Hausted & Whelmed: Finding a Simpler Rhythm in a World That Never Stops
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
This week I found myself reflecting on a provocative idea: no animal, plant, ocean, or nervous system in nature knows what a Monday is.
Inspired by a piece from recovery writer Bobby Op, I explore how modern life asks us to live according to industrial timelines while our bodies still long for something older, slower, and more natural.
I share reflections from my 11-year sobriety anniversary, a powerful memory from downtown Los Angeles during the final days of my addiction, and the simple practice that helped change everything: one day at a time.
Together we'll explore:
• Why your nervous system doesn't recognize the seven-day work week
• The three questions your body is always asking: Am I safe? Am I rested? Am I resourced?
• The recovery practice of living one day at a time
• How dividing your day into three shifts can reduce overwhelm
• Sharon Salzberg's teachings on presence
• Natalie Goldberg's wisdom about practice and showing up for your life
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected, or simply longing for a different rhythm, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember that this day is enough.
Summer Wise Circles are now open for enrollment.
SUMMARY
In this deeply personal summer episode, Alexander reflects on his 11-year sobriety anniversary and explores what it means to live in a culture obsessed with speed, productivity, and constant motion.
Inspired by recovery writer Bobby Op's observation that "no animal on Earth knows what a Monday is," Alexander examines the tension between industrialized schedules and the body's natural rhythms. He invites listeners to consider a different approach to time, one rooted in presence, nervous system regulation, and the recovery wisdom of one day at a time.
Drawing from his own journey through addiction and recovery, Alexander shares the moment in downtown Los Angeles when he finally asked for help, the practices that helped him rebuild his life, and the simple framework he still uses today: living one day at a time and dividing each day into three manageable shifts.
This episode is an invitation to step away from overwhelm and return to safety, rest, connection, and practice.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Your Nervous System Doesn't Know What Monday Is
The seven-day week is a human invention. Your body doesn't operate according to calendars and deadlines. It responds to safety, rest, nourishment, light, seasons, and connection.
2. The Body Is Always Asking Three Questions
Your nervous system continually scans for:
Am I safe?
Am I rested?
Am I resourced?
When the answer to these questions is consistently "no," stress accumulates and wellbeing suffers.
3. Recovery Begins With One Day
One of the foundational teachings Alexander learned in early recovery was the practice of focusing on just this day.
Not next week.
Not next year.
Not forever.
Just today.
4. Presence Is a Trainable Skill
Mindfulness is not a personality trait. It is a practice.
Moment by moment, breath by breath, we can gently return our attention to what is actually happening now.
5. Divide the Day Into Three Shifts
Instead of viewing your day as one overwhelming block of time, consider dividing it into:
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Each shift becomes a fresh opportunity to begin again.
6. Practice Matters More Than Perfection
Drawing from Natalie Goldberg's writing, Alexander reminds us that meaningful practices are sustained through repetition, not intensity.
Practice when you're inspired.
Practice when you're discouraged.
Practice when you're joyful.
Practice when you're grieving.
7. Recovery Is More Than Sobriety
Recovery is learning a new relationship with time, attention, rest, and self-compassion.
8. Begin Again
Every shift.
Every morning.
Every breath.
There is always another opportunity to return.
TAKE ACTION
Practice #1: Ask the Three Questions
Pause for one minute and ask:
Am I safe?
Am I rested?
Am I resourced?
Notice your honest answers without judgment.
Practice #2: Divide Today Into Three Shifts
Morning.
Afternoon.
Evening.
If one part of the day feels difficult, remember you still have another shift waiting for you.
Practice #3: Create a Resource List
Write down five things that help you feel more grounded and connected.
Examples:
Walking
Music
Meditation
Calling a friend
Reading
Writing
Nature
Keep the list visible.
Practice #4: Return to One Day
Whenever overwhelm appears, gently remind yourself:
I only have to live this day.
Not next month.
Not next year.
Just this day.
Practice #5: Protect One Hour
Choose one hour this week dedicated to:
Rest
Creativity
Reflection
Nature
Silence
An hour where you intentionally step outside the industrial timeline and return to your own rhythm.
