One belief that has been solidified for me during the Pandemic is that our external conditions — like security — are complete illusions. They can be wiped out in a blink of an eye. But, while we might be losing resources left and right like budget cuts, talent or possibly even your job, it’s the internal resources that matter the most. When we can learn to live and lead from the inside out we’ll always be able to battle through the storm.
From routines to meditation classes to recommending reading, here are some tools to help you learn, grow, build resilience and come out on the other side of this a better version of yourself.
“Work on yourself everyday. Because the more you become the more you can give.”
ROUTINES
Since I’ve finally settled into my work from home routine I wanted to share what I’m doing Monday – Friday. Getting back into my routine and diving deep into some spiritual practices have helped me tremendously over the past few days. I’d highly suggest figuring out something to bookend your days — something to start it and something to finish it.
We can’t control what shows up in the middle, but we can control how it starts and how it ends.
Morning
- Morning Workout
- Cold Shower
- Meditation
- Visualization
Night
- Light yoga class at night
- Shower or epsom salt bath to rinse off the day
- Reading
WORKOUTS
Brian Evans
Brian is a Los Angeles based fitness coach that I’m currently taking classes with via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at 8AM PST. Just being around his energy is worth the workout. Even without weights you’ll be feeling the burn.
Check him out and get class information on Instagram
The Class
A few years ago I was in New York City and a friend of mine wanted to meet up at “The Class” in TriBeCa. Not knowing anything about it, but being open-minded enough to try almost anything in the wellness space, I decided to give it a go. And, it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
“Through simple, repetitive calisthenics and plyometrics, participants challenge the body to engage the mind. With guided instruction and powerful music, The Class invites students to witness their resistance to discomfort. The result is an expansive, heart-clearing and body-strengthening release.”
Tayrn Toomey, the founder, has created something special with The Class. If you’re looking for a similar mental experience as yoga, but with some more movement and cardio I’d HIGHLY suggest checking this out. Especially since it’s a mat based class and you don’t need any weights. Note: This is definitely for a female audience, but if you’re looking for something unique give this a try.
Sign up here.
YOGA
As many of you know, 6 years ago I dove into a yoga practice and it was part of of a process that transformed my life. Obviously all the studios are closed, but the good news is some of the best yoga teachers in the world are now offering unprecedented access through online classes.
Here are my favorites:
Madeleine Starkey / @starkmad or livemadwell.com
Britton Darby @brittondarby or brittondary.com
Shayna Hiller / @shaynahiller or shaynahiller.com
Danielle Karuna / @DanielleKaruna
MEDITATION
Meditation, like yoga, has had a massive impact on my life. It’s helped me improve self-awareness, empathy and relationships in my life. It’s also used by everyone from athletes to artists to CEOs to improve mental performance. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s definitely something that will give you an edge and level up your personal and professional life.
Unplug Meditation
The meditation studio that I teach at in Los Angeles is now offering all their classes live to anyone, anywhere in world. Unplug has some of the most renowned meditation teachers on the planet that you can now experience at the comfort of your own home.
Visit unplug.com to sign up for your intro pack of 10 classes for only $35.
Breathwork
Breathwork is a form of active meditation done by following a continuous breathing pattern in and out of your mouth. It is significantly different than something you might have done in a yoga class. Simply put, it’s like meditation steroids. Join me on Fridays at 6PM PST for classes during the pandemic.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a form of yoga that is more like meditation than what most people picture when they think of the physical practice of yoga. It’s incredibly relaxing and great for stress, anxiety and even PTSD. Check out Hilary Jackendoff @meditationchick on Instagram for donation based classes each night.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
With all the uncertainty in the world I’m sure a lot of us are asking, “what does this all mean?” “How could this possibly happen in our world?”. The 4 books listed below helped me through some periods of major adversity and answered some questions I’d been looking for answers for my entire life.
- The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
- The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
- The Disappearance of the Universe by Gary Renard
- A Course In Miracles by Dr. Helen Schucman
Note: If I were you I’d read The Disappearance of The Universe before A Course in Miracles otherwise it may be incredibly difficult to digest. Full disclosure, I started reading The Course in October 2017 and am only on page 493. This is definitely not for everyone.
WHO TO FOLLOW FOR BUSINESS ADVICE
- Ryan Estis Instagram or LinkedIn
- David Meltzer Instagram or Linkedin
- Emily Vavra Instagram or LinkedIn
- Josh Linkner Instagram or LinkedIn
WHAT TO STOP DOING
- Mindlessly scrolling through social media
- Continuously watching the news. With how connected we are these days you will know what you need to know. Otherwise you are just feeding your negativity bias.
I hope this guide has provided you hope, inspiration and tools to invest in yourself during this time. One thing I know to be true is that we can either focus on solutions during this time or we can focus on problems. And whatever we focus on will expand. Create awareness of where your focus is so you can place your attention and energy into the present moment. It’s the only place possibilities exist.
If you’re looking to dive deeper, my Rise Coaching Program might be a great fit. Drop me an email and we can see if it’s right for you.
