Mark here. Here’s what we have in store for this week…
WHAT I’M WRITING ABOUT
Pause, Breathe, Think, and Then Act
Breathing is more than just a physiological function; it’s a profound tool for training the body and mind for a more focused and meaningful life. When practiced daily, mindful breathing is a powerful discipline that can transcend you beyond conditioned, automatic reactions and into the realm of true freedom. True freedom is found in the ability to choose what is in your best interests, moment to moment, unburdened by others’ expectations, cultural, commercial, or political programming, and trauma-induced survival strategies. This freedom is discovered when we connect with our deepest Self beyond the limitations of the ego.
Breathing as a practice allows you to find calm in the chaos and to anchor yourself in the present moment. It also has practical benefits, enabling you to connect with your gut and heart intuition for better decision-making. A daily breathing practice helps you immediately center and focus amidst challenges. In those moments, the Navy SEAL approach of “Pause, Breathe, Think, and Then Act” interrupts the fear response, brings a sense of calm, and allows you to see more options before jumping into action, which often leads to better outcomes.
A disciplined daily breathing practice will deepen self- and situational awareness, allowing you to harness inner strength and embody your full potential. So, I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of mindful breathing practice. Just ten to twenty minutes of daily box breathing or slow, diaphragmatic nostril breathing will bring transformative results.
Breathing is the key to the unity of mind and body. – Miyamoto Musashi
NEW EPISODE – THE MARK DIVINE SHOW
Episode # 480
Qualities of the Future
Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, a pioneer in innovation and creativity, served as Google’s inaugural Chief Innovation Evangelist, profoundly shaping the company’s renowned creative culture. He established the Innovation Lab at Google, training thousands of employees to cultivate and experiment with novel ideas. His expertise extends to academia, where he taught cutting-edge classes on innovation and creativity at Stanford University for over a decade.
Dr. Pferdt’s visionary approach to living “future-ready” in an ever-evolving world has been adopted by various organizations, from international government agencies like the United Nations to pioneering institutions such as NASA and even professional sports leagues like the NBA. His upcoming book, “What’s Next Is Now—How to Live Future Ready,” is an invaluable resource for those aspiring to shape a better tomorrow.
Podcast Highlights:
This fascinating discussion explores the concept of future readiness by focusing on each of us having a personal growth mindset. Dr. Pferdt believes that emotions are key to the creative process, especially the importance of managing the emotional ups and downs—such as excitement, disappointment, frustration, and humility—necessary for successful creativity and problem-solving. He also shared the power of intentionally designing your physical space to support achieving a “future-ready” mindset and realizing your potential.
Amidst the growing polarization in today’s media landscape, I find great inspiration in engaging in conversations that embrace differences. I sincerely appreciate those willing to discuss topics openly, even when our viewpoints diverge. Conversations are about exchanging ideas and building understanding and respect, even amidst disagreements. To me, the ability to converse constructively across disagreements is a hallmark of true leadership and maturity. Sitting with friends and strangers and holding our differences can bridge divides, foster empathy, and ultimately create a more connected and cohesive community.
PRACTICE OR HABIT TO TRY
Mind Mapping Practice: This technique is all about leveraging your brain’s innate ability to see patterns and connections that aren’t immediately obvious. Start a timer for 10 minutes, then write down a single word or concept in the center of a blank page. From there, let your thoughts flow naturally, drawing lines to related ideas and encircling them as they branch out. Think of it as creating a visual web of your thoughts. Use colors, symbols, and keywords to make it vibrant and dynamic. This will help you visualize how different elements interconnect and spark new insights and perspectives you might not have considered. Do this 2-3 times this week and keep pushing your perspectives and boundaries.
P.S. If you enjoyed this email, reply here and let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear from you.
GREENLIGHT
Empower your kids with financial wisdom and security. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free! Visit greenlight.com/DIVINE
WILD HEALTH
Visit WildHealth.com/UNBEATABLE and enter the promo code UNBEATABLE for an exclusive 20% discount on membership. Embrace this opportunity to prioritize your health. Start your journey to wellness today.
UPCOMING LIVE EVENTS
We have some incredible events lined up for this summer. Come visit us in Temecula CA and participate in a a life-changing experience.
Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.