Day lilies are particularly prevalent in July in the northern hemisphere. The flower above is just outside my office window.

Focus - “Contentment”

Contentment; “the state of being in which one is satisfied with their current life situation,

and the state of affairs in one’s life as they presently are.”

The root of the word contentment comes from the Latin contentus, meaning “held together”, “intact” or “whole.” The word later evolved into an idea that could reflect onto a person, describing one who feels complete, with no further desires beyond simply being.

July is the seventh month in Julian and Gregorian calendar, and marks the beginning of the second half of the year. Interestingly, In many cultures across the globe and throughout human history, seven has been understood as a number of completion, and is often associated with the concept of contentment. In the northern hemisphere, July is a time of abundance, with ample sunlight and its transformative energy influencing life on Earth.

In terms of practical application, I genuinely believe that it is possible to be content with one’s life regardless of the circumstance, and whether things are going as one expected or not. Psychiatrist and author Dr. Paul Conti explains that the pinnacle of human mental health is a robust and persistent state of agency and gratitude. I believe contentment fits right in the center of those two. For me, feeling at my best involves a deep sense of gratitude for my experiences and the positive aspects of my life, a sense of agency in shaping my future, and a genuine contentment with my current place in time.

Appreciative of the past,

satisfied with the present,

hopeful for the future.

I personally still tend to be quite industrious during the month of July, but using “contentment” as the month’s focal point/mantra helps me reflect on the past, nurture aspirations for the future, and most importantly, genuinely appreciate being here, now.

Path - The Back Functional Line

The Back Functional Line (in orange) creates a connection from our humeri (upper arm bones) via our Latissimus Dorsi muscles (lats), gluteus maximi (large butt muscles) and vastus laterali (outer thigh/quad muscles) to our tibia tuberosity (just below our kneecap).

This pathway is a primary tool in movements that shorten the back side of our frame, as with prone exercises, and the shape we make when skydiving. Additionally, we use this system in movements that create extension diagonally across the back of our body, like when we wind up for throwing motions, or for the extension/reaching portion of swimming. The BFL is also a primary worker in motions like starting a lawn mower or boat motor.

When too much forward focus has us looking like desk shrimp, the BFL is what allows us to take that much needed, big, satisfying yawn stretch.

The Respiratory System

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.

Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness

The respiratory system encompasses our lungs, airways (including the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose, and mouth. Together, these components supply oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide. Additionally, the respiratory system warms and moistens the air we breathe, filters particles from it, facilitates speech and smell, and regulates our body's acidity levels. Ultimately, every function of our respiratory system centers around breath.

Breath has been described as the essence of life, and in fact, the etymology of “respiration” unites breath with the notion of spirit and life itself. This makes it no surprise that the quality of our breathing has far reaching effect on our overall health and well-being.

Correct breathing is essential for optimal brain and organ function. During stressful situations breathing defaults to short and shallow, and if that poor breathing becomes the norm, the mind and body will both suffer damage.

On the contrary however, mindful breathing can significantly improve our health and well-being. For instance, nasal breathing alone can reduce stress and anxiety, improve athletic capacity and even help to regulate sleep patterns. Additionally, the physiological sigh is one of the most potent tools we can access to alleviate both physical and mental stress, improve mood and mental clarity, and improve oxygenation while reducing carbon dioxide levels. The way in which we breathe is the key. In both, breath and life, practicing awareness is what allows us to choose between short, shallow and hurried, or thoughtful, deep and satisfying.

How we breathe,

is how we live.

Principle - Cause & Effect

Physics teaches us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Energy or frequency emitted will eventually return in a similar or opposing vibration. An excellent example of this phenomenon is observed with water droplets: when a droplet falls into a larger body of water (A), it creates outward ripples that eventually return towards the source as opposing waves (B).

This foundational principle applies universally, whether dealing with mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, mental, or even emotional energies. Just as ripples in water encounter opposing ripples, the principle of cause and effect persists even in more complex scenarios. Everything we think, say, or do sets a specific effect in motion in our lives. Recognizing this relationship empowers us to take greater responsibility for our own lives. It encourages the pursuit of behaviors and thoughts that yield desirable outcomes, fostering a genuine sense of agency.

For instance, if I seek love, I must first extend love to those around me. If I desire a healthy life, I must nourish and exercise my body appropriately—neither in excess nor deprivation, but with balance. Similarly, to reduce anxiety, I must cultivate contentment. While simple in concept, many find it challenging in practice, often due to lack of awareness of their own actions, thoughts, and intentions.

In the fast pace and distractions of modern society, it's easy to slip into autopilot mode (often labeled as "busy"). Lack of awareness prevents us from recognizing opportunities to improve our thought patterns and achieve more favorable outcomes. Consider the thought "Why me?" It reflects a low-vibration, victim mentality that perpetuates experiences of victimization. With awareness, instead of asking "why me?", I can pause, take a breath, and ask, "What did I do to contribute to this situation?" Honest self-reflection allows me to take accountability for my circumstances rather than feeling powerless as a victim.

Trust that every action will have a reaction—whether positive or negative. The energy we put out there has a ripple effect. Whether we operate from a place of anger or resentment, or awareness and contentment, that energy will eventually affect us in return.

July (2024)