One thing I've learned from traveling for the past 8 years is that constant discomfort is overrated, comfort isn't the demon that we make it out to be and we don't have to leap out of our comfort zone constantly to live our best life, putting in the work to get good at something with incremental improvement can be much more rewarding than taking a trip to the other side of the world. Trying out a class in something new in our city can be thrilling, having a difficult but needed conversation with someone can be a better opportunity for growth than backpacking in Thailand. It's not all about the big picture, the small things count much more than we give them credit.
yea.... 'get out of your comfort zone' , like who cares? what the point of all that unless your experiences are shared in social media and you get social validation and admiration. health benefits? nah...all that hassle in travelling is not helpful to mental health. its all superficial like a headless chicken running around trying to appear busy and goal oriented. unless you have a healthy connection with a significant person, providing for a family, nurture and wholesomeness, these messages... proliferation of what to do, checklist of this and that, are all meaningless and surface level experiences.
@caprice.t i understand...i still abide to principle of time though.. time is what you make of it and inorder to truly engross oneself to certain phenomena, one needs to savor it sensibly. how deep, thats another engrossment one needs to discover within... a food, depending upon whose sense of taste (temperament) can be somewhat savor by an infinite number of ways... subtle nuances... if you dont know how to train your senses to enrich an experience by being totally present, the experience never really reaches ones being, one is not touched by it.. one after another, without contemplation, these experiences dull ones mind and the seeming allure of novelty expires...
You one of the few RU-vidrs who can actually make me sit and listen for 10 mins to everything you say. I feel like you are able to articulate answers to questions I didn’t even know I had. Loving the vids
For me life is slipping by quickly because I'm so busy doing so many things. When I look at the clock I'm like holy crap it's already such and such time. And that's on a smaller hourly timeframe. The same thing happens with days, weeks, months.....
Sheesh.... at 13 years old he was having an existential crisis about time and life being short. At 13 years old I was more worried about my mom finding my stash of "naughty" girly pictures (sorry but youtube algos banned the other word) and stash of weed.
1. Stop running from yourself and face your demons 2. Be weary of comfort. Avoid the same old cyclic routines. Try to do vipasana. 3. Seek discomfort and practice mindfulness to avoid distractions.
This is so apt for me right now. A friend of mine died recently and strangely, this has actually made me slow down. I don't fear running out of time - I fear missing life while worrying about the future. Now I seem to have more time than ever, and I'm spending it on people I love.
i feel similar. i lost my stepdad, whom i was very close with, in october 2021. i have been able to appreciate my life a lot more since his death. my mindset shifted immensely and i try to enjoy my life and make good memories, instead of studying for college 24/7, which was basically my only activity for the last two years.
I’ve definitely experienced that anxiety of feeling like I’m racing against time; but I’ve shifted towards a different mindset after doing what I love everyday
I personally think that everyone should go through some sort of mental hardships once at least, they teach you a lot of things. But its better if you you learn the things without having major mental hardships
Life really gets clear when it's in relation to death. We often live our lives as if we have infinite time. When death feels close, what's important becomes obvious. This is one of the reason why monk's will often contemplate and even visualize their own death. But if you've really felt death close, for either yourself or someone close to you, it's very powerful. Also a note on mindfulness. It's not just being present to your experience, it's being open to it. We have lived similar experiences so many times, that we think we already know what each experience holds, so we aren't really open to it. We aren't really paying attention. We live in a sort of trance, thinking we need special achievements to feel alive and so we aren't really open and curious about the simple moments. But life is in those simple moments. It's not in the achievements, those are always transient and short lived. If you keep thinking you need a peak experience to feel alive, you'll miss what life actually has to offer.
A friend of mine died a couple years ago, and it was an eye opening expirience, I felt so alive that it made me feel like a bad person. Then the grief came and it all went away. But that experience remained and sometimes I do feel it again. When death comes everything stops, suddenly all that you thought was urgent does not have any importance. You just are. You just look around trying to understand life. And in that moment when everything stops, you start looking to the details again, you start valuing the wind, the sun, the day that arrives. Because everyday it's a reminder that death it's timeless and you start to live this timeless day by day. Sadly you see better through the tears. We're usually so closed. But death cracks you open.
When time feels like it's passing too quickly, I literally go somewhere that has a nice view and just sit there by myself and stare at it. After a while, a lot of "big problems" don't seem so big anymore and life starts to feel normal again.
Your self-awareness is unmatched, man. Don't beat yourself up, as you're likely living the life you've always wanted. Don't worry about the metrics; if you put in quality work, people will notice it and acknowledge you for your time and effort. You're doing what you love for a living. Slow down and appreciate that as much as you're able to. Namaste 🙏
The things that I do that really help life go by slower are to simply be as mindful as you can at any given moment. Take a deep breath. Look at all the details and beauty that surrounds you, no matter where you are. Admire that crack in the street, or really listen to those birds. We block so much of our senses and we take them for granted. When was the last time you stopped to smell a flower or to watch a bird in a tree? When was the last time you left your house without your phone? When you're on a bus or metro, do you simply sit or stand, just listening to the screeching wheels or feeling the movement of the train? All these little things add up to making life so much more enjoyable. ❤️ Also, staying off of social media makes a HUGE difference. So much time wasted that goes by in the blink of an eye.
Story time... This past week I rediscovered some of my old journals from 20 years ago, beginning when I was 21. It was nearly five years worth of my daily life. Recently, I'd been thinking of that period in my life, and while I remembered a few of the major things that happened (coming out, a couple of toxic relationships, leaving home and going back to school), I just could not remember half a decade's worth of life. Your line at 8:57, "Constant discomfort can be a form of comfort" absolutely resonated with me. As my journals revealed, those years were truly miserable. I was depressed, doing the same thing day in and out, not even remotely approaching my potential. But like some kind of sadist, I repeated that misery for years for the sake of comfort. Because I couldn't bring myself to break out of that cycle (and if we're being honest, because I didn't think I deserved it), until I finally did. And I'm so glad I got out of that rut. It led to some truly beautiful things... marrying my husband, adopting a daughter, traveling the world, living in foreign countries. But that's not to say these patterns of time slippage never reappeared. I'm lucky that my husband can sense when I (or we) have lost forward momentum because he will definitely do something about it. Alarmed at the prospect of wasting our lives, and how deeply unhappy I was at my job of six years, he found an opportunity to move to a new country. That's how we relocated to Tokyo in 2019 and continue to try to make the most of the time we've got.
The last 2 years from 25 onwards have definitely created this exact feeling of anxiety and time constricting my life quicker and quicker because I am not currently where I need to be in a broad sense, to progress. It's incredibly hard to pull your head out of this void and realize that 1. your life should NOT ever be compared to anyone else's. Just because someone else is having kids now, buying their first home, or getting married, doesn't mean you're behind. 2. Stop worrying about the past and future and focus on the present. Live each day as something new and 3. value what you've already got. It's so easy to take for granted the greatest things in life because we get too wrapped up in the things around us. Just live and find your peace. Find your happiness.
@@hypnoticlizard9693 Hi I just found this comment, and I know I'm not the op but I also feel this way. I am in a job I don't particularly enjoy. I can't relate to the people in my workplace that much. I also earn a decent but basic salary (It will take me 10 years of being extremely frugal to buy a tiny apartment in this area( I don't like the area either). I don't have many friends anymore because most people I can relate to lives far away from me. Most of my interactions with friends comes from gaming and the odd time I go visit my one friend who lives far or when my brothers friend comes back from working in America. I struggle a bit with addictions towards social media, etc which is a huge time waste and probably where allot of my problems stem from. I want to study in Computer Science or software development just for the salary and work environment you get with it, but I don't have the courage yet to take on that mountainous challenge and studying it part time with my 6-6 job would mean I have zero free time left to game with friends etc. Oh I'm 24 from South Africa BTW.
@@pfourie507 Hey Pieter, you've described a situation that's nearly identical to mine at this time haha. Housing is wildly unaffordable in my area and I don't care much to live here anymore personally. My job is fine in terms of salary but its no career, and I am no longer growing. I wanted to transition into an IT roll but got a bit overwhelmed and lost confidence in myself to take on something so different. I have a university degree in a field ive never worked in personally lol, but theres that. All of my close friends are no longer so close and I spend most of my time living what feels like more of a digital identity. This has to be the year of change, because I can't keep this up forever.
"Anything in life can be a distraction" is so true because when we are pursuing things in life, we can lose sight of ourselves. It is universal to want to run away from the most paramount things in our lives. What I've learned at the ripe young age of 23 (and what I am trying to apply) is that we need to be pursuing things that are aligned with our values. If you're chasing an incredibly audacious goal that sounds good in your ears and the ears of others, it can seem like the right thing to be doing. But if that goal is pushing you away from being aligned with your non-negotiables, then it must not be that great. Slowing down forced me to understand that, until a couple days ago, I had no idea what my values were. So slowing down is the best possible thing we can do. It forces us to get small and focus on the things right in front of us.
I loved that you brought up Comfort being able to come in many different ways....like constantly traveling to new countries and always on the road. My mother passed away when i was 21 and i then spent the next 4 years traveling the world....it became my way of life...it became my comfort zone so much that i was more comfortable being in one country one day and then being in a completely new country 4 days later. I think it was a form of running away from dealing with my mothers death. Read a book called "Wherever you go...there you are" if you just want to accept where you're at in life and not fight the current. Go with the flow and let it unfold. No reason to fight it
I enjoy your thoughtful videos! I’m 57, an artist, and 2 years a widow this Tuesday. Since I was young, time slipping away has always been a concern. Time is fascinating to me also, I love time travel stories, a chance to see how others have lived in different periods. I think spending as much time doing the things you love, while living simply is helpful. Feeling fulfilled and satisfied with the life we’ve lived is at the core of concerns about not having enough time. For me it is making art, going to the beach, and spending time with nature. Since I’m a landscape painter it all fits together. Not necessarily alone, I paint with other artists sometimes. Even though I’m goal oriented I still think it’s important to spend time with family and friends. After I became a widow, after a period of adjustment and reflection I decided to move to my most ideal place. This was the most difficult period of my life, and during the pandemic. I found a nice town on Lake Michigan, our happy place, where there is a good art community, and a more convenient drive to see family. I’m very excited for next summer! Best wishes! Have a good one!
I wish you all the best for your journey ahead. You seem inspiring. I've recently started to sketch and paint. I love watching artists in action. They are always a treat to the eyes. Have a wonderful summer! ❤
Holy Moly... such wisdom from you and yet so young! And so much to unpack here. I have lived in the USA for over 65 years in a Corporate Climate of acceleration lifestyle. And for the last year moved to Portugal for a more sustainable lifestyle of both stimulation of the new and a tranquility of the life pace.... the best gift I have ever given myself... Keep doing all you are doing, young Nathaniel. You are making an impact.
I swear every single time I think about something, I see a video about it from Nathaniel a day or two later hahah!! I was literally just searching this up and was not satisfied with the answers I found. I have always chased experiences, and thought that doing that now would be the answer too, but it wasn't. I was chasing experiences simply for the sake of it and it just didn't feel the same. I too realised that I was wasting a lot of time thinking (I spend way too much time thinking about all of this, and every decision I make) rather than just living. It's hard to let go because of the potential regret of having not done enough, but for now I have just decided to exist and do things again when they feel right rather than filling my time to keep myself busy simply for the sake of it.
I’m 24 going on to 25 and I’ve been following you for a cool minute and truly, your philosophy on life is one that resonates with me most. Thank you for always being willing to share your experiences and your craft. You’re a real inspiration :-)
Great video, Nathaniel! Being a person that suffers from anxiety since I was a kid, that feeling of time passing by so fast is enhanced in my mind, together with the constant fear of what the future might bring. I've been able to manage that a little bit better with journaling, especially by registering the good/bad moments of each day, and then making a monthly review. I collect photos, tickets, quotes, etc., and it has helped me live each moment in a more present way. Anyway, just wanted to continue the conversation, like you said... Have a nice week!***
Nathaniel, I’ve noticed (especially in this video) that you’re getting more comfortable being yourself in your videos. That’s a difficult thing to do, and as someone who struggles with being comfortable with themselves, kudos! It makes me really happy to see that and wish you all the best!
Hey Drew, thanks again for the video and great conversation! As a former Vipassana attendee what I can add is: Don't worry about blocking the 10 days, or being aware of possible excuses/fears. When the time arrives and if arrives, you will know it and will do it. See you in the next video 🙏🏻
Maybe you're right about this man. Earlier I found the idea of doing Vipassana sexy, but when I finally got the opportunity I got cold feet. Maybe I'm not yet prepared to do it.
Kind a got it and as you said one can't get this. These types of things cannot be fully taught but can only be experienced. Glad you made a video on this topic 👏
I have constantly felt anxious over the thought that time is slipping away and there’s only so much I can do. Actually, Eckhart Tolle’s book, “The Power of Now” is a good read for those who looking to gain some perspective on this topic.
Pleeaaase do more on time, your views on time are directly in line with mine. I just turned 18 and been suffering form a existential crisis since 16. I am extremely scared of the future, the idea of not having the freedom of childhood and having to grow up into a live that billions of other people in the world live. Bring kids to school, work, take kids from school, eat, sleep repeat. Eventually regretting it when im 60. It scares me and I want to become indepentent like you are. I want to travel and take in the fullest potential of life. But your point on continously chasing that is a reminder that even that could lead to life passing by very quickly. I think that we underestimate the days and evenings on which we take a step back. And enjoy the moments of callmness, and doing nothing. Taking every opportunity you get or saying yes to everything you could do will lead to days and weeks passing by very quickly. Thanks for reading my words, i normally don’t do this and keep things to myself. So it was hard and i appreciate your time and efford of reading it!
I used to worry about this. I love children, I'm great with kids, but when i see people doing the school run or back gardens filled with plastic toys and mess, or messy houses covered in baby food, i shudder. That life isn't for me. I dunno why. I've been having those thoughts since I was 14 - now I'm 32 and I still don't have kids, and I'm so happy about it. I just get to play with my friends kids instead! Don't accept pressure to conform, do what makes you happy. The rules to life that society tries to push onto us are just made up bullshit. You don't need a house, marriage or kids if you don't want them!
@@rdsunshine34741 Respect your message, thanks for sharing! Keep doing what your doing, i will try to be myself and do what i love instead of doing what i society thinks i love!
That was me :-) Adventures and new experiences and travels were a form of escape. It only took a pandemic to make me sit still and look inwards. 💕 Thank you for this.
Nathaniel, you inspire me. I am an 18 year old who is passionate about creating things. Writing is the one thing that has always kept me afloat. I have an immense passion for story telling, and you inspire me to pursue my dreams without fear of failure or judgement. Your videos continue to open my eyes and create pathways to new thinking. I just ordered your “Amor Fati” shirt from Yes Theory. I am so grateful for you and can’t thank you enough.
I have struggled with that feeling of running out of time. What I've done that helps is moving to new cities every few years to break up the routine and monotony of life. I move back and forth from city to suburbs. It's a bit of a culture shock. Also some other things that help me: •Staying busy with work •traveling •new hobbies •waking up earlier everyday •meeting new people
Damn. This video is what I needed. Mindfulness is so important. I just deleted all of my social media apps to try and be more present in my life. Naturally, I've found other distractions. This video is the mental kick in the butt I needed. I want to love my life again.
Thank you for this. Your thoughts were echoed for me today when I listened to Malcolm Gladwell's conversation with Oliver Burkeman, author of "Four Thousand Weeks. Time Management for Mortals", which seemed to hit exactly the same notes... (Over at The Next Big Idea Club.) "Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be", indeed. In the moment, present with yourself, with the process, knowning and unknowing your limits one moment and heartbeat at a time, alive.
Thanks for this video, it really came at the right time for me. I've been going through some pretty bad anxiety over the thought of dying and life slipping by too fast. Hearing your thoughts on this and knowing I'm not alone helps
I haven’t stop for a minute since I turned like 30, my life have been passing me by very quickly, I am now going to be 36 and aside from all the experiences I’ve had, I keep in mind I still have a very fulfilling life. Even though turning 36 seems to be like if I was going to be 70. Nathaniel have created once again, a masterpiece of a video. It would be almost a dream to be able to spend a day talking to this guy. Lucky the friends that have Nathaniel in their lives.
Tell me about it. I'm gonna be 30 this year, and man, do I feel old! When we are kids or teenagers or even in college, it seems like we've infinite amount of time. Now, when I look back and notice how 30 years have whizzed past, I feel like life is slipping away superfast. At the same time, I feel more mindful now. I want to live fully goibg forward whether I get to live 10 or 40 years. I definitely don't feel the same about time anymore.
@@urvashisangwan8858 I heard you my man. Now I can honestly say that life is a quick second. Even if you travel, push yourself to the unknown and become the person you want to be and feel good about yourself. All in all is about YOU and that’s it.
Wow.. Synchronicities - I am in Mexico, and planing my Vipassana retreat.. You are always a breath of fresh air, you wisdom always hits home in a way that's so comforting. Thank you!
I’m in my early 30’s and just contemplating these questions now. You’re well beyond your years my friend. I spent most of my 20’s in constant discomfort travelling all of the time because I was afraid to be in one place and build deep relationships. Don’t regret any of it at all though because it helped me become who I am today. And it was fun. But now I’m in a place where relationships now become the next challenge to overcome in my life. Sometimes we just need to prioritise which poison we pick as there are always many of them, and take them one step at a time. So I can definitely relate. Great video 🤙
The “Influencer in the wild” thing you mentioned: I’ve been trying to shoot in public more often lately to try and overcome that insecurity. It’s honestly surprising me how much it’s helping me put a little bit less priority on what people think of me. I think it’s a necessary practice in my case lol
Each year that goes by gets shorter than the one before, and I've really been feeling that since I turned 30. Thankfully, that feeling motivated to use my time more effectively and immerse myself in creative passions. Thanks for the video, Nathaniel!
If you are reading this all of the things you have manifested and are manifesting the life for you . You are aligned with the universe. You are attracting all positive things in to your life. That new home, that new job , the abundance, the financial stability it’s all coming . I am confident I am enough I am worth of love I will have abundance.
I agree with you. These are the conversations I'd love to have with someone close to me too. Philosophy in general is a wonderful topic to talk about. When you propose such hypothesis and conclusions on your own and share your idea about things, it just feels satisfying and amazing. I don't watch your content often but when I do, I can just relate to so many things
I think there is beauty in the fact that we can't control the way things go. The magic is in seeing how it all unfolds. Stepping back and letting the right people and moments come into your space is where you'll have the ultimate, truthful to you, experience of life which will leave you the most fulfilled. It doesn't matter that your videos only reach this many people, but those who watch you really love and appreciate you for YOU BEING YOU! This is meant to be, this is the best case scenario. "Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be" is on point here! Thank you for your million hours that you put into making these videos, always so informative, creative and inspiring!!! Sending you lots of love and hugs, thank you for shining your unique light so bright!!! x
As a person who has done 4 Vipassana courses in the last 6 years, I highly recommend this experience. Especially the subsequent work of maintaining the practice of meditation every day. I love your videos and that you bring this topic to youtube ♥
I've always thought Einstein Theory of General Relativity makes sense. That our relative experiences in life is what dictates how much time passes by. But generally time goes fast when something exciting comes up, but slow when it's mundane.
Oh my god I love your authenticity Nathaniel! Had goosebumps when you said that these are the kind of conversations that you like having at a dinner party. Thank you for being who you are and continuing to inspire.
We often just focus on climbing higher and miss all the beautiful little things that are happening in our daily lives. Therefore, take a deep breath and please share one thing you are grateful for right now 👇❤️
Found this today postered on the side of an old building on the way back home. "Be aware of destination addiction. The idea that fulfillment is in the next place. Until you give up the idea that it is somewhere else, it will never be where you are."
Drew- I have been considering a Vipassana retreat for a few years now (COVID canceled my first attempt but application #2 goes out in Feb!). I would REALLY LOVE to hear your views on attending and experiencing a retreat and definitely think it would be worth it in many different respects. Amor Fati!!
The 10 day retreat is amazing. The first day you gather and get to see and chat with others then you go right into the silent retreat, basically acting as if you’re all alone, not speaking one word unless necessary. They serve great vegetarian meals. Daily you meditate about 10 hours and get a couple of meal breaks and a snack break. There is also time for walking meditations on your own. It was really challenging controlling the thoughts and focusing but that’s the whole point is to train your mind and become less reactive in general.
This gave me a whole new perspective. Thank you. I feel like I have been letting life slip by by focusing so much on the things I can't control, by focusing on the things that have been stressing me out, by staying fixated on feeling overwhwelmed, by giving it too much power and trying to solve a way out of it. It's all a coping mechinism. The best thing I can do is take care of myself around that and bring myself to the present. And yes if there are ways I can make changes to makes areas of my life less stressful then I should go for it but understand that it is a feeling that comes and goes. If accept it and be compassionate towards it there will be more peace.
Your phone speeds up time. We are the phone generation and if you look into the science of how your brain behaves when on a phone - it's a bit horrifying. It REWIRES YOUR NEUROCHEMISTRY in detrimental ways. It mimics ADHD and acts as a stimulant, making you speedy and unfocused. You know how too much coffee make your day go by in a whirl? You find yourself zooming through something random online in a blur. Your thoughts are scattered, you're restless. That state isn't normal for humans. We evolved to sit naked in the sun talking to our tribe - we've never had this many distractions. Cut down on your phone and TV use. Replace that with deeper activities - reading, walks where you just think and look around you, meditation, long rich weird conversations. You literally dissociate from life on your phone. Look up!
I've felt this way for as long as I can remember. A sense of urgency I can't shake other than with meditation. Still, one of my greatest fears is a life unlived. And traveling has been one of my escapes. Thank you for articulating this all so beautifully and thoughtfully!
Holyyyy moly this video has resonated! The constant underlying feeling of urgency can be so debilitating, and constantly running and rushing to try and keep up just isn't the answer. Thank you for sharing this with us mate, as you always do...it's challenged my thoughts and opinions 🙏
Nathan I have loved watching your videos over the past few years, watching you grow and understand the value of things like mindfulness and meditation. It honestly feels like I grew along side you a little. I'm glad to see more youtubers talk about how they're realizing that happiness comes from within, it's so important for them to share that realization with the world. This will probably sound cheesy, but I can see the passion and curiosity in your eyes when you talk about your interests, it is so bright and beautiful. Keep up the good work man
Yes! Few years back I was always doing this and that and distracted. 7 years of my life goes by super fast. Nowadays, slowing down and doing one thing at a time is super comfortable to me. I choose what I would invest emotionally in. Life is slower now.
To the *incredible person* seeing this, I wish you all the best in life❤ don't over blame yourself, accept things and go forward. Don't let others define what “success” is for you. Get up, learn the skills needed and get after it, all the keys to a happy life is in your hands. Keep pushing.
Whenever I feel lost in life, I watch your videos and think there are people who view life differently as opposed to the chaotic world and people running around me
I loved this video. I am spending a year abroad for the first time and feel so overwhelmed by the pressure of seeing as much as possible, instead of taking more time to truly appreciating those sights. Forcing myself to be present through journaling has been helping a lot, but I truly resonate with the notion that there’s not just one simple answer to this question.
This video is so well-timed for my life that I might cry. I've been struggling with this exact question for the past week. I just came back from a big vacation, started a new job, and my girlfriend left on a trip to Mexico (why this also feels so fitting that you're there). I find that this sense of accelerated time also seems to be coupled with a loss of meaning. Setting goals (slow goals, if I listen to your first point) has been very helpful. Cheers!
The happier you are the faster time goes. The more miserable you are the slower it goes. The more detailed you are the slower it goes, the less detailed the faster it goes. Increasing the keenness of one's attention slows life way down.
Cheers for making this, was feeling super stressed and overwhelmed this morning about the many things I needed to get done. Living in London accelerates this even further, but watching this video helped me remember that patience is the name of the game, and you've gotta take things slowly! Keep Producing!
