FINDING TIME FOR DEEP PLEASURE
Applying Cal Newport's
Deep Work Philosophy
to your Mindgasm Practice
Cal Newport - "Deep Work"
This article was inspired after reading Cal Newport’s groundbreaking book “Deep Work,” which explores different approaches to achieving sustained, focused attention in our distracted world.
The Problem: "I Don't Have Time for Mindgasm"
Sound familiar? You’ve discovered Mindgasm, maybe even tried a few sessions, but life keeps getting in the way. Work is crazy, your schedule is packed, and finding 30-60 minutes for practice feels impossible. You end up feeling guilty about not practicing, or you rush through sessions that don’t feel satisfying.
You’re not alone. This is one of the top challenges Mindgasm practitioners face.
The Unexpected Connection Between Deep Work and Deep Pleasure
While reading Cal Newport’s ideas about deep focus and getting things done, I realized something: these same strategies work perfectly for Mindgasm practice.
Both deep work and deep pleasure require the same fundamental ingredient: sustained, undivided attention. Both demand that we step away from distractions like constant notifications and scattered thinking to create focused space for what matters.
Newport describes four different philosophies successful people create focused time for important work:
- monastic (complete isolation)
- bimodal (time-blocking)
- rhythmic (daily habits)
- journalistic (grab-it-when-you-can)
Each approach works for different lifestyles and situations. There’s no single “right” way to practice. Instead of forcing yourself into one approach, you can choose the style that fits your current life and switch as your circumstances change.
The secret is moving beyond good intentions and building routines that minimize the willpower needed to maintain deep concentration. It’s not about finding more time – it’s about finding the approach that truly supports your Mindgasm practice at this moment.
Four Ways to Fit Mindgasm Into Your Life
1. The Retreat Approach: Go All-In When You Can
Newport calls this the “monastic philosophy” – it’s about completely cutting yourself off from the world to focus on what matters most. Think monks in monasteries or writers who disappear to remote cabins for months. The idea is simple: eliminate all distractions and shallow activities to maximize your deep work time. For most of us, this isn’t realistic as a daily practice since we have jobs, families, and responsibilities.
But Newport also talks about “grand gestures” – making a big investment to signal serious commitment and shift your mindset. J.K. Rowling famously used this when she was struggling to finish the final Harry Potter book. She checked into a luxury suite at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, spending serious money to create the perfect writing environment. The investment wasn’t just about finding a quiet place – it was about the psychology of committing so seriously to her work.
How this works for Mindgasm
Consider booking a hotel room for a weekend retreat, or create a special practice space in your home with new lighting, comfortable bedding, or whatever makes it feel special. Here’s the psychology: when you’re lying on that hotel bed you paid good money for, you’re much more likely to use the time for meaningful Mindgasm practice instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media. After all, you could scroll TikTok for free at home – why waste the investment? The financial commitment makes you take the opportunity seriously.
During these retreats, eliminate all distractions for certain time blocks and commit fully to your practice. This approach works great for breakthroughs or when you want to go deeper than usual.
2. The Schedule Approach: Block Out Your Time
Newport calls this the “bimodal philosophy” because you divide your time into two distinct modes: deep work time and everything else time. Carl Jung was a master of this approach. Every morning, he would lock himself in a minimally furnished room and write without any interruptions. After his writing session, he would meditate and take long walks in the surrounding woods to process his thoughts. But here’s the key: after this focused morning routine, Jung was completely available for the rest of his day – visitors, correspondence, and all the regular demands of life.
The bimodal approach recognizes that you can’t be “on” all the time. Instead, you create clearly defined periods for deep focus, and clearly defined periods for everything else.
How this works for Mindgasm
Set specific times each week that are completely dedicated to practice – maybe Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings. During these windows, you’re unavailable for anything else. Outside these times, you’re fully present for work, family, and responsibilities.
The key is making these times clear to everyone (including yourself). Don’t worry about people being offended – most will respect your boundaries if you communicate them clearly and stick to them consistently.
3. The Daily Habit Approach: Little and Often
Newport calls this the “rhythmic philosophy” because it’s all about creating a steady rhythm of practice. This is about consistency over intensity. Jerry Seinfeld famously used this method for his comedy writing. He would write new jokes every single day and mark an X on his calendar, creating a visual chain he didn’t want to break. The power comes from making practice so routine that it takes almost no willpower to maintain.
How this works for Mindgasm
Practice at the same time every day or for the same duration every day – maybe 20 minutes each morning or a consistent wind-down session before bed. Your body and mind start to expect and prepare for these moments, making it easier to drop into focused states.
The Mindgasm 30 Day Challenge is perfect for building this kind of habit. You learn the basics and establish a routine you can build on with the other approaches. The Mindgasm team is currently working on a new course for people who’ve already learned the basics, where you can practice at your own pace and schedule (spoiler alert 🙂 ).
4. The Flexible Approach: Grab Time When You Can
Newport calls this the “journalistic philosophy” because journalists need to be able to switch into writing mode whenever news breaks – whether they have 20 minutes in a coffee shop or 3 hours in their office. This approach is about building such fluency with your practice that you can access meaningful states regardless of time constraints or environment.
This is the most challenging approach to master, but it offers the most flexibility for chaotic schedules. The goal is developing a practice system that works for both short bursts and longer sessions, whenever opportunity presents itself.
How this works for Mindgasm
You develop the ability to quickly shift into awareness whenever free time appears. This might mean 5-minute mini-meditations during lunch, chair flexes during boring meetings or quick flexes while waiting in line.
Here’s a powerful tip: try tracking all your short focus blocks, even if they’re only 5 minutes long. When you do this, you’ll be amazed at how much time you’re actually using productively. Six 5-minute sessions add up to half an hour! The better you optimize your system for these short sessions, the more efficient you become at using them. The more conscious you become about this practice, the more you realize these short sessions stack up in ways you wouldn’t expect.
The Session Builder in the Mindgasm App becomes really useful here for creating both short focused sessions and longer explorations, tailored to your needs and time availability. The Mindgasm team is currently developing specialized workouts for these shorter time windows too. Master this approach, and you’ll find practice opportunities everywhere.
Beyond the Session: The Real Benefits
Here’s something interesting: both deep work and regular Mindgasm practice change how your brain works day-to-day. Newport talks about how people who practice deep focus get better at concentrating in all areas of life.
The same thing happens with Mindgasm. Regular practitioners often report better body awareness, increased sensitivity to subtle sensations, and more presence in daily life. The benefits extend far beyond your formal practice sessions.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
For special occasions:
Use the grand gesture approach when you want to go deeper or break through plateaus.
If you can block out time:
The bimodal approach gives you depth without daily pressure.
Start here:
If you’re new to Mindgasm, try the rhythmic approach. Learn the basiscs first, build consistency and habits, then experiment with other styles.
If you have irregular schedules:
The journalistic approach might work better. Master the basics, then learn to adapt.
Most successful practitioners mix and match. You might have a daily 15-minute routine, plus longer weekend sessions, plus mini-practices throughout busy days.
Reclaiming Your Attention
Both deep work and Mindgasm practice are about the same thing: taking back control of your attention in a world designed to distract you. Your practice isn’t just about pleasure – it’s about developing the ability to focus deeply on what matters.
In a world where companies profit from your distraction, consciously relearning how to focus might be the most liberating thing you can do. And the best part? You’re learning to focus on something that feels phenomenal – you can’t lose!”
Your Next Step
Think about your current life situation. Which approach feels most realistic right now? You can always change and adapt as your circumstances shift.
The goal isn’t to find the “perfect” approach – it’s to find one that you’ll actually stick with. Because consistent practice, however you fit it in, beats sporadic perfect sessions every time.
If you want to dive deeper into these focus strategies, definitely check out Newport’s “Deep Work.”
Love,
The Visualizer
Mindgasm Newsletter
Subscribe to the Mindgasm Newsletter and get regularly informed about new music track releases, blogs and pleasure-enhancing tips, community success stories—all delivered straight to your inbox to not miss the latest updates on your pleasure journey.
FINDING TIME FOR DEEP PLEASURE
Applying Cal Newport's
Deep Work Philosophy
to your Mindgasm Practice
Cal Newport - "Deep Work"
This article was inspired after reading Cal Newport’s groundbreaking book “Deep Work,” which explores different approaches to achieving sustained, focused attention in our distracted world.
The Problem: "I Don't Have Time for Mindgasm"
Sound familiar? You’ve discovered Mindgasm, maybe even tried a few sessions, but life keeps getting in the way. Work is crazy, your schedule is packed, and finding 30-60 minutes for practice feels impossible. You end up feeling guilty about not practicing, or you rush through sessions that don’t feel satisfying.
You’re not alone. This is one of the top challenges Mindgasm practitioners face.
The Unexpected Connection Between Deep Work and Deep Pleasure
While reading Cal Newport’s ideas about deep focus and getting things done, I realized something: these same strategies work perfectly for Mindgasm practice.
Both deep work and deep pleasure require the same fundamental ingredient: sustained, undivided attention. Both demand that we step away from distractions like constant notifications and scattered thinking to create focused space for what matters.
Newport describes four different philosophies successful people create focused time for important work:
- monastic (complete isolation)
- bimodal (time-blocking)
- rhythmic (daily habits)
- journalistic (grab-it-when-you-can)
Each approach works for different lifestyles and situations. There’s no single “right” way to practice. Instead of forcing yourself into one approach, you can choose the style that fits your current life and switch as your circumstances change.
The secret is moving beyond good intentions and building routines that minimize the willpower needed to maintain deep concentration. It’s not about finding more time – it’s about finding the approach that truly supports your Mindgasm practice at this moment.
Four Ways to Fit Mindgasm Into Your Life
1. The Retreat Approach: Go All-In When You Can
Newport calls this the “monastic philosophy” – it’s about completely cutting yourself off from the world to focus on what matters most. Think monks in monasteries or writers who disappear to remote cabins for months. The idea is simple: eliminate all distractions and shallow activities to maximize your deep work time. For most of us, this isn’t realistic as a daily practice since we have jobs, families, and responsibilities.
But Newport also talks about “grand gestures” – making a big investment to signal serious commitment and shift your mindset. J.K. Rowling famously used this when she was struggling to finish the final Harry Potter book. She checked into a luxury suite at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, spending serious money to create the perfect writing environment. The investment wasn’t just about finding a quiet place – it was about the psychology of committing so seriously to her work.
How this works for Mindgasm
Consider booking a hotel room for a weekend retreat, or create a special practice space in your home with new lighting, comfortable bedding, or whatever makes it feel special. Here’s the psychology: when you’re lying on that hotel bed you paid good money for, you’re much more likely to use the time for meaningful Mindgasm practice instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media. After all, you could scroll TikTok for free at home – why waste the investment? The financial commitment makes you take the opportunity seriously.
During these retreats, eliminate all distractions for certain time blocks and commit fully to your practice. This approach works great for breakthroughs or when you want to go deeper than usual.
2. The Schedule Approach: Block Out Your Time
Newport calls this the “bimodal philosophy” because you divide your time into two distinct modes: deep work time and everything else time. Carl Jung was a master of this approach. Every morning, he would lock himself in a minimally furnished room and write without any interruptions. After his writing session, he would meditate and take long walks in the surrounding woods to process his thoughts. But here’s the key: after this focused morning routine, Jung was completely available for the rest of his day – visitors, correspondence, and all the regular demands of life.
The bimodal approach recognizes that you can’t be “on” all the time. Instead, you create clearly defined periods for deep focus, and clearly defined periods for everything else.
How this works for Mindgasm
Set specific times each week that are completely dedicated to practice – maybe Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings. During these windows, you’re unavailable for anything else. Outside these times, you’re fully present for work, family, and responsibilities.
The key is making these times clear to everyone (including yourself). Don’t worry about people being offended – most will respect your boundaries if you communicate them clearly and stick to them consistently.
3. The Daily Habit Approach: Little and Often
Newport calls this the “rhythmic philosophy” because it’s all about creating a steady rhythm of practice. This is about consistency over intensity. Jerry Seinfeld famously used this method for his comedy writing. He would write new jokes every single day and mark an X on his calendar, creating a visual chain he didn’t want to break. The power comes from making practice so routine that it takes almost no willpower to maintain.
How this works for Mindgasm
Practice at the same time every day or for the same duration every day – maybe 20 minutes each morning or a consistent wind-down session before bed. Your body and mind start to expect and prepare for these moments, making it easier to drop into focused states.
The Mindgasm 30 Day Challenge is perfect for building this kind of habit. You learn the basics and establish a routine you can build on with the other approaches. The Mindgasm team is currently working on a new course for people who’ve already learned the basics, where you can practice at your own pace and schedule (spoiler alert 🙂 ).
4. The Flexible Approach: Grab Time When You Can
Newport calls this the “journalistic philosophy” because journalists need to be able to switch into writing mode whenever news breaks – whether they have 20 minutes in a coffee shop or 3 hours in their office. This approach is about building such fluency with your practice that you can access meaningful states regardless of time constraints or environment.
This is the most challenging approach to master, but it offers the most flexibility for chaotic schedules. The goal is developing a practice system that works for both short bursts and longer sessions, whenever opportunity presents itself.
How this works for Mindgasm
You develop the ability to quickly shift into awareness whenever free time appears. This might mean 5-minute mini-meditations during lunch, chair flexes during boring meetings or quick flexes while waiting in line.
Here’s a powerful tip: try tracking all your short focus blocks, even if they’re only 5 minutes long. When you do this, you’ll be amazed at how much time you’re actually using productively. Six 5-minute sessions add up to half an hour! The better you optimize your system for these short sessions, the more efficient you become at using them. The more conscious you become about this practice, the more you realize these short sessions stack up in ways you wouldn’t expect.
The Session Builder in the Mindgasm App becomes really useful here for creating both short focused sessions and longer explorations, tailored to your needs and time availability. The Mindgasm team is currently developing specialized workouts for these shorter time windows too. Master this approach, and you’ll find practice opportunities everywhere.
Beyond the Session: The Real Benefits
Here’s something interesting: both deep work and regular Mindgasm practice change how your brain works day-to-day. Newport talks about how people who practice deep focus get better at concentrating in all areas of life.
The same thing happens with Mindgasm. Regular practitioners often report better body awareness, increased sensitivity to subtle sensations, and more presence in daily life. The benefits extend far beyond your formal practice sessions.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
For special occasions:
Use the grand gesture approach when you want to go deeper or break through plateaus.
If you can block out time:
The bimodal approach gives you depth without daily pressure.
Start here:
If you’re new to Mindgasm, try the rhythmic approach. Learn the basiscs first, build consistency and habits, then experiment with other styles.
If you have irregular schedules:
The journalistic approach might work better. Master the basics, then learn to adapt.
Most successful practitioners mix and match. You might have a daily 15-minute routine, plus longer weekend sessions, plus mini-practices throughout busy days.
Reclaiming Your Attention
Both deep work and Mindgasm practice are about the same thing: taking back control of your attention in a world designed to distract you. Your practice isn’t just about pleasure – it’s about developing the ability to focus deeply on what matters.
In a world where companies profit from your distraction, consciously relearning how to focus might be the most liberating thing you can do. And the best part? You’re learning to focus on something that feels phenomenal – you can’t lose!”
Your Next Step
Think about your current life situation. Which approach feels most realistic right now? You can always change and adapt as your circumstances shift.
The goal isn’t to find the “perfect” approach – it’s to find one that you’ll actually stick with. Because consistent practice, however you fit it in, beats sporadic perfect sessions every time.
If you want to dive deeper into these focus strategies, definitely check out Newport’s “Deep Work.”
Love,
The Visualizer
Mindgasm Newsletter
Subscribe to the Mindgasm Newsletter and get regularly informed about new music track releases, blogs and pleasure-enhancing tips, community success stories—all delivered straight to your inbox to not miss the latest updates on your pleasure journey.