book.chapter Understanding the mind

To attain a state of stillness, one must cease to be preoccupied with the myriad of personal and professional challenges that perpetually besiege us. It is a commonality shared by all, at all times. Rather, it necessitates the application of lucid thought, a quest for a portal to tranquility and serenity. It is only within this calm can one truly engage in clear thinking, harness wisdom, and muster the patience essential for gaining insight into what is of genuine importance. The Cuban Missile Crisis, which unfolded during John F. Kennedy's presidency in October 1962, serves as an exemplary illustration of the critical role mental stillness plays. This crisis was precipitated by the USSR's endeavor to station nuclear missiles on Cuban soil, a mere ninety miles from the shores of the United States. Previously, Kennedy had succumbed to CIA pressures to attempt an invasion of Cuba, an endeavor that culminated in the debacle known as the Bay of Pigs. When it was discovered that Russian missiles were en route to Cuba, the CIA once again advocated for an immediate assault on the missile installations, followed by a comprehensive military invasion of Cuba. However, Kennedy, learning from past experiences, advocated for a more measured approach, seeking to understand the true intentions of the Russians. With time, he devised the strategy of a "quarantine" or blockade of Cuba, a tactic that proved to be a strategic masterstroke. This maneuver compelled Nikita Khrushchev, the Russian premier, to concede that the American resolve had been thoroughly tested and that the USSR's position was indefensible. Consequently, the Russians reversed their ships, the United States pledged not to invade Cuba, and a nuclear catastrophe was averted. What is particularly noteworthy and applicable across various domains is the methodology Kennedy employed to arrive at his conclusions. He sought solitude in the White House rose gardens, engaged in lengthy swims to both clear his mind and alleviate his back pain, and spent extended periods in a rocking chair in the Oval Office, deeply contemplating the situation. In a similar vein, when confronted with a crisis – albeit not as dire as a nuclear conflict, but nonetheless significant to you – the optimal course of action is seldom an immediate, emotionally charged, and ill-considered response. Instead, the pursuit of mental stillness should be prioritized. To achieve clarity regarding what truly matters and to cultivate a state of mental stillness, several strategies can be employed. Being fully present entails maximizing the current moment, relinquishing concerns about the future or any other distractions, and immersing oneself in the here and now. Seizing the moment and fully experiencing all that the present has to offer is crucial. Artists, renowned for their ability to become engrossed in their work to the exclusion of their surroundings, serve as an ideal model in this regard. Their ability to be present and from that state of stillness, produce brilliance, is something to aspire to in one's own life and career. Ryan Holiday eloquently states, "This moment we are experiencing right now is a gift (that’s why we call it the present). Even if it is a stressful, trying experience—it could be our last. So let’s develop the ability to be in it, to put everything we have into appreciating the plentitude of the now. Don’t reject a difficult or boring moment because it is not exactly what you want. Don’t waste a beautiful moment because you are insecure or shy. Make what you can of what you have been given. Live what can be lived. That’s what excellence is. That’s what presence makes possible." Embracing and experiencing all that the present moment offers, being present, and not dwelling on past failures in achieving this state is essential. The challenge of being present continually presents opportunities for improvement. Napoleon Bonaparte's practice of having his secretary delay the opening of any correspondence for three weeks is noteworthy. By the time Napoleon addressed the contents of a letter, he often found that the issues deemed "important" had resolved themselves, negating the need for a response. Adopting a selective approach to information intake, similar to Napoleon's, allows for a focus on matters of utmost importance. Ryan Holiday reflects on the difficulty of thinking clearly or acting decisively when overwhelmed by information, a phenomenon he describes as "analysis paralysis." This self-inflicted state can be mitigated by pausing to reflect, particularly in the morning when the mind is most unencumbered by external influences. Protecting this mental space and returning to it throughout the day requires the elimination of preconceptions, the establishment of boundaries, and the delegation of urgent but non-essential tasks to others. The benefits of taking the time to slow down and engage in deep thought are self-evident, as clarity and creativity are stifled by the frenetic pace of daily activities. By slowing down and being present in the moment, one transitions from reactive instincts to deliberate actions. The journey towards stillness encompasses the mind, spirit, and body, with being fully present, eliminating preconceptions, and taking time for reflection being key components. Thomas Carlyle's assertion, "Thought will not work except in silence," underscores the importance of finding tranquility for deep contemplation. Randall Stutman's study of how senior executives of large corporations recharge mentally through activities characterized by a complete absence of voices highlights the value of silence and the lessons it can teach. Ryan Holiday advocates for seeking silence, as it offers profound insights into both the external world and our inner selves. Journaling, as practiced by historical figures such as John Quincy Adams, Ben Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci, serves as a powerful tool for rejecting distractions, silencing internal voices, and gaining perspective on life's challenges. The pursuit of wisdom, through reading, seeking guidance from admired individuals, and embracing challenges, enriches one's perspective and fosters a deeper understanding of stillness. Confidence, distinguished from ego, plays a crucial role in navigating setbacks and embracing stillness, as exemplified by Kennedy's leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Confidence, born from experience and self-assurance, enables one to face challenges with poise and to cultivate the stillness necessary for profound reflection and decision-making.