Hey everyone!
Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here is your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. A collection of what I’ve been creating and exploring to get you thinking, laughing, crying (or a nasty combination of the three).
Welcome to the two new subscribers receiving this for the first time (291 total). I don’t take your time or attention lightly. In fact, I take it quite heavily.
Essay I wrote last week
Have you ever considered coming up with a life motto? A phrase that encapsulates who you are, or who you want to become?
It’s useful to come up with one if you haven’t already. Because it can provide a sliver of light in this otherwise pitch-black path we’re on.
For my current season of life, it’s:
My current rereading lineup
A few weeks ago, I was reading eight or nine books at once. That was too much for my simple brain to handle. So I narrowed it down to the three that most intrigue me right now:
Rediscovering Life: Awaken to Reality by Anthony de Mello — because I always need a good kick in the di** from my spiritual staff sergeant.
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca — because it’s quite comforting to be reminded that the same problems we face today were challenging our ancestors a couple thousand years ago.
Wild Problems by Russ Roberts — because sometimes we need more than cold hard rationality to solve the tricky parts that lead to a life well lived. Like marriage, which is top of mind.
Old show I’m watching again
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.
Few celebrity deaths have riled up a single emotion in me. But Bourdain’s brought me to tears.
Watching him travel the world felt like hanging out with your cool uncle, who you knew wasn’t the best influence, but guaranteed a good time.
He’s the main reason why I flaneured my way through dozens of countries in my twenties.
He helped me avoid the tourist traps. Allowing me to explore the cultural dark alleys where I was sure to find some non-USDA approved meat that was still finger licking good.
He was a troubled man who traveled to escape the responsibilities life heaps upon us. But he lived life on his terms.
And above all, he said that Persians (my people) were the kindest he’d ever come across, so how could I not love him?
Meditation app I’m enjoying
Waking Up app by Sam Harris. A new operating system for your mind.
Clever slogan, right?
I’ve been meditating regularly for the past seven years. But something always felt sort of inauthentic by doing it through an app.
I’m typically a big fan of deleting apps instead of downloading them. But the introductory course on Waking Up is worth it, especially for beginners.
His mindfulness instructions are the clearest and least hand-wavy I’ve come across. Sometimes it’s best to just return to the basics.
Random thought
Don’t believe everything you think.
That’s it for the 48th edition of Arman’s Antics. Did you think? Laugh? Cry?
Thank you for stopping by. Now back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling.
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cheers,
Arman
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