Saturday, August 29, 2009

Magic potions and lotions

How many people watched The Secret and thought in that moment it was the end of all problems? My personal belief is that problems can be reframed as challenges, nevertheless some action or changes need to be made.

Yes I could visualise and affirm, ask myself empowering questions (and often do) yet without the right training, nutrition and persistence of purpose I may not have made it through the 100km event on Friday.

Part of maturity and growing up for me has been the realisation that there are not many magic potions and lotions or super pills that solve everything. Many of the quick fix ideas only lead to larger problems. We only need to look at the weight loss industry and yo yo dieting to see this cycle in action.

When we decide now is the time and creating my dream is the only option, things start to move. A commitment to a higher purpose with a big WHY so that when any challenges arise we keep going. WHY do I run 100km? Partly its because I can, partly the chance to be in the company of other inspired teams, part craziness, a challenge, show the benefits of a raw vegan diet, it inspires me in the rest of my life to keep going, and hopefully inspires others to do something they previously thought impossible.

What is it you have given up on? What is something you think could never happen but that little voice keeps holding you back? When will the inner self master the outer self?

Some why questions for today...

Why am I doing whatever it takes?
Why am I giving up the diet shakes?
Why am I living my dreams instead of eating cakes?

Brotherhood and challenge

Yesterday I ran and walked 100km through mostly bush for a charity event, with 3 mates. It definitely felt good to finish.

The team was a big thing, all pushing each other to make it to the finish line as there were point where everyone was feeling a little "discomfort". The day started off hot and we heard stories of many teams dropping out, or having team members drop out.

What is the difference between those who persist and those who drop out? Do they see a higher purpose in making it to the finish line and a need to complete? Does it really matter in the scheme of life if we do retire early? We had one team member who even though being extremely fatigued still managed to cross the line, for the 9th year in a row. Is he mentally strong, crazy or is it the team that makes the difference?

Why as humans do we feel the need to challenge ourselves?

I know for myself being in the company of men with character is high on my values. Warriors strengthening each other through challenge. My training has been mostly cross-fit and wanted to see the results, plus I love showing what is possible on a diet of mostly fruit.

I found some stages particularly challenging to walk as I love to run, and seemed painfully slow. There was a lot of humour between the team, and at one stage perhaps a little delirious I decided to start some outdoor karaoke. Not sure how popular this was but I had fun.

The last stage was interesting. After walking a considerable distance I started running and didnt look back, hitting the finish line a significant distance ahead of my team and then officially finishing when they arrived. Why did I take off and leave the team? It really felt right like a spiritual experience to be running, feeling the wind across my face through my hair. Running down a tight trail with a head light on, through the streets across the Spit bridge, across Balmoral beach and up into Mosman. It was like something took over my body and all of a sudden I was completely present and energised.

For me to access this sensation, running 100km was a small price to pay. Sure I have a little discomfort today but beats talking about Home and Away.

What gets you present?

Will I do it again? (This was my 2nd time)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Women

I am conscious as a man of the beauty now in all women. Many times my attention has been grabbed by a young beauty and my head turns to look. Now I have the belief that I love beautiful women, and all women are beautiful and simply breating in that essence I am much more appreciative of the beauty and radiance in women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Instead of just having mothers day I propose a national day to celebrate women and the beauty each of you bring to my day. Appreciate a woman for who she really is, perhaps even more than she realises and you will find love everywhere.

Namaste