Seven Things
A little over a year ago we returned from our time in the Colombian Andes and the Oaxaca Coast. The results of intermittent fasting, early morning exercises, writing sessions, long beach walks, and sunset frisbee games were felt fantastic. I recognized the benefits of the remote lifestyle and being more in tune with nature. Yet - I do like big cities. During my last few weeks of living in NYC, I started a new routine of doing "Seven Things” to continue and re-create some of the positive effects and to deal with all the moving parts of our transition. It was not easy to start the habit, but once I was in it - the feeling was great. The seven things I did:
Stretching (Yoga)
Exercising (Cycling & Running)
Writing
Reading
Playing the drums
Cooking/Cleaning
Loving
I often did all seven things each day, but at least 4-5. I enjoyed every single thing, my days felt productive and I felt accomplished every night. I didn't work during that time, so I had the capacity, headspace, and energy to do all of them. Most important I put a lot of intention into it. During that time my life was changing and developing at a fast pace. The "The Seven Things" gave me a sense of structure, safety, and excitement. I improved in all seven things.
Recently I was (physically) in a place where the Seven Things routine came back to me naturally and easily. The environment was inviting, there were very few distractions and the Seven Things were good for my body and my mind:
Stretching (Yoga)
Exercising (Swimming & Workouts)
Writing
Reading
Working (Creating Value)
Cooking/Cleaning
Loving
I replaced playing the drums with working. Both things are physical and require endurance and patience. Both things improve over time. I felt very good. And I asked myself: Are The Seven Things a way of living? Does this routine work everywhere? Do I feel the benefits at all times? During the remainder of my trip, I kept doing least three habits every day and realized that the combination of movement and mental practices makes me feel the best.
A few days ago I returned to Paris. I couldn’t find my way back into The Seven Things - not only three, even knowing that all of them serve me well. I thought about some reasons (excuses). It could be the jet lag or the noise from the gardener outside the house, the tumbling laundry, or the simple fact that it's cold here in Paris. Should I re-adjust the items, replace some of them with new habits, or go from seven to six or nine? This morning I woke up, stretched, worked, prepared a meal, and wrote this note. Most importantly: I did all of it with intention. And it feels like it's my way of living.
jonasschwaer.com