What is going on with my body? I mean, WOW things are really opening up and the ease and strength in which my movement is progressing and flowing leaves me in awe and is making me take notice and look into the deeper layers of this change.
First, I have been doing very little lifting, with some push-ups, pull-ups, swings and presses literally here and there since August 14th. During that time I have been basically doing yoga nearly everyday with a rest day once every week and sometimes not.
So, here is my observations
My posture is better than ever doing to better length tension relationships or should I say my body opening open across each joint, finding a better muscular balance and therefore length tension relationships.
My body is finding neutral through learning the deeper skill of movement and this is due to muscles releasing and opening thereby releasing the neural inhibition factor allowing greater muscle recruitment from the agonist muscles and a more efficient recruitment of motor units through the agonists, anatagonists, synergist, neutralizers and stabilizers.
I am training my body in each plane of motion and through various movement patterns creating strength, core stabilization and strength, neuromuscular efficiency and it is obvious in the performance
Now, as the body's strength develops in yoga it leads to great flexibility and deeper openings. This leads to the ability to open the lungs more and therefore deepen the breathe and thereby quieting the mind which enables me to sit longer in the pose, breathing deeper into the stretch and literally working the parasympathetic nervous system creating relaxation through action.
Serum and Sukam are the sanskrit words for steadiness and ease which is a 'goal' of yoga as a practice.
The internal systems of the body and mind and breathe are evolving to new levels and all sorts of tangible and intangible things are happening. Anatomically, Physiologically, and Psychologically things are opening and I am really in awe
Ok, that is a stream of consciousness reflection, I am going to take more time to observe this and give a better explanation but this is a start...
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
General Principles of Movement
General Principles of Movement
1. Root
2. Link
3. Tense
4. Brace
It all starts from the ground up therefore it is essential that you learn how to root yourself to the ground. Your foot has mechanoreceptors that provide essential feedback to your body helping you perform at a higher level. This being said, it is important that when lifting you use either flat soled shoes like chuck taylors, olympic lifting shoes or bare feet. This will enhance your ability to feel the feedback and increase your performance.
Creating linkage is another key point and can only be optimized in accordance with rooting. We have to look at our body as it is, a collection of segments connected by joints. In order for our body to operate at its optimal levels we need to connect the segments through the joints forming linkage. Simply put, imagine a beam supporting a wall that has a kink in it, it will eventually fail to hold the wall up because the link will be compromised.
To effectively link we create tension, another key principle. We do this through muscular contraction therefore never locking out the joints but instead optimizing our muscles ability to perform through enhanced output of our muscles ability to fire through tension and thus linking our segments. In Crossfit we are not training bodybuilding, we are training athletics and in athletics we use our whole body to perform, not individual segments.
The core is key for creating the linkage of the upper and lower body. Also, it is key to protecting the spine and maintaining midline stability and a neutral spine. This is done by inhaling in through the nose through the diaphram and deep into the belly (think belly button) thus creating a strong core. A good way thing to imagine is pushing your core against a belt as your breathe. This air will add volume to your core much like sticking a pencil in mud making your spine stabile.
1. Root
2. Link
3. Tense
4. Brace
It all starts from the ground up therefore it is essential that you learn how to root yourself to the ground. Your foot has mechanoreceptors that provide essential feedback to your body helping you perform at a higher level. This being said, it is important that when lifting you use either flat soled shoes like chuck taylors, olympic lifting shoes or bare feet. This will enhance your ability to feel the feedback and increase your performance.
Creating linkage is another key point and can only be optimized in accordance with rooting. We have to look at our body as it is, a collection of segments connected by joints. In order for our body to operate at its optimal levels we need to connect the segments through the joints forming linkage. Simply put, imagine a beam supporting a wall that has a kink in it, it will eventually fail to hold the wall up because the link will be compromised.
To effectively link we create tension, another key principle. We do this through muscular contraction therefore never locking out the joints but instead optimizing our muscles ability to perform through enhanced output of our muscles ability to fire through tension and thus linking our segments. In Crossfit we are not training bodybuilding, we are training athletics and in athletics we use our whole body to perform, not individual segments.
The core is key for creating the linkage of the upper and lower body. Also, it is key to protecting the spine and maintaining midline stability and a neutral spine. This is done by inhaling in through the nose through the diaphram and deep into the belly (think belly button) thus creating a strong core. A good way thing to imagine is pushing your core against a belt as your breathe. This air will add volume to your core much like sticking a pencil in mud making your spine stabile.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Heart of the Matter
We must stop playing games with our hearts and minds, the hearts and minds of others. We as a single organism with an ecosystem of organisms must realize that our actions influence the way the whole organism functions. Just think about the concept of 6 degrees of separation, we all are connected so we must embrace the reality that each one of us somehow impacts another. Therefore it is crucial for the conscious evolution of society that we stop acting in fear, anger, frustration, out of pain, retaliation, for the benefit of ourselves at the expense of another, living and acting a lie and telling lies to others, etc.
How delusional or deluded our we too think that acting in these ways truly benefits us and others. What if we started to look beyond the notion of survival of the fittest & beyond the notion that we are individuals and stand alone entities? What if we started to see the connections, the synchronicity that all of nature acts and flows? What if we really tapped into our hearts and freed our minds from the Chitta and actually started to communicate with unconditional love, love from within us and our authentic nature and state of being?
The mind is a powerful tool and because of its power we have to remember that we have the ability with our actions, thoughts, feelings, emotions, words to influence the minds of others and ourselves. For those of us who are unable to quiet our minds and the Chitta these things mentioned above can wreak havoc on us and others.
The heart is a beautiful organ and a beautiful place to come from. It must be cared for not only through physical exercise and nutritional means but also through the cultivation of love within and the expression of that love to all things, unconditionally and for the benefit of others and by enjoying the breathe of life which cultivates blood and oxygen into our tissues feeding us the nourishment we need to be able to enjoy the experiences that touch our very existence.
The way we are acting in this world, the way we be in this world leaves much to be desired. We are willing to do ruin people, relationships, countries, the environment, the health of the people all for gain, most of which is material in nature be it land, $$$$$$, borders and power to influence, direct and make the rules which tend to benefit the few in lieu of the whole.
So, it begins with me, it begins with you and I will do my part and that is a start and the cool thing is I know others are being and acting with a similar intention and this is a step.....
How delusional or deluded our we too think that acting in these ways truly benefits us and others. What if we started to look beyond the notion of survival of the fittest & beyond the notion that we are individuals and stand alone entities? What if we started to see the connections, the synchronicity that all of nature acts and flows? What if we really tapped into our hearts and freed our minds from the Chitta and actually started to communicate with unconditional love, love from within us and our authentic nature and state of being?
The mind is a powerful tool and because of its power we have to remember that we have the ability with our actions, thoughts, feelings, emotions, words to influence the minds of others and ourselves. For those of us who are unable to quiet our minds and the Chitta these things mentioned above can wreak havoc on us and others.
The heart is a beautiful organ and a beautiful place to come from. It must be cared for not only through physical exercise and nutritional means but also through the cultivation of love within and the expression of that love to all things, unconditionally and for the benefit of others and by enjoying the breathe of life which cultivates blood and oxygen into our tissues feeding us the nourishment we need to be able to enjoy the experiences that touch our very existence.
The way we are acting in this world, the way we be in this world leaves much to be desired. We are willing to do ruin people, relationships, countries, the environment, the health of the people all for gain, most of which is material in nature be it land, $$$$$$, borders and power to influence, direct and make the rules which tend to benefit the few in lieu of the whole.
So, it begins with me, it begins with you and I will do my part and that is a start and the cool thing is I know others are being and acting with a similar intention and this is a step.....
Principles of Training Part 2
Principles of Movement Part. 2
1. Principles Continued
2. Midline Stability
3. Neutral spine head to toe
4. Body forms straight line
5. Support a roof
6. Active shoulders
7. Depress shoulder blades
8. Linking arm through shoulder to the body
9. Engage lats
10. Creates full body tension
11. Butt
12. Quads
13. Feel feet merge into ground in a corkscrew fashion
A key principal in movement is maintaining Midline Stability. It is essential that the spine is in its natural (S Shape) position otherwise known as a neutral spine. The body must for a straight line. As you will see and learn in the video, optimal performance, optimal efficiency is dependent on geometric angles or position and optimizing physics.
Your shoulders are active which involves a scapluar depression of the shoulder through the engagement of the lat muscles. This will increase the strength through linkage of your arm to your shoulder and the shoulder to the rest of the body. In addition, through this linking process you will enhance your performance due to the fact that you will be able to utilize the rooting effect and the ground through optimal energetics. Imagine your are a coil and that all your energy compresses the coil and when released gives you the strength and power to explode through the movement.
This activation of the lats, with the breathe into the core, the rooting of the feet and the contracting of the glutes (should feel a slight tuck under) which in turn contracts the quads thereby deepening your rooting effect by driving your heels and foot on the whole into the ground in a coil (corkscrew effect) giving you maximal muscular contraction and strength.
Less is more in training, which is contrary to popular belief. But, what is often lost is that what training really is aimed at doing is improving the Central Nervous System ability to produce movement in the effective, efficient manner required for the sport or movements you perform. More quantity and less quality with poor recovery and rest and a poorly designed system will lead to poor performance. The reality is most athletes never perform to their potential because of inadequacy in the training.
The foundation for success on the mat, on the field, in the gym, in life is done in the preparatory work day in and day and paying attention to every little detail. A well rested, well feed, strong program design, intelligent athlete will get more out of their abilities than a gifted athlete with a poor approach/training program.
1. Principles Continued
2. Midline Stability
3. Neutral spine head to toe
4. Body forms straight line
5. Support a roof
6. Active shoulders
7. Depress shoulder blades
8. Linking arm through shoulder to the body
9. Engage lats
10. Creates full body tension
11. Butt
12. Quads
13. Feel feet merge into ground in a corkscrew fashion
A key principal in movement is maintaining Midline Stability. It is essential that the spine is in its natural (S Shape) position otherwise known as a neutral spine. The body must for a straight line. As you will see and learn in the video, optimal performance, optimal efficiency is dependent on geometric angles or position and optimizing physics.
Your shoulders are active which involves a scapluar depression of the shoulder through the engagement of the lat muscles. This will increase the strength through linkage of your arm to your shoulder and the shoulder to the rest of the body. In addition, through this linking process you will enhance your performance due to the fact that you will be able to utilize the rooting effect and the ground through optimal energetics. Imagine your are a coil and that all your energy compresses the coil and when released gives you the strength and power to explode through the movement.
This activation of the lats, with the breathe into the core, the rooting of the feet and the contracting of the glutes (should feel a slight tuck under) which in turn contracts the quads thereby deepening your rooting effect by driving your heels and foot on the whole into the ground in a coil (corkscrew effect) giving you maximal muscular contraction and strength.
Less is more in training, which is contrary to popular belief. But, what is often lost is that what training really is aimed at doing is improving the Central Nervous System ability to produce movement in the effective, efficient manner required for the sport or movements you perform. More quantity and less quality with poor recovery and rest and a poorly designed system will lead to poor performance. The reality is most athletes never perform to their potential because of inadequacy in the training.
The foundation for success on the mat, on the field, in the gym, in life is done in the preparatory work day in and day and paying attention to every little detail. A well rested, well feed, strong program design, intelligent athlete will get more out of their abilities than a gifted athlete with a poor approach/training program.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Principles of Training Part 1
Principles of Training
1. Quality over Quantity
2. Practice the things that make you better at your sport.
3. Less is more
4. Skill/Technique over Effort
5. Wave your program design
6. Rest and Recovery is #1
As an athlete, especially multi-sport athletes the demands are high and over training is easy. Therefore doing too much of anything will lead to Central Nervous System fatigue and overall decrease in ability and benefits reaped from the training. You are far better off to establish short, high quality workouts where you are focused on improving the skills, techniques, forms that relate to your sport. You do not need to do a lot of work too get all the benefits of any of these strength and conditioning tools. Instead focus on determining what works for you, design a plan that will work with your scehdule and allow you proper recovery and listen to your body.
1. Quality over Quantity
2. Practice the things that make you better at your sport.
3. Less is more
4. Skill/Technique over Effort
5. Wave your program design
6. Rest and Recovery is #1
As an athlete, especially multi-sport athletes the demands are high and over training is easy. Therefore doing too much of anything will lead to Central Nervous System fatigue and overall decrease in ability and benefits reaped from the training. You are far better off to establish short, high quality workouts where you are focused on improving the skills, techniques, forms that relate to your sport. You do not need to do a lot of work too get all the benefits of any of these strength and conditioning tools. Instead focus on determining what works for you, design a plan that will work with your scehdule and allow you proper recovery and listen to your body.
Are you overtraining?
When is too much, too much? Well physiologically speaking the Central Nervous System can only handle so much. Just, think all professional, collegiate and amateur athletes work based on a periodized program design. Why, simple put there is a natural intelligence in which your body operates with and violation of this will lead to eventual things such as injury, a decrease or poor progression, burnout, etc.
Your CNS, brain, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, organs and hormones can only handle so much and when you consider how poor most people eat, the lack of sleep and stress that accompanies the typical or average person you can see that overtraining and constant high intensity, high output work is not the most intelligent way to train and for that matter treat/care for our own organism.
Are you performing at your peak, are you aware of the signs of over training, are you being deceived, what do you know about the physiology of human performance? Ask yourself these questions as you design your program and train your body/brain/human organism
I can go on but these simple physiological facts and questions are meant to help you take a deeper look at your practice of optimal living/performance.
Your CNS, brain, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, organs and hormones can only handle so much and when you consider how poor most people eat, the lack of sleep and stress that accompanies the typical or average person you can see that overtraining and constant high intensity, high output work is not the most intelligent way to train and for that matter treat/care for our own organism.
Are you performing at your peak, are you aware of the signs of over training, are you being deceived, what do you know about the physiology of human performance? Ask yourself these questions as you design your program and train your body/brain/human organism
I can go on but these simple physiological facts and questions are meant to help you take a deeper look at your practice of optimal living/performance.
Monday, September 14, 2009
From External to Internal
For years I have been an 'athlete' competing in a number of sports and events as well doing all the training behind what it takes to maximize my physical human performance. Through those years I have 'accomplished' many awesome personal and team oriented feats, here is a small sample
Squat 440
Deadlift 550
Bench Press 385 (425 on Smith bench)
Beast Press, Pistol, Snatch, TGU, Pull-up
Scored touchdowns, tries, baskets, runs and even one games with my performance
Ran a 4.5 40
Ran a 10.7 100
Ran a half marathon in 1:39
Spent 5 seasons as a competitive adventure racer, winning a race in our category and coming in 2nd for the season
Won a league championship
So I think you get the point, I have had a lot of really cool experiences in the world of sport and physical fitness. During this time I studied, observed, practiced the art and science of living, human performance, human movement, philosophy, psychology, etc. and through it all I found myself looking for more.
In the recent years in an effort to build and extend my ability to reach a larger community I started practicing yoga in addition to all my other activities. When I first started yoga I did not understand what yoga was and what and how influencial it would be on my physical progression. As my practice grew and became more regular I noticed I recovered faster, moved better, felt better and became stronger. And I was asking myself how I am I doing less in the weight room, out in nature but still performing beyond where I was, setting more PR's?
The obvious answer was my deeper understanding of training principles, program design and just years of building up. And these are true indeed. But what I began to understand sometime ago (within the last year) that my yoga practice and more important my meditation practice was really changing the course of my life and more than just physically. Because of this awareness I began to spend more time studying and more importantly practicing, to the point where my main and daily practice of my art and science of living became my yoga and meditation practice. And what I also observed was that the 'yogi's' I was meeting who had a simliar approach were people that seemed to be in a place closer to what I was seeking, that 'something more' place.
So, I just went and spent 2 weeks teaching, practicing and truly observing and reflecting/meditating on 'Yoga' During this time I lifted no weights, did no running, etc. and I went with intention of doing push-ups, bodyweight squats, pull-ups and some running. But, I decided I would just 'give my body a break' and just focus on yoga.
Now, I am back and finding that my body, my yoga meditation and breathing practice and my state of being have evolved, transformed, changed. My yoga postures (asanas) are deeper, more open and that has created a gateway for my lungs to open therefore deepening my breathing practice and making the poses 'easier' and my strength in the poses stronger and therefore the chitta, which is the mind distracting thoughts, are quiet and if anything I am more present in my pose/practice.
What I realize is that I am shifting from a focus on the external strength and demonstration of stuff and moving within, to the inside and strength that comes from that 'place'. The thing is by doing this my body is opening, my mind is free, my heart beats smoothly and with gentle ease, and spirit is grounded and my soul has found its true mate, the love that is me for I am love and you are as well.
Strength, which is a broad based term is from the inside and it will manifest in expression which is what people see and that comes in the form of external expression but when people are present and conscious with you they see it is coming from the inside, out.
Now, when I do movements like kettlebells and bodyweight 'strength' stuff I do so because I am exploring the human body, the internal art of the movement associated with these actions/devices. However, I have no attachment to the outcomes, the numbers, the weight used, the this that or another. What I am curious of is how this is developing me and enabling me to be a better student, coach, teacher, human.
Squat 440
Deadlift 550
Bench Press 385 (425 on Smith bench)
Beast Press, Pistol, Snatch, TGU, Pull-up
Scored touchdowns, tries, baskets, runs and even one games with my performance
Ran a 4.5 40
Ran a 10.7 100
Ran a half marathon in 1:39
Spent 5 seasons as a competitive adventure racer, winning a race in our category and coming in 2nd for the season
Won a league championship
So I think you get the point, I have had a lot of really cool experiences in the world of sport and physical fitness. During this time I studied, observed, practiced the art and science of living, human performance, human movement, philosophy, psychology, etc. and through it all I found myself looking for more.
In the recent years in an effort to build and extend my ability to reach a larger community I started practicing yoga in addition to all my other activities. When I first started yoga I did not understand what yoga was and what and how influencial it would be on my physical progression. As my practice grew and became more regular I noticed I recovered faster, moved better, felt better and became stronger. And I was asking myself how I am I doing less in the weight room, out in nature but still performing beyond where I was, setting more PR's?
The obvious answer was my deeper understanding of training principles, program design and just years of building up. And these are true indeed. But what I began to understand sometime ago (within the last year) that my yoga practice and more important my meditation practice was really changing the course of my life and more than just physically. Because of this awareness I began to spend more time studying and more importantly practicing, to the point where my main and daily practice of my art and science of living became my yoga and meditation practice. And what I also observed was that the 'yogi's' I was meeting who had a simliar approach were people that seemed to be in a place closer to what I was seeking, that 'something more' place.
So, I just went and spent 2 weeks teaching, practicing and truly observing and reflecting/meditating on 'Yoga' During this time I lifted no weights, did no running, etc. and I went with intention of doing push-ups, bodyweight squats, pull-ups and some running. But, I decided I would just 'give my body a break' and just focus on yoga.
Now, I am back and finding that my body, my yoga meditation and breathing practice and my state of being have evolved, transformed, changed. My yoga postures (asanas) are deeper, more open and that has created a gateway for my lungs to open therefore deepening my breathing practice and making the poses 'easier' and my strength in the poses stronger and therefore the chitta, which is the mind distracting thoughts, are quiet and if anything I am more present in my pose/practice.
What I realize is that I am shifting from a focus on the external strength and demonstration of stuff and moving within, to the inside and strength that comes from that 'place'. The thing is by doing this my body is opening, my mind is free, my heart beats smoothly and with gentle ease, and spirit is grounded and my soul has found its true mate, the love that is me for I am love and you are as well.
Strength, which is a broad based term is from the inside and it will manifest in expression which is what people see and that comes in the form of external expression but when people are present and conscious with you they see it is coming from the inside, out.
Now, when I do movements like kettlebells and bodyweight 'strength' stuff I do so because I am exploring the human body, the internal art of the movement associated with these actions/devices. However, I have no attachment to the outcomes, the numbers, the weight used, the this that or another. What I am curious of is how this is developing me and enabling me to be a better student, coach, teacher, human.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Art of Living in Peace
In times like these, where we are working 60 hours a week, watching prices increase in gas, values of our homes and land fall, the availability of material goods increasing and thus our desires for more mass consumption, and having homes where both parents work full time jobs and the kids being raised by the nanny, one must sit back and question what is it that defines me and my legacy.
Is our legacy defined by he or she who dies with the most toys; is it defined by our career or job title; is it defined by where we live and how many square feet our home is; is it defined by the car we drive or the clothes we wear; is it defined by our relationships, our ability to be good role models for our children and others?
Reading a piece today by Dr Wayne Dyer, he speaks of the Tao and Lao Tzu’s perspective on what it means to live peacefully. And according to Tzu, the Tao and Dyer living peacefully is not about acquisition of more material good, how many hours a week you work, the size of your house, etc. it is about contentment and realizing that life is about your relationships, your experiences and the unconditional love you bring into each and every person and situation.
Who am I or is anyone for that matter too say what is right and what is wrong for another. But, through personal experience I have lived so called both sides of the coin and I find living in unconditional love, living without attachment to possessions, titles, $$, and instead living by building relationships, experiencing life and giving of myself freely, without condition, and bringing love (which is what we all are inside) with me everywhere I go is the true art of living peacefully. This is my truth, this is my authenticity, this is my ‘reality’, this is for me what is in life.
Peaceful Living and The Art of Living in Peace too you and yours
Is our legacy defined by he or she who dies with the most toys; is it defined by our career or job title; is it defined by where we live and how many square feet our home is; is it defined by the car we drive or the clothes we wear; is it defined by our relationships, our ability to be good role models for our children and others?
Reading a piece today by Dr Wayne Dyer, he speaks of the Tao and Lao Tzu’s perspective on what it means to live peacefully. And according to Tzu, the Tao and Dyer living peacefully is not about acquisition of more material good, how many hours a week you work, the size of your house, etc. it is about contentment and realizing that life is about your relationships, your experiences and the unconditional love you bring into each and every person and situation.
Who am I or is anyone for that matter too say what is right and what is wrong for another. But, through personal experience I have lived so called both sides of the coin and I find living in unconditional love, living without attachment to possessions, titles, $$, and instead living by building relationships, experiencing life and giving of myself freely, without condition, and bringing love (which is what we all are inside) with me everywhere I go is the true art of living peacefully. This is my truth, this is my authenticity, this is my ‘reality’, this is for me what is in life.
Peaceful Living and The Art of Living in Peace too you and yours
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Life is in Constant Motion
Life is in constant motion, ever changing. We must learn how to live with this fact. Understanding that change is a fundamental element of life is essential to our success. Why? Simply put I often hear people say how difficult change is and/or impossible. Well, change takes work, it takes a willingness and openness to all possibilities. It takes a curious mind, one that is willing to explore and learn the how, what, why’s necessary to make and implement the change.
Life is simple, just not easy. We constantly construct stories, dramas, theories, etc. that have little to no validity except that they prevent us from living our best life and interfere with the things that matter most, like reality.
Life is about relationships and relating. Not only too people but to things such as nature, matter and truth. You cannot ignore this fact, so learn how to improve your ability to relate and your relationships.
Stop judging yourself and others. What good does it serve? People are just like you, doing the best they can with what knowledge they have and in context of their experiences, which form their perspectives.
We were not born with the skills, abilities, tools and techniques necessary to succeed in this life. We have to learn these things and that never stops. Just because you are out of high school, college, or a millionaire does not mean you stop learning, growing and improving.
For the most part you are where you are due to the choices you made and actions you have taken. So, you are the master of your domain, the controller of your life path and journey. The wisdom lies within, so open up and listen and act accordingly.
Some things are just plain and simple out of your control, so let go and manage the things you can, yourself, your thoughts, your actions. Use your wisdom and intelligence and if you are not certain, then seek someone who has done it and learn what you need.
We all are a grain of sand and each grain is essential to the success of each other. Therefore, you are a member of a larger community, known as planet earth. Remember that your actions, choices impact others on a multitude of levels. Do your part!
Life is about what is, not what if, especially if the what ‘ifs’ are impossible ideas, etc. like being 6 feet when your 5 feet, or never having had your heart broken.
Life is simple, just not easy. We constantly construct stories, dramas, theories, etc. that have little to no validity except that they prevent us from living our best life and interfere with the things that matter most, like reality.
Life is about relationships and relating. Not only too people but to things such as nature, matter and truth. You cannot ignore this fact, so learn how to improve your ability to relate and your relationships.
Stop judging yourself and others. What good does it serve? People are just like you, doing the best they can with what knowledge they have and in context of their experiences, which form their perspectives.
We were not born with the skills, abilities, tools and techniques necessary to succeed in this life. We have to learn these things and that never stops. Just because you are out of high school, college, or a millionaire does not mean you stop learning, growing and improving.
For the most part you are where you are due to the choices you made and actions you have taken. So, you are the master of your domain, the controller of your life path and journey. The wisdom lies within, so open up and listen and act accordingly.
Some things are just plain and simple out of your control, so let go and manage the things you can, yourself, your thoughts, your actions. Use your wisdom and intelligence and if you are not certain, then seek someone who has done it and learn what you need.
We all are a grain of sand and each grain is essential to the success of each other. Therefore, you are a member of a larger community, known as planet earth. Remember that your actions, choices impact others on a multitude of levels. Do your part!
Life is about what is, not what if, especially if the what ‘ifs’ are impossible ideas, etc. like being 6 feet when your 5 feet, or never having had your heart broken.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
So I am headed to Costa Rica to be the assistant at Marianne Wells 200 hour yoga teacher certification program. What an honor, I am so humbled and grateful. This is an amazing opp/experience.
I am digging teach yoga and learning about the internal process/journey and deepening the layers of the mind, body, soul and spirit. I feel an amazing peace on this journey and so blessed.
I apologize for not posting more stuff here, I have been using Facebook due to the simple fact it seems everyone is there these days and it is so easy to share. I will update in Costa Rica
Peace and Gratitude to each of you
joe
I am digging teach yoga and learning about the internal process/journey and deepening the layers of the mind, body, soul and spirit. I feel an amazing peace on this journey and so blessed.
I apologize for not posting more stuff here, I have been using Facebook due to the simple fact it seems everyone is there these days and it is so easy to share. I will update in Costa Rica
Peace and Gratitude to each of you
joe
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
What Is, Is!
Nothing is perfect or imperfect, it truly is. One must deal with truth, act in authenticity and be in peace with the reality of existence! Things are as try appear, there is no masking what is with inorganic notions of what maybe.
To dream of and wish for something is a wonderful concept but it should come
From what is possible not a what if that is hypothetical in nature with no essence of truth. For example if u are an adult and short in stature but wish u could be tall, well that is not real, not plausible. But if u wish for peace, happiness, a material good, something that u can create and make happen, that is potentially available then that is a what is not a what if.
All too often we do not like our reality and wish it could be different and in many if not most cases it is possible. For the most part it is our choices that have us where we be, in our what is state, and it is our choices and our acting on these choices that can help us to create the state of being in which we wish to be.
If ur reading this it is because u have the power and ability to choose, u like me are fortunate to be in this position. For that reason alone we must with compassion, gratitude, grace, humbleness, humility, respect and non ego/ non attachment make the most of this ability and freedom to choose to live our best life.
Gratitude,
Joe
To dream of and wish for something is a wonderful concept but it should come
From what is possible not a what if that is hypothetical in nature with no essence of truth. For example if u are an adult and short in stature but wish u could be tall, well that is not real, not plausible. But if u wish for peace, happiness, a material good, something that u can create and make happen, that is potentially available then that is a what is not a what if.
All too often we do not like our reality and wish it could be different and in many if not most cases it is possible. For the most part it is our choices that have us where we be, in our what is state, and it is our choices and our acting on these choices that can help us to create the state of being in which we wish to be.
If ur reading this it is because u have the power and ability to choose, u like me are fortunate to be in this position. For that reason alone we must with compassion, gratitude, grace, humbleness, humility, respect and non ego/ non attachment make the most of this ability and freedom to choose to live our best life.
Gratitude,
Joe
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
My Journey to 440
So, it started in February at 185lbs and culminated with a PR of 365 in late March with my good friend Johannes spotting me on his visit from Germany. Not bad for 6 weeks. Now, previously, in 2007 I did a 4 week cycle with Mark Reifkind when we were training and I was able to do 307 for 3 sets of 3. So, I was not surprised by this March PR.
I took all of April, May and the first half of June off of squatting due to mainly traveling and teaching abroad. I was able to workout but nothing like when I am home at the gym in terms of weight, etc. Instead it was bodyweight squats, pull-ups push-ups, core work, running and some yoga.
Come middle June Kai and I enter an 8 week training cycle, squatting using the Westside principles (to some extent with respect to Westside) we tried to imitate the best we could using the box, dynamic method with bands and a 3 near max workouts over the 8 week period one in which Kai and I both hit 405 for 2 singles.
So, today, 8 weeks later I came in and did the full below parallel squat of 405, 425 and 440 leading to 2 PR's. There is much too attribute to the numbers and the most important is to exploration of the body, movement and training regimen. Always, studying learning and listening to whats going on, it all came together, like it should (in my opinion).
So, for not having a lot of actual squatting experience I am stoked and I thank people like Louie Simmons of Westside, Mark Reifkind for helping me back in 2007 and Kai and the rest of the Lab crew for working with me to explore how we can get smarter, stronger, more technical and skilled and thus establish PR's on a consistent basis...the journey continues and truly the number is irrelevant.
For me it is the journey and the learning, sharing, experiencing, challenging, practicing, playing, exploring, and the fact that I can, we can do this and we are taking advantage and working together to achieve and improve day in and day out.
PS: please check out Facebook where I post many of my articles these days, including "the lab, exploring human potential" fan page and "Joga, Yoga with Joe Sarti" fan page and of course my josephsarti profile.
Thank you for your support and interest!
I took all of April, May and the first half of June off of squatting due to mainly traveling and teaching abroad. I was able to workout but nothing like when I am home at the gym in terms of weight, etc. Instead it was bodyweight squats, pull-ups push-ups, core work, running and some yoga.
Come middle June Kai and I enter an 8 week training cycle, squatting using the Westside principles (to some extent with respect to Westside) we tried to imitate the best we could using the box, dynamic method with bands and a 3 near max workouts over the 8 week period one in which Kai and I both hit 405 for 2 singles.
So, today, 8 weeks later I came in and did the full below parallel squat of 405, 425 and 440 leading to 2 PR's. There is much too attribute to the numbers and the most important is to exploration of the body, movement and training regimen. Always, studying learning and listening to whats going on, it all came together, like it should (in my opinion).
So, for not having a lot of actual squatting experience I am stoked and I thank people like Louie Simmons of Westside, Mark Reifkind for helping me back in 2007 and Kai and the rest of the Lab crew for working with me to explore how we can get smarter, stronger, more technical and skilled and thus establish PR's on a consistent basis...the journey continues and truly the number is irrelevant.
For me it is the journey and the learning, sharing, experiencing, challenging, practicing, playing, exploring, and the fact that I can, we can do this and we are taking advantage and working together to achieve and improve day in and day out.
PS: please check out Facebook where I post many of my articles these days, including "the lab, exploring human potential" fan page and "Joga, Yoga with Joe Sarti" fan page and of course my josephsarti profile.
Thank you for your support and interest!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Simplicity
Bruce Lee's take on Simplicity
In JKD, one does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity.
Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. After I learned the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I've understood the art, a punch is just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. The height of cultivation is really nothing special. It is merely simplicity; the ability to express the utmost with the minimum. It is the halfway cultivation that leads to ornamentation. Jeet Kune-Do is basically a sophisticated fighting style stripped to its essentials.
Art is the expression of the self. The more complicated and restricted the method, the less the opportunity for expression of one's original sense of freedom. Though they play an important role in the early stage, the techniques should not be too mechanical, complex or restrictive. If we cling blindly to them, we shall eventually become bound by their limitations. Remember, you are expressing the techniques and not doing the techniques. If somebody attacks you, your response is not Technique No.1, Stance No. 2, Section 4, Paragraph 5. Instead you simply move in like sound and echo, without any deliberation. It is as though when I call you, you answer me, or when I throw you something, you catch it. It's as simple as that - no fuss, no mess. In other words, when someone grabs you, punch him. To me a lot of this fancy stuff is not functional.
A martial artist who drills exclusively to a set pattern of combat is losing his freedom. He is actually becoming a slave to a choice pattern and feels that the pattern is the real thing. It leads to stagnation because the way of combat is never based on personal choice and fancies, but constantly changes from moment to moment, and the disappointed combatant will soon find out that his 'choice routine' lacks pliability. There must be a 'being' instead of a 'doing' in training. One must be free. Instead of complexity of form, there should be simplicity of expression.
To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is.
In building a statue, a sculptor doesn't keep adding clay to his subject. Actually, he keeps chiselling away at the inessentials until the truth of its creation is revealed without obstructions. Thus, contrary to other styles, being wise in Jeet Kune-Do doesn't mean adding more; it means to minimize, in other words to hack away the unessential.
It is not daily increase but daily decrease; hack away the unessential.
In JKD, one does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity.
Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. After I learned the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I've understood the art, a punch is just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. The height of cultivation is really nothing special. It is merely simplicity; the ability to express the utmost with the minimum. It is the halfway cultivation that leads to ornamentation. Jeet Kune-Do is basically a sophisticated fighting style stripped to its essentials.
Art is the expression of the self. The more complicated and restricted the method, the less the opportunity for expression of one's original sense of freedom. Though they play an important role in the early stage, the techniques should not be too mechanical, complex or restrictive. If we cling blindly to them, we shall eventually become bound by their limitations. Remember, you are expressing the techniques and not doing the techniques. If somebody attacks you, your response is not Technique No.1, Stance No. 2, Section 4, Paragraph 5. Instead you simply move in like sound and echo, without any deliberation. It is as though when I call you, you answer me, or when I throw you something, you catch it. It's as simple as that - no fuss, no mess. In other words, when someone grabs you, punch him. To me a lot of this fancy stuff is not functional.
A martial artist who drills exclusively to a set pattern of combat is losing his freedom. He is actually becoming a slave to a choice pattern and feels that the pattern is the real thing. It leads to stagnation because the way of combat is never based on personal choice and fancies, but constantly changes from moment to moment, and the disappointed combatant will soon find out that his 'choice routine' lacks pliability. There must be a 'being' instead of a 'doing' in training. One must be free. Instead of complexity of form, there should be simplicity of expression.
To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is.
In building a statue, a sculptor doesn't keep adding clay to his subject. Actually, he keeps chiselling away at the inessentials until the truth of its creation is revealed without obstructions. Thus, contrary to other styles, being wise in Jeet Kune-Do doesn't mean adding more; it means to minimize, in other words to hack away the unessential.
It is not daily increase but daily decrease; hack away the unessential.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Train smart, work smart
It is all in the brain and the mind, this is the leader of the body. The stronger the neural pathways and the better/clearer they communicate with the muscles and systems of the body the better the integration and subsequent movement/coordination of your body and the 'stronger' and more efficient and effective you will move.
This being said it is essential that when you train/practice/move you do so at the highest quality and with the most perfect state possible. This means operating in a state of fatigue, while good for certain things at certain time is NOT and I say NOT!!! the best or most optimal state to strengthen the neural pathways that truly help determine your success in movement! This means training/practicing/moving smart with awareness and learning how to move at the most optimal level, this means ramping up slowly and remembering that it is a journey. So, take the time to learn and study of the moves and how in particular your body performs and responds to the movement patterns.
Training is not all about effort, kicking your ass, burning calories, being lean, how fast, how much, how often, how, what when, why it is truly about attention to detail, preparation, a deep understanding of the intricate nature of the combination of systems that work together and how they work together to make things happen. This is why people like myself exist. I am not training your body, I am training your intellect, your intelligence, your mind and if you pay attention and give feedback combined with proper rest and nourishment and with that will power, the sky is the limit!
Train smart, work smart...
This being said it is essential that when you train/practice/move you do so at the highest quality and with the most perfect state possible. This means operating in a state of fatigue, while good for certain things at certain time is NOT and I say NOT!!! the best or most optimal state to strengthen the neural pathways that truly help determine your success in movement! This means training/practicing/moving smart with awareness and learning how to move at the most optimal level, this means ramping up slowly and remembering that it is a journey. So, take the time to learn and study of the moves and how in particular your body performs and responds to the movement patterns.
Training is not all about effort, kicking your ass, burning calories, being lean, how fast, how much, how often, how, what when, why it is truly about attention to detail, preparation, a deep understanding of the intricate nature of the combination of systems that work together and how they work together to make things happen. This is why people like myself exist. I am not training your body, I am training your intellect, your intelligence, your mind and if you pay attention and give feedback combined with proper rest and nourishment and with that will power, the sky is the limit!
Train smart, work smart...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
As I practice, explore, observe, move, train, and learn in my daily life I find myself looking inward through my outward actions and expressions. I continue to expand and progress in all areas of my life as I put intention, attention and compliment that with application. And as a student who explores for the purpose of being a better teacher and coach amongst many other reasons I find myself stepping each day into a new level of understanding and contemplation related to what I do.
I have been reflecting specifically on something Gandhi said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” And as I stepped under the bar the other day I took time to meditate on this concept knowing that I have ‘strength’ and I have ‘physical capacity’ but it is truly my will that is going to take all that practice and preparation and help me to go beyond any perceived limitation that I may have or anyone else may have for that matter.
This brought me back to a particular day when I was going for a PR, the first of its kind and with only 3 weeks preparation. And I remember my coach and others saying that did not believe I could do what I said I could. Based on what I had done up to that point and with the limited training I had I understand why they would think this way. But what they did not know and what I and maybe a few others actually knew is what was/is inside, what my will is, what my real strength is. Because strength is not only a measurement of numbers which will give you tangible feedback but like Gandhi says strength is something truly deeper, beyond the minds eye.
So, as I stepped up that day back then and again the other day and I did what I knew I was capable of and successfully completed my PR attempt. For me it was not about the number but more about the internal make up of my being and how all the deeper mental, emotional, spiritual and physical training has made me feel capable of doing anything that I put my mind and intention into! This moment, these moments are affirmations behind my practice and approach and truly that of the masters whom I learn from.
There are probably many reasons I am at this point and have come to this point in my life to have this deep inside believe that anything is possible, that there no limitations, only the ones we and society place on ourselves…and here is what I say to society, thank you but I do not accept your limitations so please just know that you can keep your gifts and share them with yourself or better yet join me in believing anything is possible!
I give thanks to meditation and yoga practices for helping me to solidify these neural pathways that I am developing in my mental, emotional, spiritual and physical make-up along with the spirit of the breathe of life and certain people who have inspired me along my path. I have made a choice and so can you! I choose to live a life without limits, borders and boundaries, to go beyond the minds eye to set/establish new paradigms!
I have been reflecting specifically on something Gandhi said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” And as I stepped under the bar the other day I took time to meditate on this concept knowing that I have ‘strength’ and I have ‘physical capacity’ but it is truly my will that is going to take all that practice and preparation and help me to go beyond any perceived limitation that I may have or anyone else may have for that matter.
This brought me back to a particular day when I was going for a PR, the first of its kind and with only 3 weeks preparation. And I remember my coach and others saying that did not believe I could do what I said I could. Based on what I had done up to that point and with the limited training I had I understand why they would think this way. But what they did not know and what I and maybe a few others actually knew is what was/is inside, what my will is, what my real strength is. Because strength is not only a measurement of numbers which will give you tangible feedback but like Gandhi says strength is something truly deeper, beyond the minds eye.
So, as I stepped up that day back then and again the other day and I did what I knew I was capable of and successfully completed my PR attempt. For me it was not about the number but more about the internal make up of my being and how all the deeper mental, emotional, spiritual and physical training has made me feel capable of doing anything that I put my mind and intention into! This moment, these moments are affirmations behind my practice and approach and truly that of the masters whom I learn from.
There are probably many reasons I am at this point and have come to this point in my life to have this deep inside believe that anything is possible, that there no limitations, only the ones we and society place on ourselves…and here is what I say to society, thank you but I do not accept your limitations so please just know that you can keep your gifts and share them with yourself or better yet join me in believing anything is possible!
I give thanks to meditation and yoga practices for helping me to solidify these neural pathways that I am developing in my mental, emotional, spiritual and physical make-up along with the spirit of the breathe of life and certain people who have inspired me along my path. I have made a choice and so can you! I choose to live a life without limits, borders and boundaries, to go beyond the minds eye to set/establish new paradigms!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Yoga will make you a better athlete period!
*Yoga is about breathing, that is the critical element. More importantly it is about breathe connected to movement. And as an athlete learning how to breathe, learning how to control respiration, learning how to deepen the breathe providing the body with more oxygen per breathe, slowing the heart rate, controlling the stroke volume, etc. Linking breathe and movement, saturating your body with O2 will only help you perform better, longer, and stronger.
*Yoga is about union and for the purpose of this topic it is the union of mind and body, breathe and movement. It is the ability to connect all systems of the body and help them to operate and the highest levels of efficiency and therefore effectiveness leading to a more integrated and fused approach to movement and a more relaxed state of mind within the movement. Yoga will make your mind and body move with more grace, more steadiness, more fluidity, more control, balance, power, speed, endurance, agility, flexibility and stability.
*Yoga will strengthen your body, your connective tissue, your structure and integration, your muscles, your breathe and your mind
*Yoga will increase your range of motion, your flexibility, your stability and your natural anatomical posture increasing your bodies ability to function at the highest level.
*Yoga will help you learn how to meditate for the purposes of relaxing your mind and slowing down all things going on around you. It will ground you admist chaos and in all sports there is chaos at all times, but it is the athlete who can slow things down and act ahead of and according to what is going to and what is in fact happening at the same time. Calming the mind, creating a stillness and understanding of the fluctuations of the mind is integral to all aspects of life and athletics is just one example arena.
*Yoga is an athletic form of movement and stillness. It teaches one how the body functions and how to address its own personal needs. There is not a person out there who could not benefit from this and athletes who know more about their body and their needs related to sport and life thereafter are in a much better position to be health and fit to perform.
*Yoga is a way to stretch and enhance flexibility, open the deep aspects of the bodies connective tissue, enhance range of motion and a part of the prehab, rehab, restorative, regenerative and recovery process. The difference is it is an complete integrative system of health and wellness that is far beyond what most people do and think when it comes to stretching. After all, flexibility and creating the openness and range of motion in the body is far more than just about folding forward in a standing or seated position to stretch the hammies.
This is just the basics, a little stream of consciousness related to some of what I have observed due to yoga in myself and others. I am not the only athlete or coach encouraging athletes to take into consideration the addition of a yoga practice. It does not have to be a 90 minute practice but it is one you should learn from a teacher such as myself who can analyze your body, your sport and see how it fits.
I do know this, it is my most important practice and it is the difference in my practice and ability. My mind and body function at a much higher level and this integration means I operate at a higher level of sequencing, fusion, function and action making it much easier for me to move and to do so with precision, coordination, strength, power, speed, endurance, agility, balance and other factors that define the athlete.
Do not take my word for it, try it and find out yourself!
*Yoga is about union and for the purpose of this topic it is the union of mind and body, breathe and movement. It is the ability to connect all systems of the body and help them to operate and the highest levels of efficiency and therefore effectiveness leading to a more integrated and fused approach to movement and a more relaxed state of mind within the movement. Yoga will make your mind and body move with more grace, more steadiness, more fluidity, more control, balance, power, speed, endurance, agility, flexibility and stability.
*Yoga will strengthen your body, your connective tissue, your structure and integration, your muscles, your breathe and your mind
*Yoga will increase your range of motion, your flexibility, your stability and your natural anatomical posture increasing your bodies ability to function at the highest level.
*Yoga will help you learn how to meditate for the purposes of relaxing your mind and slowing down all things going on around you. It will ground you admist chaos and in all sports there is chaos at all times, but it is the athlete who can slow things down and act ahead of and according to what is going to and what is in fact happening at the same time. Calming the mind, creating a stillness and understanding of the fluctuations of the mind is integral to all aspects of life and athletics is just one example arena.
*Yoga is an athletic form of movement and stillness. It teaches one how the body functions and how to address its own personal needs. There is not a person out there who could not benefit from this and athletes who know more about their body and their needs related to sport and life thereafter are in a much better position to be health and fit to perform.
*Yoga is a way to stretch and enhance flexibility, open the deep aspects of the bodies connective tissue, enhance range of motion and a part of the prehab, rehab, restorative, regenerative and recovery process. The difference is it is an complete integrative system of health and wellness that is far beyond what most people do and think when it comes to stretching. After all, flexibility and creating the openness and range of motion in the body is far more than just about folding forward in a standing or seated position to stretch the hammies.
This is just the basics, a little stream of consciousness related to some of what I have observed due to yoga in myself and others. I am not the only athlete or coach encouraging athletes to take into consideration the addition of a yoga practice. It does not have to be a 90 minute practice but it is one you should learn from a teacher such as myself who can analyze your body, your sport and see how it fits.
I do know this, it is my most important practice and it is the difference in my practice and ability. My mind and body function at a much higher level and this integration means I operate at a higher level of sequencing, fusion, function and action making it much easier for me to move and to do so with precision, coordination, strength, power, speed, endurance, agility, balance and other factors that define the athlete.
Do not take my word for it, try it and find out yourself!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
System Principles and Adaptation
The Keys to any successful system is a strong and grounded set of principles and concepts and it is ability to be adapted to a given set of situations and circumstances.
As a student of systems, including Iyengar and Astanga Yoga; RKC and GS Kettlebells, Bodybuilding, Athletic Training, Westside barbell Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting (newest), Crossfit, Paul Chek, multiple nutrition systems (including Warrior Diet, Zone, South Beach, Mediterranean, etc.) and so much more it is my understanding of the roots principles and concepts of these systems and the ability to take them and apply them to the individual and put them into a progressive program that allows for success physiological, psychological adaptation all while keeping the goal(s) in mind and the present moment. (My opinion based on 14 years of study and practice/experience).
What I often see is people being beholden to a particular system and not truly understanding what it is about the system that makes it tick. The challenge is these often are the people teaching the system not just the people practicing it (i.e. the students). The dissemination of information is critical to the understanding and progression of any system and the people operating within the system.
Therefore it is essential to understand/learn the key principles/concepts of the system and then how to apply them across a large bandwidth keeping in mind that versatility/adaptability is a neccesity because in order to progress we need to understand all the variables present in the moment and keep in mind that a system with strong principles will stand the test of time and the present because it is able to adjust accordingly and still be in a constant state of progression versus digression.
What also must be kept in mind is simple logic and science that up until now has not proven to be anything but truth (absolute I am not sure, but as it stands, truth). For example concepts in physics, geometry, algebra, and even more specific to the world of training and athletics things such as General Adaptation Syndrome, Law of Specificity, F= MxA, and so on.
We operate in a world filled with information, ideas, thoughts, theories, systems and interpretations/perspective/points of view but often we forget there is a foundation, a platform for which any thing constructed is built upon. There is room for adaptability, just look at the human species throughout time and this obvious. But we must not forget the basics principles and concepts in which a given system is built upon and we must learn how to implement with as little as bias as possible, as little ego and attachment as possible and keep in mind that we have to be able to adapt to the given moment with the basic principles in mind/action.
As a student of systems, including Iyengar and Astanga Yoga; RKC and GS Kettlebells, Bodybuilding, Athletic Training, Westside barbell Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting (newest), Crossfit, Paul Chek, multiple nutrition systems (including Warrior Diet, Zone, South Beach, Mediterranean, etc.) and so much more it is my understanding of the roots principles and concepts of these systems and the ability to take them and apply them to the individual and put them into a progressive program that allows for success physiological, psychological adaptation all while keeping the goal(s) in mind and the present moment. (My opinion based on 14 years of study and practice/experience).
What I often see is people being beholden to a particular system and not truly understanding what it is about the system that makes it tick. The challenge is these often are the people teaching the system not just the people practicing it (i.e. the students). The dissemination of information is critical to the understanding and progression of any system and the people operating within the system.
Therefore it is essential to understand/learn the key principles/concepts of the system and then how to apply them across a large bandwidth keeping in mind that versatility/adaptability is a neccesity because in order to progress we need to understand all the variables present in the moment and keep in mind that a system with strong principles will stand the test of time and the present because it is able to adjust accordingly and still be in a constant state of progression versus digression.
What also must be kept in mind is simple logic and science that up until now has not proven to be anything but truth (absolute I am not sure, but as it stands, truth). For example concepts in physics, geometry, algebra, and even more specific to the world of training and athletics things such as General Adaptation Syndrome, Law of Specificity, F= MxA, and so on.
We operate in a world filled with information, ideas, thoughts, theories, systems and interpretations/perspective/points of view but often we forget there is a foundation, a platform for which any thing constructed is built upon. There is room for adaptability, just look at the human species throughout time and this obvious. But we must not forget the basics principles and concepts in which a given system is built upon and we must learn how to implement with as little as bias as possible, as little ego and attachment as possible and keep in mind that we have to be able to adapt to the given moment with the basic principles in mind/action.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Hero Figure & moving beyond
What began as a way to ‘help’ a friend turned out to be so much more. Yes, lets play with this idea of help. That is what I do, I ‘help’ people through teaching, coaching, educating, motivating, supporting, listening, advising, and so on. I am a Hero, yep you heard it right, I have through the process of helping my friend ‘edit’ her amazing book, which is soon to be published, discovered through this process my role play in life.
The Hero, I will not give it away because I cannot even do the justice my friend Aimee does in her description of and explanation of the Hero but it is safe for me to say and Aimee verified that I indeed am the Hero.
Now, in the book Aimee refers to the Hero in terms of the roles we play in our ‘romantic’ relationships. And, yes, I have indeed been this person in all my relationships and what to me by bigger surprise is that I not only play this in my romantic relationships but also my life on the whole, just look at my profession.
My process of transformation out of this role begun long ago and is still in process. Through my self study of eastern philosophy, my personal experiences and the lessons they have taught (a big debt of gratitude to all my romantic partners for helping me in this), the coaching program at ITP and the introduction of meditation and yoga I have truly seen my transcendence of the Hero role.
This is not too say it does not appear here and there, but it is too say that I am aware (because of Aimee’s writing/book) what I have been in the past and what and how I have conducted myself and I have been able to ‘label’ or at least identify in words exactly what it is, the Hero.
I knew I was doing things that were not conducive to living my best life and I knew I wanted to change, evolve, shift, transform these. Now that I am armed with more information I have a great understanding and can take it too the next level. I know that Aimee’s book will help many people and I am one of the fortunate souls to be blessed to have read the book and be able to directly interact with the author!!!, how awesome is that!
Awareness is one thing, action is another and developing practices that help one to take action are essential. My meditation and yoga practice have truly begun to transform me on levels that I knew were possible but was not yet able to reach. These two practices have helped to me to put the pieces together and take myself to new heights, new boundaries, borders, and push beyond my self imposed limits conscious or unconscious, patterns and/or complexes.
The process is a journey, a lifelong one. I continue to move on the continuim and flow in the direction that my paths take me. Understanding who I am, what I am, how I am, how I be, etc. has been a catalyst putting me in the position I reside currently and will move toward in the future. My curiosity, exploratory nature and adventurous spirit puts me out in the world and gives me the opportunities to challenge myself to go beyond fear, to go beyond ego, to go beyond the false façade and inspire and motivate myself to be what I be!
I am grateful for people like Aimee, who are taking and sharing their life experiences, their educated opinions and bringing them to the people with the intention of helping people evolve and grow beyond their current status and in the process help evolve the consciousness of all society. I am in training myself, working on developing the ability, skills, to share and exchange with people in a way to help evolve the consciousness of all society.
The reason I am here today is that I am transcending the Hero and it is through all my experiences and my curious nature that I am in a position to do so. I am approaching my role with humility, humbleness, compassion, gratitude, unconditional love and as a person who knows a way or 2 to transform ones self. I am a living example of this and that definitely enables me to be in a place to share these ways.
I used to think I could change people, that I could be the difference, the reason, the purpose behind their desire and execution of their transformation. I used to want to be the ‘hero’, the one who healed people. Well, the fact is you are the only one who can help, heal, transform, etc. yourself. I can give you information, support, motivate, inspire, educate, teach, and coach you but it is you who takes and makes the conscious choice action to push/explore/establish boundaries, borders, and limits.
This awareness helped me too understand on a deeper level what it meant to be in my position, to serve my role in life. It is not to be the hero, it is to be a leader by example, transforming myself and doing all the things I offer in my services for myself. Of course, the other side that I do is I take/make the conscious choice action for myself and show myself the way I feel best suits me.
I am no healer, I am no hero, I am just like you a human being doing my best to live this life to my full potential and beyond. I am here to lead by example and challenge conventional wisdom, traditions and test the limits, borders and boundaries that we understand to exist. And through this I am here to inspire, motivate, coach, share, teach, educate, support, listen, love and serve all the people whom I encounter as they wish and within my essence.
The answer is there, it is within you! It is up too you to discover this answer and I encourage you to do what you need. And, I want to extend my gratitude and love to Aimee for inspiring, motivating, coaching, teaching, educating, supporting, sharing with me! You are a leader and you are doing so by example and I must have learned something in life, to surround myself with great people doing great things (and if you are reading this that includes you).
My gratitude to all whom have and continue to touch my soul, spirit, life and challenge, inspire, motivate, coach, teach, educate, share, support, love me!
The Hero, I will not give it away because I cannot even do the justice my friend Aimee does in her description of and explanation of the Hero but it is safe for me to say and Aimee verified that I indeed am the Hero.
Now, in the book Aimee refers to the Hero in terms of the roles we play in our ‘romantic’ relationships. And, yes, I have indeed been this person in all my relationships and what to me by bigger surprise is that I not only play this in my romantic relationships but also my life on the whole, just look at my profession.
My process of transformation out of this role begun long ago and is still in process. Through my self study of eastern philosophy, my personal experiences and the lessons they have taught (a big debt of gratitude to all my romantic partners for helping me in this), the coaching program at ITP and the introduction of meditation and yoga I have truly seen my transcendence of the Hero role.
This is not too say it does not appear here and there, but it is too say that I am aware (because of Aimee’s writing/book) what I have been in the past and what and how I have conducted myself and I have been able to ‘label’ or at least identify in words exactly what it is, the Hero.
I knew I was doing things that were not conducive to living my best life and I knew I wanted to change, evolve, shift, transform these. Now that I am armed with more information I have a great understanding and can take it too the next level. I know that Aimee’s book will help many people and I am one of the fortunate souls to be blessed to have read the book and be able to directly interact with the author!!!, how awesome is that!
Awareness is one thing, action is another and developing practices that help one to take action are essential. My meditation and yoga practice have truly begun to transform me on levels that I knew were possible but was not yet able to reach. These two practices have helped to me to put the pieces together and take myself to new heights, new boundaries, borders, and push beyond my self imposed limits conscious or unconscious, patterns and/or complexes.
The process is a journey, a lifelong one. I continue to move on the continuim and flow in the direction that my paths take me. Understanding who I am, what I am, how I am, how I be, etc. has been a catalyst putting me in the position I reside currently and will move toward in the future. My curiosity, exploratory nature and adventurous spirit puts me out in the world and gives me the opportunities to challenge myself to go beyond fear, to go beyond ego, to go beyond the false façade and inspire and motivate myself to be what I be!
I am grateful for people like Aimee, who are taking and sharing their life experiences, their educated opinions and bringing them to the people with the intention of helping people evolve and grow beyond their current status and in the process help evolve the consciousness of all society. I am in training myself, working on developing the ability, skills, to share and exchange with people in a way to help evolve the consciousness of all society.
The reason I am here today is that I am transcending the Hero and it is through all my experiences and my curious nature that I am in a position to do so. I am approaching my role with humility, humbleness, compassion, gratitude, unconditional love and as a person who knows a way or 2 to transform ones self. I am a living example of this and that definitely enables me to be in a place to share these ways.
I used to think I could change people, that I could be the difference, the reason, the purpose behind their desire and execution of their transformation. I used to want to be the ‘hero’, the one who healed people. Well, the fact is you are the only one who can help, heal, transform, etc. yourself. I can give you information, support, motivate, inspire, educate, teach, and coach you but it is you who takes and makes the conscious choice action to push/explore/establish boundaries, borders, and limits.
This awareness helped me too understand on a deeper level what it meant to be in my position, to serve my role in life. It is not to be the hero, it is to be a leader by example, transforming myself and doing all the things I offer in my services for myself. Of course, the other side that I do is I take/make the conscious choice action for myself and show myself the way I feel best suits me.
I am no healer, I am no hero, I am just like you a human being doing my best to live this life to my full potential and beyond. I am here to lead by example and challenge conventional wisdom, traditions and test the limits, borders and boundaries that we understand to exist. And through this I am here to inspire, motivate, coach, share, teach, educate, support, listen, love and serve all the people whom I encounter as they wish and within my essence.
The answer is there, it is within you! It is up too you to discover this answer and I encourage you to do what you need. And, I want to extend my gratitude and love to Aimee for inspiring, motivating, coaching, teaching, educating, supporting, sharing with me! You are a leader and you are doing so by example and I must have learned something in life, to surround myself with great people doing great things (and if you are reading this that includes you).
My gratitude to all whom have and continue to touch my soul, spirit, life and challenge, inspire, motivate, coach, teach, educate, share, support, love me!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Where has the Science and Art of Training Gone???
Seriously I am looking around taking it all in and wondering what has happened to the science behind performance. We have for the most part sold out as usual in hopes of a magic pill and fulfillment of our egoistic desires. We are bombarded with a multitude of magazines, commercials and so-called experts all trying to sell you something in which they make big $$$, often claiming scientific prove which is the quote of one source and truly the manipulation of the words in many cases all in search of the instant gratification.
This is not to say one system, one this or that is better than another. In many cases things out in the world of health, wellness, fitness, training, etc. have some merit. But, often it is the case that I hear of people spending inordinate amounts of money on Chiropractic work, physical therapy and supplements in an effort to get and stay healthy. I am not certain that is the model we want. And, with all the information available, why are we still so f**king fat not only here in the US but worldwide.
Somewhere along the line, sound science and application through art has been lost and the valuation of people like myself has been diminished to the point where one weekend or an at home test makes you an expert in this field.
I know many whom have slaved hours and hours through experience, research, education, discussion, etc. to learn and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be healthy, well and fit. It seems that these people are often overlooked due to the hype, marketing and advertising of other things.
So, that is my rant and my point is that we as a society seem to be chasing our tail and in the process I do not see us getting smarter, better, fitter, healthier, more well or wiser. Being skinny does not make you healthy, lifting lots of weight and/or being able to wrap your legs around your head do not either.
Enough of this diet book, this supplement, this WOD, this chiro, this bullshit it is time to take a step back and realize that it is far easier than the latest fad, the hardest workout, the best supplement, the best diet, etc. Are we really that ignorant as a society.
We need to slow down and stop for a moment and think, really think without our ego and attachment to things and realize what is the makes of a healthy, fit, well, happy person and society and I would say that it is not what a majority of us are doing. Shoot, I hope I am 'wrong' but.....
You will be the judge of yourself and that is what matters.
You will make the choices you need to and that is what matters.
You will inform yourself however you need to, through whatever means you need to and that is what matters
You will be whom you wish to be because of your actions and choices and that is what matters.
It is not for me to tell you what to do but it is for me as a professional to share with you my observations of some of the absurdities that I see in the world of health and wellness. Now, here we are trying to reform healthcare in this nation and it is absolutely f**ked up.
We need to take a look at the food companies, the rules and standards set out by the FDA and USDA, and the $$$ behind all this crap, the insurance companies, Doctors, etc. Sh*t would should need very little healthcare because we have all the tools, etc we need already to be as healthy, well and fit as we want...we do not need a government healthcare system to take care of us, in truth. But in reality with the disillusion that exists maybe we do....
Awareness is huge, and I hope this 'rant' of sorts or reflection opens some thoughts and please feel free to offer your opinion.
In good health!
This is not to say one system, one this or that is better than another. In many cases things out in the world of health, wellness, fitness, training, etc. have some merit. But, often it is the case that I hear of people spending inordinate amounts of money on Chiropractic work, physical therapy and supplements in an effort to get and stay healthy. I am not certain that is the model we want. And, with all the information available, why are we still so f**king fat not only here in the US but worldwide.
Somewhere along the line, sound science and application through art has been lost and the valuation of people like myself has been diminished to the point where one weekend or an at home test makes you an expert in this field.
I know many whom have slaved hours and hours through experience, research, education, discussion, etc. to learn and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be healthy, well and fit. It seems that these people are often overlooked due to the hype, marketing and advertising of other things.
So, that is my rant and my point is that we as a society seem to be chasing our tail and in the process I do not see us getting smarter, better, fitter, healthier, more well or wiser. Being skinny does not make you healthy, lifting lots of weight and/or being able to wrap your legs around your head do not either.
Enough of this diet book, this supplement, this WOD, this chiro, this bullshit it is time to take a step back and realize that it is far easier than the latest fad, the hardest workout, the best supplement, the best diet, etc. Are we really that ignorant as a society.
We need to slow down and stop for a moment and think, really think without our ego and attachment to things and realize what is the makes of a healthy, fit, well, happy person and society and I would say that it is not what a majority of us are doing. Shoot, I hope I am 'wrong' but.....
You will be the judge of yourself and that is what matters.
You will make the choices you need to and that is what matters.
You will inform yourself however you need to, through whatever means you need to and that is what matters
You will be whom you wish to be because of your actions and choices and that is what matters.
It is not for me to tell you what to do but it is for me as a professional to share with you my observations of some of the absurdities that I see in the world of health and wellness. Now, here we are trying to reform healthcare in this nation and it is absolutely f**ked up.
We need to take a look at the food companies, the rules and standards set out by the FDA and USDA, and the $$$ behind all this crap, the insurance companies, Doctors, etc. Sh*t would should need very little healthcare because we have all the tools, etc we need already to be as healthy, well and fit as we want...we do not need a government healthcare system to take care of us, in truth. But in reality with the disillusion that exists maybe we do....
Awareness is huge, and I hope this 'rant' of sorts or reflection opens some thoughts and please feel free to offer your opinion.
In good health!
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