Day 237

Thoughts: Choose challenge!

I think it is time to face myself again. Then again, it is always time.

Just when I was beginning to become satisfied with myself, my health and my body I learn : I will never reach such a place! Today I trained with Ryan Thiel, the Personal Training Manager at Big Al's Family Fitness. I realized there is always space to grow, to discover, to create.

We could become quite satisfied with ourselves because we are sitting in meditation and are endeavoring to practice the spiritual path. Such satisfaction with ourselves is not the same as contentment. Contentment is necessary, self-satisfaction is detrimental. To be content has to include knowing we are in the right place at the right time to facilitate our own growth. But to be self-satisfied means that we no longer realize the need for growth. All these aspects are important parts of our commitment and makes us into one whole being with a one-pointed direction.

It's been a while since I had a personal trainer - it's been a while since I challenged my mind and body! Ryan specializes in strength and conditioning training, upper and lower body toning and core specific training. Today he had me do just that! Towards the end of the workout he had me in plank position - my arms felt weak, my legs shaking, my core muscles struggling to hold me up! A goal of mine is to create inner strength, to be able to hold my own weight, do push ups and pull ups! Just when I wanted to give up, or my mind I should say, Ryan reminded me that it is a completely mental challenge and said "The more you do the easier it gets, the easier it gets the more you will do." I did three sets of the plank and held the last one for 2 minutes! - it's been years since I held for that long! Actually I cannot even remember the last time I had. I usually hold for a minute - but having him there with me today to say "There is no quitting, it's all mental, your body can't even feel it" kept me going. I remembered that our minds have the capability to tell us if we can or if we can't - and in that moment I had chosen to think 'Yes I can!'.

Giving up was not an option and Ryan said 'It will be worse to give up now, you may as well go all the way'!

The experience of going beyond mind like that is one of courage, love and respect towards oneself. Today I was able to stretch my instrument - my body. I wonder how much further it can go?!!! It's challenges like these that make you go beyond the norm. Imagine if you did one challenge a day where you really pushed yourself.

Bernice Johnson Reagon said “Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.” and today I discovered that here I am and there is my mind - I can choose to be which ever and what ever way I choose.

Like it or not, if you look at your own mind you will discover it is void and groundless; as insubstantial as empty space.

If your mind tells you that you can't do it - good news - you are NOT your mind! He who is able, thinks he is able ;)

What is it that binds you?
You are not bound by any chains now.
Is it just the thought that you are bound that binds you?
Mental chains can only be broken by mental effort.
-Zed-

"The more you do the easier it gets, the easier it gets the more you will do." Ryan Thiel - Personal Trainer

Big Al’s Family Fitness
104 Merrick Rd. Amityville, NY 11701
E-Mail: rtatbigalsfamilyfitness@yahoo.com

Challenges: Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much
as your own unguarded thoughts.

Triumphs: Rewarding my self with a relaxing sauna and a large creamy avocado after my body challenge!!! Mmm divine :)

What I Ate Today:

Food fest 1: A grapefruit and orange juice! mmm!

Food fest 2: Avocado.

Food fest 3: Another avocado!

Food fest 4: Spicy Green Salad! Mmm! Perfect for my savoury craving I had all day! Ingredients: green chilli, spring onion, garlic, ginger, lime juice, dash of himalayan salt and olive oil, coriander (cilantro), cubed cucumber, baby spinach and kale ripped into small bite size pieces, with hemp seeds and chia seeds for that nutty flavour! Mmm divine :) Mine was a little chilli tonight - felt like a great clean out ;)



Food fest 5: Pineapple.

Food fest 6: Blueberries!

Dessert on the couch ehehe!

Recipe: Recipe for the Spicy Green will be available on www.theearthdiet.org and also in The Earth Diet book available this November!

Exercise: A gym workout challenge with Ryan Thiel! Exercising my instrument today in all new ways ;)

And jumping on the beach at sunset

128 days to go!!!