The Internal Garden Vol. 2

I like to make a habit of reviewing my previous writings, especially from this newsletter. It’s a great way to reflect and grow, become more proficient as a writer, and in today’s case, be reminded of good ideas. I wrote a piece called the Internal Garden a few weeks ago and as I reread it this week, I wanted to revisit the format because I enjoyed it so much!

Today’s newsletter includes 3 ways to tend (the watering and weeding of your day), 2 flowers to pick (beautiful things I’ve found in the world), and 1 seed to plant (a question to carry with you).

3 Ways to Tend

Intentionality Habit: The Single-Task Supper

The next time you cook a meal, do it without the "background noise." No podcast, no YouTube video playing on the counter, no scrolling while the water boils. Just listen to the sizzle of the pan and the rhythm of the knife. Turn it into as sensory of an experience as you can. For bonus points: turn it into a creativity game. Get out some random ingredients and see what you can make with them. You just might surprise yourself!

Pattern Interruption: The Left-Handed Reset

Our brains love a good autopilot setting. To snap out of it, try brushing your teeth or eating your breakfast with your non-dominant hand. It’s frustrating, a little messy, and exactly what you need to force your brain back into the present moment. I’ve tried this on several occasions and it’s a great way to make yourself smile a little at yourself first thing in the morning.

A Sip of Good News

A father and son waited 54 years for all you can eat oysters - and they got them! That’s not even the craziest part. The son was 80 years old and the father was 100! Apparently, an oyster bar in Alabama has a sign that reads “Free oysters to any man 80 years old accompanied by his father.” Jim and Jimmy Rush were regulars at Wintzell’s Oyster House and stuck around long enough to be the only duo to have made good on the sign’s promise. You can read the full story here!

2 Flowers to Pluck

1. Liebesträume No. 3 (Dreams of Love)

   Originally published in 1850, this piano work by the Romantic Era legend Franz Liszt is based on a poem which translates to “O love as long as love you can.” I heard this piece for the first time this week and was moved by the sheer weight of the passion in the notes. It’s a stunning way to spend six minutes of your afternoon.

2. “Good habits create good art. The way we do anything is the way we do everything. Treat each choice you make, each action you take, each word you speak with skillful care. The goal is to live your life in the service of art.” — Rick Rubin, The Creative Act

1 Seed to Plant

If someone were to follow you around tomorrow, silently observing everything you do, what would they say about the "art" of your life?

And there we have it! A little more water for the roots. I hope these thoughts give you a reason to pause today, whether you’re listening to Liszt or just trying to brush your teeth with the wrong hand. Remember, the garden doesn't grow all at once—it happens one intentional inch at a time.

Until next time, live uninterrupted.

~ Coleman