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"