Happy New(ish) Year! Our son Max pointed out to me on January 3rd that we were about 1/100 of the way through the year, so was it really new anymore? 

As we kick off this first issue of our newsletter, first we’d like to thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We are really excited to be starting this project together and looking forward to the insights, connections, and experiences we will have along the way. 

A New Year is almost synonymous with change and progress, and while that may seem like a more modern invention of our achievement-oriented society, it turns out even the Babylonians were doing their own version of it 4000 years ago.

Open up any newspaper, blog, or newsletter and you can find people opining about the pros and cons of trying to link personal growth and change to the new year. The gyms are packed, and Costco is full of organizational supplies. But New Year’s Day is just one arbitrary day, no better or worse than any other day for making a change or starting something new. And what do you do if you can tell something needs to change in your life, but don’t really know what that something is? 

Over the past few years David and I have benefited immensely from being introduced to new frameworks and new skill sets. These have come from friends, colleagues, professional coaches, therapists, social media posts, a passing comment at book club, and other sources. And every time, we have been amazed at how much power a new framework or skill set can give us. Suddenly, we have words to put to that vague, unnameable frustration, or we see a behavior of our own clearly for the first time and how it is actually getting in the way of our own happiness. And every time, we want to share these ideas and resources with anyone who might be helped by them. I saw a meme on Instagram this week that said, “I am addicted to learning because the right information can change your life.” We want to be a part of helping people find that bit of information that can change lives. 

I love this quote. In our achievement-focused society it feels almost natural to be dissatisfied with your current life, your current self. Better things are ahead. But we can grow from a place of self-love and self-acceptance, from a place where we see the loveliness that is our life right now. My therapist liked to say, “You’re perfect as you are, and there is room for growth.” Contrary to common thought, self-acceptance won’t make you lose all ambition and be content to coast through life. But it will help you see more clearly what you actually want out of life. Often our goals are attempts to earn the acceptance and love from others because we haven’t yet figured out how to give it to ourselves. 

Growing from a place where we believe in our own goodness and inherent worth is so joyful. We would love to be a part of your growth journey and have you be a part of ours.

– Mindy

Last year, I (David/Gonzo) discovered running – an activity I once loathed. It’s surprising how running, something so simple, has reshaped my understanding of reality and wellbeing.

Previously, just the idea of running evoked discomfort and mild disgust. I needed huge amounts of solitary time to have energy for others. My work, exercise, and often time at home was spent isolated. After many changes and shifts in perspective, the hour a day when I run outside is my sanctuary of solitude, and it fuels me for the rest of the day. My exercise rituals are where I find clarity and tap into my creativity. Unlike the typical runner, I’m not driven by a goal, distance, or pace. My focus is on maintaining perfect form, a meditative practice in itself. When my form falters, I pause, respecting my body’s limits.

During my runs, there are moments of pure presence. I’m acutely aware of my breath, the caress of the air and sun, and the rhythmic sound and feel of my feet. In these moments, a mantra naturally emerges: “This Is Running.”

But as the run progresses, this mantra sometimes transforms, taking on a questioning tone: “This is running?” It’s an invitation to reassess and realign – either improving my form or accepting the need to walk. It’s a metaphor for life, a gentle nudge to remain curious and aware.

“This Is Real” is more than a mantra; it’s an approach to life. It encourages us to explore our experiences with gentle curiosity. Is it a statement, or is it a question? The answer varies with each moment.

ThisIsReal aims to echo this philosophy through everything we share, and we strive to support your journey in experiencing life more fully, always staying curious and open to the ever-changing reality of being alive.

NEAT!

• How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera is a great overview of different tools, frameworks, and self-inquiry questions. Highly recommend for anyone beginning their path or those looking for more variety.

• The Holistic Psychologist is Dr. LePera’s IG and it’s great!

• How Psychedelics ruined my life and career, and how I eventually got over it. Want a longer read? David reflects on the last ten years of his life and career and the impact of his work to heal.

• Hungry for community? We are online at wavelength and IG.

SOMETHING TO TRY

4-7-8 breathing was developed by Dr. Andrew Weill and adopted from Pranayama. The most important part of any breath exercise for calming our nervous system is the out breath. Longer exhales cause the vagus nerve to send a signal to our brain that activates the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for putting us in rest-and-digest mode!

PARTING

That’s all for this week! If you’re into this, share this newsletter with all your friends. Connecting with new subscribers is magical! 🧚🏻‍♀️

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.