The fact that every question has an answer helps us forget that reality is inherently absurd and incomprehensible.

Saliva also acts as a chemical messenger, signaling to your gut exactly what's coming down the pipeline. The more you chew, the more detailed information your digestive system receives about the incoming food.

Trying to control mental states is like arguing with the wind. Most of the time, the wisest thing for you to do is simply wait for the weather to change.

I rarely speak about zazen in these newsletters because there is nothing to be said about it. The desire to sit arises → the body situates itself on the cushion → and consciousness occasionally becomes aware of itself. There is no way to make zazen more productive or effective, simply because there is no way to force oneself into being more aware than they currently are.

This is why strategic thinkers live in chronic, low-level anxiety. They're not just managing the present moment — they're juggling hundreds of future scenarios, constantly monitoring whether reality is cooperating with their elaborate (and delusional) blueprints for what’s ahead.

Keep in mind that fungicides and produce-extending waxes have been applied to our foods for decades. Conventional apples, cucumbers, peppers, citrus fruits — all routinely receive chemical treatments to extend shelf life during long-distance shipping and storage.

Actually, “becomes convinced” isn’t even the right phrasing to describe this process, because when identification with thought is strong enough, there simply is no alternative to it. The mind is not merely “convinced” (as though it were persuaded by a sound argument), but rather the ego structure takes it as an undeniable fact that it is what it says it is.

What you did was not okay. It did hurt people. You were not your best self. You must own your decisions and feel the complete pain of their legacy; only then will you be offered the grace which is your birthright.