Because the challenges of marriage and kids and work present challenges for self improvement that are real opportunities for the growth of my soul. I can be happy to have a trainer that gives me such heavy weights to train with

This just sounds like rationalization of your own choices. It is easy to be judgemental about monks when you already think that your choices offer real opportunities for growth.

The key is to want what you have, no?

My combo is bringing together stoic philosophy, perennial enlightenment philosophy (it's all one, man) with a design thinking and new thought mentality (manifesting reality). That's what works for me.

And how does that work for you?

I made this over the weekend: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11zocPoV4-tGjgnLlrV9mKZS733o...

Thanks for making that video emphasizing the idea of resonance and commercial design -- as well as social change.

Parts of the video on resonance reminds me of this one: "This equation will change how you see the world (the logistic map)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovJcsL7vyrk

Some other parts on design remind me of videos by Charles and Ray Eames.

You might want to consider adding Dialogue Mapping using IBIS to your design process if you have not already? http://cognexus.org/id41.htm

Maybe not exactly EASY, but definitely EASIER. That's what they're meant for. They're supposed to make enlightenment easier.