The arc of history runs towards progress, but it’s not a straight line.

An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something better. So just focus, and keep aiming.

The Backwards Law

The Backwards Law (Alan Watts): the idea that the more you pursue feeling better all the time, the less satisfied you become, as pursuing something only reinforces the fact that you lack it in the first place. 

The more you desperately want to be rich, the more poor and unworthy you feel, regardless of how much money you actually make. The more you want to be sexy and desired, the uglier you come to see yourself, regardless of your actual physical appearance. The more you desperately want to be happy and loved, the lonelier and more afraid you become, regardless of those who surround you. 

Thus, wanting positive experiences is a negative experience – and accepting negative experiences is a positive experience.

The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that there is one.

 

The Two-Headed Calf

- by Laura Gilpin

Published in 1977 in her award-winning poetry book, The Hocus-Pocus of the Universe, this poem invites readers to delve into the profound depths of its verses, grappling with themes of identity, acceptance, animal-rights concerns, and the inevitability of change.

There are so many metaphors and meaning in it.

So simple. So perfect.

Box Breathing

Box breathing is a simple technique that a person can do anywhere, including at a work desk or in a cafe. It is called box breathing to encourage people to think about a box as they do it.

Favored by Navy SEALs, this technique involves structured breathing that anyone can practice to enhance mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.

Also known as "square breathing" or "four-square breathing," this controlled breathing practice is based on pranayama, an Ayurvedic form of breathwork that originated in India. Box breathing is known for improving physiological responses, helping to calm the mind, and bringing focus.

Box breathing stands out due to its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike some techniques that may require special equipment or environments, box breathing can be practiced anywhere, anytime.

Box breathing involves four basic steps, each lasting 4 seconds:

1. Breathing in

2. Holding the breath

3. Breathing out

4. Holding the breath

Ideally, a person should repeat the three steps for 4 minutes, or until calm returns.