The Practice Of Going After What You Want

MindBodyAnime #148

Go After What You Want

I’m writing this while on a long bus ride from one side of Jeju Island to the other.

When I was walking the streets of Seogwipo, it was kinda weird to see the lack of activity and energy. Something out of a horror movie where I get trapped and have to escape from cannibal villagers.

Kidding of course, the people here are awesome. But the vibe here is the complete opposite of the hustle and bustle I’m used to.

Something I’ve noticed about my solo travels is that it’s a lesson in going after what you want.

There’s no one to tell you what to do, where to go, or what to feel. It’s just you.

You have the freedom of choice. And for some, when they are first exposed to this freedom, it’s quite overwhelming.

The overwhelm develops into anxiety and they are stricken with paralysis. They’d rather return home to a familiar routine.

Going after what you want is a habit itself.

Looking back on my life, I’ve had plenty of instances where I doubted myself or hesitated.

Whether it’s to speak up about something, talk to someone, or do something I want to do.

These are all choices I have to make and they play a critical role in my overall experience.

And since I’m in the phase of life maximization, it only makes sense to go after what I want without thinking.

When I have time, I’ve been reading Alan Watts’ Out of Your Mind.

And Alan brings an interesting perspective when it comes to Zen.

Zen is the art of immediate action. As in, everything should be done without thinking.

I feel like most people think Zen masters spend a lot of time meditating on things because… well, they meditate a lot.

But perhaps this is why Zen masters are at peace because they always go after what they want without thinking. And at the same time they’re not attached to the outcome.

Sometimes I find myself in that internal tug-o-war. I see something I want to do and I hesitate. And I’m not sure why.

Maybe it’s a habit I’ve built up over my life that I still have to get over.

I’m not gonna lie, there are certain Korean dishes that I don’t know how to eat. And I’m not sure what the etiquette is.

I was at a Korean BBQ spot and the waitresses were helping everyone (including me) cook their meats. I’m used to cooking the meat in the U.S., so I don’t want to be rude.

And so there was an extra plate of raw meat just sitting there after I finished my first portion and I was just waiting around. My instincts told me I should just toss it on the grill.

But I waited and the waitress finally came around, put the meat on the grill, and handed me the tongs while saying, “You.”

Oh. Kinda embarrassing.

I mean I don’t care, but she was really pretty and I had to look like a fool 😂

But I almost didn’t walk into this place because KBBQ isn’t really a solo thing here. And there’s a right way to eat Korean BBQ I guess. The waitress was kind enough to show me some ways.

I am glad I hesitated on not throwing the piece of pork fat they use to grease the grill. I thought it was a complimentary piece of pork belly and I would’ve definitely tossed it in there and munched on it.

But this essay is my long-winded way of saying to go after what you want.

Once it enters your mind, try to move towards it.

I’m on a bus ride to a cave park about 2 hours away from where I’m staying. I almost didn’t want to come here because it’s a long commute, but I’ve already seen the major attractions near me.

But I’m going. And I can see why they recommend renting a car on Jeju Island.

I don’t like the idea of driving in Korea after seeing the way Korean drivers drive… but I think it’s worth biting the bullet on that here.

Trust the process, love the process.

Kevin