Diego Perez shares his story of growing up as an Ecuadorian-American in Boston, facing poverty, and hitting a low point in 2011 that led him to quit drugs and embrace meditation. He explains how starting with radical honesty before meditation helped him find a middle path for internal work. The conversation delves into developing self-awareness to handle triggers without judgment, distinguishing attachment from healthy goals, and how pausing mindfully allows the authentic self to respond. Diego discusses how giving and meditation purify the mind, weakening the ego, and reflects on his parents' sacrifices. He emphasizes not rushing creative projects, sharing how he built his Instagram audience organically over years before publishing his book 'Inward' when it felt authentically ready. The episode concludes with Diego announcing upcoming projects, including a podcast and a new book.