Max's Journey
Current intention: Daily consistency & presence
July 2025
Intention
Max intends to be more consistent, asking himself daily 'How have you been consistent today?' He wants to get his meditation practice back to where it was years ago, using Mike's workshop at camp as a ceremonial launchpad. His plan includes daily consistency with gym, yoga, and meditation, avoiding the spiral patterns he's noticed in times of stress.
Meditation
Max, visualize consistency not as rigid discipline but as a gentle rhythm that carries you forward. Like the fireflies in McCarren Park, each small light of daily practice illuminates your path.
Feel how therapy has given you new tools to navigate challenges without spiraling. Your ability to sleep instead of staying up all night working shows the wisdom you've cultivated.
Each time you ask 'How have I been consistent today?' you strengthen your connection to your true self. Trust that this simple question will guide you toward the meditation practice and life balance you seek.
June 2025
What Happened
Max's month was pretty good overall, though not very eventful. He's been going to therapy weekly and feeling good about it, despite some sessions feeling directionless. His therapist is an excellent listener, and verbalizing his thoughts weekly has made him feel more chill and present. He had a breakthrough session after Father's Day that threw him for a loop - crying in therapy about not forgiving his father for his infidelity and how he handled it, never admitting to it. He had to take the day off work after this session. Despite the emotional intensity, he noticed growth - when preparing his Slot set for camp and hating his first attempt, instead of spiraling and staying up all night like historically, he went to sleep at 3am and created a contingency plan. He even turned down a post-camp DJ gig to give himself rest. He had a beautiful moment walking through McCarren Park in the rain, seeing fireflies that reminded him of a Miyazaki film and his mornings there after his breakup with Sia.
Intention
Max intends to do no hard drugs for the month (though weed and kratom are okay) to give himself clear space for therapy. He wants to slowly build on his current momentum by integrating one new habit at a time - first yoga, then adding gym - rather than overwhelming himself. He aims to continue this 'slow burn' approach to sustainable change.
Meditation
Max, feel the momentum building within you like a perfectly mixed track, each element adding to the harmony without overwhelming the whole. Your commitment to clarity through sobriety creates space for genuine transformation.
Visualize yourself moving through hot yoga with the same flow you bring to your DJ sets - present, intuitive, connected. Each practice session strengthens not just your body but your capacity for sustained positive change.
Trust in the power of incremental progress. Like building a set list, each small addition creates something greater than its parts. Your patience with yourself is the foundation for lasting growth.
May 2025
What Happened
Max missed last month's meeting as he was in Italy with Christiana for 9-10 days, visiting Florence, Tuscany, and Rome. The trip confirmed they travel really well together, though they did get into a fight toward the end that triggered memories of his past relationship with Siah. The fight revealed they both had unspoken expectations about entering a more serious phase of their relationship. Through an acid trip insight, he realized they were nitpicking because they hadn't communicated these expectations. Christiana called him out on being moody and checked out, prompting him to stop ketamine for two weeks, which significantly improved his mood. He's rediscovered hot yoga, finding a dedicated studio that feels like home - something he'd lost since moving to NYC. He's had multiple DJ gigs (three in one week) and started therapy after a difficult process of seven consultations in 10 days. Christiana has noticed and validated the positive changes, saying he seems much happier.
April 2025
Intention
Max intends to establish a daily meditation practice while continuing his 'what does success look like today?' ritual. He wants to maintain the restful, balanced approach to life he found in March, focusing on incremental progress through the philosophy of 'chop wood, carry water' - taking small, consistent actions rather than trying to accomplish everything at once.
Meditation
Max, as you sit in meditation, feel the energized restfulness that has characterized your recent weeks. This state of alert calm is available to you at any moment, regardless of external circumstances.
With each breath, reinforce your commitment to defining success on your own terms - not through grand accomplishments but through the consistent practice of showing up for yourself and those you love.
The journey to Italy with Christiana mirrors your internal journey toward balance - planning and anticipation balanced with presence and appreciation for what already exists in your life.
March 2025
What Happened
Max describes the past month as restful, which began unexpectedly when he injured his hamstring while sprinting with Justin. This forced period of physical rest actually set a positive tone for the month after his previously overwhelming work schedule. As he healed, he became more intentional about his work hours and productivity, which has paid off professionally. He had some challenging but productive conversations with his girlfriend Christiana, where they both acknowledged the importance of empathy and communication when they get caught up in their own struggles. Max has been using ChatGPT as a journaling tool and source of perspective, which helped him realize he was overwhelming himself by trying to accomplish too much in single days. This led him to start a daily practice of writing down just one or two non-work-related goals that would constitute success for the day, helping him to slow down and make incremental progress.
Intention
Max wants to create a more sustainable balance between work, self-care, and relationships. He aims to carve out dedicated time in the mornings to work out and evenings to read, cook, and spend time with friends. He wants to shorten the margin between the three cornerstones of his life (self-care, work, and relationships) to create a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle while maintaining his professional momentum.
Meditation
Max, imagine your energy as a flowing river. Until now, this river has sometimes rushed forcefully in one direction, creating imbalance. With each breath, visualize this river branching naturally, nourishing all aspects of your life - your work, your relationships, your self-care.
Feel the satisfaction of your promotion as evidence of your capability. The balance you seek isn't about perfect equality every day but about honoring each aspect of your life in its season.
Your relationship flourishes when you're fulfilled, and you're fulfilled when you honor all parts of yourself.
February 2025
What Happened
Max had a busy month at work, taking on a leadership role with a new team doing front-end development. He often worked late into the evening after helping others during the day. The hard work paid off as he received a promotion, which was especially fulfilling as a self-taught developer who sometimes experiences imposter syndrome. Max traveled to Colombia with his girlfriend to celebrate her 30th birthday, where he obtained his open water diving certificate. He had time for self-reflection during this trip, waking up early and carving out time for himself.