Another wonderful week of learning and opportunity for growth. I went back to work after a recent mobilization and I get the opportunity to continue working on my workflow. The major themes I continue to come back to are “forgiveness and grace” and parallels. I think I’m driving my wife crazy with the habit of seeing similar patterns from one field and comparing it to another. In general, I try to avoid the news. I don’t have a good grasp on dissociating my emotions from what I’m watching. As a result, I become a grouch and I’m fortunate in that my wife calls me out on this behavior. My thought remains that there needs to be a combination between experience and theory. In working through Anti-fragile there appears to be strong support for the antidotal, without accepting the need for science. I continue to think the blend of accepting the merit that comes from theory and the experience is what I like. Maybe, I’m wrong.
Source: The Drive #114 – Eileen White, Ph.D: Autophagy, fasting, and promising new cancer therapies
Lesson: Fasting and rotational diet likely provide health benefits
The Drive has been one of my favorite podcasts over the past two years. In this episode Dr. Attia and Dr. White discuss autophagy. While there is nuance in this episode, it was a wonderful listen. The body continues to amaze me with all the intricacies. They briefly discuss the practice of fasting. Dr. Attia notices biomarker changes with water fasting greater than 72 hours. While he does not know the optimal dose, frequency, or duration of fasting there is likely benefits. I find it interesting that many of the religious traditions implemented fasting within their spiritual practice. I think it’s unfortunate that many practices within religion – fasting, meditation, prayer, community, community service, curiosity with the divine, questions on interconnectedness – are overshadowed by horrid experiences associated with religious institutions. I tend to think that institutions are modeled after humanity – there can be amazing good and unthinkable bad that can come out of them.
Practical application: 72 hours of water only fasting on a monthly basis.
Source: Principles – Ray Dalio
Lesson: Direct and open communication can lead to good outcomes
Throughout his book Mr. Dalio speaks on the importance of using his work partners to push each other to become better. In my own training and life, I find this to be a highly valuable attribute. The creation of an environment where people can challenge each others ideas. Similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I think that the training should be considered play. If you are debating your friend and you lose the point or counter argument – you should simply say “tap” and move on. Often, when we have these crucial conversations or discussions one if not both parties leave and feel unfulfilled. Communication like all things in life is a practice. In examining my own communication style, more recently I’ve been speaking in a tone that is not conducive to open communication. I speak like I’m giving a lecture not focusing on the connection. In doing so, I’m doing a disservice to both parties. Communication is a foundation of our human experience. It’s a wonderful device that allows us to connect with others. Like all things of great power, it can lead to progress of end up being hurtful and divisive.
Practical Application: Debate tough issues using the tap
Source: Discussion with my Uncle
Lesson: There’s more than one way to skin a cat, there’s many roads to Mecca, there’s always more to learn.
My uncle worked in the financial industry building and selling corporate retirement plans. On our way back from a funeral I asked him questions about our financial plans. Quickly, I realized that there are a lot of ideas, acronyms, and concepts I have no clue about. As a result of not knowing these terms, I was unable to articulate my questions properly. As a result the conversation sucked. I felt flustered and I think he felt frustrated from the ineffective conversation. There’s two ways we could have gone. I could have left, read and continued to learn the language of personal finance or he could have presented his answers in a simpler manner. If we are unable to find commonality and basic understanding or each other, it is unlikely that we leave feeling satisfied.
Practical Application: Explain to me like I’m a 5th grader
Stay strong, vigilance and virtue, may God bless you and may you recognize his blessings
Seeking Progress 