There are so many insights here which is starting to become Chusana’s signature as she frequently focuses the readers on introspection, calibrating and realigning one’s values as we continue to live and impact the people close to us and the society we participate in.
One simple yet profound and highly relevant insight:
Consume media (books, news, movies, music) that resonates with our interests and values, rather than following what’s popular or trendy.
It is a double edged sword, but with regular introspection and deliberate decisions, readers who practice this in their daily lives will cultivate independent thinking skills that I think is like a superpower in the era of algorithms and AI.
Best wishes to Chusana and readers of The Soulful Systems 💗
We are currently living in a world where people experience FOMO.
Sometimes I also get distracted and struggle to focus on what truly matters.
But your “questions to ponder” make me realise that I really like to embrace my true self.
Discovering my authentic identity is my top priority, and I sense that I'm moving closer to authenticity than before through reading (including your blog).
Reading allows me the time to digest and reflect. There's no pressure to think quickly and respond.
Another thing that I find it challenging is to express unconventional ideas, as my friends often take offense and vigorously defend their own perspectives. Instead of sharing ideas, it can feel like attacking each other's personalities.
Therefore, I've learned that I have to approach the ideas diplomatically with my friends. If I sense offense, I back down slightly to maintain harmony in the conversation.
However, there are times when I feel disheartened and indifferent, not wanting to engage further. It's not a good feeling, as I genuinely care about their perspectives, which is why I strive to communicate honestly to offer help.
I will try to do better, be honest and communicate better.
Thank you for these amazing materials. I find it incredibly valuable. Your effort in creating such excellent content is truly appreciated. 🙏🏼
Hello Chusana, I really appreciate your mention and your outstanding post! I sincerely hope your followership grows, not merely for the numbers, but because it reflects the impact you've made on those individuals' lives. Perhaps if your content were more concise, more people would take the time to engage and follow. Nevertheless, it's important to remain true to ourselves. Even if it means writing lengthy pieces, the right audience will find us. Additionally, creating a chatbox where we can share recommendations for new movies, books, and songs could be a fantastic idea, especially for those eager to broaden their perspectives. Perhaps someday we can make it happen.
Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. It makes me happy to hear you enjoyed this piece. According to my husband, this is his favourite piece.
And I've thought long and hard about your comment - you're right that it needs to be a lot more concise to capture the attention of 'the other type' of audience. Because of your comment, I want to explore adding another format into the same piece.
Chatbox idea sounds awesome - let's do it! If you know how to kick it off, let me know how I can contribute.
So, the chat box is a way for any Substack writer to open up communication where their followers can discuss ideas, podcasts, interests, views, etc. You might already be familiar with this, but usually, people start using it once they've built up a substantial following. However, I would suggest you do it whenever you feel ready, as it's not solely about the number of followers.
These are exactly the reasons why I find it difficult to post on social media. I see how people are influenced into becoming something they are not. I hate it… and I don’t want to contribute to that. At the same time, I love technology and new things (I’m an early adopter). My curiosity often leads me to places where I eventually realize I don’t want to be.
It’s like what you mentioned as one of the solutions: you need to stop looking for quick fixes and just experience the thing itself. By experiencing yourself, you’ll discover what truly suits you and what doesn’t. So I completely agree with this. I think that embracing slow living more and more gives you the time and space to feel and know what you truly want. Then, you can act only on the things that align with your true desires in that moment.
I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I see how we almost can’t live without it in today’s world, but I love connecting with people in a real, deep, and meaningful way. Being online provides me with those opportunities, but it can also break that connection down. I’m still in the process of investigating my own ‘system’ to learn how to work with the skill of ‘being online’ in a way that works for me.
It sounds like you're on a healthy path, Renske. You are attuned to what's going on. You're aware of the effects as much as your own emotions and interpretation of it. And you're absolutely right to call it 'your system'. I mentioned it before to another reader that we should never allow ourselves to 'outsource' our thinking to other people. Being conscious of our own emotions and decisions seems to be the only way to 'guard' us against unwanted/unknown influences.
I'm a huge fan of technology too. Also, love-hate social media ✋🏼 Early adopter but also early leaver of FB, IG and Twitter. I'm only on Reddit, Discord and Substack now and I feel deeply when you said you love connecting with people in a real, deep and meaningful way. I've been on this pursuit since I started this Substack earlier this year. And honestly, it's comment like yours that makes my day.
I have come to realise that a lot of us still chase for validation - to be accepted and to feel belonged. It's such a fundamental human need that it is so sad that this part of ourselves get exploited by the 'bad actors'.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - your openness reminds me why this kind of space matters so much to me.
Great read, very thorough! I was wondering, given that who we are is wrapped up in consumerist patterns and digital identities shaped on social media, so we've lost light of what it means to live authentically, what are some concrete practices or tactics for claiming a more genuine sense of self? We can't counter the achievement society by seeking to achieve less, that might cause self-harm as we want to want to do things well. In my opinion, we can't opt out of social media completely either, and it gives us a way to reach others we might not otherwise reach. Finally, we need to consume to survive and thrive, both physically and psychically. What seems raelly pernicious is how our human needs are hijacked and used against us.... so yeah, any practices or tactics?
Thank you so much for your kind words and for wanting to explore these ideas deeply!
I have to admit that this is something I think about almost daily. Like you, I feel the tension between wanting to live more authentically and then seeing and recognising the reality of our world... the consumption, social media and achievement are so intertwined with our sense of self.
It's critical thinking first and foremost! We cannot outsource our thinking to others, whether it's the media, society, or even our closest relationships. I've come to realise that it's so easy to get "swept up" in the narratives around us (especially those 'louder' ones!), but pausing to reflect on what we actually feel, or what's really driving us, without judgement is a skill that can be extremely nourishing to your sense of self. So I ask myself a lot "what do I REALLY think and feel"..... but of course, it might take years to realise that we may also be lying to ourselves!
It's hard. The human mind is so powerful and still so mysterious. We can be our own biggest fan and at the same time, our own worst enemy. But I think that it's nature. The duality and plurality of everything all at the same time. And we only really have ourselves to find this "balance" - ultimately, I see that this compass is already embedded within us. We just need to find our ways to listen to it more closely because with traumas, most of us have a lot of repressed emotions that need to be acknowledged.
I've also embraced that we can never fully escape the structures that we live in, whether it's social media or consumerism. What I can do is to become more intentional about how I engage with them. It's less about opting out and more about having the awareness in the moment. I'm completely humbled by my own experience though - I have found it deeply difficult and that's why I'm writing about it so much! It's an act of embracing for me I believe. I definitely don't have all the answers but I think a big part of living authentically is also accepting that we're always evolving and that change is not always so bad.
"Even upon achieving our goals, the restless nature of the human mind propels us toward new targets." sounds like dopamine :), as they wrote in "The molecule of more": having things is uninteresting, it's only *getting* things that matters.
Thanks for another insightful read! I'm still working on not taking my own arbitrary goals too seriously 🌻
Back in 2013, I did one of my MBA modules on Las Vegas casinos and their adopted strategies in driving visitors to gamble more. The directors shared with us that the casino has designed its 'physical space' very intentionally. There are no clocks or windows so people lose sense of time easily. The layout is maze-like, increasing the chances of people spotting 'new games'. The vibrant light and constant sounds stimulate our sensory and keep our energy high. The "near win" being programmed into their gaming machines to make the experience more 'enticing' for people.
And that is how people are shaped by the environment. It works short term but there are definitely long-term negative consequences to it if you're not aware of what the environment has become.
I loved that you bring the hormone/neurotransmitter aspect to the conversation. We really are in the "dopamine nation" era right now. It's about reward and pleasure we get from accomplishing tasks. We also need serotonin for mood stabilisation, oxytocin for social bonds and love, and endorphins for pain relief and pleasure.
There are so many insights here which is starting to become Chusana’s signature as she frequently focuses the readers on introspection, calibrating and realigning one’s values as we continue to live and impact the people close to us and the society we participate in.
One simple yet profound and highly relevant insight:
Consume media (books, news, movies, music) that resonates with our interests and values, rather than following what’s popular or trendy.
It is a double edged sword, but with regular introspection and deliberate decisions, readers who practice this in their daily lives will cultivate independent thinking skills that I think is like a superpower in the era of algorithms and AI.
Best wishes to Chusana and readers of The Soulful Systems 💗
Meet my extremely supportive husband, everyone :)
💓 LOVE this.
We are currently living in a world where people experience FOMO.
Sometimes I also get distracted and struggle to focus on what truly matters.
But your “questions to ponder” make me realise that I really like to embrace my true self.
Discovering my authentic identity is my top priority, and I sense that I'm moving closer to authenticity than before through reading (including your blog).
Reading allows me the time to digest and reflect. There's no pressure to think quickly and respond.
Another thing that I find it challenging is to express unconventional ideas, as my friends often take offense and vigorously defend their own perspectives. Instead of sharing ideas, it can feel like attacking each other's personalities.
Therefore, I've learned that I have to approach the ideas diplomatically with my friends. If I sense offense, I back down slightly to maintain harmony in the conversation.
However, there are times when I feel disheartened and indifferent, not wanting to engage further. It's not a good feeling, as I genuinely care about their perspectives, which is why I strive to communicate honestly to offer help.
I will try to do better, be honest and communicate better.
Thank you for these amazing materials. I find it incredibly valuable. Your effort in creating such excellent content is truly appreciated. 🙏🏼
Hello Chusana, I really appreciate your mention and your outstanding post! I sincerely hope your followership grows, not merely for the numbers, but because it reflects the impact you've made on those individuals' lives. Perhaps if your content were more concise, more people would take the time to engage and follow. Nevertheless, it's important to remain true to ourselves. Even if it means writing lengthy pieces, the right audience will find us. Additionally, creating a chatbox where we can share recommendations for new movies, books, and songs could be a fantastic idea, especially for those eager to broaden their perspectives. Perhaps someday we can make it happen.
Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment. It makes me happy to hear you enjoyed this piece. According to my husband, this is his favourite piece.
And I've thought long and hard about your comment - you're right that it needs to be a lot more concise to capture the attention of 'the other type' of audience. Because of your comment, I want to explore adding another format into the same piece.
Chatbox idea sounds awesome - let's do it! If you know how to kick it off, let me know how I can contribute.
So, the chat box is a way for any Substack writer to open up communication where their followers can discuss ideas, podcasts, interests, views, etc. You might already be familiar with this, but usually, people start using it once they've built up a substantial following. However, I would suggest you do it whenever you feel ready, as it's not solely about the number of followers.
Awesome. Thanks for this. I will need to take some time to learn about this chat box!
hey, fyi: https://philosophypublics.substack.com/p/dear-philosopher-how-can-i-discover?utm_source=publication-search
These are exactly the reasons why I find it difficult to post on social media. I see how people are influenced into becoming something they are not. I hate it… and I don’t want to contribute to that. At the same time, I love technology and new things (I’m an early adopter). My curiosity often leads me to places where I eventually realize I don’t want to be.
It’s like what you mentioned as one of the solutions: you need to stop looking for quick fixes and just experience the thing itself. By experiencing yourself, you’ll discover what truly suits you and what doesn’t. So I completely agree with this. I think that embracing slow living more and more gives you the time and space to feel and know what you truly want. Then, you can act only on the things that align with your true desires in that moment.
I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I see how we almost can’t live without it in today’s world, but I love connecting with people in a real, deep, and meaningful way. Being online provides me with those opportunities, but it can also break that connection down. I’m still in the process of investigating my own ‘system’ to learn how to work with the skill of ‘being online’ in a way that works for me.
It sounds like you're on a healthy path, Renske. You are attuned to what's going on. You're aware of the effects as much as your own emotions and interpretation of it. And you're absolutely right to call it 'your system'. I mentioned it before to another reader that we should never allow ourselves to 'outsource' our thinking to other people. Being conscious of our own emotions and decisions seems to be the only way to 'guard' us against unwanted/unknown influences.
I'm a huge fan of technology too. Also, love-hate social media ✋🏼 Early adopter but also early leaver of FB, IG and Twitter. I'm only on Reddit, Discord and Substack now and I feel deeply when you said you love connecting with people in a real, deep and meaningful way. I've been on this pursuit since I started this Substack earlier this year. And honestly, it's comment like yours that makes my day.
I have come to realise that a lot of us still chase for validation - to be accepted and to feel belonged. It's such a fundamental human need that it is so sad that this part of ourselves get exploited by the 'bad actors'.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - your openness reminds me why this kind of space matters so much to me.
Great read, very thorough! I was wondering, given that who we are is wrapped up in consumerist patterns and digital identities shaped on social media, so we've lost light of what it means to live authentically, what are some concrete practices or tactics for claiming a more genuine sense of self? We can't counter the achievement society by seeking to achieve less, that might cause self-harm as we want to want to do things well. In my opinion, we can't opt out of social media completely either, and it gives us a way to reach others we might not otherwise reach. Finally, we need to consume to survive and thrive, both physically and psychically. What seems raelly pernicious is how our human needs are hijacked and used against us.... so yeah, any practices or tactics?
Thank you so much for your kind words and for wanting to explore these ideas deeply!
I have to admit that this is something I think about almost daily. Like you, I feel the tension between wanting to live more authentically and then seeing and recognising the reality of our world... the consumption, social media and achievement are so intertwined with our sense of self.
It's critical thinking first and foremost! We cannot outsource our thinking to others, whether it's the media, society, or even our closest relationships. I've come to realise that it's so easy to get "swept up" in the narratives around us (especially those 'louder' ones!), but pausing to reflect on what we actually feel, or what's really driving us, without judgement is a skill that can be extremely nourishing to your sense of self. So I ask myself a lot "what do I REALLY think and feel"..... but of course, it might take years to realise that we may also be lying to ourselves!
It's hard. The human mind is so powerful and still so mysterious. We can be our own biggest fan and at the same time, our own worst enemy. But I think that it's nature. The duality and plurality of everything all at the same time. And we only really have ourselves to find this "balance" - ultimately, I see that this compass is already embedded within us. We just need to find our ways to listen to it more closely because with traumas, most of us have a lot of repressed emotions that need to be acknowledged.
I've also embraced that we can never fully escape the structures that we live in, whether it's social media or consumerism. What I can do is to become more intentional about how I engage with them. It's less about opting out and more about having the awareness in the moment. I'm completely humbled by my own experience though - I have found it deeply difficult and that's why I'm writing about it so much! It's an act of embracing for me I believe. I definitely don't have all the answers but I think a big part of living authentically is also accepting that we're always evolving and that change is not always so bad.
"Even upon achieving our goals, the restless nature of the human mind propels us toward new targets." sounds like dopamine :), as they wrote in "The molecule of more": having things is uninteresting, it's only *getting* things that matters.
Thanks for another insightful read! I'm still working on not taking my own arbitrary goals too seriously 🌻
Back in 2013, I did one of my MBA modules on Las Vegas casinos and their adopted strategies in driving visitors to gamble more. The directors shared with us that the casino has designed its 'physical space' very intentionally. There are no clocks or windows so people lose sense of time easily. The layout is maze-like, increasing the chances of people spotting 'new games'. The vibrant light and constant sounds stimulate our sensory and keep our energy high. The "near win" being programmed into their gaming machines to make the experience more 'enticing' for people.
And that is how people are shaped by the environment. It works short term but there are definitely long-term negative consequences to it if you're not aware of what the environment has become.
I loved that you bring the hormone/neurotransmitter aspect to the conversation. We really are in the "dopamine nation" era right now. It's about reward and pleasure we get from accomplishing tasks. We also need serotonin for mood stabilisation, oxytocin for social bonds and love, and endorphins for pain relief and pleasure.