The Substance Over Style journey is about enhancing our inner state of being and improving the way we interact with whatever's in front of us.
It's never a question of what's going on outside, and always a question of what's happening on the inside. Whether you're taking care of a child, starting a company, or going to war, what you're doing is irrelevant when it comes to the explorations of this blog. Ultimately, the only thing that really matters is not what you're doing, but how you're doing it.
I've always fundamentally believed that all of our work, both as individuals and communities, must start within ourselves. If we can't bring the best version of ourselves into whatever we're doing, we really have no place in the world. Activism, politics, mentorship, even parenting, are all great endeavors, but only when we ourselves are cleaned up inside. Otherwise we dump our mess onto whatever we're doing.
That's why we live in a society riddled with crises left and right. For hundreds, or even thousands of years, we've dumped our personal garbage onto others and expected someone else to clean it up. We've run on autopilot, reacting to situations around us, oftentimes without even realizing that we're in here, free to direct our will however we choose.
Well, I say enough's enough. The only work you should be focused on is within yourself. But here's the thing. That doesn't mean you can't do what's in front of you. Rather, it means you can do what's in front of you much better, from a place of purity, peace, and love, rather than from fear, anger, or hate.
Unlike most other self-improvement teachings you might be familiar with, this blog does not explore ways to get in shape, win friends and influence others, start a company, or make a million dollars. Instead, it's about taking a look into why you're doing those things in the first place. What is it that you really want?
Ultimately what you come to find out, beneath all of those things, is the same thing - an unconditional, uplifting feeling of peace, joy, love, enthusiasm, creativity, playfulness. Focusing on all of those other things is fine, but why not just admit what it is you really want, and then commit to that?
That's what we're doing here.
At the end of the day, if you learn to enhance your state of being - that is, your experience of the never-ending present moment - then you'll be able to step into whatever it is you're doing with more love and more light.
I invite you to share this blog with someone you're close to - someone who might be going through a hard time, or someone who you think is ready to hear the message. In a world clouded by darkness, be the light that shines through.
Live with substance!
Gabe Orlowitz
