This is a short podcast mini-chapter from Brian Johnson's A Philosopher's Notes called “Concrete Gardens.” Johnson relays a metaphor from Pema Chodron about catching negative patterns before they harden into a 'concrete garden' and recommends quick disruptive actions (breathing, walking, exercise, singing) to break rumination and let positive habits grow. He also cites scientific support and recommends Sonia Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness for related research.
You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson More Wisdom in Less Time this is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon.
Concrete Gardens Pema Chodron, a rock and Buddhist nun tells us we need to catch ourselves the moment we fall into old negative patterns. Failing to do so is like pouring concrete over that potentially beautiful garden that is our lives. And well, concrete gardens pretty much suck, so let's not do that. Make it a game. See if you can catch yourself right as you slip into Weenieville. Notice your pissiness, fear, anxiety, anger, overwhelm right when it arises and see if you can aikido that energy into something more constructive. Doesn't matter what you do, just do anything other than the old destructive patterns. Take a dozen deep breaths, go for a walk, sing a song, do a few push ups or jumping jacks, go for a run, whatever it takes to break the pattern and let your goodness garden bloom before you dump a ton of concrete all over it. P.S. for the record, scientific research supports this whole concrete garden dealio as well. They tell us bad mood plus rumination equals toxic. Check out Sonia Lyubomirsky's brilliant book the how of Happiness and or the Philosopher's Notes on it for more goodness on that subject.
We hope you enjoyed this mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. Want more wisdom in less time delivered in your inbox? Sign up for Brian's free daily newsletter, the Optimizer, and get the full ebook and audiobook at brianjohnson Me APN.
