// INNER FRONTIER HQ

Welcome to The Inner Frontier: Edition #8

2025 was a big year. I'm not sure I know anyone who had an 'easy' or straightforward year last year.

For the past six months, Kelly and I have been running an experiment in Costa Rica, exploring whether it might be the place to put down roots and raise a family in community. We got quite far down the path—land deposit, architectural designs, birth plans etc.

But sometimes experiments reveal answers you weren't expecting. Despite connecting with amazing humans, the realities of jungle life (heat, humidity, infrastructure) weren't right for us in the end.

So with our daughter due in about ten weeks, we've made the decision to return to Santa Cruz in January. Our longer-term dream of living in community remains alive, just likely on a different timeline.

Going into 2026, I'm prioritising grounding & spaciousness in the early chapter of parenthood... and I look forward to seeing what wants to be created from this place. I already have a sense it's going to be a big year.

Stay Curious Out There,

Jonny

// ADD TO YOUR BOOKSHELF

Three Essential Reads for Navigating Transition in 2026

I know several of my friends feel like they are in a liminal phase, or are approaching a transition period in their lives.

If you feel like that's you, here are three of my favourite books that will help guide you in this transition.

Each one, is published as an expression of craft and labor of love, and worthy of a spot on your bedside table.

1. The Pathless Path: Hardcover Edition by Paul Millerd

Back in 2018, I handed Paul a dog-eared copy of David Whyte's 'The Three Marriages', in which he discovered the phrase 'the pathless path', and his book has gone on to become something of a cult classic.

It's the go-to book for anyone finding themselves stuck in the default path, redefine success and looking to re-imagine their career on their own terms.

The premium hardcover version comes with a gorgeous slipcase, full page illustrations drawing on Japanese lino-cut traditions and a forward from Ali Abdaal.

Order a copy → here (I bought three copies myself to give to give to gifts for friends)

2. Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal Obsessed World by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

I absolutely loved Tiny Experiments, it's a book that teaches you how to be comfortable with ambiguity, despite culture and conditioning telling us that we need certainty.

it's a great companion read to the Pathless Path above, with emphasis on how to design and conduct tiny personal experiments as well as make choices that are in line with your own ambitions vs. external conditioning.

Above all it's a perennial prescription for transforming doubts into experiments, fear into curiosity and a thoughtfully crafted permission slip to step out of our comfort zone.

Order a copy → here​

3. The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Maya Shankar

There's an old joke that goes something like:

Question: How do you make God laugh...?

Answer: You tell him your plans.

I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy to read, and it feels like a real labor of love. It's a practical and comforting read for anyone who feels like their plans got turned upside down from a personal loss, health crisis or something unexpectedly challenging.

It's the book to get on your bed-side when life unexpectedly knocks you sideways.

Order a copy → here.

// RUN THIS EXPERIMENT

Embodied Listening A mindful-listening practice to cultivate presence and trust by attuning to subtle physical and emotional cues.

Why: Embodied listening improves your capacity for genuine human connection by enhancing your presence and building trust in relationships.

How: Before the conversation, take 3 deep breaths to center yourself As the other person speaks, notice: - Your own body sensations (tension, openness, resonance) - Their subtle facial expressions and tone shifts - The space/energy between you

Practice always keeping 20% of your attention on your own body. Notice if you’re contracting, planning your responses, or disconnecting. If your mind drifts, use your breath as an anchor to return. Allow natural pauses in the conversation without rushing to fill them.

Tip: Embodied listening may feel slower than your usual conversational pace—that’s normal. You may notice different forms of listening emerge: head listening (analyzing, problem-solving), heart listening (emotional resonance), gut listening (intuitive knowing)

// ET CETERA

Read: Alex Olshonsky reflecting on his first year as a father. I sense one of the best things I could have read to prepare for impending fatherhood. Read.

Learn: I've been somewhat obsessing over Claude Co-work lately, if you're curious about where the future of AI is heading, it's well worth playing around with. Learn.

Reflect: for anyone tempted to conduct a belated annual review, I have updated my Reflecting Forward template which is free to access. Get the template.

Fellowship: I was fortunate enough to be awarded an OSV Fellows grant last year. They're giving out up to $100k to ambitious individuals. There's literally zero downside to applying. Learn more.

// ONWARDS