X-2 Mark’s 7 Favourites
There's so much to enjoy here; how to get started with meditation, mindset tips, new music, a Brazilian athlete to watch and much more! Here goes X-2 of My 7 Favourites.
10 DEC 2023
Thank you all for being interested, this has really given me a spark of energy and I want to give it back to you. Didn't expect so many reactions and subscribers, crazy!
*Nothing is sponsored, everything I write is what I fully support, am interested in and/or use(d) myself.1. Wellbeing Practice: Meditation
If you think meditations are spiritual woo-woo. I get it, I thought that too. But listen up.
Our lives are filled with experiences, feelings and thoughts. How to deal with them is important and endless social media scrolling to numb your feelings isn't the solution.
If you don’t take a breather, your whole system will go out of sync in no time. In today’s society we all need to catch a breath, take a moment to pause, let the nervous system unwind, and reflect.
With meditation it just takes a couple minutes of your day and has been to have insane benefits such as enhancing overall performance, ease issues like depression and anxiety and positively changing brain structures.
Personally, meditation has been a game-changer for me. I had my first experiences when I was younger through my mother’s influence. It had a massive impact on my life during a tough period and now I still continue doing it because of the benefits. It might feel awkward initially, but trust me, it's worth continuing.
If you thought it was nonsense, I hope you reconsider and give it a chance. Here’s some quick steps to start:
Quiet Space: Find a peaceful spot at home or outdoors.
Short Duration: Start with 1-2 minutes and gradually increase.
Guided Meditation: Use apps like Headspace for guidance.
Patience: Progress takes time; be patient and non-judgmental about your experience.
I personally practise meditation with Headspace. But if you have a good alternative let me know!
2. Inspirational Instagram and Writer: Forrest Hanson
This post on effort struck my eyes. I know that so many people are trying to succeed and get caught up comparing themselves to other peoples’ ‘‘success’’ every day.
A post shared by @f.hanson
We all experience days where you feel you’re off and this can be difficult to accept. But remember that you need your recovery. It’s a big priority to take appropriate rest and adjust your pace, instead of forcing your way through or ignoring your body and mind’s signals.
Respect your own pace and accept that high-energy days are not always there. Remember that those days can be successful as well, but feel just a bit different.
Approaching your life with this mindset is a much more sustainable way to grow!
3. Music: Swedish House Mafia ft. Alicia Keys- Finally (ID)
If you know me personally, you already know I’m a big fan of the Swedes. I saw them perform live a couple of times and I highly recommend you do the same! For this issue I have to share this ID which has given me goosebumps so many times. Enjoy!
4. Athlete’s Inspiration: One to Watch: Endrick
Another Brazilian football talent is rising; Endrick. Remember the name.
I find it crazy that you can already spot remarkable talent. Mindset, physique, skill, it’s all there and he’s just 17 years old.
He’s moving to Real Madrid next summer and will be play with a bunch of ballers like another (future) star Jude Bellingham. Shees, very much looking forward to seeing the new Galacticos. And they’re all young!
A couple days ago he won the Brazilian League with Palmeiras and here’s how he celebrated.
A post shared by @endrick
5. Tech: EightSleep
We’re literally living in the future already. This EightSleep mattress tracks your sleep, adjusts your body temperature and wakes you up in the best phase, all to optimise your sleep quality and get the most out of your life.
For those who read my First 7-Favourites know about Whoop. Just so you know, many users of the EightSleep mattress saw insane improvements in their recovery. Crazy!
This bed would be so good for maximising both mental and physical performance, but your financials will take a big hit. Selling for nearly €3000,- and an optional membership to get other functions starting from €18 per month.
This is not it for me now since the price is pretty hefty. But as I’m writing this I can definitely see it being an absolutely great investment. Well I might reconsider. But sponsors are always welcome, EightSleep ;)
A post shared by @eightsleep
6. Art and Nature: Bonsai Trees
Those of you who know me and have read the first edition know that I’m into Japanese/Chinese culture, style and zen-buddhism. The art-form that is undoubtedly true to this, is Bonsai.
This ancient art-form is focused on creating and taking care of miniature trees, which are sometimes shaped in crazy ways just as you can see below. Beyond aesthetics, it symbolizes harmony with nature, patience, and artistic expression.
A post shared by @thebonsaist
I have a bonsai tree in my bedroom and it literally gives such a good energy. So if you want to give a boost to your home or want to learn more check out @thebonsaist, I have been following them for a while. They share a lot of info and sell very cool ones, so check them out!
7. Inspirational Mindset: Failing and Learning Process
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
— Michael Jordan
That wraps up the second edition of My 7 Favourites!
Much appreciated for reading this and subscribing.
I hope it can provide value to you as it has done to me. Please feel free to leave a comment and to share to the people you think will like this!
What topics would you like to see?
See you soon with the third edition of Mark’s 7 Favourites.
Ciao for now!
Mark Wilbrink
