The Future of RARE SENSE

Less is more

When I started RARE SENSE in August of 2021, I honestly wasn’t sure what direction it would take. I simply wanted to share all the lessons I had learned through a decade of mental health and chronic illness struggles with others, especially veterans like me.

I started by writing articles and, over time, added book recommendations, podcast episodes, and training exercises to the mix. As those elements have grown, I’ve refined the theory and practice of mind fitness to the point where I now feel that RARE SENSE represents a comprehensive and revolutionary approach to optimizing mental health (and even overcoming certain chronic illnesses).

However, the ideal application of that approach requires the proper organization and sequencing of its constituent parts. I’ve been trying to provide such structure for a while now by creating an online course, a coaching curriculum, and a book. Unfortunately, the effort I keep putting forth here detracts from my ability to make much headway with those projects. In my article Shifting Focus last November, I expressed this same sentiment.

Despite writing that post, I plowed ahead on Substack as best I could and even reached what I thought was a sustainable cadence of publishing four pieces of content monthly. However, it’s now apparent that I must genuinely reduce my efforts on this site if any of these other endeavors are to become a reality.

Besides, most of the core RARE SENSE components are already contained herein. I do a greater service to the consumer by synthesizing it all into a specific process of developing mind fitness one can follow, versus adding potential fluff to fulfill a self-imposed schedule. I’d prefer to focus on value and quality over quantity.

So, with all this in mind, the RARE SENSE Substack will now be free for everyone. If you are a paid annual subscriber, you will receive a prorated refund for the remainder of your billing cycle within the next few weeks. If you don’t, please let me know by responding to this email, and I’ll correct things. I sincerely appreciate your support to date!

Instead of publishing on a set schedule, I will add content when warranted, but it will be infrequently. I do plan on finishing (albeit slowly) the Mind-Killer article series, as it forms the foundation of everything else I’m working on. Other than that, I’ll only provide new training exercises and book recommendations when I come across something worth sharing. And the podcast will pause for a bit. Although I may create some audio versions of articles as a stop-gap.

Overall, the platform will be more of a repository of information to support my other work, which you can check out on my personal website (thischrisirwin.com). I offer keynote addresses for organizations where I cover the basics of mind fitness, including the seven Mind-Killers and how to counteract them. I also provide individual and group coaching if you want more in-depth training. Please book a call or fill out my contact form if either interests you. The online course and book will hopefully be forthcoming at some point as well.

Thanks for your understanding as I make this shift for RARE SENSE. I truly believe it’s the best move for everyone involved, including you. Also, note that the Substack now has a simplified URL. Just use raresense.com!

Cheers, guys.

DISCLAIMER: RARE SENSE content is not medical advice. Nor does it represent the official position or opinions of any other organization or person. If you require diagnosis or treatment for a mental or physical issue or illness, please seek it from a licensed professional.