Discover the Power of "Being" to Transform Your Life!
Learn to live with purpose and authenticity. Click to start your transformative journey!
São Leopoldo, August 27, 2024 - Edition 038 - Fer’s Newsletter
Hello, good evening!
It didn’t even give me time to miss you, as here I am again in less than 24 hours. But as promises are debts, today we have the second part of the letter I sent yesterday. If you haven’t read it yet, please stop what you’re doing and click here.
While you read, let me set the needle on the record player right on the track "Don't Damn Me" by Guns N' Roses. As the music plays, I want to thank our new subscribers to the Fer’s Newsletter:
Pam;
Renata;
Márcia.
I’m at a loss for words to express my gratitude for your trust in letting me into your inbox several times a week on unpredictable days and times. We are now a total of 371 souls connected through this newsletter that started timidly at the end of February (2024). My sincere thanks to you. Lastly, I must mention the dear writer, , who holds seat 001 in the Coffee Fund Hall of Fame. You can also be a part of it—just click here.
Let’s get to the point…
Discover the Power of "Being" to Transform Your Life!
Learn to live with purpose and authenticity. Click to start your transformative journey!
The first part of this letter—Edition 037 of the Fer’s Newsletter—received yesterday via email, explores the distinction between "being" and "existing." It emphasizes that many people live on autopilot, performing daily tasks without true awareness or purpose. In contrast, "being" involves being present, aware of one's choices, and attributing meaning to life.
Additionally, the text presents self-knowledge as essential for this transformation, allowing people to align their actions with their values and discover a purpose. It also highlights the negative consequences of a directionless life, such as emotional burnout and deep dissatisfaction.
Signs that someone may be merely existing include constant fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, and a sense of emptiness. The central message is that the journey of "being" is crucial for psychological and emotional well-being. Thus, the text invites the reader to awaken to a more meaningful and intentional life, promising to explore ways to become more conscious in the continuation of the edition that we will see next.
Steps to Start Being More Mindful
Meditation and Mindfulness
One of the most powerful ways to embark on the journey to truly "being" is through the practice of meditation and mindfulness. These ancient practices are not just relaxation tools; they are essential for cultivating full awareness in the present moment. According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the clinical use of mindfulness, these techniques help us "wake up" to life, allowing us to free ourselves from the autopilot that often dominates our days (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). By focusing on the breath or a simple sound, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without clinging to them, creating a space of tranquility and mental clarity.
Additionally, research shows that regular mindfulness practice can significantly reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase overall well-being (Hölzel et al., 2011). Meditation allows us to find a point of balance amidst the chaos of modern life, helping us to live more consciously and intentionally. When we practice mindfulness, we begin to appreciate the richness of each moment, valuing the small things that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Therefore, incorporating meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine is not just a way of "being," but also a method of transforming your life from within. It is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and live with greater depth and meaning.
Connecting with Your Passion
One of the most transformative ways to "be" is to reconnect with your passions. These activities, which make your eyes shine and time seem to fly, are true expressions of your essence. But what exactly ignites this passion in you? What activities make you feel fully alive and in tune with yourself? As Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains in his study on the state of "flow," when we engage in something we truly love, we enter a state of intense and enjoyable concentration, where time seems to disappear (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
It’s essential to dedicate time to these passions, not just as a hobby, but as a fundamental part of your life. These activities are not mere pastimes; they are windows into your true self, reflections of what you genuinely value and love. When we allow ourselves to immerse in these passions, we are not only expressing ourselves but also cultivating a more authentic life aligned with our purpose. As Joseph Campbell says,
"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls" (Campbell, 1988).
Often, society pushes us to prioritize productivity over pleasure, but it’s crucial to remember that passions are the fuel that sustains our soul. Ignoring them in favor of obligations can lead to a monotonous and dull life. Therefore, allow yourself to explore your passions with the same dedication you give to your daily responsibilities. As Joseph Campbell suggests, "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls" (Campbell, 1988). Connecting with your passions is not just a luxury but a necessity for truly "being," leading to a life filled with meaning and satisfaction.
Setting Goals that Reflect Your Values
Setting goals is a crucial step for personal growth, but these goals must align with your deepest values. When your goals reflect what truly matters to you, they are not merely objectives to be achieved but become a part of who you are. According to Schwartz's research (2012), the alignment between goals and personal values is directly related to greater satisfaction and well-being, as it brings meaning and purpose to your daily actions.
Imagine pursuing a goal that is not in tune with your values. The lack of alignment can lead to frustration and burnout because, deep down, you know you are investing time and energy into something that does not resonate with your true essence. In contrast, when your goals are an extension of your values, every small progress brings a genuine sense of accomplishment and renewed motivation to keep moving forward.
For example, if one of your core values is authenticity, setting goals that involve the honest expression of who you are—whether in relationships, work, or personal projects—will nurture your spirit and bring a profound sense of purpose. Similarly, if personal growth is an important value, goals that challenge you to learn and evolve will inspire you to become the best version of yourself.
“Setting goals is the first step in transforming the invisible into the visible” (Robbins, 2001).
As Tony Robbins wisely notes, "Setting goals is the first step in transforming the invisible into the visible" (Robbins, 2001). However, for these goals to truly transform your life, they must be a clear reflection of the values that guide your choices and actions. When setting your goals, ask yourself: "Is this aligned with what I truly value?" If the answer is yes, you are on the right path to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Overcoming Obstacles to "Being"
Dealing with the Fear of Change
The fear of change is one of the greatest challenges for those who wish to "be" authentically. Often, we prefer the security of what we already know, even if it means living in a comfort zone that limits us. This fear is deeply rooted in the human instinct to avoid the unknown, but it can also keep us trapped in behavior patterns that no longer serve our growth. As Anthony Robbins states, "The quality of your life is directly proportional to the amount of uncertainty you can tolerate" (Robbins, 1997). To truly "be," it is essential to learn to embrace the unknown.
"The quality of your life is directly proportional to the amount of uncertainty you can tolerate" (Robbins, 1997).
Facing the fear of change requires courage and a commitment to personal transformation. It means being willing to question old beliefs, let go of what no longer serves us, and open ourselves to new experiences. When we embrace the process of change as a natural part of life, we begin to see the unknown not as a threat but as an opportunity to grow and evolve. After all, it is in change that we find new possibilities for being, allowing us to live more fully and in alignment with our true essence.
The Importance of Persistence
The journey to "being" is filled with ups and downs, and this is where persistence becomes essential. Don't expect the path to be always smooth; challenges and setbacks are inevitable. However, it is the ability to keep moving forward, even in the face of difficulties, that truly defines who "is" and who merely exists.
As Angela Duckworth highlighted in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, true achievement comes not just from talent but from a combination of passion and perseverance over time (Duckworth, 2016). Persistence allows you to continue pursuing an authentic and meaningful life, even when obstacles seem insurmountable (and I understand that well). Therefore, stay committed to your goals and remember that every step, no matter how small, is a victory toward your true "self." Persistence is the thread that transforms mere existence into a full "being."
The Benefits of Being Fully Present
Improving Personal Relationships
When you choose to "be" rather than merely exist, your relationships transform. Becoming more present and aware allows you to truly listen to and understand the needs of others, deepening emotional connections and strengthening bonds. According to psychologist Brené Brown, “Vulnerability and authenticity are essential for creating genuine connections” (Brown, 2012). By allowing yourself to be who you truly are, you encourage others to do the same, fostering an environment of trust and empathy.
“Vulnerability and authenticity are essential for creating genuine connections” (Brown, 2012).
Furthermore, research also shows that people who live authentically experience greater satisfaction and intimacy in their relationships (Kernis & Goldman, 2006). Thus, "being" not only enriches your own life but also creates a lasting positive impact on the lives of those around you. Start "being" today and see how your interactions become more meaningful and rewarding.
Increasing Job Satisfaction
"Being" directly impacts your professional life, elevating job satisfaction to new heights. When your daily activities are aligned with your values and purpose, work ceases to be just an obligation and transforms into an authentic extension of who you are. According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, people who find meaning in what they do are more motivated and happier in their careers.
This deep alignment between work and purpose generates a sense of accomplishment and contributes to superior performance. Furthermore, studies show that professionals who live according to their values experience greater engagement and satisfaction in the workplace (Ryan & Deci, 2017). Therefore, by truly "being" in the professional context, you not only enhance your satisfaction but also build a more meaningful and rewarding career.
Promoting Mental and Emotional Health
The deepest impact of truly "being" is undoubtedly on your mental and emotional health. When you live in harmony with who you truly are, a sense of inner peace begins to emerge.
Studies show that this authenticity significantly reduces stress and anxiety (Goleman, 2017). By aligning your actions and decisions with your essence, you create an emotional balance that is hard to shake. As Eckhart Tolle asserts, "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." This inner harmony not only enhances your mental well-being but also strengthens your resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
"Being," rather than merely existing, is the path to a healthier mental state and a more emotionally fulfilling life. Therefore, by connecting with your true nature, you cultivate the fertile ground where well-being can truly flourish.
Conclusion
Transforming how we live involves an awareness of our being. By abandoning autopilot mode and embracing self-knowledge, we realize that every choice carries meaning and purpose.
Moreover, the practice of meditation, nurturing our passions, and aligning our goals with our values are key pillars in this journey of transformation. Persisting in facing fear and obstacles enables us to live more authentically, fostering deeper and more satisfying relationships, and enhancing our mental and emotional well-being.
That’s All Folks,
Fernando Nunes - mentesemevolucao@gmail.com