I wrote this in September 2022
I used to work in an office. I walked to work. I listened to podcasts while I walked. In the evening I ran, listening to nothing but the sounds of nature.
Now I work from home. There’s no time to fit in a podcast during my walk from the kitchen to my office, so I moved podcast listening to my evening run.
My family has had an extremely stressful year. I noticed a few weeks ago is that I was carrying the stress of our situation with me all the time. I wasn’t sleeping well. I was never getting a break from it.
And then I realised I was never taking a break – work and listening to music all day, dealing with life, educating my brain with podcasts during my runs, reading books before bed, a sprinkling of social media and TV. The only time my mind had to wander was when I was supposed to be asleep.
I went back to listening to nature while running.
It’s made a significant difference. I’m sleeping better. My mind doesn’t feel so full and uptight. It feels like my creativity levels are creeping up.
Do you give yourself some time every day with no outside inputs? Your brain needs empty space with freedom to move.
2026 update
My life is different than it was four years ago. I have plenty of space. The podcasts are back on during my runs which happen in the early morning now. Seasons, my dude.
—Jeff
I’m back! I will be here to carry you through the rest of The Book of Tree. And maybe beyond. Who knows?
Grow slowly
Skyler