HitPoint Health Weekly 6/4: Diablo 4, Focus,
Good morning, and I hope that you're having a great weekend. In honor of the release of Diablo 4 tomorrow, I have themed this one a little bit in that direction. Nothing too crazy, just giving you some info on stuff that I think about when playing Diablo. I hope that this one will give me as much time sink as 4. And I'm not even finished with my Divinity 2 run! Lots of good video game releases this month, with Street Fighter 6 coming out on Friday, and Final Fantasy 16 later this month... (For those with PS5s).
Stuff I Did This Week:
Focus
"Focus: Bringing Time, Energy, and Money into Flow", by Pedram Shojai, is a book that I was excited to read when it came out a few years ago. I haven't heard of him before, but I remember liking his content and the way he spoke on a podcast. And I'm glad that I did. Through the lens of this book, life takes on the meaning of "continuing to exist," a notion that has been at the core of our species' survival for centuries.
Imagine your life as a verdant garden, each plant nourished by your time, energy, and money. This "Life Garden" is a metaphor presented by Shojai, a visual manifestation of where you've been and where you stand now. As a gardener of your life, understanding where you're dedicating your resources is the first step towards mastering your time.
Actions, according to Shojai, are the language of truth. They are clear mirrors reflecting your true desires and intentions. Regret is but the shadow cast when your actions fail to align with your words, a stark reminder that your life garden might not be growing as you wish. Although I have a hard time lately with the "garden" analogy because of the new season of Bridgerton...
In our technicolor world of distractions and demands, Shojai advises you to draw a clear line around your sanity, dreams, aspirations, and goals. This line serves as a fence for your Life Garden, protecting your space from the invasive weeds of outside influences. It's about saying "yes" to life, and equally important, saying "no" to anything that doesn't serve you. This is where I struggle the most, with distractions. I find myself reaching for my phone when I don't even want to.
Every "yes" you utter in life carries an invisible tag of "no" to something else. It's a dance of opportunity cost, a delicate balance we all must maintain. Shojai's Life Garden metaphor is your map, your guide to prioritizing your time and energy, a compass pointing towards the path of true focus.
Diablo 4
When I was younger, I used to love Diablo 2. I think that I still have the CD-ROM somewhere around the house. But something about the aesthetic, and the music, and the range of different classes, the rare items and pickups, etc. Throughout high school and college, I played a lot of Diablo 3, and being able to share that core Diablo experience with my friends. All together, Diablo was an integral part of who I am today, and I am very excited to play Diablo 4 tomorrow. I tried to play some of the beta but it was too bogged down and difficult to get consistent play time in, so I decided to wait for the release.
There are a lot of things to like about Diablo 4 so far, but what I appreciate most about Diablo 4 is its aesthetic -- the darker, grittier look and feel. It's a stark departure from Diablo 3's brighter hues and a return to the series' roots. It's like going back to a favorite childhood spot after years and finding it changed, yet strangely familiar. It reminded me of that time when I revisited my old neighborhood in Ohio after many years. The buildings were taller, the streets were busier, but the essence, the spirit of the place was just as I remembered.
Weekly Recommendations
Blood
Okay, I'm sure that this sounds a little wild, and perhaps it is. Especially coming from someone as queasy as myself. But, blood is something that humans have likely consumed throughout our existence. And it is something that is often consumed today in areas of the world that more closely resemble or roots, such as the Hadza and Tanzania. Animal blood is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, iron, and certain vitamins like B12, all of which are vital for maintaining human health. The consumption of bovine blood provides the Hadza with these nutrients in a readily available and highly absorbable form. This is especially important in their harsh environment where food sources can be scarce and unpredictable.
While this dietary practice might be good and useful for the Hadza, it's not necessarily something that everyone should or could adopt due to cultural, dietary, or health reasons. Thankfully, there are less "gross" ways to obtain these nutrients. Red meat, fish, and poultry are excellent sources of protein and B12. Iron can be found in foods like spinach, legumes, and fortified cereals (although I am personally not sold on "fortified foods", more on this later.) For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, vitamin B12 can be obtained from fortified plant-based milks, nutritional yeast, and B12 supplements.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga nidra, otherwise known as yogic sleep, is an immensely powerful meditation technique and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain. Unlike strenuous vinyasa flows or long asana holds, yoga nidra is a practice that everyone, from children to seniors, can do, and you cannot practice it incorrectly. As you rest comfortably in savasana, all you need to do is follow the voice guiding you through the practice. Falling asleep is fine, too – you will still reap the benefits as your unconscious mind absorbs the practice, although the point is
Not too long ago in the morning, I found myself struggling to shake off the vestiges of sleep, despite having a pretty intense day ahead. With barely enough energy to keep my eyes open, I decided to give yoga nidra a try, thanks to the recommendation of the esteemed Andrew Huberman. I positioned myself in savasana (which isn't hard when you're still in bed) put on my headphones, and allowed myself to be guided through the practice. In less than 20 minutes, I found myself more rejuvenated than any cup of coffee had ever managed. From then on, yoga nidra became my go-to for those midday slumps or mornings when the snooze button was just too tempting.
What makes yoga nidra such an asset is its adaptability to your daily life. It can be practiced for as short as five minutes or as long as an hour – you choose the length. The practice promotes deep rest and relaxation, reducing stress and leading to better health. It's also a space to explore what you need in the moment, allowing you to work on releasing long-held emotions without overwhelming you. Additionally, yoga nidra cultivates multiple levels of well-being. With consistent practice, you can find a good amount of peace in a short period of time. Just remember, every time you say "yes" to yoga nidra, you're saying "yes" to a healthier, more balanced you. That's a callback to Pedram's work :)
Hey, your presence here, investing time and energy in self-improvement, is a testament to your commitment to living a more conscious and fulfilling life. My hope is that the knowledge shared here serves as a stepping stone towards the truest expression of your potential.
Today, we dove deep into the rejuvenating practice of yoga nidra. This meditative technique, a beacon of rest and relaxation, is a key that unlocks a whole new realm of self-discovery and well-being. It's my sincere hope that it becomes a regular part of your life, much as it has mine. Whether it's shaking off that morning lethargy, battling the midday slump, or carving out a moment of peace in the whirlwind of life's demands, remember that yoga nidra is here for you, a haven of tranquility amidst the storm.
Now, if you're finding these missives enriching, I'd love to hear from you! I invite you to share your thoughts by replying to this email or by reaching out to matt@hitpointhealth.com. Your feedback is the lifeblood of this newsletter, and I truly value every message I receive.
And if you know someone who might benefit from these insights, I'd be grateful if you'd share this newsletter with them. By doing so, you're not just spreading the word about Hitpoint Health; you're also helping someone else navigate the path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Lastly, if there are any topics or segments you'd like to see in future newsletters, please don't hesitate to let me know. Your suggestions are always welcome, and I'll do my utmost to incorporate them in future editions.
Until we meet again, remember to keep your hitpoints up and continue nurturing your Life Garden. As always, thank you for being a part of this journey.
With Gratitude,
Matt.