Yung Pueblo, the pseudonymous poet and best-selling author behind the viral social media movement on self-awareness and mindfulness, is preparing to release his latest work, *Journey: The Year That Changes Everything*. Published by Penguin Random House and debuting on November 10, the 365-day guide serves as a practical manual for finding inner peace. In a recent feature for GQ's 'Expert Habits' column, the artist, whose real name is Diego Perez, shared the specific routines and philosophical shifts that underpin his approach to emotional healing and clarity. [1]
Despite having meditated for over 13,000 hours in his lifetime, Perez emphasizes that he is not a monk and remains grounded in the chaos of modern life, citing his enjoyment of reality television such as *Love Island UK* as an example. Since launching his Instagram account in 2013, his content regarding emotional health has attracted over 3.5 million followers. This digital presence has evolved into several New York Times bestsellers, including *Inward*, *Clarity & Connection*, and *The Way Forward*. *Journey* continues this trajectory by offering structured techniques for readers to navigate their own emotional landscapes. [1]
For Perez, inner peace is not a final destination but a dynamic relationship with one's emotions. He defines it as the ability to feel emotions without allowing the 'heavy' ones to take over. This perspective informs the five expert habits he highlights as essential for maintaining mental balance and clarity. [1]
The first habit centers on accepting impermanence. Perez argues that the universe is founded on change at every level—atomic, biological, and cosmological. By embracing this reality, individuals can shift their relationship with change from fear to inspiration. Recognizing that moments, both joyful and sorrowful, are transient encourages a deeper presence in interactions with loved ones and reduces mental stress. 'Changing our relationship with impermanence... makes you have this ability to really enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of life,' Perez explains. [1]
Secondly, Perez advocates for being intentional rather than reactive. He notes that impulsive reactions often stem from lightning-quick judgments that are not inherent to our nature. Through meditation or therapy, or simply by practicing the skill of pausing, individuals can interrupt these impulses. Instead of reacting with anger or taking on the chaos of others, Perez suggests checking in with one's own feelings and choosing a response that aligns with personal peace. This practice allows one to offer support to friends without being sucked into their drama. [1]
Third, the author advises being kind to oneself during periods of low mood or exhaustion. He warns against harsh self-analysis when feeling vulnerable, describing it as the worst time for judgment. Instead, he recommends suspending self-criticism and treating oneself with gentleness. Honesty and self-acceptance are important, but they require a calm mind. Perez finds that allowing negative moods to pass before engaging in reflection leads to more accurate and productive self-assessment. [1]
Fourth, cultivating gratitude is presented as a tool for resetting mental balance. Perez acknowledges that life involves ups and downs, but in dark moments, people often lose sight of basic blessings such as clean water, food, and shelter. By actively remembering these fundamentals, individuals can restore perspective. This baseline of gratitude ensures that temporary setbacks, such as issues at work, do not destabilize one's overall well-being. [1]
Finally, Perez identifies walking as his newest and most effective habit for regaining clarity and creativity. He finds that when feeling stuck, particularly in his writing, taking a 20-to-40-minute walk helps generate a new sense of clarity. This physical activity serves as a practical break from static thinking, allowing the mind to regenerate and process information more effectively. [1]
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