Dare to change your life
Posted on September 15th, 2010 by admin in Kettlebell TrainingHere is a link to an independent article about kettlebell training and how it can change your life. Live strong and enjoy the pain!
Practice
Posted on September 1st, 2010 by admin in Kettlebell Training, The Warrior's PathI recently returned from The Summit of Strength held in Oklahoma. At this two day strength seminar, I had the pleasure of practicing under four MASTER RKC Instructors: Jeff O’Connor, David Whitely, Geoff Neupert and Brett Jones. Each of these masters provided enlightening instruction on ways to become functionally strong and mobile for life.
Part of David Whitley’s presentation was of particular interest to me. He discussed his interpretation of what it means to “practice.” He quoted from Houdini that “Magic is Practice.” This lead to his realization that “Strength is Practice.” This took me to the doorway that “Life is Practice.”
Further into his presentation, David discounted Vince Lombardi’s idea that “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.” David wondered how do you get to the point where you can even perform “Perfect Practice?” Rather than say Vince Lombardi is wrong, I contend that both of these masters are correct. It just depends on the individual and there stage of development. If you are referring to an NFL athlete practicing football, then that individual is certainly capable of perfect practice. However, that individual is also certainly capable of going through the motions at practice and risks performing imperfect practice. Perfect practice for this individual requires presence and inner discipline. If the well experienced practitioner can find stillness and is able to focus his or her mind on the task at hand, then perfect practice may be accomplished. However, if we point our attention towards an individual that has never used a kettlebell before and then we instruct them on how to perform a proper kettlebell swing, it is unlikely that that individual will be able to immediately perform perfect practice. Even if that individual has inner discipline and presence, it may be difficult to achieve perfect practice. Over time, however, proper instruction combined with practice should allow for the eventual perfect rep. Once the body has performed that perfect movement, continued practice with inner discipline will achieve perfect practice.
As a final discussion point, David articulated the idea that rather than making perfect, “Practice Makes Permenant.” I find truth in these words at a very deep level. Pema Chodron teaches a great deal about the development of patterns and habituation. In life, humans tend to develop a habitual response to a certain stimulus or situation. The more we act in the same manner or respond to a situation in the same way, the more we strengthen that habit or pattern. In a similar fashion, the more we practice swinging a kettlebell properly or even perfectly, the more likely it will be that we can swing perfectly again. In this way, perfect practice increases the likelihood of future perfection. If one has no inner discipline and hence no body awareness, then the likelihood of perfect practice will low. Imperfect practice will lead to imperfection. Moreover, imperfect practice may even make it more difficult to achieve perfection.
As above, so below. Life mimics kettlebell practice here to some extent. We suffer when we do not practice life with presence. We strengthen our habits and conditioned behavior each time we act without being present. While enlightenment may be achieved by everyone, it will be much more difficult for those that cannot find stillness at some point in their day or for that matter their life.
Life is practice. Live in the present moment. Practice wanting what the present moment has instore for you. The key is not to get what you want. Happiness can be found in wanting what you get.
Enjoy practicing. Enjoy life.
Letting Go
Posted on June 18th, 2010 by admin in Kettlebell Training, Nutrition, The Warrior's PathI recently listened to a great presentation by Richard Rohr, entitled “The Art of Letting Go.” At the same time, I have been waiting for the right opportunity to read a highly recommended book by Dan John, entitle “Never Let Go.” Both sat together on the front passanger seat of my car for over week. It wasn’t until this morning that I recognized the paradox.
“The Art of Letting Go” is a wonderful discussion of Saint Francis and the wisdom with which he lived his life. The overriding message is refreshing and heartwarming, especially coming from a modern Catholic priest. One great tidbit that I will share with you has to do with letting go of the conditioned patterns with which we live our lives. There is a fine line between treating yourself and overindulgence. There is a great moment in the old television series, “Twin Peaks”, where agent Cooper shares the importance of always doing something nice for yourself every day. He says that every day he buys himself a gift. It’s not always something big, it could simply be a good cup of coffee and a tasty piece of pie. That bit of advice stayed with me for a long time and helped me justify the daily splurge at Starbucks. However, as important loving kindness is to ourselves and others, this simple act can become a conditioned pattern. Perhaps, you reach the point where you can’t live without it. Maybe your happiness depends upon it. If you don’t get your morning cup of coffee, you are miserable and you make everyone around you miserable. It occurred to me today that skipping that cup of coffee may be a good thing. Letting go of that conditioned pattern, that habit, might actual be an opportunity to help myself. While not having that coffee in the morning might feel like you are torturing yourself. Maybe you feel like you are really losing out or even dying. However, it you can sit with the discomfort and not call it bad. Rather than seeking peace and happiness through a nice cup of coffee, perhaps the act of not indulging can put you in touch with your true self. If you can abide in the experience of wanting and not having, at some point the veil will lift. You can be happy without it! Material possessions, gifts, little treats, etc…. are not essential to your happiness. Try it and find out. The true you can be happy now. It requires no expenditure.
On a nutritional level, you can also do by not doing. The Warrior Diet is a great example of not indulging and reaping great rewards. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it. It can be a spiritual experience.
Awareness
Posted on May 7th, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathA friend relayed this quote to me recently, “keep your awareness tuned in, the lessons are always sinking in, every moment is a lesson, and the one you miss is the one lesson you will contemplate as the light fades.”
Everyone’s path is unique, as is every moment. Chop wood and carry water. Find the freshness in each moment. Be aware of your thoughts and how they try to hook you and lure you away. Avoid your habitual patterns. Relax and don’t be so hard on yourself. You are fundamentally not guilty. Life is a journey which requires resolve. Don’t worry, you have the strength. There is no need to hurry, the journey is your destination.
Find the center and live there.
Guilt
Posted on March 23rd, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathAnother consequence of identification with thought is guilt. Many religions and belief systems cause people to harbor guilt. We in the West are especially good at feeling guilty.
People’s actions are dictated by their level of consciousness. People often feel guilty as a result of something that happened in the past.
Rather than feel guilty and carry regret, my recommendation is to take care of the present moment. You can heal the past by your present actions. For example, you can apologize for something that you said or did. If your apology is not accepted, the burden is no longer on you.
Heed the words of Dr. Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Consider this if you ever feel guilty, in your essence, you are innocent. Your fundamental mind and heart are innocent. Still your mind and find pure awareness. In that moment, the truth of your being will emerge.
Thoughts are like clouds in the sky. Carry water and chop wood. Jettison any guilt or regret. Take care of the present moment for the rest of your life and you will live abundantly.
Ineffable
Posted on March 7th, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathIneffable is an adjective which means incapable of being expressed in words. Much of the spiritual realm is ineffable. We can experience it, yet the experience is difficult to put into words. To make things even more difficult, the spiritual journey is always a personal one and what one person experiences as shenpa may be completely different from the next person. Similarly, what one person finds meaningful in a leasson may be completely different from the next. However, even though verbalizing teachings about things like shenpa can be difficult, it doesn’t mean that we should stop trying.
The Tao Te Ching begins with this very topic when it is written:
    The tao that can be told
    is not the eternal Tao
    The name that can be named
    is not the eternal Name.
If you can recognize when something has hooked you, refrain from your old habitual patterns of behavior. This will allow you to stop kicking the hamster wheel you are on. The wheel has momentum, so don’t expect it to stop immediately.
Learn to relax in the present moment. Don’t expect life to be easy. Be resolved to this fact and keep practicing. It’s the road, not the inn. Enjoy the journey. Don’t worry about the destination.
Shenpa
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathThe traditional translation of the tibetan term “shenpa” is attachment. Pema Chodron prefers some alternate descriptions such as “hooked” or “stuck” to describe its meaning. I believe when Eckhart Tolle describes the “pain body” and the “mindstream”, he too is drilling into shenpa. It exists in each of us and arises from our thoughts. More specifically, shenpa arises from the identification with thought.
The first step is to recognize shenpa when it begins to arise. The second step is to refrain from the habitual action which would normally follow. The third step is to relax and abide in your experience. Remember that painful situations are often a blessing in disguise. Pain can be an opportunity to awaken. There is a phrase that comes to mind here, “Be grateful to everyone.” When a person or situation “hooks” you, recognize it, refrain from your habitual response and relax. Be patient and let your mud settle. This will allow for shenluk or clear seeing. Since conquering your shenpa is a lifelong journey, the fourth step is having the resolve to continue this practice. Staying in the present moment and living in stillness are powerful tools for eliminating shenpa.
Remember that shenpa is not necessarily “bad”. “Good” situations can elicit shenpa, too. Any situation which causes the identification with thought is sweeping you into the mindstream and perpetuating the cycle of unconsciousness.
Wasting Time?
Posted on February 11th, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathMany people talk about the best way to spend time. You may read that if you are not doing something productive with your time, you are wasting your time. At best, this is a relative truth. While time is a practical concern for anyone keeping a schedule, most people get too caught up in the idea of spending time wisely.
For all of us, life in our body is short. All forms are impermanent. While our current forms appear more stable than a sand castle or a flower, the reality is that all forms will dissolve. This reality does not mean that we should have a sense of urgency and stop wasting time.
The important message is that there is no other time than now. Winston Churchill defined history as “one damn thing after another.” Eckhart Tolle likes to say that this is the definition of most peoples lives. Instead of worrying about wasting time, the key is to honor the present moment. The past and the future loose their heaviness when you become aware of the stillness that exists at this very moment. Close your eyes, focus on your breathing and stop thinking. I will wait for you. Give it a try for a few minutes.
Live this way. From the stillness comes great inspiration. You will live an inspired life if you can avoid the mind stream and be present. Pure consciousness awaits you.
When something unwanted enters you life situation, don’t label it bad or good. Abide in the experience and respond to the situation out of stillness. When you are calm, you will have the best chance of seeing things clearly. Do you have the patience to let the dust settle? Don’t worry about wasting time, find your inner stillness and keep training for being.
The Means to an End
Posted on February 4th, 2010 by admin in Kettlebell Training, The Warrior's PathThe key to presence is that you do not resist the content of the present moment. Furthermore, you will find the fullness of life unfolds when you don’t make the present moment a means to an end. Forget about the past and the future, give your full attention to this moment and a world of abundance will be yours.
Avoid labels. When you see a tree, avoid simply calling it a tree and moving on. If you can truly see it and appreciate it, your life will become enriched.
For hundreds of years, people used to carry water and chop wood. The Zen Masters adopted this phrase as a deeply meaningful lesson. If you forget about the past and the future, you can live your life carrying water and chopping wood and you will live abundantly. When you live in the moment, it is always the first time that you are experiencing that particular moment. Even if you spent every day of thirty years carrying water and chopping wood, at that moment, it would be the first time. Each moment is unique. Don’t make the present a means to an end. Live your life this way and you will be rich.
Apply this to your training. Honor each repetition and find pure awareness.
It’s How You Play the Game
Posted on January 21st, 2010 by admin in The Warrior's PathWhile reading Tom Morris’s book, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, I found myself reconsidering the old saying, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” In this great book, written circa 1997, Tom Morris explores three modes of motivation in the world of business.  His exploration starts with the mode of motivation most common in the Western world, competition. When we compete with one another, the motivation is usually to win. As Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” While competition can bring out the best in some people, it can also bring out the worst. In a positive light, competition can cause you to work hard and in the heat of battle, you may perform better than you ever thought possible. On the negative side, if all you care about is winning, nothing positive is necessarily achieved. Depending on the competition, the winner may not have achieved their best and the loser may be left feeling worthless.
The second mode of motivation which Tom Morris explores is known as “comparative” motivation. This mode of motivation, common to Eastern philosophy, involves a great deal of introspection. The goal is not to win, but to make oneself better. In the comparative mode, I have succeeded if I am better today than I was yesterday. The postive side to this motivation mode is that no one suffers in order for me to succeed. The down side is that no one necessarily benefits, other than me, from my success. The critics of comparative motivation claim that the practitioner is too self-absorbed.
Tom Morris makes the appeal for “collaborative” motivation. In this mode, a partnership is formed. The participants work towards a common goal and in theory achieve the benefits of both competitive and comparative motivation without the negatives. The parterns push one another beyond their oridinary limits to achieve an end product greater than either could have achieved individually. Both partners have grown and benefited from the relationship without causing anyone to lose. In this way, by helping others, they have helped themselves.
This exploration of competition, comparison and collaboration caused me to take a fresh look at the saying, “It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” I always viewed this to mean that good sportsmanship mattered. However, I believe that this is saying more than just be sure you play by the rules.
In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu wrote the following almost 2600 years ago:
   The best athlete
   wants his opponent at his best.
   The best general
   enters the mind of his enemy.
   The best businessman
   serves the communal good.
   The best leader
   follows the will of the people.
   All of these embody
   the virtue of non-competition.
   Not that they don’t love to compete,
   but they do it in the spirit of play.
   In this they are like children
   and in harmony with the Tao.
“The best athlete wants his opponent at his best.” I believe Lao Tzu was recommending that you prepare yourself the best you can and hope that your opponent has done the same. Give it everything you have – in the gym, in the film room, and on the practice field. When you play, don’t focus on winning, focus on playing the game the best it can be played. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. This is the way. This is how you play the game.   If everyone in the game prepares and plays this way, then when they meet on the playing field, the game will play itself. This is the beauty of play.
The most accessible examples of this in my experience occur in college athletics. In college, you often have exceptional athletes working individually to be the best they can be. They join as a team for a common goal. They leave it on the field against another team that has prepared equally as well. The end result is a beautiful example of the game. The 2010 GMAC Bowl, where Troy played Central Michigan, comes to mind as an excellent example. In the world of mixed martial arts, perhaps the first Ultimate Fighter Finale, when Forrest Griffin fought Stephan Bonnar, is another example of how you play the game.