A lot of people spend their days scrolling through other people's lives. And with each little flick of your thumb, you feel it. That unhappiness with your own life.
Great text, Justin. This reminds me of a passage from the sacred Indian text, the Bhagavad Gita. It is said that if you take a warrior from a battlefield and place him in a peaceful forest, he will soon start making weapons from the sticks and stones he finds.
Back in 2003 I completed one of the toughest Chinese medicine courses in Europe—5,000 hours over five years, full-time—almost like the Foreign Legion or the Navy SEALs for therapists. There I saw a considerable number of people enter the therapy world seeking a more balanced life and a way out of the busyness of life.
Later, I became a teacher there and saw that it was not uncommon for those in the process of becoming therapists to bring the same patterns into the field: stress, overwork, burnout, and even madness.
That’s why you can literally move to the other side of the world and still feel that the financial, relationship, or health issues you’re running from are chasing you.
I’m curious Lourenço, which course was that? I’ve always been interested in Chinese Medicine, and found great healing with it following a parasitic illness. It amazes me how complete and holistic it is. That must’ve been quite an adventure!
Hello Shirel, I’m glad you found benefit in this practice and that it relieved your condition. You can find the curriculum here; it’s in Lisbon: https://shorturl.at/FIqcy.
Yes, it was quite intense, but I really enjoyed those years. It’s also connected to China, so in the final year you spend four months working in hospitals there. Of course, over five years there are ups and downs—uncertainty and doubt—not just the yellow brick road.
In the end, besides knowledge of herbs, food, acupuncture, massage, and Chi Kung, you’re prepared for life, to create your own path. When you’re involved in a project like this for five years, you gain access to many areas of life, not just Chinese Medicine; you make many connections and forge lifelong friendships.
I don’t know what the curriculum is like now, because the laws have changed, and things are more tidy and aseptic. There’s less room for experimentation, a more crystallised path—safer, but more conventional.
At that time, acupuncture was not recognised in Portugal, so the school displayed a big golden plaque at the entrance that read, “This school is not officially recognised by the government.” That was in 1998.
So, enrolling carried the risk that you were wasting your time, that the acupuncture law would never pass. But this also acted as a filter for those who were truly there for the journey and not for the gold. We were mostly outliers and underdogs.
For me, it was a landmark. Everything I create is, in part, rooted in those five years.
After 12 years of intense acupuncture and herbal practice, I followed a less common path: I wrote a book about living with the seasons, based on the tradition of Chinese Medicine, and I work with this model - living with the seasons. I’m now more focused on breathing and Chi Kung (breathing exercises with movement) for stress, anxiety, and performance, and I run a course for people who want to teach this to the world.
Well said and so very true. I have myself on a self imposed "social media behavior plan" to decrease my time online since January. I am failing a bit but just brought on 2 team members to help with social. I love creating content but I don't need to be online as much as I am. Offline is where the magic is- thanks for the reminder!
Perfectly put. My dad died aged 41 and hardly a day goes by without me thinking how lucky I am to be here and living a blessed life; with all its mess and chaos. It’s beautiful because I’m in it with the people I love. ❤️
Spot on, man. Over the past few years it’s become clear for me that freedom lies in commitment. It seems counterintuitive but when you decide to ignore all the what ifs for what you’ve got right in front of you, that’s when the possibilities really open up.
Been digging your stuff for a while now. This was a good one.
All. Day. Long. The secret to having it all is knowing you already do!!!!! More joy is all about the gratitude and choosing YOUR life! I love what you’re doing Justin!
There’s a saying in Spanish that goes something along the lines of “What you boast about reveals what you lack…” and it’s true. Empty vessels make the most noise.
This is a short but important reminder for everyone. This problem is exponentially worse in the social media age.
You know the cliche of the guy going to a high school reunion and getting jealous of his former classmate who’s super successful? Well, that’s experienced every day now instead of once every 10 years.
It seems inescapable but you have to tune out the noise as much as possible.
Great advice. Thanks for the reminder. It's easy to overlook what we have and be envious of others, especially with social media. However, we only see the 'best' parts of their lives, not the sacrifices and consequences as you have highlighted.
Great text, Justin. This reminds me of a passage from the sacred Indian text, the Bhagavad Gita. It is said that if you take a warrior from a battlefield and place him in a peaceful forest, he will soon start making weapons from the sticks and stones he finds.
Back in 2003 I completed one of the toughest Chinese medicine courses in Europe—5,000 hours over five years, full-time—almost like the Foreign Legion or the Navy SEALs for therapists. There I saw a considerable number of people enter the therapy world seeking a more balanced life and a way out of the busyness of life.
Later, I became a teacher there and saw that it was not uncommon for those in the process of becoming therapists to bring the same patterns into the field: stress, overwork, burnout, and even madness.
That’s why you can literally move to the other side of the world and still feel that the financial, relationship, or health issues you’re running from are chasing you.
Wow. What an awesome insight to add here, Lourenço. Thank you for sharing. Congrats on accomplishing that medicine course. That’s crazy!
I didn't went to the army here in Portugal. Karma catched me in some strange way 🤣.
I’m curious Lourenço, which course was that? I’ve always been interested in Chinese Medicine, and found great healing with it following a parasitic illness. It amazes me how complete and holistic it is. That must’ve been quite an adventure!
Hello Shirel, I’m glad you found benefit in this practice and that it relieved your condition. You can find the curriculum here; it’s in Lisbon: https://shorturl.at/FIqcy.
Yes, it was quite intense, but I really enjoyed those years. It’s also connected to China, so in the final year you spend four months working in hospitals there. Of course, over five years there are ups and downs—uncertainty and doubt—not just the yellow brick road.
In the end, besides knowledge of herbs, food, acupuncture, massage, and Chi Kung, you’re prepared for life, to create your own path. When you’re involved in a project like this for five years, you gain access to many areas of life, not just Chinese Medicine; you make many connections and forge lifelong friendships.
I don’t know what the curriculum is like now, because the laws have changed, and things are more tidy and aseptic. There’s less room for experimentation, a more crystallised path—safer, but more conventional.
At that time, acupuncture was not recognised in Portugal, so the school displayed a big golden plaque at the entrance that read, “This school is not officially recognised by the government.” That was in 1998.
So, enrolling carried the risk that you were wasting your time, that the acupuncture law would never pass. But this also acted as a filter for those who were truly there for the journey and not for the gold. We were mostly outliers and underdogs.
For me, it was a landmark. Everything I create is, in part, rooted in those five years.
After 12 years of intense acupuncture and herbal practice, I followed a less common path: I wrote a book about living with the seasons, based on the tradition of Chinese Medicine, and I work with this model - living with the seasons. I’m now more focused on breathing and Chi Kung (breathing exercises with movement) for stress, anxiety, and performance, and I run a course for people who want to teach this to the world.
Have a great day.
Well said and so very true. I have myself on a self imposed "social media behavior plan" to decrease my time online since January. I am failing a bit but just brought on 2 team members to help with social. I love creating content but I don't need to be online as much as I am. Offline is where the magic is- thanks for the reminder!
Nice!
Wonderful insight and advice. Hard to stop scrolling. For many of us it’s a true addiction. Advice on stopping?
Greyscale + DND 24/7 + putting your phone in another room.
Perfectly put. My dad died aged 41 and hardly a day goes by without me thinking how lucky I am to be here and living a blessed life; with all its mess and chaos. It’s beautiful because I’m in it with the people I love. ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear that, man. I always feel bad about getting older, but some people only live to be 7 or 22. I try to remember that.
Agree. I use the experience as a positive force.
A favourite song lyric of mine; Sorrow has paved the way for the person you are today.
Spot on, man. Over the past few years it’s become clear for me that freedom lies in commitment. It seems counterintuitive but when you decide to ignore all the what ifs for what you’ve got right in front of you, that’s when the possibilities really open up.
Been digging your stuff for a while now. This was a good one.
In my opinion, gratitude is the best remedy against comparisons.
Love this Justin. I’m 44 and what you’ve described here was a struggle on loop for me at various points between the ages of 27 and 38.
I would add that the mindset you’re describing (and arguing against) also creates a decision making practice with many negative knock-on effects.
Choose the wrong partners.
Spend money on the wrong things to convince the wrong people they should like, admire or envy you.
And on and on.
Great post. Thanks, Justin!
Thank you so much, John. I wrote it because I struggled deeply with it as well.
That lived experience is such a rich place to draw from. Great article. Thanks, Justin.
All. Day. Long. The secret to having it all is knowing you already do!!!!! More joy is all about the gratitude and choosing YOUR life! I love what you’re doing Justin!
Thank you, Cindi! I appreciate you reading.
If I send you a DM- will you read it?
Grass might be greener on the other side, but the manure's more potent and the smell sticks to your clothes. Think I'll stay on my side
Haha. Good call.
There’s a saying in Spanish that goes something along the lines of “What you boast about reveals what you lack…” and it’s true. Empty vessels make the most noise.
I love that.
Loved this & restacked ♻️🧡
Thank you, Shelly!
There's a good reason why "Thou shall not covet" is one of the 10 commandments! Many people forget that one.
I actually did :)
This is a short but important reminder for everyone. This problem is exponentially worse in the social media age.
You know the cliche of the guy going to a high school reunion and getting jealous of his former classmate who’s super successful? Well, that’s experienced every day now instead of once every 10 years.
It seems inescapable but you have to tune out the noise as much as possible.
It's true. The more you tune it out, the more you can focus on YOU.
So powerful.
Thanks Justin, you keep showing us the way!
Appreciate it, Pablo.
comparison is the thief of joy.
Great advice. Thanks for the reminder. It's easy to overlook what we have and be envious of others, especially with social media. However, we only see the 'best' parts of their lives, not the sacrifices and consequences as you have highlighted.