Fence Sitters Beware!

You've purused the website.  Read the emails.  Re-read the testimonials.  You've even hovered your computers cursor over the "Join BTWG Now" button, yet... there you are.  Still sitting on the fence.  Hey, it's cool.  I'm not judging you.  In fact, I get it.  I understand.  I've done my share of fence sitting as well.

When confronted with opportunities for life change, no matter how positive the change may be, fear arises and we can become paralyzed and cling to the fence for dear life.  There becomes an internal struggle between the comfort of what we know (even if we aren't healthful or happy where we are sitting) and the fear of the unknown terrain that lies ahead.  It's a scary place to be.

I learned a lot about fear and fence sitting when I was in the Coast Guard.  Once I took the oath and went off to basic training and then to my unit, sitting on the fence was no longer an option.  When the call came, you didn't think, "hmmmm... it's pretty nasty out there... do I wanna go, or do I wanna stay here?"  Nope, you just jumped up and went.  Staying in the comfort of the station was no longer an option.  There is a saying in the CG, "You have to go out.  You don't have to come back."  That sort of reality teaches you a lot about how to control fear.

This may be an extreme example, yet the point is that in certain situations we don't have the option of sitting on the fence.  Yet, for most of us, when it comes to our health, fitness, and well-being, we can sit on the fence.  All.  Damn.  Day.  We can sit there and pine for a future wellness or happiness we KNOW exists once we are off the fence.  That is, until just like Newton's Laws state, we are acted on by an outside force.  Ironically, while it is fear that keeps us on the fence, it can also be fear that pushes us off the fence.  This can come in many forms, such as when the doctor gives you the news that you are obese, or pre-diabetic or hypertensive and if you don't change your lifestyle you will be taking a dirt nap waaaaay too young in life.  Fear can be a powerful motivator for change.  Yet, it's a poor form of motivation, it's a heavy energy, and it isn't sustainable.

"Fear and faith have one thing in common.  Both require believing in something you cannot see."

While fear isn't an ideal form of motivation, at times it can be the catalyst for a positive change.  It's about learning to embrace your fear, accept your fear, integrate your fear, and then move forward regardless of the fear.  To have faith in the unknown more than you have faith in your fear.

There are other forms of motivation, such as reason and logic.  And this may be you.  You look at joining BTWG from a logical perspective.  You are thinking through all the scenarios.  You are questioning if you need the guidance and support offered with BTWG.  You are thinking if you should invest this kind of money into your health, fitness, and well-being.  You are looking at this from EVERY possible angle. And I would agree that in most life decisions we should use a measure of reason and logic.  Yet, therein also lies a danger.  We are all familiar with the saying, "Paralysis of analysis."  Where we can become stuck on the fence BECAUSE of our thinking mind.  It can become a trap, if we let it.  Again, it's about viewing your options and considering various aspects of the program and what the future may or may not hold.  Yet, establishing a point in which you make a decision.  You decide if you are going to continue living the way you have been, or if you are going to get off the fence.

When it comes to some things in life, there are no certainties.  There is no certainty that you will have what it takes to flourish in BTWG.  There is no certainty that embracing a healthful lifestyle automatically promises you will live well into old age.  However, in some things, it's also a no brainer as to what the appropriate choice is - if you aren't happy, healthy and content right where you are, and there is an opportunity before you that shows greater promise to manifest that into your life, you jump.

There is another force that can motivate us for change.  A force that is even more powerful, sustainable and renewable.  Yet, for many, it's also the most misunderstood and frightening of all.

Love...

Love is the highest and most pure form of motivation.  Love is the highest vibration and energy.  When our motivation is sourced in love, we can act in alignment with our Highest Self.  We are in alignment with our soul.  We are acting in accordance with universal law and truth.  That's pretty lofty, right?  Yet, when it comes to getting us off the fence in any facet of life, love is the best fuel for change.

When we received the call to go out for a rescue and the weather was sketchy... as in, while we are going out of the safety of the cove, everyone else is coming in kind of sketchy... it wasn't out of fear that we went.  It was out of duty.  It was our "job".  And, on some level, it was out of selfless service to humanity.  It was out of love - to risk our safety for the safety of another.

Ultimately, getting off the fence and joining BTWG and transforming your life is very much the same.  Taking control of your health, fitness, and well-being IS your duty.  Being at your best in order to better serve those around you IS your selfless service to humanity.  To confront your fear for the well-being of another is the ultimate expression of love.  Getting off the fence is the next step you take in your journey.

I never pressure anyone into change.  I never push and I never pull.  I encourage.  I support.  And I guide.  That's it.  I hope that the insights I've shared here motivate and encourage you to jump.  Today.  And join us for the Winter 2017 round of BTWG.  You have until midnight THIS Sunday to register.  So, here's that button again.  Are you gonna stare at it some more?  Hover your cursor over it?  Or, are you going to embrace your fear, wrap it up in love and jump off that fence?

D-Day is Here!

Today is Day 1 of the Spring 2015 BTWG program.  The initial fitness testing was completed on Saturday and it was really great to meet the New Recruits and to reconnect with some of our veteran BTWG'ers who are returning for another round. 

I have several new things kicking off with this group and I know it's only going to make BTWG even better than before.

• Expanded coaching staff.  This year I have Coach Lori and Coach K-Dub (Kelly) sharing the coaching duties.  Both have been with me for several years and coach at our gym and both have completed BTWG.  So, I know their Recruits will be in good hands.  I will oversee all their training and correspondence with their team, so in many respects their teams will have more eyes on them than those working directly with me.  A BOGO deal if you will :) 
• Christ-centered option.  We are offering for the first time in BTWG a Christ-centered option for those who are Christians, those who are spiritually seeking, or those who might be interested in learning how to integrate their spiritual life with their health and wellness.  While this has always been a part of BTWG, this time we will be offering specific tools to help in an even bigger way.  I have wanted to make this happen for many years and K-Dub is helping me make it a reality.  Something not many people know is that for the past 18 months I have been taking classes online through Northwest Nazarene University working towards my ordination as a minister so this is something I am certainly passionate about and feel called to do.  Many years ago I learned how to use spirituality as a vehicle for transformation and for deepening my relationship to my Creator.  For me, my faith and my fitness/wellness are inseparable.  But this didn't happen by accident.  It was through conscious effort, practice, and intention that I learned how to live a wholistic life of body, mind and spirit.  I couldn't be more excited and inspired to offer this to those who are interested.
• Slooooowing Down.  In years past the New Recruits would get a ton of material upfront, including their BTWG Training Manual, workouts, nutrition plan and homework all in the first week.  While there is merit in this "shock and awe" approach :)  ultimately, the coaching team opted to give things a fresh approach this round.  So, I will slowly be leaking the information out to the Recruits as it's needed and taking things a great deal slower this round.  The intention is to emphasize the mental/emotional/spiritual aspects right out of the gate.  Plus, we have twelve weeks, so there is NO rush.

Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to "like" us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bridgingthewellnessgap

Follow us on Twitter:  @btwg

Or, check out our Instagram page:  bridgingthewellnessgap

Peace,
Chris

Spring 2015.. It's On!

After a two year hiatus, BTWG returns for the Spring 2015 round.  This group has 15 "New Recruits".  There are several first timers and even a couple BTWG "Veterans" returning for a tune up.  I couldn't be more excited to get back to coaching this programming and imparting to others what has been taught to me and what I have learned through my own direct personal experiences. 

The "Welcome Aboard" emails have been sent and I've already heard back from a few of the New Recruits.  Our Initial Fitness Testing is on Saturday and ONE WEEK from TODAY we officially kick off our 12-week journey. 

Stay tuned for more news and updates!

In Strength (and Stillness),
Chris

BTWG at CCS&C

Now that is a lot of initials!  Check out some action shots from Sunday's MovNat inspired workout with some of the BTWG New Recruits.  If you are in the current BTWG class you have access to 3 free classes a week at Circle City Strength and Conditioning:

• Tuesday Yoga 9:30 - 10:30am
• Thursday Yoga 6:45 - 7:45pm
• Sunday workout with Lori 12:00 - 1:00pm.  This is a great opportunity to learn how to perform your assigned workouts properly as you can ask Lori questions.  She will be there to put you through a unique workout each week and help you mix things up to keep it fun, interesting and effective.  Case in point, check this out...

 Brandy working on Ring Rows...

 

 Georgia navigating the "Stone Hops"

 Audrey and Brandy MovNatting at CCS&C 

BTWG is Underway

The Winter 2013 class of BTWG is officially underway as of this past Monday.  22 "New Recruits" have been selected for this class.  The initial testing is wrapped up, the Orientation session is complete and the Recruits are on their 5th day of the program. 

As the founder of the BTWG program, this is always an exciting time for me as I have the opportunity to share what I've learned and experienced over the past 20 years as a wellness coach and I have the chance to help people make a positive change in their health, fitness, and well-being.

Please stop by the BTWG main blog on a regular basis to see what's happening during this exciting time of BTWG.  Also, be sure to check out the blogs hosted by the Students, Mentor's and Coaches in Training, all of which are listed on the right side of this blog.

A note to all the Recruits:
Remember, while you have been provided specific workouts you can follow, this program is about YOUR practice and YOUR life.  So, if you have other modalities of being active, you are welcome to employ those activities in place of what you have been provided.  Just be sure to communicate with me and keep me posted in your weekly update and I can help guide you to what is appropriate with your goals and your vision. 

Also, remember that if you need more personal guidance and assistance, you can attend the free workouts at Circle City Strength & Conditioning which are:

• Tuesday Yoga from 9:30 - 10:30am
• Thursday Yoga from 6:45 - 7:45pm
• Sunday workout for BTWG'ers only from 12:00 - 1:00pm

BTWG Student, Becky, during a 1 on 1 session with

Coach Chris.  Sandbag Squats.  Just another example

of mixing it up with your training.  Nice form, Becky!

What Was Taco Bell Thinking?

Oh, wait.  That's right... Taco Bell wasn't thinking when they ran an ad which they quickly pulled after enough grumbling from the public.  What's the beef all about?  The commercial starts with, "Bringing veggies on game day is like punting on 4th and 1.  It's a cop-out; and secretly, people kinda hate you for it."  Really, Taco Bell?  Here is the ad which can still be found floating around the internet, thank you YouTube.  

I get it. Most people would rather throw down on some fast food tacos than raw veggies.  Taking a quick look into the current state of health and obesity in the US drives that point home faster than Taco Bell can whip up a batch of their pre-packaged taco mystery meat.  And, I get it that places like Taco Bell count on us spending our food dollars with them rather than on veggies - though calling anything served at Taco Bell "food" is a stretch in the use of the word "food".  Yet, promoting that bringing veggies to game day is lame AND that people will think you are a big d-bag is pretty over the top and inexcusable. 

Of course to drive the point home, the dude in the commercial brings over a bunch of limp, way-past-the-expiration-date-sad vegetables rather than something that resembles.... say... this!

Go ahead.  Hate me for bringing this.  I dare ya!

 

I have an idea, Taco Bell.  How about you sell your "food" in a manner that displays what you are really serving up.  Let the hero in your commercial show up with a big bag full of this and see how much love he gets...

 Click to enlarge.  Sounds delish, right?

As always, my point isn't about being controversial.  Being controversial about food is pretty easy and there are already way too many talking heads and bloggers out there to get people worked up.  My vision is about helping others to wake up to what is in our food supply and to know what this stuff does to our bloodstream, to our mind, and to our spirit.  My point is about giving you the opportunity to make an informed decision - you are free to select Taco Bell all you want, but you should at least know what's going into your pie hole when you make that choice.  My point is about waking people up to the marketing and propaganda which has an direct impact on how we behave, the choices we make, how we spend our money and how we nourish ourselves.  Example: In 2010, the fast food industry spent over $4 billion on marketing.  Ya think that might distort the perception and actions of more than a few Americans?

I'll leave you with this "food for thought":

"The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. ...We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. ...In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons... who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses.  It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind."

Edward Bernays, the father of public relations and marketing.  1928, in his book "Propaganda".  Use your google-fu skills to learn more about this cat and then tell me you are above the control of marketing and advertising!    

Free your mind.

Know what's in your food. 

Vote with your dollars.

Be an activist for your bloodstream.

We Don't Get Fooled Again...

All calories are not created equal when it comes to your waist line and your wellness.  Zero calorie drinks can still contain toxins, sketchy artificial ingredients, and all sorts of chemicals.  Not to mention the addictive qualities of many soft drinks and "fake" juices.  Artificial sweeteners also trigger insulin secretion which promotes fat storage, stresses the pancreas, and trigger the brain into craving more sweet foods and beverages, i.e. the "vicious cycle" that many struggle with.  The ONLY Coca-Cola product you should even think about drinking on a regular basis is MAYBE Dasani water.  Is that to say you should never drink a Coke or Diet Coke again?  Of course not!  An occasional can of poison won't kill you, just don't make it a regular part of your diet and keep it to an absolute minimum.  If and when it feels right for you to eliminate it all together, do so.  Your bloodstream thanks you.  Just don't be fooled by the marketing and ads. 

Perhaps this video would be more appropriate:

New Year. New Day

Quite a few emails, messages, private conversations, and Facebook posts have come my way from several of the recent BTWG students.  The jest of the news is essentially the same - "I fell off the BTWG Lifestyle wagon during the holidays".  Let's face it, no one truly "falls off", we chose to get off the wagon - either consciously or unconsciously, we slide off, jump off or sabotage our way off the wagon.  Acknowledging this truth is the accountability that is necessary for transformation - accepting responsibility for our actions.  In BTWG we learn that we cannot have a victim mentality if we are to truly transform our lives.  Accepting this truth should not be viewed as anything associated with guilt.  Instead it should be embraced with empowerment and enthusiasm.  You are in charge.  You are in control of your self and your actions. 

Okay, now that I've REALLY made some of you feel like a
slacker, let's talk about another truth - for the recent Grads, this was your FIRST holiday season post-BTWG so to expect that you would navigate the holidays without a few slip ups, or a bunch of slip ups, isn't very realistic.  As we discuss during the BTWG program, it REALLY takes a full year to even get close to dialing in this lifestyle, let alone mastering the path.  You need to experience the holidays.  You need to experience birthdays, vacations, travel, illness, injury, all of it, before you can master this lifestyle.  So you didn't plan well.  So you allowed yourself to break the 90% rule more than a few days during the holidays.  So you totally threw out the Hunger/Satisfied scale.  So you didn't stick to your workout plan.  So you didn't meditate or do yoga to help you deal with the stress, excitement or pressure of the holidays.  So what?  It happens!  This won't be your last holiday season, right?  There are many, many more to come, right?  Take this as a learning experience!  Take accountability, learn from it, and move forward!  Reflect on what went well as well as what didn't go well this season.  Next year do more of the things that went well for you.  Next year do fewer of the things that didn't go well for you.  Have a plan and stick with your plan... a REALISTIC plan!  Perhaps it takes 5 years before you can glide through the holidays with your health, fitness, and well-being in tact.  Isn't that better than beating yourself up and repeating the same poor choices year after year; fighting the same battle over and over or choosing to not fight at all?  I vote "yes". 

As always, feel free to reach out to me or any of the BTWG Mentors for help.  We are always here to help out any way we can.  Also, the next round of BTWG will be starting in February.  Consider joining us as this will help reinforce what you have already learned and deepen your practice and skillfulness for the future.  There will be a discount extended to those who have participated in previous classes!  Dates and details will be officially announced on Monday, January 21st. 

Please let me know if you have testimonials to share about your holiday experience or if you have any questions.   

In Health and Peace,
Chris

Mindfulness Training at PR Fitness

In Saturday’s meeting at PR Fitness I shared a handful of assignments, or practices, that I have only shared with a handful of private training clients over the years.  These mindfulness practices are incredibly simple, yet incredibly potent.  They were passed on to me by my former Teachers more than a dozen years ago, and I continue to practice them on a regular basis. 

Meditation at PR Fitness

 

I’ve been around the block quite a bit over the years and have experienced all sorts of practices that are more elaborate, more “secret”, more far out, more esoteric, or more whatever.  I’ve never been impressed with any of these practices.  While they may give you some sort of short term hit or high, I find they fail to offer any true transformation or insight.  They are not long term solutions or beneficial, especially in my day to day life of the lives of the people I work with.  Generally, the more simple and mundane, the more impact the practice will have.

 Mindful cleaning

The challenge lies in the discipline and consistency of implementing these practices.  It’s easy to do the simple exercises we did on Saturday and feel good about it when you do it once, maybe a whole week, or possibly a whole month.  Yet it can be challenging to stick with these assignments for YEARS!  The true benefit occurs in the consistency, in doing these practices when they are no longer fun or interesting, in sticking with your practice no matter what – that is when true transformation happens.

 More mindful cleaning...

There is nothing magical in cleaning a floor while in Yoga Squat.  There is nothing special about eating mindfully and there is nothing far out about walking mindfully, yet all three of these activities contain a lifetime of practice and deep benefit.

A lifetime of practice...

Here is some feedback on the practice that has come in so far.  Feel free to share your experiences as well!

"I really enjoyed Saturday's meeting. The cleaning exercise taught me that I need to get into my squat for longer periods of time.  Showing me the importance of serving and leaving areas better than you found them in life. When walking, my strides felt better. I hadn't experienced that the "Quieter the Mind" the more you see when you are going through actions... Interesting. The Grape scenario showed me how to involve the senses while eating... I found myself treating it as communion, a touch point to God everyday that I miss. I will give thanks more actively now. "

"I really appreciated the Mindfulness activities that we did today at the meeting. I definitely took it with me the rest of the day, and made it a point to be mindful as much as possible. When I was driving, cooking, cleaning, running, and even grocery shopping! I even saved money that way :] I am just blown away by how much i just keep growing as a person throughout this program. Just when I feel like i know enough, you throw more amazing stuff at us to become even stronger."

Mindful walking...

"I used it today & enjoyed the fuller experience of all. Thanks for the great lessons." 

"Mindfully had dinner with my parents tonight and afterwards played games and colored with the girls. We were truly ´in the moment´.

"I applied it especially during my walk this morning! Very aware of the sights and sounds that were going on around me. It was beautiful to be out before dawn. Additionally, I was very 'present' in a fun afternoon of shopping and dashing in and out of the rain with my husband. We had a blast!"

BTWG Every Make you Feel Like This?

One of my all time favorite comedies, "Airplane". Has BTWG ever made you feel like this? Sorry for you younger Recruits who may not have seen the movie: ) The truth is, there is never a "right" time to change poor lifestyle choices and habits. The best time is always "now". Enjoy your weekend!

Week 1 is in the books!

Dats right - Week 1 of BTWG is in the books and tomorrow we mindfully enter into Week 2 of the program. 

I wanted to share a few thoughts, impressions, and insights about our current group of New Recruits. 

First off, I had a feeling about this Crew from the get go.  All in all, this group is really solid, dialed in, open, receptive, motivated, and willing.  What more could I ask for?  Our first group meeting, which took place yesterday, was also fantastic. 

I also have to give a shout out to the BTWG Mentors:  Joe, OG Kelly, Alison, Sherri, and Stacy.  Each of the Mentors have been living the BTWG Lifestyle for several years and are in a role of assisting the New Recruits in their new Journey.  Among other duties, the Mentors are assigned 4-5 Recruits that they check in with each week and offer their assistance, guidance, and insight.  These guys have walked the talk and are their to help their Recruits when they are hitting a snag.  They also provide a skillful listening ear as a Recruit may often feel more comfortable talking to their Mentor about something that they are not comfortable sharing with me.

All in all, this is one AWESOME community and it's only getting better. 

 

 BTWG Mentor, OG Kelly, sharing some wisdom with the New Recruits

 

The deck at Peace Through Yoga, Eagle Creek park, made an 

awesome setting for our Week 1 Group Meeting . 

Stay tuned for more updates and insights coming soon.  Also, watch this site for new blogs coming from our current Recruits!

In Peace,
Chris

A New Look for BTWG

Although BTWG has been in existence, in one form or another, since 2004, I've never had a logo for the program.  While I've dabbled with having a logo made in the past, it usually fell flat and never did much for me.  So, I figured it was high time that I get off my butt and get us a logo... or two. 

As it always happens that things present themselves at the right time, I reached out via Facebook and got a response from Shannon Dakin who has given me several great logos to work with.  I don't know that I will ever settle on one single logo to represent BTWG... I can't see a BTWG "Golden Arches" in our future... I can see using more than one logo that could be used in different contexts, etc.  So, here is our first.  What do you think?  Pretty snazzy, right?

 Peace,
Chris 

Tick Tock

In case you don't follow the Bridging the Wellness Gap Facebook page or Twitter page, I wanted to make that EVERYONE is aware that the application process for the Summer 2012 round of BTWG is going to close early. 

While the process was scheduled to be open until June 29th, I have had several fantastic applications and I know that most of these folks are 100% ready for the program.  That said, as of this morning, there is only one spot remaining.  If you are planning to submit your application, please do so ASAP! 

Should I receive more than one qualified application, I will consider opening more spots so that no one who is truly ready will have to wait until the next round.  So, if you are planning to send in your essay, I would get it in within the next 24 hours.

In case you missed the details, here is where you can stay in touch with BTWG and what's happening in the BTWG community:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bridging-the-Wellness-Gap/276710595743551
Twitter - @btwg
Website - www.bridgingthewellnessgap.com

Be Well,
Chris

BTWG is BACK!

After a too-long hiatus, BTWG is officially back as of TODAY!  That's right, the application process for the Summer 2012 round of Bridging the Wellness Gap® is now open and will remain open until mid-night on June 29th.  This means that the BTWG blog will once again be an active site with news, updates, tips and progress reports on those who are selected for the next round of the program.  You can also stay up to date by clicking "like" on our Facebook page and following us on Twitter - @BTWG.

To learn more about Bridging the Wellness Gap®, please visit www.bridgingthewellnessgap.com, and be sure to read the "About the Program" page as well as the "FAQ's" page.  Feel free to email me as well at chris@prfitness.net. 

Indy Mini Race Entries Available

Anyone looking for a race entry to Saturday's Indy Mini? Kelly knows someone with 3 entries. If so, shoot me an email and I will put you in contact with Kelly.

Good luck to all those toeing the line on Saturday!

Be Well,
Chris

365 Days of Nothing Update

As we roll into the tail end of April, I’ve had several students and BTWG’ers ask how my commitment is going with my “365 Days of Nothing” challenge. On January 1^st, I was inspired to commit to meditating, everyday, for the entire year. Initially, I did not set any parameters or “rules” - as long as some time was spent meditating, it would count.

To date, I’ve stuck with the commitment for a total of 108 days (an auspicious number of which I had not realized until writing this post), or nearly a quarter of the year. There are days that I devote upwards of 20 minutes per session; while there have been other days where the session is as short as a few minutes. There are days where I have meditated several times throughout the day, but for shorter periods. On other days I sit only once but for a longer time. Most of my sessions take place on my cushion at home, while other sessions have taken place at the gym, in a guest room while traveling and even in a bathroom which happened to be the only place I could find some quiet and privacy.

My intention, beginning in May, is to set a time commitment in order to require myself to extend each session to a set minimum duration. Now that I have a firm base of meditating each day, the natural progression should be to expand the time devoted to each session.

Join the Challenge! No excuses!

Commit, today, to spending a few minutes each day doing “Nothing”, i.e. sitting in meditation. I would encourage you to set a goal and commit to meditating, everyday, for the next 30 days. See how it goes and what you experience. As a mediation teacher, I find it interesting how much we can struggle with doing nothing for a few minutes throughout our week; how much resistance, anger and fear can pop up when the idea of relinquishing control for a few minutes a day is entertained. We often have little difficulty attending to a hard workout or going for a run. We are often more than willing to devote an enormous amount of time and energy to a work project. We are too often content spending hours each week in front of the TV or on the computer, yet we can’t seem to find the time or muster the motivation to sit quietly for a few minutes, focusing on our breath and letting go. In general, I understand this and I often know why I have the same resistance within myself or why a student struggles to make meditation a priority, yet it is something you have to discover for yourself. It is through this time in stillness that these sorts of “secrets” may be reviled. Though you should not have this expectation on you practice and you should realize that most insights do not occur during meditation, so much as they are unveiled during mundane moments of our day. I challenge you to confront your fears, your resistance, your defensiveness, your aversion, and your know-it-all ego. Pull up a meditation cushion and just sit still for a while.

So, who’s in? If so, shoot me an email or post your commitment to the “comments” section of this post. Also, if you have never been instructed on how to meditate, let me know - I am here to help.

Look for another update on my 365 day challenge soon!

Peace,

Chris

Gear Review

Hey BTWG'ers! To check out my "review" of the New Balance Trail Minimus, click HERE.

Input from Chris

Below are my "comments" on a blog post from one of the BTWG Recruits. While I encourage everyone to read all the blog posts and comments, as there is a TON of helpful insight, this feedback is something that can be of benefit to all Recruits and BTWG visitors/voyeurs.

You can find the original post and comments here: http://ambersbridge.blogspot.com/2011/03/stinking-it-up.html

"Darn - once again, y'all stole my 'thunder'. I'm super proud to know that you guys are supportive of each other and that you are really starting to 'get it' when it comes to this BTWG Lifestyle.

Just adding my two cents. While we have covered this, in great detail, the past couple weeks at the group meetings, I know you (Amber) have not been at the meetings so it may be new or a good reminder. This applies to everyone and I hope it gets read by all BTWG Recruits:

1) There is no 'success' or 'failure' in BTWG, only outcomes and consequences. No 'good' or 'bad'; that is a judgment you put on yourself. Is it 'good' to waiver back and forth on the diet and workouts? Is it 'bad' to miss the group meetings and support? Is it a 'failure' to avoid meditation?

In reality, it isn't good or bad, success or failure, it just is. The real question is 'are my choices and behaviors in line with my goals and what I want out of my life; my health, fitness, and well-being?' If the answer is 'no' - again, it isn't 'bad' it's just an indication that there is a disconnect between what you say you want and what your actions show. From this you can start to drill down and understand the lack of congruency in your words and actions. Ultimately this leads us to the question of 'why'. Why don't we do what we should be doing? Why do we do so many things we shouldn't be doing? If these things lead us away from our goals and our happiness/peace, then why are we doing them?

Maybe we discover that we have a history of sabotaging ourselves in other aspects of our life, our work, family, relationships, etc. Maybe we realize that we avoid doing positive things for ourselves because of shame a feeling like we don’t deserve it. If so, why?

We have to be willing to continue digging, fighting, working, exploring, surrendering and letting go if we are to get to the root of what holds us back. For some, it may be as simple as really crappy time management skills – get a book, figure it out and get going! For others, we may need to seek counseling to help us understand what is really going on and to help us heal from past hurts and wounds.

2) I've said this A LOT in the past couple weeks of meetings: This isn't 'Weight Watchers' or 'The Biggest Loser' - this program is not about how much weight you can lose in 12 weeks, or how fit you can become in 12 weeks. BTWG is about cultivating a lifestyle of health, fitness and well-being (Body, Mind, and Spirit). The "goal" in the 12 weeks is to create a plan that works and is sustainable. In my opinion, if weight loss is a goal and you don't lose a single pound in the first 10 weeks, but in the 11th week it 'clicks' and you begin to make forward progress and hit your goal weight further down the road, than you is perfect and the outcome has been positive.

Becky W is right – the workouts in the BTWG plan can ALL be done at home with minimal equipment, so if you can’t come to PR Fitness to train, you have everything you need to train at home. What you will miss is the group connection, so do your absolute best to be at the Saturday group meetings. Also, reach out to your fellow Recruits and Mentors and see if anyone wants to hook up for a run or workout; meet for coffee or lunch; hold each other accountable.

Let me know how I can help as well!

Peace,
Chris"

Congratulations!

Scenes from yesterday's Big 10 Hoops 5K. Congrats to all who participated. I REALLY hope to see more and more of you turning out for these events and our group runs, such as yesterday's run at Eagle Creek. All levels are ALWAYS welcome!

Also, congrats to those who toed the line at the Eagle Creek DINO trail race and the indoor triathlon!

I'm looking forward to getting more race reports soon!

Some of the BTWG Gang at Sunday's Big 10 Hoops 5K. Left to Right: Patty's husband (sorry, I've met him once but don't recall his name), Patty C. (BTWG Grad), Cindy (BTWG Grad and current Recruit), Sherri (BTWG Grad and Mentor)

The runners joined by the best darn support crew and hike leader you could ask for - Pam the Blam! She was also the official photographer for the Big 10 Hoops 5K.