village in Kyoto, but put it in the Lord of The Rings (the retreat was set in the mountain range that inspired Tolkein’s series of books).

Meditating for 5 hours a day was tough.

I’d rather do anything else for 5 hours than sit alone in silence (which is probably why that’s exactly what I need to do).

I’ve been meditating for years, but I always feel like I’m failing. It’s so damn hard to clear my mind and just focus on my breath! Why is that?

To be honest, it was draining. But at the end, I felt more centered and focused.

I also had a headache, but it was a little easier to live with after spending hours reflecting on the nature of suffering.

Anyway, there were a ton of lessons that I walked away with.

Today, I’m sharing the one that’s been carrying me through the past few weeks.

Begin again

You know that feeling: You messed up a big presentation. There was a typo in that email to the CXO. You shouted at your partner. You ate those cookies when you told everyone you were avoiding sugar.

Such “ugh!” moments.

I’ve spent hours stressing about those mishaps. I let them totally ruin my day.

The thing is: We always have the opportunity to begin again.

I realized this when I was sitting in meditation and for the seemingly millionth time I found myself lost in a train of thought.

I could berate myself for being so unfocused, so undisciplined…

Or I could just begin again.

No matter what’s already happened, we can keep trying and show up to the next moment as our better selves.

Take a deep breath, acknowledge your mistake or failure, and make a plan for moving forward.

Here’s to you beginning again today.