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Cool tools really work.
A cool tool can be any book, gadget, software, video, map, hardware, material, or website that is tried and true. All reviews on this site are written by readers who have actually used the tool and others like it. Items can be either old or new as long as they are wonderful. We post things we like and ignore the rest. Suggestions for tools much better than what is recommended here are always wanted.
Photosynthesis for people. In a 2018 blog post on productivity, Sam Altman wrote that using a full-spectrum LED light for 10 minutes in the morning while reading emails was a “ridiculous gain,” so I obviously had to try it. It’s hard to know if it is the placebo effect, but I do feel extra productive with a fake sun blasting my face during meditation. Worst case, I’m a well-lit overachiever. Best case, I’ve hacked my circadian rhythm and achieved peak human performance.
Sleek minimalist wallet that’s always ready to be found. “Hey Siri, find my wallet” is a daily ritual for me. The Ridge Wallet does the trick with form and function. They sell an AirTag cash strap add-on for those as prone to losing things as I am.
Solving the airline headphone jack tragedy. You board a flight, settle in, and realize your Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are useless. The AirFly Pro connects them wirelessly to in-flight entertainment, gym treadmills, and more. It’s basically a peace treaty between past and present technology.
DIGITAL
Some see photography as art, a job, or a hobby. For me, photography is about connection. Photography is connection to the transient moments that are once and never again. Photography is connection to the beauty in the mundane. Photography is connection to the organized chaos of the world. Photography is connection to a common human spark. Photography is connection to the life living life all around me. Antarctica. Cuba. Istanbul. India. Myanmar. Nepal. Bali. New York. Rwanda. Tanzania. Ghana. Sri Lanka. Japan. And beyond. Top 50 photographs of all time.Turn up the sound. Hit full screen.https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nKcbBlD_1KM?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0
Imagination as the Path of the Spirit, John O Donohue. Two of my favorite takeaways: A blank white page is the best mirror + A death bed is a great place to feel alive.https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RkXRaFm33Eg?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0
INVISIBLE
"The exclusive purpose of human existence is to purify our hearts." — Radhanath Swami
So clear, and as far as I can tell, so true. This is why it feels so good to be around people who are pure. People who, as my partner Hari says, "want something for us, not something from us." It is also why life's difficulties are necessary. They cultivate humility and purify the heart. And why it feels so good to serve others, spend time in nature, sing in the shower, and have a dance party with kids.
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