Shape Your Space, Shape Your Life
Winston Churchill said, “we shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
There’s a lot condensed in those eight words.
Start with the insight that so much of what we do, and therefore how we “be,” is influenced by our environment. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt created a metaphor to illuminate this: The Rider, The Elephant, and The Path.
To simplify a little, The Rider is the rational case for change; the Elephant, the emotional; and the Path, the environment that surrounds it all. We assume it’s the Rider directing what’s happening, but in fact, it’s the Path that has the most influence where the Elephant goes.
It’s why any book on habit-building keeps encouraging you to create the space that will allow you to have the habits you desire. No ice cream in the freezer but pre-cut carrot sticks in the fridge … you can guess what influence that has on your eating patterns.
That brings us to the second point: “we shape our buildings …” You can actively create the space that leads to the the outcome you desire.
I’ve got a small desk in my small office which is my “creative work and writing” desk. It’s a little bit apart from my “bang-out emails and take Zoom calls” desk, which is also a small, but it's all about me deliberately shaping and editing the space around me.
So, take a moment to step back and look around your environment.
What sort of person—both in doing and being—might your space be nudging you towards?
📕 My Guest: Angel Acosta
Dr. Angel Acosta is a social scientist, educator, and healing-centered practitioner, dedicated to transforming how we think about leadership, community care, and social justice.
His innovative approach bridges the fields of mindfulness, education, and technology, using healing-centered practices to create environments that foster growth and resilience. As the founder of the Acosta Institute and the Director of the Garrison Institute's Fellowship Program, Dr. Acosta has helped shape new frameworks for leadership that blend empathy with strategic action.
🎧 Healing and Paradox
Angel reads two pages from The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman.
In our conversation we discuss:
Healing as a Continuous Process
Healing isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey of restoration and grounding. It’s about engaging with life’s challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth and connection.
The Power of Disorientation
Disruption and disorientation aren’t just obstacles—they’re essential for growth. Whether it’s moving homes as a child or tackling new ideas, leaning into the discomfort of change can expand your potential.
Balancing Speed with Presence
Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping; it’s about checking your alignment as you move. It’s knowing when to push forward and when to pause, breathe, and recalibrate to make sure you’re on the right path.
Embodied Awareness
Real wisdom doesn’t just come from the mind; it’s a full-body experience. Tuning into your gut, your heart, and even your feet helps you sense when things are off and guides you to make better decisions.
Navigating the Promise and Peril of AI
In the age of AI, it’s all about holding the paradox between its potential and its risks. It’s about exploring how technology can serve humanity while staying mindful of its impact on our well-being and society.
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