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Author: [[Stephen Guise]] Full Title: Elastic Habits Category: #books INTRODUCTION “What we do now echoes in eternity.” ― Marcus Aurelius Being detoured against our will is the rule, not the exception. In such a life of change, obstacles, pain, and surprises, our habits are there for us. By developing and practicing good habits each day, you affirm that you do have control over the very core of your life in the midst of the chaos. Nobody else can live your life for you, no matter how much they love you. After just three weeks, I felt defeated. Hope was gone. The slump had penetrated my soul. It saddened me to think of how many others have spiraled into and from this position. Once your spirit breaks, it’s shocking how easy it is to decline. Here’s what happened to me physically: I gained 10 pounds of fat, something I had never done before in my life, let alone in a single month. I couldn’t sleep. My back was tight and spasmed constantly from poor couch posture. I had debilitating tension headaches and had to go to urgent care three times. Most surprising of all, I was the most stressed out I’ve ever been in my life. Both of my eyelids twitched constantly (which continued for months). Doing nothing is somehow the most stressful lifestyle. I felt as if I would die if I did this much longer. Inactivity, poor sleep, and poor nutrition were a three-headed monster that drained my vigor; my brain and body seemed to erode at the cellular level. PART ONE Death to Rigidity, Long Live Freedom 1 Fluid Lives, Rigid Goals “Just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in winning, may be called a heaven-born captain.” — Sun Tzu Wouldn’t it be nice if you could choose whether to fly, know the future, or master new skills, depending on the exact momentary circumstances of your life? Those

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Elastic Habits by Stephen Guise presents wisdom from the contemplative traditions.

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