Some Food for Thought
Unpacking the word "useful" + BIG giveaways, coming soon.
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Presented by Athletic Greens:
The other day I was having a conversation with a friend about meditation. The practice is something I do sporadically at best. I’ve had months where I channel my inner Andy Puddicombe daily. Others where my streak is absolutely shot. Over the years, I’ve used the sit-down-with-your-feet-flat-on-the-ground type of meditation randomly, and the running-to-clear-my-mind type — a moving meditation — frequently.
I told him that I want to meditate (the sit down kind) more. For so many reasons, many of which I’ve reported on time and time again. It can reduce stress. Help manage anxiety. Promote better emotional health. Lengthen attention span. Perks on perks on perks.
I’m well aware that one of the best ways to make something a constant practice is to habit stack. Defined, habit stacking is to take a series of small things and create a ritual of them that you follow on a daily basis. Part of the reason that habit stacking works is because the process eliminates the stress of trying to change too many things at once.
Knowing all of these things, I came clean: “I know. I haven’t made this a priority,” I said.
“Well, it just sounds like you have other practices that are more useful!”
Useful. Hm. He had a point: I do plenty of useful things during my morning that help me come back to my foundation and find a bit of clarity. Journaling. Gratitude. Breath work. Movement. Not touching my phone for the first 20 to 30 minutes after I wake up.
It made me think: Do I want to meditate regularly because I want to meditate regularly? Or, do I feel like I should be meditating regularly because I see other successful people doing it, so I feel a sense of FOMO? Because really, when I think about adding another thing to my morning routine, I feel anxious. Really anxious.
So, is that anxiety useful? For me, not at this very moment. But! Maybe some other time, I’ll be better about learning how to manage it and find a way to incorporate meditation into my schedule. This has also got me thinking: Really, how many things could we pose this exact question about? What are the things in your life that you feel like you should be doing, but don’t actually feel passionate about or inspired by?
… just some food for thought.
PROMPT: What’s one thing you do (or could do) every morning to give back to yourself?
Thank you to my sponsor, Athletic Greens, for supporting this week’s newsletter!
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
LISTEN: “Why You Procrastinate & How to Stop” on Life Kit
You’re welcome.
LEARN: Joe Holder Teaches Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals on Masterclass
Past Hurdle guest (and friend of mine!) Joe Holder released his Masterclass yesterday (read: This is exciting!). In it, the former college football star, Nike master trainer, and GQ fitness specialist expands on how to build a diet, fitness regimen, and mental outlook for your best self. Spoiler alert: He’s coming on the show next week to chat about how to design a workout plan that works for you. Stay tuned! In the meantime, peep the trailer, here.
READ: Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson
Sales of legendary actress Cicely Tyson’s memoir have soared, released two days before her death last week. Supply is super limited, as it’s backordered everywhere from Amazon to many of the Black-owned shops I looked into. (You can find a great list of those, here.) The above link brings you to Barnes & Noble, where it’s in stock as I type this (but cannot guarantee it will be for long).
BUY: Girl Scout Cookies!
My favorite Girl Scout cookie keeps changing with age. This time around, I went with Samoas, Thin Mints, and Tagalongs. I used to love Do-Si-Dos. Anyway. Regardless of where you live, I want to make mention of Troop 6000, a Girl Scout troop specially designed by Girl Scouts of Greater New York to serve the thousands of girls living in the New York City shelter system. All of the proceeds from each box of cookies sold by Troop 6000 supports their troop experience and is used to pay for things like badge activity supplies, uniforms, field trips, and trips to camp. Learn more about Troop 6000, here.
CHECK OUT: Recent Sneaker Drops I’m Into — Reebok Nano X1 ($130), Adidas Ultraboost 21 ($180), Nike Go FlyEase ($143)
The newest iteration of the Reebok Nano came out yesterday, and she’s a beauty. This is a shoe that’s great for everything from bootcamp-style fitness and lifting to anything at-home (think HIIT, cardio, boxing). Huge congrats to Hurdler and Peloton favorite Jess Sims for recently signing with the brand as well!
I’ve already talked about how much I like the Ultraboost 21 in the newsletter. Now that it’s officially released, I’m going to do it again. It’s a great neutral, cushioned running option. I’m leaning into mine for everything from base mileage to long runs. For me, it’s comparable to a New Balance 1080.
As for the FlyEase, this is Nike’s new hands-free shoe. (Sportswear, not for activity.) It’s brilliant. The sneaker is in limited release at the moment and launching to Nike members on February 15 with a wider release later this year. If you haven’t seen the video of Jimmy Fallon trying on the Nikes, it’s a must. Check them out in action.
Want to learn more about the importance of wearing different sneakers for different activities? I’ve got you covered, here.
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Check out one of the Hurdle Sessions, now available on the Hurdle website:
How to Start (and Stay!) Running
How to Take Your Running to the Next Level
Intro to Freelance Writing
Intro to Podcasting
How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Gig
Finding Your Power Alone
How to Build a Social Media Presence
Media Strategy for Fitness Professionals
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.