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How to Measure Your Life

4/28/2020

1 Comment

 
What's the best way to measure your life and keep an eye on your direction?

Some of us take an look at the big picture on our birthdays, but often that chance for introspection is lost amidst celebratory energy. It's hard to really get deep with yourself in the middle of friends, cake, and booze. 

Most of us take a somber look at the bigger picture as we hit the decade milestones begin at 30. These moments for reflection are too infrequent. You may have made 30, but there is no guarantee you'll make 40, nor that you'll arrive in the best position.

Adding to this conundrum, nobody knows exactly how much time they have left on the clock. If I knew I had a day to live, I'd certainly play my cards differently than if I knew I had a month, or a year, or 10 years. I'm sure you would too. 

Recently a friend suggested another way to divide up your life... and ancient way... a way that predates the clock and the calendar: Moon cycles. 

I've just begun this technique but it's brilliant. On the new moon you reflect on your past cycle and you contemplate the next. As you watch the moon wax, it's a constant reminder to check in on how well you are living up to your intentions. 

On my first attempt I set a one word intention for the next cycle: Community. As the moon has been waxing I ask myself, "Am I checking in on my family, my friends, and my neighbors?"

On the next new moon I will ask a new set of questions which were pulled from the excellent book Atomic Habits:
1. What went right this cycle?
2. What didn't go well?
3. What did I learn?
4. What are the core values that drive my life and work?
5. How am I living and working in integrity?
6. How can I set higher standards?

On the next new moon, give this technique a shot. I believe it to be an excellent tool to live our lives with more intentionality. 
1 Comment
Lois Steinberg
5/26/2020 04:14:00 pm

Dear Jonathan: I am a huge fan of your show. I enjoy watching you, as a handsome,articulate and intelligent person seeking new experiences and understanding of other people's cultures. Your sense of humor makes it a feel good to watch show. I have always been interested in this type of programming. I need to ask you however, why you do some of the most dangerous and extreme activities I have ever witnessed. One wonders if you have a death wish! I am very worried about you having a susuk imbedded into your forearm and a magheti gone over your skin to assure that it was smoothly planted. Were you not worried about contacting a life threatening infection? Do you have the ability to say "no". This was in Jakarata I believe. The scene with the people trying to kill you with their snakes and you enjoying the experience didn't thrill me either. Jonathan, not everyone is the world is a great or kind or wonderful human being. it is fine to be an observer instead of a participant if the situation puts you in harm.

As hard as it is for you to understand now, believe me, getting hit in the back with a rock will put you in jeopardy of back injuries for the rest of your life living with two herniated discs now, I regret that I took my strong back for granted. it will now never get better.

Be safe and enjoy your experiences, but keep in mind that for me this is watching for enjoyment and learning of other cultures. I don't get any pleasure seeing the injuries you are willing to inflict on yourself for which you will suffer for down the road.

A new fan,
Lois Steinberg

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