Eight More Truths.
Life’s core truths can be found all around us in our day-to-day interactions and endeavors. Here are additional axioms to enhance your capacity to appreciate your unique experience. You can find the previous truths here.
Breath Is The Intelligence Of The Body
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”
We’ve lost touch with our most basic and important biological function: breathing. This isn’t all that surprising—it’s a simple and often unconscious act of living that easily gets buried beneath fast-paced, modern life. This is an upsetting dilemma. It leaves us feeling separate from our vitality. In truth, our breath is the intelligence of our body and the key to unlocking our potential. It’s connected to every internal biological system and has the ability to regulate our stress response, improve circulation, and even enhance our immune system. This means it can be harnessed to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being—a benefit goldmine.
According to both yogis and scientists, the breath is also a reflection of our state of mind. When we are anxious, our breath becomes shallow and rapid, but when we are calm and centered, our breath slows down and becomes deeper. This awareness allows us to use the breath as a barometer for our mental and emotional state. We can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and develop the skills necessary to regulate our emotions and manage stress in our daily lives. That makes the breath not just a simple physiological process; it’s a doorway to the inner workings of the body and mind. By embracing the power of the breath, we can unlock the body's inherent intelligence and lead a more fulfilling life.
There is no easier place to reconnect to your breathing than on your yoga mat. Despite any feelings of them being separate, it only takes a few minutes of moving and breathing together to recognize that the breath and body are always deeply tied together. Want to go further? Sit down, close your eyes, and watch your breathing. Meditating is so powerful for the breath-body connection that research shows only 20 minutes is equivalent to nearly 5 hours of deep sleep.
Growth Thrives On Failure And Pushback
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Failure and pushback are often seen as negative experiences or mislabeled as “trauma”, but it doesn’t take much reflection to see that they are essential components of growth. Just like a plant needs obstacles and resistance in the form of wind, rain, and soil to grow strong and sturdy, we all need failures and pushback to mature and develop—it’s fuel for internal and external evolution.
Think about it: every time a mistake is made, there’s an opportunity to learn and grow. It took 30 years of trial and error before University of Minnesota scientists perfected the Honeycrisp apple. The same goes for pushback. When ideas and initiatives are challenged, there’s a chance to refine them, test their validity, and make them even stronger. Of course, it's not always easy to embrace resistance. It can be tough to admit that you're wrong, and even tougher to accept criticism. But those who do find that they can reap tremendous rewards. One step back can be the catalyst for several steps forward. Along the way, resilience, creativity, and confidence expand.
It's also important to note that growth thrives on the right kind of failure and pushback. It’s not necessary to internalize harsh words and retaliation, but it will always be to our benefit to recognize our mistakes or receive constructive criticism–it gives us the chance to respond with intention and integrity. The doorway to productive discourse, curiosity, and collaboration opens. So, embrace your failures and welcome pushback with open arms–they are the building blocks for a brighter, more successful future.
Talent Does Not Guarantee Mastery
“The difference between being an amazing technician and being a soloist or principal is mastering those interpretive flourishes to tell the best story. Otherwise you aren’t a ballerina—you’re just another dancer.”
Talent is often viewed as a key determinant of success in various domains, including sports, music, and the arts. However, research has shown that talent alone does not guarantee mastery or expertise, regardless of what we pursue. Instead, mastery is the result of hard work, application, and according to the yogis, deliberate practice over time. This mental strength and sensitivity is a master’s playground—patterns and opportunities appear that others cannot see.
Eastern philosophies, such as Taoism and Zen Buddhism, have taught this universal truth for millennia. Talent and mastery are not created equal. Talent is raw potential but mastery is the result of dedication and volition. They are in entirely different wheelhouses. Others, like the Chinese concept of wu wei, or non-doing, teach that true mastery is not about forcing or controlling abilities, but about allowing them to unfold naturally through practice and perseverance. Either way, these doctrines all emphasize the importance of humility along the path because the work is never finished. There will always be more to learn and more of yourself to give to the task.
In the context of mindfulness, the teaching of mastery is particularly poignant. Mindfulness is a skill that requires consistent effort and attention to develop, regardless of any innate ability or natural head start. While some people may find it easier to focus and cultivate calmness, the capacity to maintain it is entirely separate. This means that having a quiet mind or being able to meditate effectively simply isn’t enough. It's about being able to apply it in everyday life, like navigating difficult emotions and situations with grace and awareness. Easier said than done, right?
Solitude Is Key For A Sharp And Healthy Mind
“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”
We become more starved for peace and quiet by the day. The digital age caused significant distraction and a mass separation from person to person—everyone is hiding behind screens—and we fail to recognize it has caused isolation from ourselves as well. This is a scary predicament. Spending time alone has been shown to be essential for maintaining a sharp and healthy mind. Research has found that solitude allows individuals to engage in introspection and self-reflection, leading to greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one's thoughts and feelings. This, in turn, can improve decision-making skills and lead to more effective problem-solving.
Studies have also shown that solitude can improve mental health and decrease feelings of anxiety and stress. One study conducted by the University of Illinois found that spending time alone in nature significantly reduced symptoms of depression in participants. Another study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found that individuals who regularly spend time alone have lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, compared to those who spend less time alone.
In addition to its mental health benefits, solitude has also been linked to greater creativity and productivity. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals who spent time alone in a quiet environment generated more original ideas and solutions to problems than those who spent time in a group or a noisy environment.
Overall, these studies suggest that solitude can play a crucial role in maintaining a sharp and healthy mind. Whether it's spending time in nature, engaging in a solitary hobby, or simply meditating, taking time for oneself can lead to increased self-awareness, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mental functioning.
Reading Is A Gateway To Compassion And Empathy
“Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.”
Reading has a profound impact on our brain chemistry and overall well-being. Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress levels and activate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of love, empathy, and bonding. This helps to boost our sense of connectedness with others and improves our emotional regulation. Reading can also expand our sense of empathy and compassion by exposing us to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. This allows us to develop a greater understanding of the world and the people around us, and helps to reduce feelings of isolation, prejudice, and discrimination.
Recent research in neuroscience has shed light on the impact that fiction reading has on our brain chemistry and emotional intelligence. It turns out that when we read fiction, we activate the same brain regions that are involved in experiencing real-life events. This means that when we read about a character’s emotional struggles, for example, we are essentially practicing our own emotional regulation and empathy. This, in turn, helps us better understand and connect with the emotional experiences of others in our real lives.
Fiction reading also promotes what psychologists call “theory of mind”—the ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives that are separate from our own. This is an essential aspect of empathy, as it allows us to see the world from someone else’s point of view. Through reading fiction, we are exposed to characters and storylines that are different from our own, allowing us to broaden our perspectives and become more understanding and accepting of others.
There is tremendous power and joy in fiction reading. It has the ability to shape our emotional intelligence, increase our empathy and compassion, and improve our well-being. So, next time you’re looking for a way to escape reality, pick up a fiction book. Who knows, it might just change your life or, at the very least, change your heart.
Need a book recommendation? Check out some of my personal favorites here.
Friendship Nurtures Our Authentic Self
“I hold an annual friend audit. If someone isn’t fueling my life force, they’re out.”
In the intricate tapestry of life, friendships are the vibrant threads that weave authenticity into our very existence. From an early age, we gravitate toward simple, shared experiences with those who make us feel welcome, seen, and heard. As we age and life gets a little messier, our need for connection gets even stronger and our friendships start to go beyond our inherent need to belong—they serve as mirrors reflecting not only who we are but also who we aspire to become.
A fascinating study conducted by psychologist William Chopik at Michigan State University delved into the dynamics of friendships across the lifespan, revealing a profound connection between the quality of our friendships and the authenticity of our selves. Chopik's research discovered that individuals who maintained genuine, supportive friendships tended to exhibit a more authentic self, embracing their true identity with greater confidence.
We don’t need scientific research to tell us this, though, do we? We can feel it. We instinctively know when there’s space to be unfiltered and free. Like a sanctuary, vulnerabilities can be laid bare and are met with unwavering support. That’s why genuine friendships stand as beacons, guiding us back to the core of our authenticity—it’s the fertile ground where seeds of our true selves root and bloom. We flourish no matter what circumstances we face because we feel safe.
Nature Heals And Reveals
“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
Stepping out into the natural world isn't just a change of scenery; it's a potent balm for the soul. Studies continually show that spending time in nature, even for short periods, can significantly reduce stress hormones and promote feelings of well-being. Immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of forests, mountains, or even simple parks triggers a relaxation response, lowering blood pressure, calming the nervous system, and boosting our mood.
This healing power of nature isn't just a physical phenomenon; it's deeply connected to our origins. We were not born into nature. We come from it. Our ancestors spent millennia adapting and evolving within natural environments, leaving an imprint on our very being today. When we reconnect with this ancestral home, we tap into a sense of belonging and grounding, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
This connection doesn't require grand expeditions. Even a small act, like sitting in the backyard and observing the changing colors of the leaves or listening to the chirping of birds, can offer a meaningful connection. And like many of the other truths listed here, these seemingly insignificant moments can act as tiny mirrors, reflecting back both the state of the world around us and the state of our own spirit. A bustling bird feeder might spark joy, while a withered flower could mirror our own feelings of fatigue. Perhaps you’ve felt this sensation before—a brief interaction with nature’s healing embrace always turns into a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding.
This deep connection to nature is also present in our mindfulness practice. When done properly, a yoga session mimics the most powerful natural element on the planet: the ocean. Our breathing is like ocean waves—it rises and falls in an organic rhythm. Sun Salutations are like surfing—we learn to catch bigger and bigger waves of our own energy. Meditation and longer-held postures are like deep-sea diving—they invite us to go beyond the surface and explore new frontiers. We learn to fully immerse ourselves in the kaleidoscope of our inner experience. If that isn’t a reason to get on your mat regularly, I don’t know what is.
Boundaries Protect Our Highest Good
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”
Setting and honoring boundaries is the ultimate act of self-love and is essential to our well-being and personal growth. Researchers agree: individuals with clear boundaries report experiencing greater personal growth and satisfaction in various life domains while also experiencing fewer feelings of depression, anxiety, and burnout. This reinforces the notion that setting boundaries empowers us to focus on activities and relationships that truly contribute to our well-being and personal fulfillment. Our boundaries serve as a shield that protects us from harm and allows us to live a fulfilling life. Without boundaries, we are vulnerable to being taken advantage of, overworked, and drained of energy. When we set and honor boundaries, we create a safe and supportive environment for ourselves to thrive.
This tracks, doesn’t it? Boundaries help us to prioritize our time and energy, so we can focus on what is truly important to us. For example, setting a boundary around our work schedule can ensure that we have enough time for self-care, family, and leisure activities. By honoring this boundary, we are telling ourselves that our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is a priority, and we’re creating a healthier, more balanced foundation from which to build. It sets the proper precedent for our highest good to flourish.
The act of setting and honoring boundaries extends far beyond simply saying "no." It's a conscious and compassionate approach to self-care that empowers us to create a safe and fulfilling life, both individually and within our relationships. That’s why boundaries and respect are so deeply tied together. When we set and maintain our boundaries, we show that we value our own needs and the needs of others, and that we are willing to stand up and act in accordance with what is important.
If you don’t know where to start with boundaries, begin with upping your listening. Boundaries are a natural extension of activating your head and heart.
It turns out that I love writing about universal truths. Do you have a suggestion for a universal truth that should be included on the next list? Shoot me an email and let me know!
Metta,
Drewsome.
