One Really Simple Thing You Can Do To Start Loving Your Life.

Your to-do list is endless.

Pay the bills, follow your dreams, pick up groceries, take over the world, go to the doctor… blah blah blah.

It would be better called “A formula for massive chaos and stress”, than the layman’s term “A to do list”.

We keep pushing and pushing. Going and going.

Do you ever wonder: What’s the point? Why am I doing all of this?

Sometimes (very often) what we think is the best thing to do, is actually the worst thing we could be doing…

In the video below I outline one simple thing you can do that will bring peace to your life. I hope you love it!

  • Will

    Izzy,

    The first thing I thought of when I saw the beginning of the video was, “Man, that looks relaxing and peaceful.” That was before you even said anything!

    I think you made a good point – you have make room for the things/thoughts/feelings you want in your life by removing what you don’t want anymore. For you it’s negative thoughts. For some it’s stuff.

    What is that temple called? Is it in Kyoto?

    Will

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hahaha! Nice man :) . I think your stuff is a metaphor for getting rid of the negative things in your life.

      Yeah, this is in Kyoto. It is at a temple called Nanzenji. It is my favorite place to go in all of Japan. It’s got a lot of emotional connection to me because I’ve done so much thinking there. It is near The Philosophers Walk (that is a famous place in Kyoto).

  • Fabio

    A thinking spot!!!

    It must be very good to have a spot where we can go just to think, organize the thoughts and so on. In such a beautiful place like that!!!!! Wow
    A very effective manner to be away from the problems during some hours.

    I don’t have, in this very moment of my life, any chance to find a place like that for this purpose, unfortunately.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Fabio the fact that you don’t have a “chance to find a place like that for this purpose” means you need to go out and find it right now! The more you are pressed for time and stressed the more critical it is to go out and have a place to step away from everything.

      Yes, it sounds counterproductive and even stupid. But once you implement it, you will understand.

      • http://twitter.com/KinestheticT Omar Von Gimbel

        You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day – unless you’re too busy;
        then you should sit for an hour.

        ~ Old Zen adage

  • Sean

    For me – top of a mountain. By the time I’ve reached the peak and/or end of the trail it’s almost impossible to not have a clear head.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      The top of a mountain is amazing! I love that.

  • Melanie

    Now that is a gorgeous ‘thinking spot’, Izzy! I’ve found mine to be anywhere near water – it always calms and centres me. Thanks for sharing yours.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Melanie, I freaking love sitting by running water!

      About a month ago, I sat there and stared at a flowing river for about 45 minutes. It brought me a really strong sense of peace and brought some huge clarity in areas I didn’t even realize I needed clarity in. I didn’t go in with the intention of figuring those things out it just happened :) .

  • Erik

    Quiet time is always important. It’s a good idea to find a quiet spot and just be.
    Great video, Izzy.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      So true man! So true :)

  • Meg – I stop for suffering

    This sounds a lot like my mediation practice to me :-) . I loved it! Thanks Izzy! :-)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Haha! Yeah, that’s basically what it is. Just in a slightly different form.

  • http://twitter.com/KinestheticT Omar Von Gimbel

    Hey Izzy,

    I couldn’t agree with you more. What you are describing sounds a lot like vipassana (insight) meditation. You sneaky mo-fo.

    The only difference I would add is instead of trying to get rid of the “negative” thoughts. Simply be aware of all your thoughts. Don’t label or judge them as good or bad. Instead, just notice that you are thinking, accepting that is what the mind does, and return your attention to your breath.

    You can use a stone, a candle flame, an image, or nature as the object of focus. It doesn’t matter really. The breath is just easiest because you always take it with you wherever you are.

    As far as organizing your thought go … don’t worry about it. By being in the present moment and learning the nature of your thoughts, they will organize themselves.

    Omar Von Gimbel
    The Kinesthetic Tiger

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      What up Omar :) .

      Glad to see you joined the conversation! You bring up some great points there. I think the biggest benefit I have gained from just chilling out is that it allows my mind to empty. I really like your concept of having no judgement on the thought itself – consider it implemented!