Project: Tip of the Day - Perceptions

Each day of the Project, the Recruits get a "Project: Tip of the Day" and "Project: Recipe of the Day" from me. Today, I thought I would share the tip with all the BTWG blog readers. I suppose this is more of a teaching or suggestion/observation than a tip, yet I hope it is beneficial to you.

Enjoy.

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Hello Project Recruits,

"There is no reality except that which we perceive. Change your attitude and your whole world changes." -- Johnny G., creator of the Spinning Program.

I read this quote years ago, when I was just a green horn in the body/mind/spirit fitness world and to this day it remains one of my favorites. At the time, it was a good reminder that how I perceive the world around me directly impacts my experience and relationship to the world around me. I began to consider my perceptions about a lot of things: my family, my relationships, my beliefs, my grudges, my "success", my "failures", my workouts, the food I put in my body and more. As a result, I recognized where many of my False Perceptions Appearing Real (FEAR) were coming from and how distorted many of my perceptions were. As I've already shared with you, "Awareness creates opportunity" and it was through this awareness that I was able to change my perceptions and find more joy in "my" world.

So how 'bout you? Ever consider your perceptions on a deeper level? If you perceive the Project as a burden, as a task master, as an ogre, or as a confining prison, then that is the experience you will have; not too pleasant. If you perceive your Project experience as empowering, exciting, adventurous, and transformative, then that is the experience you will have; much more pleasant.

At night, when you are packing your food for the next day and measuring things out, how do you feel about it; do you feel agitated or stressed? Why? How do you feel about your workouts; pressured or down right angry? Why? And how about that pesky assigned meditation session, what is your perception of that? Either way, it's you perception that is determining your experience.

Eating properly and taking care of your health, fitness, and well-being doesn't have to feel confining. When you chose not to eat a bucket of ice cream you are empowering your self. When you chose to eat fruit rather than cake, you don't have to feel deprived when you can feel empowered! What are you being deprived of - poison, cholesterol, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, guilt, shame, ego reinforcement? You tell me... In my mind, caving to cravings, being addicted to crappy foods and poor lifestyle choices, now THAT is prison!

There was a popular saying when I was in boot camp, "pain is mandatory, suffering is optional". When we are seeking to make changes in our life, there is bound to be discomfort, ego-rebellion and a certain degree of pain involved. It is how we perceive this pain and how we respond to it that matters - do we suffer because of inconvenience and things that trigger our ego or cause discomfort, or do we just take it for what it is, roll with it, learn, embrace the lessons and keep on keepin' on?

Project: Recipe of the Day:
Check out Sherri D's blog for a recipe that sounds pretty "outta sight!"

In Peace,
Chris

New Blog

Hey Gang,

Be sure to check out the latest Project-related blog, authored by Brook Fitzer: http://bad-girl-for-life.blogspot.com/

Sorry that Jody and I missed the Project/Cityoga party at Alison's last night. From the pictures on Christine's blog, it sure looked like a great time. It would be great to see more parties like this on a more regular basis - healthful foods, great surroundings, and amazing, supportive friends.

Peace,
Chris

NO SNOW BLOWERS!!

NOTE: For all of my blog readers that don't live in Indiana, the relevance of this video comes from the beautiful snowfall that finally arrived...

Hey Gang,

Some of you have been friends, students, and blog readers of mine for a long time. Back before I was blogging, I was sending out helpful tips via emails. Now days not only can I blog rather than email, I can also embed YouTube videos. My, my, my how technology has changed what I do. At any rate, those of you who have been with me for a while know how I feel about using machines to do what we can and should do with our own power - you know, things like using a snow blower rather than a good old snow shovel. In my view, why use a machine, especially one that spews noxious gases and poison into the environment when I can do it with a snow shovel that leaves no carbon footprint, and it's good for me?

I enjoy getting outside, trusty show shovel in hand and getting in a great workout as I clear the snow from our driveway and sidewalks. Usually, the only thing that disrupts my shoveling meditation-in-motion is the racket of all the snow blowers my neighbors are using : -)

Driving through our neighborhood last night, I counted 10 people plowing their driveway with a snow blower, and yes, all 10 looked like they could have used the calorie burning workout of shoveling the snow rather than strolling behind their blower.

Now, I totally understand if your driveway is as big as a landing strip, yet I'll bet you could at least shovel a path to the road using a shovel (my parents are exempt on this as their "driveway" is 1/2 mile long!).

Personally, I enjoy all the goofy looks I get from my neighbors when I'm one of the few adults out there with a shovel. In fact, last year, my neighbor offered to use his machine to clear my drive and, much to his bewildered stare, I said "thanks, but no thanks". Honestly, if I were a gazillionaire, I would still be out there shoveling away.

If you are up for a little snow shovel workout, as with any workout, proper form and technique are crucial. Below is a YouTube video which shows the basics of proper shoveling. Along with this basic instruction, I would encourage you to keep your core activated, engage "Root Lock", if you are familiar with this yoga technique and finally, I would encourage you to be mindful as you engage in this activity. As you shovel, pay attention to how you feel, to the snow you are removing, and for each flake of snow that you observe. Notice the texture and quality of the snow. Observe the nature of snow - beautiful, unique, and transitory, just like your life. There is a lot of magic and wisdom in shoveling snow.

Peace,

Chris

Class Cancellation

Hey Gang,

My 5:45 Cityoga class has been cancelled for tonight. If you have to be on the roads, please be careful!

If you were intending on practicing with us tonight, I encourage you to do a solo practice at home, or spend some quality time meditating, reading, doing something creative, or cooking/eating a meal with mindfulness.

In Peace,
Chris
ps - No, I have not chickened out on the post I wanted to have up by Sunday or Monday. Fact is, I'm responding to weekly email updates from 36 Project Recruits and 2 Veterans! So, you can imagine what I will be doing with my "unplanned" free time tonight...

Day 5 and Still Alive!

Hey Project Blog Readers,

If you have been following the Project blogs, you are getting direct insight into what some of the current Project Recruits are dealing with this week - tender muscles, flaring and rebelling egos, cranky and irritable attitudes, and more. The first 2-3 weeks of the Project are by far the toughest for most people. Along with what you have read on the blogs, here are a few comments I've received this week:

"I haven’t started my blog yet, but I do want you to know if I could have lifted the phone after my workout to call you, I would have quit."

"I need to apologize for calling you a ‘dirty rat bast**d’ this morning at 5:45 when I finished my second set of jump squats (I could only do 18 of them)- I did not mean it- really :)"

"Things are going well so far....thanks for opening a can of whoop -ass on me! It feels good to train like this again...."

"Now, can you come get me out of my office chair please? LOVE THOSE QUADS!"

"Hey, I am definitely ready. I followed the diet last week (Chris Note: referring to the week prior to the official start), but did only two yoga classes for the exercise and I still lost 8 pounds! Woo! Gotta love the first week. lol Hopefully week two will be as good since I will be adding in the exercise. :)"

"FYI – Day one going well. According to the scale here at home, I’ve already lost about 5 pounds since weigh-in last Sunday. I kept to my normal exercise routines at the Y last week, but L. and I have incorporated much better eating since reading the manual. And I’m going to my very first Yoga class with Marsha P at 5:30 this afternoon. A big day…."

There you have it, a little "behind the scenes" look at what's happenin' in the Project. GOD, I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

On another note, I'm working on a sort-a hefty blog post that I'd like to have out either Sunday or Monday. The question is whether or not I will be brave enough to post it... Stay tuned...

Have a great weekend. Play hard, train hard, love lots, take time to sit in silence, and pray for those getting ready for Week 2!

In Peace,
Chris

Phyllis Update

Hey Gang,

I know many of you have stopped by the Project blog only to find the same post that's been up since Monday. That was my intention, as I wanted to give everyone a chance to read my request.

Last night, I was given an update on Phyllis' status and there is lots of great news. While we all thought she was having surgery on Wednesday, it was actually on Tuesday and it went very well. In fact, I understand that she is already home and beginning this phase of her recovery. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as I am certain they were helpful. Please keep Phyllis in your prayers as she still has challenges ahead and it may be a long recovery process. You guys rock!

Also, Sam sent me an email today and she is almost up and running, literally. She tested things out with her strength and toning workout, minus the leg movements. So far, so good! Again, thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support.

I am working on a post that I envision putting out there tomorrow, though it's one that is taking me pretty deep, so don't be bummed if it doesn't show up until Sunday. Heck, with 14 other Project blogs to visit, that should keep you plenty busy until I have a new post for ya! : -)

Peace,
Chris

Thoughts and Prayer Requests

Hey Gang,

It's been a ton of fun getting ready for today's launch of the Project, sharing news about new Project blogs and knowing that today marks a pivotal point in many lives. Yet, it is important to remember that while we are filled with excitement and making life-changing choices, there are those among us who are dealing with some personal adversity, and in this case adversity to their health, fitness, and well-being.

First, if you visit Sam's blog, you will read of a spill she recently took which resulted in a painful, swollen ankle: http://samallen-btwg.blogspot.com/. Please send her your prayers and intentions for a speedy recovery. After reading her blog and an email exchange, I'm confident that Sam will be up and at it very soon. I'm inspired by her attitude...

I would venture to guess that very few of you know Phyllis, which is unfortunate and I would have to say, your loss. Phyllis has been a student of mine longer than anyone else. She attended either my very first, or maybe second yoga class I ever taught in a gym/studio setting. Over the last 9 years, Phyllis has attended classes with me at the old Brownsburg Lifefitness gym (which is now closed), Peace Through Yoga at Eagle Creek, Twisted Sage (our former studio) and currently attends my Wednesday evening class at Cityoga. She has rarely missed her weekly class with me and has always been a quiet inspiration for me. Those of you who attend my Wed. class, will know her from being in the front row, right next to Chris W., every week.

Phyllis is facing a pretty serious health challenge and will be having surgery this Wednesday. We won't be seeing her in class for a little while, yet I'm confident we will see her before long, once she gets back up to speed. One thing I know about Phyllis is that while she is often quiet and a truly kind-hearted person, she is also tough as nails and let's nothing slow her down or stand in her way. If you would, please include her in your prayers and thoughts, especially when she has surgery this Wednesday. I know we will have a moment for her in class and keep her in our thoughts.

Thanks, guys. And, if you have something you would like me to pass along, perhaps a prayer request, just let me know. The power of community prayer is one of the most powerful and potent forces in the Universe.

In Peace,
Chris