Hey Subscriber First Name

I can’t quite believe it’s Tuesday again! I’m delighted to be here in your inbox but I do feel like time is speeding up.

I wonder if time feels faster now because of constant digital distractions, so we never really experience boredom or a slower pace?

Our minds have been conditioned by tech companies to skim through things in a rush to get to what’s next. But that’s missing the point of being human, we’re forgetting that wisdom comes with patience. And the more we nurture our inner conditions, the more benefit we get from what we choose to absorb and read.

Last time, I left you with this reflection:

“What is one truth about where I am right now that I can fully accept? And what small step can I take this week, from that place of acceptance, to nurture my roots and grow my fruits?”

I’ve sat with this and I could go deep or I could keep it practical.

One truth I can now accept is that I’m addicted to my phone. I can justify it in all sorts of ways but the reality is that I use it far more than I’d like. So I’m working on reducing my screen time but I also want to understand what’s got me here.

The world feels heavy. Division is growing and logic seems to have been replaced with finger pointing.

The tech companies have used every trick in the book we get us hooked to their algorithms. And our nervous systems are getting in the mix too.

Remember the ‘window of tolerance’ we looked at in Trimtabs #14? When we’re triggered, we can tip into ‘hyper-arousal’ (agitation) or ‘hypo-arousal’ (disconnection).

Our phone habits often reflect this. If we’re getting shouty and becoming keyboard warriors, we’ve probably gone into hyper-arousal. If we’re doom-scrolling, we’re drifting into hypo-arousal.

I can see that, with the weight of the world, I’ve been using my phone to dissociate but my wiser mind knows this isn’t the answer. What helps is stepping back into nature, slowing down and remembering that love (not distraction) will save the day.

And who benefits most if we give our attention to our phone? The people that built the systems that are harming us the most. It’s vital we keep paying attention and don’t succumb to the misdirection tactics that keep us not knowing which way is up and which way is down.

So in honour of the theme of misdirection, check out this painting called ‘The Conjuring’ by Hieronymus Bosch:

At first glance, the painting is about a magician holding an audience. But if we slow down and look for a little longer, we’ll see the deeper meanings and activities. Strange figures and little vignettes happening all at once. The painting is a masterclass in misdirection and deception. Our eyes are drawn to the most obvious, flashy or dramatic parts while the more important details unfold elsewhere.

Bosch is showing us something profound about human attention, it’s easy to be distracted by the spectacle, to follow the magician’s hands and miss what’s really happening.

In life today, our “magician’s hands” are notifications, headlines, social media alerts and the endless churn of information. If we aren’t careful, we spend our energy reacting to the obvious or sensational, rather than focusing on what truly matters.

Divide and rule politics is amplifying every day so it’s vital we pay attention and look deeply at the systems, not just the symptoms.

People are being told to blame others and are distracted from the real issues. Emotional misdirection is being used to unify people against external scapegoats to keep many people living in fear, hate and anger. So at times like this, it’s important we slow down and ask ‘Cui Bono?’ which means ‘to whom is it a benefit?’. It’s generally not us, the citizens.

But don’t despair. This just highlights the power of remembering the concept behind this newsletter - being a ‘TrimTab’. It’s based on the idea that the smallest movement in a much larger system can create the energy needed for change. And it could come from any one of us if we continue to experiment, learn and live in alignment with our inner wisdom.

So let’s apply the wisdom of the painting. Here are some practical approaches:

1. Pause and notice your attention – Before diving into a feed, headline or notification, ask yourself ‘Am I following the magician’s hands? Or am I seeing what’s actually happening?’

2. Slow down and observe – Like examining Bosch’s details, slow observation helps you spot the hidden dynamics in situations, relationships or challenges.

3. Focus on leverage points – TrimTabs create change by applying effort where it matters most. Identify areas where your energy can make a real difference, rather than chasing every distraction.

4. Question the obvious – Don’t assume the loudest, flashiest or most urgent thing is the most important. Critical thinking means looking past surface appearances.

5. Practice reflective attention – Spend time offline, in nature or simply being still. Train your mind to notice subtleties and patterns, rather than constantly reacting.

The key lesson here is that misdirection is everywhere and we’ll always have systems and distractions vying for our attention. But we have a choice and that often starts with us reconnecting with the things we love the most.

So maybe it’s time to step outside and spend some time as part of The Natural Network :)

Our first event, Harvesting Wisdom, takes place next week on Friday 26th September at Four Acre Farm. It’s a half-day designed for professional development and inner reflection, timed with the Autumn Equinox - a natural moment of balance, renewal and preparation for the months ahead.

As a TrimTab, you get an exclusive £20 discount on what’s included:

1. Interactive exercises linking personal insight to professional growth

2. Guided reflection and conversation in nature

3. Connection with like-minded professionals navigating change

4. Seasonal market-garden lunch with fresh produce to take home

5. A 30 minute online follow up coaching session with Nick Whitnell to integrate your insights

There are tickets available and if you’d like to be part of the founding circle, this is your chance to step in early. Momentum is already building for our November gathering so now is a great time to join us at the beginning.

Thank you for navigating this week’s journey with me.

I love sharing these reflections with you and I’m always grateful for any thoughts or feedback you might have.

As is tradition, I’d like to leave you with a reflection for the week ahead:

"What’s one belief or assumption I usually accept and what happens if I explore it from the opposite perspective?

Where do I feel resistance and what might that reveal about my blind spots or assumptions?"

Until next time, with compassion and curiosity,

Nick

Well that’s it for another week. Boo!

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