Patrick Mosher argues that surrendering to news cycles and social media drains your power. He distinguishes emotions from feelings, then offers a concrete practice: write three to five personal philosophies, share them with five people, and post them publicly. His own five include "the universe is perfect" and "Mithakuye Oyasin," a Lakota phrase meaning we are all related.
Chapters
What a week this has been. Here in the United States, our Capitol was stormed and overrun. We see disturbing pictures in our news programs and on our social media channels. Our political, nah, our fundamental social system seems to be at the brink of total annihilation. It's not. You and I are more resilient than the latest breaking news. Don't let breaking news break anything, especially you. In the course of our human history, we have endured plagues, pandemics, world wars, insurrections, crusades, holy wars. In fact, we did more than endured, we evolved. I believe we are at the brink of an exciting evolution of our humanity, and you and I have an essential role in moving us along. Your choice to join this conscious evolution occurs right now. So let's begin. First, what do you do with these emotions you're experiencing, that, that knot in your stomach? Breathe. Yeah, that's right. Take a deep diaphragmatic breath. Shallow breathing tells your body you're in fear mode. Deep breathing tells your body you are serene. Your brain fires differently in serenity versus fear mode. Breathe for serenity. Breathe for sanity. Feeling a little better? Okay, well, let's continue. One of my core philosophies is is live 100% empowered. In these turbulent times, it's so easy to give away our personal power. We give it away to the latest news program. We give it away to the latest disturbing social media posts. We give it away to the person wearing the mask or not wearing the mask at the grocery store. Fact is, you are the master controller of your feelings. So let's distinguish between emotions and feelings. Emotions are bodily reactions activated by neurotransmitters and hormones released by your brain. So although they're initiated from your brain, they're pretty much stimulus-response. Feelings happen when you give meaning to your emotions. Meaning. That's the key in taking back your personal power in turbulent times. Meaning is your North Star. Meaning is guide your actions and decisions, to act and decide with wisdom, which I assume you would like to do, what is at the core of your meaning? It's core philosophies. Can you clearly articulate your 3 to 5 core philosophies? If you cannot, you're giving away your emotions, your feelings, and meaning to the latest breaking news. You're leaking personal power. So stop. Breathe. Plant your feet solidly on the ground. In fact, put them on the bare earth if you can, and reflect. Take the next 10 minutes and write down your 3 to 5 core philosophies. All right, then do something really bold. Share your 3 to 5 philosophies with 5 people. Do it this week. 3 years ago, I did this exercise at a mastermind event in Colorado— or in California. In groups of 5, we took 10 minutes to journal our philosophies, and then we had 5 minutes to share at our tables. Here are my 5 core philosophies. Number 1: The universe is perfect. Number 2: Live 100% empowered. Number 3: Learn deeply and continuously. Hone your talent from the outside in. Number 4: Choose to put your talent in the world where it shines boldly. And number 5: Mithakuye Oyasin, which is Lakota for we are all related. These 5 are my guiding lights. Be bold and share your core philosophies with me. I'd love to hear them. And put your core philosophies on a sign. Post them visibly somewhere in your home and your office. Let your core philosophies wisely guide your decisions and actions. Take back your personal power. Breathe deeply. Ground. Then guide decisions and actions from your core philosophies. Bam.
