This isn’t an actual defined bias or true cognitive effect. It’s one that I made up. Understanding that at any one time our involvement with our social circles, our jobs, our friends is influencing our decisions, our fears and our actions can be powerful. Through spending time alone (“Dr. Quiet”), going on retreats, or shutting...

In my last solo/silent retreat on Kangaroo Island, there was a monk there who had been on retreat for 3 years (so far!). This means he hadn’t spoken or really seen anyone over this time and his stay was dedicated to meditation and deepening his practice. After I finished my own retreat, I talked to...