The end of January is a good time to check in on the progress you are making on your resolutions. Every year, Eddie and I, like a lot of you folks, make them and then either hold our hands up in triumph as we succeed fabulously or quietly try to forget we made the darn things in the first place if we fall by the wayside.
Our “eat more jerky” resolution is still going strong, that is an easy one. But one other resolution is also gaining momentum everyday, thanks to suggestions from two of our younger brothers.
We are working out our minds with help from a little technology. We may be late to the party, but our brother Nick turned us on to podcasts (which have been perfect for long drives and hikes in the mountains.)
Some of our favorite podcasts: This American Life (Fun and thought provoking this podcast features essays, memoirs, field recordings, and short fiction), Snap Judgment (Dramatic tales, killer beats and the edgiest new talent in storytelling), The Moth (A New York City podcast dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling), Stuff You Should Know (An often hilarious hodgepodge of topics), and How I Built This (A podcast about "innovators, entrepreneurs, idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built" produced by NPR).
Our brother Alex has recommended brushing up on the wisdom of ancient philosophers with the study of a little stoicism. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that it is important to understand what you can control and what you cannot. Two good sources: The Daily Stoic (A book with 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living) and Marcus Aurelius’ Classic Meditations.
Finally, Paul found Headspace, an app for your phone that provides ten minutes of daily meditation. Start every morning with a sense of tranquility and gratefulness.
So in keeping these resolutions, it’s feeling pretty good to work the brain out a little everyday, and we just may be finding some additional food for the soul.
