From State to Trait

In this newsletter, Mark reflects on the difference between momentary breakthroughs and lasting transformation. Drawing on personal experience and decades of clinical and contemplative work, he explains how fleeting states like calm or insight can become enduring traits through the right kinds of practice. His new book, The Healing Mindset, distills five key practices that help you rewire your brain, build emotional resilience, and grow into a more grounded, attuned version of yourself. It’s not about chasing peak experiences—it’s about becoming the kind of person who lives from that awareness every day.

Hey friends,

Back in the 60s and 70s, the West became fascinated with altered states—psychedelics, meditation highs, peak experiences. And I get it. I’ve had my fair share. States like awe, insight, and peace can shift our perspective in powerful ways. But here’s the thing: states don’t last.

I wrote The Healing Mindset: Mastering the Art of Skillful Awareness not to chase states, but to help people build traits—to actually become a person who is more peaceful, attuned, and resilient.

The Shift That Matters

A “state” is a temporary experience. Maybe you felt totally present in nature, or had a moment of clarity during meditation or retreat. Great! That’s your nervous system showing you what’s possible.

But lasting change happens when those glimpses begin to rewire your brain, and what you occasionally feel becomes who you consistently are. That’s a trait. And to move from state to trait, you need one thing: practice!

Skills Make the Difference

In The Healing Mindset, I share five core practices that help people move from momentary awareness to deep, embodied change:

Focus on the Positive
Prime Ahead of Time
Name It to Tame It
Shift–Open–Stay
Zooming (gaining perspective)

These aren’t “peak” experiences. They’re practical tools—simple, repeatable, and grounded in science. When practiced consistently, you will literally grow a different brain. That’s neuroplasticity in action.

You Don’t Need a Monastery or a Plant Medicine Journey

The months I spent in a monastery and the plant medicine journeys I’ve taken helped—no question. But without consistent daily practice, the transformation wouldn’t have stuck. It’s practice that shaped my nervous system. And because of practice, I changed.

That’s real growth. Trait-level healing. Trait-level resilience.

The Healing Mindset was written to help you get there. If this resonates, I hope you’ll grab the book when it drops on November 1. It’s a distillation of what’s worked for me and my clients over the past 25 years—and the invitation I wish someone had offered me long ago. It would have made my journey easier.

Wishing you abundant health, happiness, and prosperity,

Mark

There's more to discover!

Continue your journey with more related articles.

The Pain That Woke Me Up

In this candid story, Dr. Mark Pirtle shares how ignoring his own advice about tennis elbow led to a powerful moment of shadow work. When he noticed his double standard, it reminded him how often we know what to do—but fail to do it. That insight is the heart of shadow work: spotting blind spots, aligning behavior with values, and growing from the inside out. Mark introduces the SA360 Diagnostic, his new coaching tool designed to help clients identify power leaks and strengthen the core aptitudes needed to thrive. There’s still time to participate in the pilot!

How We Grow

After an overwhelming response to last week’s newsletter, Dr. Mark Pirtle dives deeper into a powerful question everyone seems to be asking: “How do I grow?” The SA360 Diagnostic, part of the SkillfullyAware system, offers clear insight by analyzing your responses to 19 reflective questions. Get your free personalized report and discover your growth stage, where you may be leaking power, and how to evolve with clarity and intention. It’s a practical and profound step toward self-understanding.

From Patterns to Progress

Dr. Mark Pirtle is inviting members of his community to help test a new self-assessment tool—the SA360. Unlike surface-level personality tests, this assessment maps the deeper layers of your development, from worldview and self-regulation to shadow patterns and power center imbalances. In return, participants receive a custom developmental report based on their responses, complete with tailored growth recommendations. Join the pilot and be part of something that could transform the way people grow.

Do You know Where Your Are Leaking Personal Power?

Last week, Dr. Mark Pirtle introduced a framework for identifying and sealing power leaks in our lives. This week, he reveals the deeper system behind that work—one rooted in neuroscience and vertical development theory. Using the SkillfullyAware method, Mark helps clients map where they are developmentally, where they’re stuck, and what’s needed to evolve. It’s not just mindset coaching—it’s a comprehensive, research-informed approach to whole-person growth and transformation.

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