Arman's Antics (#019)
January 24-31, 2023
Hello friend,
Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here is your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. A list of what I’ve been exploring and experimenting with. It would be an honor if you shared this with a friend.
Welcome to the two new subscribers receiving this for the first time (176 total). I don’t take your time or attention for granted.
Essay I wrote last week
Useful not true (#037). Truth is overrated. Usefulness is underrated. All truths are wrong, but some are useful. What truths have you been clinging to that are no longer serving you?
New habit I’m trying out
Wim Hof breathing. I have done this eleven minute breathing technique each morning this month. It’s something I’ve tried before but never with this level of consistency. Supposedly, there’s tons of health benefits like stress reduction, enhanced creativity and better sleep. I feel like I’m hyperventilating but it’s kind of fun. I’ve read his book but his interview with Tim Ferriss is even better.
Documentary I’m watching
Muhammad Ali. I was sick for half the week so I needed something to entertain me while being inhaled by my couch. I couldn’t bare watching another episode of Love Island. He is one of those people I’ve heard mentioned countless times but never actually knew his story. He was the GOAT of boxing and Ken Burns is the GOAT of documentaries so I was hooked. I’m two episodes in and all I can say is, wow. Yes, he was an amazing boxer but he was a more incredible man. He reminded me how soft I’ve become. I feel inspired to get after it.
Blog post I’m reading
How to Become a Luckier Person Overnight by David Cain. From the post: “Radical gratitude also often reveals when we’re just being stupid. If you’ve ever been annoyed that you said you’d make an appearance at a friend’s get-together, you’re taking quite a bit for granted there. Damn, it sucks having friends, always asking me to spend time with them.” Shoutout to Charlotte Grysolle for sharing this with me after receiving some unexpected news recently. This was exactly what I needed to read.
Random thought
The only mind blowing idea is that our minds can’t be blown.
That’s all my antics for this week. Keep an eye on your inbox for my new essay coming out this Thursday. It’s a juicy one. In the meantime, remember that nobody can compete with you on being you.
Hope you have a terrific Tuesday, friend!
Cheers,
Arman
PS - Charlotte’s newsletter is worth checking out if you’re interested in learning about the incredible (and underrated!) power of our nervous system.
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Thanks for the reminder. I haven’t done wim hof breathing for a while now! I got quite addicted to the slightly euphoric states I would get in. During the lockdown I started cold showers every morning, even in the middle of winter.
Wim Hof breathing has a tribal following! My sister makes my mother do it regularly, particularly to ward off and recover from Covid.