Over the past 10 days, I’ve felt a little lost, to be honest. My mind has been wandering, my body has been in pain, and I forgot my fundamentals. This happens to all of us, and that’s okay, but it’s important to reframe our minds and get back on track. I’m currently 30 hours into a 72-hour fast and refocusing my mind on the task.
Throughout the past 10 days, I spoke about division, immersion, the afterlife, community, endeavours, an interesting insight into the deep respect for customs and nature in Finland, our bodies, holidays, and realignment.
Division - Last week, a referendum was held to alter the Constitution and establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. However, there are concerns that this could create division and raise questions about who has the right to draw the line. Nevertheless, recognising the historical oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and providing an opportunity for dialogue and progress is crucial for a collectively happy and secure community.
Immersion - Immersing ourselves in new and unknown environments, such as diverse workplaces, cultures, or community groups, provides opportunities to learn, understand, and improve ourselves. It allows us to gain insights, perspectives, and experiences that can contribute to our personal growth and search for happiness.
The Afterlife - Our perception of life is directly influenced by how we perceive death, with cultural beliefs and understanding shaping our views. While some cultures, such as the Māori, see death as a transition into eternal life, others, particularly in Western cultures, may fear or misunderstand it. However, recognising the interconnectedness of all living beings and embracing a belief in universal energy can lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Ultimately, since death is inevitable, it is important to live in the present and embrace happiness without fear of the unknown.
Community - Last Tuesday was my son’s second week in the under-six soccer competition, where the children focused on ball skills and having fun, showing great improvement from the previous week. What fascinates me is the strong sense of community surrounding the competition, with parents, siblings, and community groups actively supporting and encouraging health, enjoyment, and competition for young players. This highlights the significance of community engagement in finding happiness, as seen in the long life expectancies of Okinawa, Japan, where strong community ties contribute to fulfilment. While I am typically an introvert and hesitant about community involvement, as my children grow, I recognise its importance and the potential for personal growth as a dad, supporter, and community member. Embracing opportunities to help and support others within a community is intrinsic to human nature and a crucial component of our pursuit of happiness.
Endeavour - Entering unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations with the belief that they will lead to personal growth and integration into a community can be powerful. This was exemplified by Eddie, a Chinese immigrant and a business partner and friend of my father’s, who initially struggled in Wellington but eventually became a successful businessman and leader by immersing himself in social events and continuously honing his skills. Although it may be challenging, pushing ourselves to engage in new experiences and overcome doubts ultimately paves the way for personal development and happiness.
Reindeer - In the Netflix show Down to Earth with Zac Efron, a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Finland explained the annual raffle for reindeer hunting permits, highlighting the importance of maintaining the population and respecting its cultural significance. The chef’s deep connection to cooking and the food he served showcased his drive, passion, skill, respect for the environment, and cultural appreciation, creating a truly inspiring story. This pursuit of adventure, embrace of culture and culinary expertise, and balance between contradictory elements is an art that allows meaningful experiences to be created. It reflects the ability to combine and display opposing forces, contributing to our search for happiness.
Body - Reflecting on the significance of our bodies and how they shape our identities as universal beings, experiencing the absence of certain privileges reminds us of the gratitude we should have for our own existence. This emphasises the importance of taking care of our bodies in our quest for happiness.
Holiday - We recently returned from a relaxing holiday with friends and family at an Airbnb on a 14-acre farm. It’s fascinating how holidays evolve over time to prioritise family-oriented convenience and relaxation. While not everyone has easy access to holidays, the act of unwinding and breaking free from routine can be achieved within one’s own mind. Personally, I enjoy the freedom holidays provide to detach from the everyday and focus on family, even though I couldn’t fully relax because of a back issue. This allowed me to shift my perspective towards what truly matters, such as good health. Holidays can contribute significantly to the search for happiness, offering a chance to escape responsibilities, explore new places, embark on adventures, and spend quality time with loved ones. Within these opportunities, we can grow and prioritise what truly matters in life.
Realignment - Over the next 30 days, I will undergo a reset, beginning with a three-day fast and a conscious focus on routines such as waking early, meditating, eating cleanly, and taking a break from social media. During this time, I will also prioritise physical recovery, training, and spending more time with my family. I began my fast with a meal of organic bone broth, grass-fed organic mince, avocado, sweet potato chips, and coconut water, followed by strawberry coconut yoghurt with Mānuka honey, banana, and dark chocolate. Throughout the fast, I will limit social media access to messaging services only and redirect my efforts towards my blog and building my website. Recognising my loss of focus and recent injury, I have chosen to realign and regroup so that I can pursue my goals and continue the search for happiness.
Overall, the last few days have been a roller coaster, but I’d be lying if I said happiness was always present. We all face challenges, and we all stray from our paths sometimes. What matters is understanding the path we wish to follow, recognising when we may have gone astray, and realigning our focus.