My typical day for the last year: get up at 2 am, work out, go to Lumpini Park at 4:30 am, feed and care for the stray cats that live there, go home, clean up and prepare for the next day, then basically try to be creative with an abundance of free time between lunch (salad) and dinner (sushi), with bed time around 6:45 pm. I've built a stack of habits that are healthy and aligned with my Buddhist and stoic beliefs, but it's also a lifestyle not without its unique challenges. No nightlife means few friends, and I'm still in a private process of grieving the loss of my wife to cancer 3 years ago. But all things considered, I'm thriving, content, and want for few things. #AMA
What's your best weight loss advice?
Tracking calories and maintaining a daily deficit, consistently over a long period of time.
Otherwise, I listed the mindful eating practices that helped most at that key moment when you are feeding the beast. I'm no particular order:1. Slow down: Eat your meals at a slower pace, savoring each bite and chewing thoroughly. This allows you to be present and fully experience the flavors and textures of your food.
Pay attention to hunger cues: Before eating, check in with your body to determine if you're truly hungry or if you're eating out of habit or emotional reasons. Eat when you're physically hungry and stop when you're comfortably full.
Engage your senses: Take the time to notice the aroma, colors, and presentation of your food. Pay attention to the sounds and textures as you eat. Engaging your senses can enhance your eating experience and bring your focus to the present moment.
Minimize distractions: Avoid multitasking while eating, such as watching TV or working on your computer. Instead, create a calm environment free from distractions, allowing you to fully concentrate on your meal.
Practice portion control: Serve yourself appropriate portion sizes and be mindful of your body's satiety signals. Avoid overeating by listening to your body's cues and stopping when you're satisfied, not overly full.
Eat with gratitude: Before starting your meal, take a moment to express gratitude for the food on your plate. Appreciating the effort and energy that went into growing, preparing, and serving the food can cultivate a sense of mindfulness.
Chew mindfully: Take small bites and chew your food thoroughly. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and sensation of each bite. This not only aids digestion but also helps you stay present and enjoy your meal more fully.
Observe your emotions: Notice any emotions or thoughts that arise while eating. Are you eating out of hunger, stress, boredom, or other reasons? Being aware of your emotional state can help you make conscious choices about your eating habits.
Practice gratitude for your body: Focus on the nourishing aspect of food and how it supports your overall well-being. Develop a positive relationship with your body by appreciating its needs and providing it with nourishing foods.
Reflect on your eating experience: After your meal, take a moment to reflect on your experience. How did the food make you feel? Did you notice any changes in your hunger or fullness levels? Reflecting on your eating habits can help you become more aware and make conscious choices in the future.
Remember, mindful eating is a practice that takes time and patience. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can develop a healthier and more balanced relationship with food.
Thank you for feeding the cats! I was recently in Bangkok (accommodation was close to Lumphini park) and don’t see many strays. I have a few questions
Thank you
Thank you for your kind reply. I do it by myself, but there are certainly other feeders that I see (and others I don't, of course). I founded the Bangkok Street Cat Project (bangkokstreetcats.org ) in hope of bringing a higher level of care than I myself can render. None are feral. Out of a dynamic population of about 75, perhaps half have been fixed. I get thumbs up and smiles almost daily; Thai people are known for their love of cats (even if their cat welfare system is broken).
Where did you live before ? What kind of job did you have prior to retiring ?
I grew up in Los Angeles, went to college in Santa Cruz, lived in San Francisco where I was a professional planner, lived in Santa Barbara and worked in high end real estate development. I started my online store in 2017, the same year I got laid off. So in 2018 we moved to Mexico, then 3 years ago I moved to Thailand, first to Chiang Mai, now in Bangkok (with a 4 month detour to Sri Lanka and many border runs to other countries...).
What would you say is a general monthly budget needed for an expat to pay for rent 2bed decent/modern apt, utilities, and food?
IDK, but you can ask the machine. My 1-bd apartment in Asok, very nice and centrally located, is about $825. Food is exceptional at all price points, so you can eat well for $1 or $100+.
What kind of relationships/friendship do you look for in people?
I like authentic people who don't play games. People who like to talk about ideas, not current news and gossip. Bonus points if you have achieved some level of success in your life, and live with an abundance mindset.
That makes sense, I've been told by people around your age that you are the company you keep.\ If they are a bigot but you don't say or speak up about it, then you are enabling them to keep being hurtful to others.
I would not stay in the same room with an active bigot. It's one of my freedoms (of association). But I don't have friends or family to worry about, so that's easy.
Freedoms?\ How do you manage to be as free as a bird in the middle of spring?\ Feeling the wind hit you as you soar, the nice air cooling you as you travel the land without a care?
Very poetic. For me, it's more basic: freedom from bosses. Freedom of location, freedom from attachment to more stuff. Freedom to eat clean and fresh food. To live in a comfortable apartment. To know that I can move about freely, within the limits of visas and wars and such.
Yah for cats!!! Thank you for your work !
Thank you. I get a lot of love from them. Just wish I could do more, but I also have to guard against burnout or compassion fatigue. 🙏
I always admired people who feed large amounts of cats on the street. Cats are like my spirit animal.
I know what you mean. I feel like I can understand and communicate with them. I used to help out in a shelter and do fostering, but now my focus is on the park (although I do also feed some more wild ones in my local market). They're everywhere 😿
Do you think you could live this kind of lifestyle if you weren't in Bangkok?
No. My life, my practice, my calling are the stray cats of Lumpini Park, and that's in central Bangkok. 🙏🇹🇭😻
What did you do before you retired?
What was your favourite school dinner?
Is this the only social media you consume?
I ran my online ebike store.
School dinner? I like my dinners hot!
I'm a little bit on Facebook, but I like the honesty of strangers LoL.
How bad are the mosquitoes?
None really in Bangkok, except for maybe the park areas that are more natural. But you can dress and spray for that. Beach areas are more of a problem with bugs.
Can you tell me a joke in the local language?
Alloy alloy! Gets a laugh every time.
I have a lot of questions. Did you choose Thailand because of the cost of living? Are you still running your online store? Are you working for money or just living off savings? Pension? Do you have kids?
I chose Thailand for the lifestyle choices it offers, including its affordability. I sold the store three years ago. I was running it from Mexico, but after I sold it, I was free from time zone constraints, so I moved. I'm living off savings and social security. No more work for money. No pension. No kids. Just me. Although I do spend about $400/month on cat food.
Thanks for the reply. You’re living the dream! A few more questions if you’re willing. How do you deal with immigration laws? And what do you do for healthcare?
I qualify for the Non-O (Retirement) Visa, which requires that you maintain a local bank balance of at least 800,000 THB ($25,400). I've applied for the Thailand Privilege Visa, however, because it require the minimum bank balance and other perks. It's not cheap, but I recently had to hire an attorney to help get my bank account unfrozen, and to allow me to apply for the Non-O while still in country (it's complicated). So, know your lane (Tourist, DTV, Retiree), get the right visa, and don't overstay. As for healthcare: simply world class. I've biceps tendon surgery, MRI and consult for nerve compression in next. Just make sure you have the right insurance, or be prepared to pay reasonable but not cheap out-of-pocket prices.
What kind of sushi do you like?
Fresh LoL 😆
Are you a man?
Yes.