Change your inputs, change your mind 🧠

Experience follows thought. Thoughts are sparked from how we interpret our reality. Here is a starter kit for how to upgrade your inputs to have new experiences.

There are 2 areas of our life that we can control (yes sorry, only 2).

1. Our inputs— what we watch, listen to, read, who we talk to, where we live, etc.

2. How we interpret this information and experience in our minds.

The rest of life lies far beyond our control.

I woke up to this realization many years ago when I had a big input change — I moved from NYC to LA.

There’s a saying I love that I got from my coach, attributed to the behavior scientist B.J. Fogg:

“The most effective way to change your behavior is to change your environment.”

Living in LA I suddenly found myself hiking in the mornings instead of riding the subway, hanging out in 70+ degree weather year round, and surrounding myself with people who prioritize their well-being over the hustle of their career.

A few months in I noticed big shifts happening within me.

Suddenly I started diving into practices around self-discovery and mindfulness. I spent my weekends reading instead of brunching. Devouring the wisdom from people like Byron Katie, Esther Hicks, Michael A. Singer, Pema Chödrön, Joe Dispenza and Bruce Lipton. Diving deep into Human Design, Tarot, and Breathwork.

I started going for purpose-less walks, thanks to the book “How to Walk" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

I was so inspired and rejuvenated that I created a morning coffee group, which turned into my first company, Quilt. And well, if you’ve read some of my other newsletters, it continues on from there.

The lesson I learned was that if I focus on following along with the things that feel good in my body, I am led into a reality that is good for my soul. This time in my life felt effortless, and it’s also the time in my life where the most opportunities unfolded for me.

So today, I hope to inspire you to update your inputs, putting attention towards how your body is feeling when you do. And doing more of the things that feel good for you.

Here is a 9-pack Input Starter Kit

An ‘input starter kit’ is a new term I’ve come up with referring to a collection of tools, resources, or activities designed to help you begin a process of self-improvement, learning, and personal development.

Start off by identifying a goal you have. Then try my suggestion or come up with your own. ChatGPT might be able to help too.

Commit to creating a ritual around your new inputs. There are two ways I like to do this: Do a little each day or set aside an hour or two on the weekend dedicated solely to this practice.

When the time comes, tune out all other distractions and be present to the information. Really allow yourself to fall down the rabbit hole.

1. Goal: Connecting to your intuition

Pull 1 tarot card every morning. Here is my favorite deck.

Ask a question like “what am I not seeing” or “who am I.” Before you read the interpretation in the book the deck comes with, sit with the card and describe what you see. Then read its’ meaning in the book. The process of interpreting the cards will help you tap into your subconscious mind.

2. Goal: Creating the life you want in 2024

Liminal mindset coach, Megan Monahan, is hosting a 75-minute virtual workshop for anyone who wants to spend a little time reflecting on their year in preparation for the upcoming new year.

“It's so important to look back and "digest your year" before you can even think of inviting in new intentions. So often all of our energy is placed on looking ahead and creating what we want more of, without even considering that maybe we need to create more space (in our life or in ourselves).” -Megan

Tue, December 12th at 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM EST

$45

Book here. (use my $10 off code: ASHLEYFF)

3. Goal: Figuring out what you want

It’s time to do a mimetic desire cleanse!

Mimetic desire is the idea that our desires are not entirely our own, but largely influenced or imitated from others around us. According to this theory, we tend to desire objects or goals not due to their intrinsic value, but because these objects or goals are desired by others.

This article is a great, short digest on what mimetic desire is and how to move away from it, to develop your own internal needs. Follow the steps they suggest in the article.

4. Goal: Developing confidence

Do this trance mediation every day by Paul McKenna.

Trances are great for someone who “hates meditation” or “struggles to sit still” because it’s an active meditation. He guides you through questions and visual exercises for 20 minutes so you get to participate the whole time.

5. Goal: Attracting abundance

Here is a short podcast focusing on prosperity and abundance by Abraham Hicks.

Abraham Hicks, a name representing the teachings delivered by Esther Hicks, is known for their focus on the Law of Attraction. A core value of their teachings is in the abundance of the universe. This belief supports the idea that there is more than enough for everyone, and scarcity is a product of limiting beliefs.

6. Goal: Being less judgmental or critical

Byron Katie’s judgment worksheet is by far one of my favorite tools to shift a negative, critical mindset. Particularly when it pertains to having unhealthy or unhappy thoughts about someone close in your life. As you go through it, you’ll see how the thoughts your having, which you’ve convinced yourself are facts are actually assumptions. Which are usually not true. If you’re wanting to have closer relationships in your life, I recommend starting here first. The first time I learned about this worksheet, I holed up in my apartment and did it all weekend. I walked out feeling 10 lbs lighter!

7. Goal: Be inspired to follow your own path

Even if you don’t pick this goal, I recommend everyone watches this 9 minute video where Pharell Williams listens to a young Maggie Rodger’s song Alaska in a Masterclass at NYU and gives her feedback. I cry every time. POWERFUL.

8. Goal: Reducing Stress

Whenever I listen to Alan Watts talk, I’m instantly brought to a more peaceful, present, connected space. All of his material is public and free online. I recommend enjoying a good YouTube rabbit hole if you listen to this one and enjoy it. Whenever I listen to him I find myself letting go of my ego and feeling a wave of acceptance.

9. Goal: Relaxing and feeling ease

Minutes into a yoga nidra session and I feel instantly relaxed and peaceful. Here is one of my favorites on Spotify.

Yoga nidra translates literally as “yoga sleep.” All you have to do is get comfy in your bed and press play. You can do this anytime of the day when you want a reset, I play it often as I am going to sleep and I find that I sleep much deeper every night I do. I also have done it when i’m starting to feel a little under the weather and have literally stopped feeling sick right afterwards.

Ok, I could go on and on and on but I’ll stop there. For now.

Don’t see your goal? Comment below with yours and I’ll follow up with an input to do.

Or join my weekly Liminal Q+A I host on Wednesdays at 3PM ET to learn more about Liminal and ask me there. Book here. 🦋

I will leave you with one question:

What is 1 input you currently have that you want to let go or experience less of?

Updating inputs,

Ashley

P.S. Here’s my pull from the Fountain Tarot deck this morning: