Counting Down With Pebbles - How One Simple Habit Can Change Your Life
Episode 169 - Counting Down With Pebbles - How One Simple Habit Can Change Your Life
A podcasting friend, Dave Beckmeyer has a weekly ritual that you need to hear about - Dave collects enough pebbles to represent the number of weeks that he has left in life, and once weekly Dave selects a pebble and carries one of these pebbles with him during the week and then tossing the pebble into a body of water at the end of the week. This weekly ritual represents the end of a week that he will never get back - the idea behind this is to live with intention, realizing that there are only so many pebbles left and life should be reflective and purpose led.
Dave is the the host of Outrage Overload - a great podcast - check his show out here:
The Power of the Pebble Metaphor
- Tangible representation of time: Each pebble represents a week, making the abstract concept of time more concrete and relatable.
- Visual reminder: Seeing the collection of pebbles diminish over time serves as a constant reminder to live purposefully.
- Ritual and reflection: The weekly act of carrying and discarding a pebble encourages regular reflection on how time is spent.
Expanding the Concept for Your Podcast
- Calculating pebbles: Discuss how listeners can determine their "pebble count" based on average life expectancy or personal health factors.
- Choosing pebbles: Encourage dads to involve their children in selecting pebbles, making it a family activity that opens conversations about life and legacy.
- Weekly themes: Assign themes to each week's pebble (e.g., gratitude, adventure, family time) to guide intentional living.
- Sharing stories: Invite listeners to share how the pebble exercise has impacted their choices and relationships.
- Milestone markers: Suggest using special pebbles for birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant life events.
Practical Tips for Implementation
- Storage: Discuss creative ways to store and display the pebbles (e.g., glass jars, wooden boxes).
- Location matters: Emphasize the importance of keeping the pebbles visible as a daily reminder.
- Digital alternative: Offer a digital version (app or spreadsheet) for those who prefer a non-physical option.
- Journaling: Encourage keeping a journal to document thoughts and experiences associated with each discarded pebble.
This concept promotes mindfulness, intentional living, and stronger family bonds. It's a unique and impactful way to approach the topic of making the most of our limited time, especially as fathers.
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music provided by Blue Dot Sessions
Song: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270