Dude, Do You Even Meditate?

There's an old gymrat gag, where somebody is flexing in the mirror, and you come up, scrunch your face and ask, "Dude, do you even lift?" Not a really funny joke, and not always a good idea either, but I wanted to give you a heads up on the title of today's blog. I used to think of meditation as an eastern thing, or a type of prayer, but when I got into it a few years ago it changed everything for me. Meditation can improve your bodybuilding or fitness results, for the simple fact that it opens up your mind to new possibilities. Just like weight lifting, it has been proven to create new neural pathways, as well as stimulate neurogenesis; the growth of new brain cells! That's something we used to be taught was impossible. What other impossibilities are we currently entertaining that will soon fall to the wayside?

Dr. Wayne Dyer & Eckhart Tolle live lecture CD

I received this CD set from Hay House for review purposes, I wasn't financially compensated, and this is my honest opinion of the product. I've followed the teachings of Dr. Dyer for a few years now, but I'm probably one of the few who has not read Eckhart Tolle. However, I found this 2 CD, live lecture intense, empowering, and enlightening. Both men have a wonderful gift of simplifying those deep spiritual, endlessly debatable Truths. Ideas that could be considered fighting words, or major points of contention in exclusionary religions, are dusted off and given a deeper perspective. They do this in a gentle, easily understood way without stepping on any toes or pointing any fingers. This is a conversation that you'll want to listen to several times, and revisit occasionally. The teachings are simple, beautiful, and profound, but not necessarily a listen to it once, and you've learned it kind of experience. Any western student of Zen Buddhism or Taosim should certainly give it a chance. You can create an extraordinary life by finding your power within, by discovering where your inspiration lies, you'll have no need for motivation. Very good stuff here.

Goals and Destinations

There is no final destination when it comes to health and fitness goals. Every time you reach a new height, you discover another. New challenges will always be calling out to you, tempting you. A fitness lifestyle has a snowballing effect, where little changes add up to extreme results, and ever changing perspectives. The trick is to always be at peace with where you are right now. It's been my experience, that people who say "I'll be happy when I'm 'skinny,'" don't get "skinny" or happy. Torturing yourself into shape isn't healthy. If you're not grateful for what you've got, how can you expect to ever have better?

Tough Sh*t by Kevin Smith

My review of Kevin Smith's book, Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good

Incredible read. As a fan of Kevin Smith, I knew it would be funny, but this book is much deeper than I was expecting. Pretty damn inspirational, really. If you've ever felt the sting of being judged for your weight, you're really going to sympathize with the chapter on his unfair treatment by Southwest Airlines. I named my firstborn son after George Carlin, so I loved the section on Kev Smith's relationship with the legend. He covers his film history without ever being boring. Also goes into detail on the creation of his podcasting empire. (If you've never listened to an episode of Smodcast, you should. It's the best cure for depression I know of.) Tough Sh*t entertains while getting across some of life's harder lessons. The beautiful independent spirit of the author's films is all over this book.

Another Amazing Hay House Release

Thetahealing Rhythm For Finding Your Perfect Weight by Vianna Stibal is an incredible book. It isn't for everybody, but if you have experience, or are interested in energy healing, this will be right up your alley. Being unfamiliar with the author's previous books, I was initially confused about what thetahealing entails. However, she cleared up my confusion pretty quickly. The integrated mind, body, spirit approach she offers is what sets this program apart from so many others. Her introduction contains the divine revelation "Anyone who tells you that you can release weight without exercise is trying to sell you something. You have to exercise!" The latter sections of the book deal with exercise and nutrition. But like all good teachers she starts by taking a deep look at the foundation of the issue. Beliefs. Those of us who have successfully lost extreme amounts of weight know, that the outward changes only mirror the effect of the inward changes. And those beliefs must change drastically. Vianna Stibal covers many of the limiting, dangerous beliefs in detail. That section alone makes this book a 5 star read. This is a fantastic book. The author sums it up best by saying, "This program is for those people who are intuitive;who realize that there is no separation between mind, body, and soul." Many of the ideas offered, are concepts I wish I'd have been exposed to years ago. There are empowering points she makes, that I've been trying to teach to my own personal training clients. The sections on running and exercising "without exercising" are brilliant. This book is a powerful tool, and is a definite keeper in my fitness library.



I received a free copy of this book from Hay House for review purposes, I was not financially compensated. This review reflects my honest opinion and assessment of this book.

No Pain, No Pain ;)

I'm becoming disenchanted with the health and fitness industry. Why do they continually try to sell "No Pain, No Gain" to people in chronic pain? Folks who are depressed and addicted to sugary processed foods should be shown an easier way, not a harder one. Eating healthy and exercising isn't as difficult as the "experts" pretend. It's as easy as you decide it is. Patience and consistency is where it's at.