Not too long ago, I saw the movie Sicko --a Michael Moore documentary about the American health care system. In it, he highlights the state of things with American health insurance companies and how they do business. He also went to Canada, the UK and France to observe their universal health care systems. He interviewed many people about their experiences with health insurance in the US...many of them were in need of care but were being denied care by their insurance companies for all manner of ridiculous reasons (for example, people who helped with the rescue efforts at ground zero on 9/11 are being denied care for their various respiratory ailments that resulted from that day basically because they acted in a volunteer capacity, rather than as part of their 'job').
Towards the end of the film, he took a number of these people to Guantanamo Bay because that is the one piece of American soil where universal, government-sponsored health care is provided (to the 'enemies of freedom' at a level of quality that obviously exceeds that available to the average American). Unsurprisingly, they were not permitted entry to the prison facility. Instead, they all went to Havana and visited a pharmacy (one woman...whose bronchial inhalers--similar to those used by asthmatics--normally cost her $120 each...she needs to use several of them per year...she paid a little over 3 pesos or 5 cents for two of them...she cried when they told her what it would cost her...) and they all went to a hospital. There, they registered as patients and subsequently received treatment at little to no cost. It was striking to imagine how they must have felt as they were being cared for so diligently and humanely by doctors from Cuba, the country Americans have been told for years and years is evil and backward with their Communist ways.
The film pinned down the origin of private health insurance to a conversation in the Oval Office between Richard Nixon and one of his advisors. The advisor told Nixon that the HMOs (health maintenance organizations) turned a profit by minimizing the care/treatments they paid for. Former health insurance claims investigators were interviewed...they told of how it was their job to find ways to deny claims (and thus, care) to people, thus reducing the expense to the insurance company. They showed footage of a Senate hearing (or something like that) where a doctor told the US senate all about how she had been paid to deny care to people during her time as medical director of an insurance company. She was clearly embarrassed and ashamed. The shocked faces of the Senators spoke volumes.
During the film, I was in shock. I cried. Americans living in France talked with Michael Moore over dinner about how they are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance...how the health care system encourages them to rest and recover and get well when they are ill...how they encourage preventative care...A Canadian man spoke of how important it is for us to look out for each other...
When the movie was over, I felt...I want to use the word outrage...but I don't feel angry...I feel hurt. I feel a sort of heartache over the state of it all. I am aware that I am living in America, with people...people like you'd find anywhere else...some of them give life to the 'American' stereotypes of ignorance and arrogance...while many others leave me forgetting that I'm in 'America' at all...and yet...
...in the film, Michael Moore interviewed a very posh sounding former British MP who said that the two keys to controlling people are to keep them frightened and demoralized...an American woman living in France said that in France, the government is afraid of the people, because the people are not afraid to stand up and protest and revolt if necessary...but in America, the people are afraid of the government...and so, things do not change.
I have had this post brewing inside me since before Election Day. It has been a remarkable experience to watch Barack Obama. A part of me says 'well, he's still a politician'...and then there's a 'but'...I have never before listened to a politician speak and felt inspired; hopeful.
As Election Day drew closer and closer, I began to see what was coming: there was so much more pro-Obama media coverage and pro-Obama sentiment being expressed than there was anti-McCain (or even pro-McCain, for that matter). The people were focusing their energy on what they wanted, rather than what they didn't want. It began to seem almost inevitable that Obama would win. I dared to hope. I wished that I could vote. I wanted desperately to be able to join the chorus of voices that were taking the chance...actually making a move off the couch to stand up and declare 'This is what I choose!'
And then it happened: on Election Day, thousands upon thousands of people decided to stand up and announce their choice to the Universe. The American people got together and said 'Yes we can!' We can change things. We are not doomed. Things may look grim, but we can make them better.
Now, I do believe that relying on Barack Obama to change everything in everyone's individual lives is more than a bit naive. Within each of our lives, the key to making a difference lies within ourselves. It is up to us as individuals what kind of life we will lead...it is insanity to continue doing the same things but expect different results. In that way, change is up to the individual. That being said, I was so proud of this country that day. I was filled with joy to see US stand up and say 'This choice speaks to the Universe of Who We, as a people, Want to Be'.
Of late, I feel I have been understanding what Gandhi meant when he said 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world'. I feel that for all the help I want to give to others, for all the difference I want to make in the lives of other people, the first person I should take on as my 'client' is me. Teacher, heal thyself. And so, here I sit, still reeling from the experience of watching that movie, and I feel I am at a moment of choice: I can feel some amount of self-righteous anger over the sad state of the world/country/health care industry in the US or I can take action and begin making a change. This old choice doesn't serve us (by 'old choice', I mean that of using private health insurance), it's time to make a new one. It's time for a revolution...but how to start one? I feel like the answer is a personal revolution. It's time to BE the change.
...again the question before me: How to do that?
I'm aware that when I am in this feeling-place, I feel motivated, I feel like I am Being Who I Really Am...and thus, sending out that creative energy. But when I am not in this same sort of 'feeling-place', I tend not to feel motivated and capable and powerful. So how to return to this feeling place? I believe it's a question of creating a new mental habit; a new thought pattern. And so I say, let today be the first day of a new habit...and here's to practicing my new habit more tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...
Ok. Those are my thoughts for now.
namaste.
2.01.2010
1.17.2010
Magic happens
I believe in magic...
...but I've grown up being told to be realistic.
I believe in magic...
...but I've grown up being told to get my head out of the clouds.
I've been told I'm too much of a dreamer...
but there's something inside me that keeps gnawing at me...calling on me to act...
It's a feeling...a deep, abiding belief that I've got something bigger and greater within me; that I AM bigger and greater than I was told I can be.
I believe that magic happens.
I believe anything is possible.
...and I know that it's unrealistic.
I know I'm a dreamer.
I know that I've got my head in the clouds.
I also have my feet on the ground.
The chatter in my head--fed by all the noise that's out there--tells me this is all childish and silly and that what I've really got to do is grow up, get serious and get a real job.
And yet, in those quiet moments, when the chatter subsides, that feeling surges within me. Inside I know. I know that magic happens and I know that I AM powerful beyond measure.
And in those quiet moments, when I know it is the voice of my soul speaking to me, I know that I can continue to dream...
...and so I choose to dream out loud. At high volume.
...but I've grown up being told to be realistic.
I believe in magic...
...but I've grown up being told to get my head out of the clouds.
I've been told I'm too much of a dreamer...
but there's something inside me that keeps gnawing at me...calling on me to act...
It's a feeling...a deep, abiding belief that I've got something bigger and greater within me; that I AM bigger and greater than I was told I can be.
I believe that magic happens.
I believe anything is possible.
...and I know that it's unrealistic.
I know I'm a dreamer.
I know that I've got my head in the clouds.
I also have my feet on the ground.
The chatter in my head--fed by all the noise that's out there--tells me this is all childish and silly and that what I've really got to do is grow up, get serious and get a real job.
And yet, in those quiet moments, when the chatter subsides, that feeling surges within me. Inside I know. I know that magic happens and I know that I AM powerful beyond measure.
And in those quiet moments, when I know it is the voice of my soul speaking to me, I know that I can continue to dream...
...and so I choose to dream out loud. At high volume.
1.10.2010
Is it in you?
Gatorade asks in their commercials, 'Is it in you?'
Of course it is. It's in each and every one of us.
What is 'it'?
It is that which makes us human.
It is that magical something that lies behind the greatest of human accomplishments, the most spectacular of achievements and the most incredible of feats.
It is the fuel of dreams.
And it's inside each and every one of us.
No exceptions.
It is passion.
What is it that you feel passionate about? How often do you feel passionate about something?
It is belief in possibility.
It is the belief that magic happens.
Do you believe you can or are you more likely to think you can't?
It is completely unrealistic.
It is there, waiting inside of us, waiting to be accessed; waiting to be awakened.
It's early in the New Year. There's a tremendous energy surrounding everything...it's a time when we're all considering the possibility of yes, rather than no...we're considering that maybe it's possible, rather than too hard. It's a time when so many of us are feeling 'it'.
And then, that feeling fades. Why? Why not find a video like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70 and watch it. Remember that feeling and then move from there.
That's right: move.
Get up.
Do something.
Take action.
Even if your first step is getting up, getting a pen and paper, and then writing down what you're feeling. What would you like to do?
Now get up and take a step in that direction.
All the power you need is there inside you.
Of course it is. It's in each and every one of us.
What is 'it'?
It is that which makes us human.
It is that magical something that lies behind the greatest of human accomplishments, the most spectacular of achievements and the most incredible of feats.
It is the fuel of dreams.
And it's inside each and every one of us.
No exceptions.
It is passion.
What is it that you feel passionate about? How often do you feel passionate about something?
It is belief in possibility.
It is the belief that magic happens.
Do you believe you can or are you more likely to think you can't?
It is completely unrealistic.
It is there, waiting inside of us, waiting to be accessed; waiting to be awakened.
It's early in the New Year. There's a tremendous energy surrounding everything...it's a time when we're all considering the possibility of yes, rather than no...we're considering that maybe it's possible, rather than too hard. It's a time when so many of us are feeling 'it'.
And then, that feeling fades. Why? Why not find a video like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70 and watch it. Remember that feeling and then move from there.
That's right: move.
Get up.
Do something.
Take action.
Even if your first step is getting up, getting a pen and paper, and then writing down what you're feeling. What would you like to do?
Now get up and take a step in that direction.
All the power you need is there inside you.
11.01.2009
The Power to Choose
We all have the power to choose.
We can choose anything, really: we can choose what to do, what to think and what to Be.
We can choose whether to visualize our workouts as being enjoyable and effective, so that we end up looking forward to doing them.
We can choose whether or not to take a moment and think about all the wonderful things in our lives and feel grateful for them.
We can choose how we look at life and the circumstances we find ourselves in...we can even choose whether or not to view our lives as being something we create for ourselves.
All of this could sound daunting or complicated or even a bit head-in-the-clouds...or it could really be that simple.
Actively choosing to view our lives differently could really be the beginning of creating a new habitual way of thinking. And just think, if how we think ends up influencing the way we experience life...imagine what would happen if you were in the habit of thinking 'how could this go right for me?' rather than 'how might this go wrong?' Do you tend to think in terms of negative outcomes, rather than positive ones? Just noticing that can make a huge difference!
What if we were to start by writing ourselves a little note to put by the alarm clock to remind us to think of one thing we're grateful for, first thing, every morning? Imagine what would happen if we started every day feeling grateful...
The whole point of my little blurb here is to remind myself--and anyone who reads this--that we are all actually quite powerful. We have incredible minds with unlimited potential. You've seen people with incredible minds on TV or read about them in the news...and your mind is no less capable! And it really does not have to be all that complicated: just exercise your power and ability to choose what you think...choose to take a moment to love your life.
We can choose anything, really: we can choose what to do, what to think and what to Be.
We can choose whether to visualize our workouts as being enjoyable and effective, so that we end up looking forward to doing them.
We can choose whether or not to take a moment and think about all the wonderful things in our lives and feel grateful for them.
We can choose how we look at life and the circumstances we find ourselves in...we can even choose whether or not to view our lives as being something we create for ourselves.
All of this could sound daunting or complicated or even a bit head-in-the-clouds...or it could really be that simple.
Actively choosing to view our lives differently could really be the beginning of creating a new habitual way of thinking. And just think, if how we think ends up influencing the way we experience life...imagine what would happen if you were in the habit of thinking 'how could this go right for me?' rather than 'how might this go wrong?' Do you tend to think in terms of negative outcomes, rather than positive ones? Just noticing that can make a huge difference!
What if we were to start by writing ourselves a little note to put by the alarm clock to remind us to think of one thing we're grateful for, first thing, every morning? Imagine what would happen if we started every day feeling grateful...
The whole point of my little blurb here is to remind myself--and anyone who reads this--that we are all actually quite powerful. We have incredible minds with unlimited potential. You've seen people with incredible minds on TV or read about them in the news...and your mind is no less capable! And it really does not have to be all that complicated: just exercise your power and ability to choose what you think...choose to take a moment to love your life.
10.20.2009
Reminders
Everyone needs reminders from time to time.
When it comes to behaviors and turning new behaviors into habits, reminders are crucial. For me, writing this blog was always meant to serve as a reminder--for myself and anyone out there who happens to read it--of just how much power we have to affect and create our lives. Writing a blog takes commitment. It's really not hard, but it's also a little bit scary. I worry that my writing will be messy or awkward; I worry that writing this blog on a regular basis is going to lead to bigger and better things.
And so, about a week ago, I saw a video of a dog rescuing another dog who had been hit by a car. The heroic dog risked his or her own personal safety to cross about 6 lanes of busy highway traffic to drag the other dog to safety. Watching this video touched me. It reminded me of the very real existence of heroism and integrity. It reminded me of the person I strive to Be every day. It reminded me of just how alive I am...and just how alive I have the potential to feel.
I feel passionately moved by the example of that dog. I feel moved to write. I love writing and I just don't do it as often as I would like.
I do, however, have the power to choose to write more.
I have the power to choose to see writing a blog entry as so much less time-consuming than I've imagined it to be. I mean, really, writing this is not going to get in the way of any of the tasks I'd like to accomplish today. In fact, writing this is going to enhance my day because I'm choosing to do something I feel passionate about.
Now I'm going to take it a step further and relate this back to exercise and fitness (because, after all, this blog does claim to be about personal transformation through physical fitness). You see, from the very beginning, if we recognize that our bodies are our vehicle for experiencing this life--our mode of transportation, if you will--then the kind of 'ride' we have very much depends upon how well-tuned our vehicle is.
And then we recognize that our minds can exert tremendous influence over our bodies. Our minds, actually, are in charge of our bodies...and we are in charge of our minds! So how we think and feel end up being incredibly important when it comes to creating our experience of life. Watching the video of the heroic dog reminded me of the person I'm striving to Be. It reminded me of just how alive I feel when I'm Being that. It reminded me of all sorts of things that trigger that feeling of being joyfully alive: traveling, flying on the trapeze, teaching/coaching...and writing!
And so it is that I'm here writing this: I found myself wondering why it is that we numb ourselves with our day-to-day routines, with mindless television or surfing the internet...forgetting what it's like to feel alive. And then it came to me: all we need is a reminder. Little reminders on a regular basis help us to remember what we feel passionate about, what it is to feel alive and joyfully present.
We all need reminders from time to time.
When it comes to behaviors and turning new behaviors into habits, reminders are crucial. For me, writing this blog was always meant to serve as a reminder--for myself and anyone out there who happens to read it--of just how much power we have to affect and create our lives. Writing a blog takes commitment. It's really not hard, but it's also a little bit scary. I worry that my writing will be messy or awkward; I worry that writing this blog on a regular basis is going to lead to bigger and better things.
And so, about a week ago, I saw a video of a dog rescuing another dog who had been hit by a car. The heroic dog risked his or her own personal safety to cross about 6 lanes of busy highway traffic to drag the other dog to safety. Watching this video touched me. It reminded me of the very real existence of heroism and integrity. It reminded me of the person I strive to Be every day. It reminded me of just how alive I am...and just how alive I have the potential to feel.
I feel passionately moved by the example of that dog. I feel moved to write. I love writing and I just don't do it as often as I would like.
I do, however, have the power to choose to write more.
I have the power to choose to see writing a blog entry as so much less time-consuming than I've imagined it to be. I mean, really, writing this is not going to get in the way of any of the tasks I'd like to accomplish today. In fact, writing this is going to enhance my day because I'm choosing to do something I feel passionate about.
Now I'm going to take it a step further and relate this back to exercise and fitness (because, after all, this blog does claim to be about personal transformation through physical fitness). You see, from the very beginning, if we recognize that our bodies are our vehicle for experiencing this life--our mode of transportation, if you will--then the kind of 'ride' we have very much depends upon how well-tuned our vehicle is.
And then we recognize that our minds can exert tremendous influence over our bodies. Our minds, actually, are in charge of our bodies...and we are in charge of our minds! So how we think and feel end up being incredibly important when it comes to creating our experience of life. Watching the video of the heroic dog reminded me of the person I'm striving to Be. It reminded me of just how alive I feel when I'm Being that. It reminded me of all sorts of things that trigger that feeling of being joyfully alive: traveling, flying on the trapeze, teaching/coaching...and writing!
And so it is that I'm here writing this: I found myself wondering why it is that we numb ourselves with our day-to-day routines, with mindless television or surfing the internet...forgetting what it's like to feel alive. And then it came to me: all we need is a reminder. Little reminders on a regular basis help us to remember what we feel passionate about, what it is to feel alive and joyfully present.
We all need reminders from time to time.
6.07.2009
Travel
This blog started as a guide, an accessory, to the BodyMind workout, which is, itself, to be a guide to remembering the connection between your mind and your body. The remembrance of this connection, in turn, empowers you to use this connection as your tool for the creation of the human experience of your own conscious choosing.
And here I am, about to blog about travel.
I´m in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and this little town is the destination for thousands of religious pilgrims as the main Cathedral here is where the Apostle St. James is buried. It seems that people come here from all over the world so that they may visit this site. For many, this is a sacred place.
As part of the process that the BodyMind workout is designed to facilitate, you will likely find your awareness growing: your awareness not only of your body, your mind and the link between them, but of the world around you. What you eat, what you drink...what your put into your body, what you think and what you pay attention to...all that you put into your mind, and ultimately, where you live and how you treat your surroundings...from your home to your planet. All of this enters into your conscious awareness...
..and here is where travel enters into the equation. Travel is an opportunity to be more than just a tourist, it is an opportunity to see more than the world we see everyday...the world that we can so easily forget is not all there is. It is an opportunity to remember that humanity is more than just as we see on the subway on the way to work; it´s more than just what we see on tv. Cultures vary. People are different and yet, somehow the same. We´re all in this together and if we can recognize that what we see as different, others see as normal and if we can see past all of that, we remember that we all really are One.
Travel is an opportunity to see more of the world than just down the street. Ours is a planet filled with remarkable and wondrous beauty. As we stand in awe of the landscapes and the incredible feats of human ingenuity that are the buildings all over the world, it is hard not to feel a great sadness over how we have been treating our environment...and herein lies another opportunity: to remember that we always have a choice.
Travel is an opportunity to experience wonder and beauty and to once again, announce to the entire Universe, through your actions, words and thoughts, I AM this
And here I am, about to blog about travel.
I´m in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and this little town is the destination for thousands of religious pilgrims as the main Cathedral here is where the Apostle St. James is buried. It seems that people come here from all over the world so that they may visit this site. For many, this is a sacred place.
As part of the process that the BodyMind workout is designed to facilitate, you will likely find your awareness growing: your awareness not only of your body, your mind and the link between them, but of the world around you. What you eat, what you drink...what your put into your body, what you think and what you pay attention to...all that you put into your mind, and ultimately, where you live and how you treat your surroundings...from your home to your planet. All of this enters into your conscious awareness...
..and here is where travel enters into the equation. Travel is an opportunity to be more than just a tourist, it is an opportunity to see more than the world we see everyday...the world that we can so easily forget is not all there is. It is an opportunity to remember that humanity is more than just as we see on the subway on the way to work; it´s more than just what we see on tv. Cultures vary. People are different and yet, somehow the same. We´re all in this together and if we can recognize that what we see as different, others see as normal and if we can see past all of that, we remember that we all really are One.
Travel is an opportunity to see more of the world than just down the street. Ours is a planet filled with remarkable and wondrous beauty. As we stand in awe of the landscapes and the incredible feats of human ingenuity that are the buildings all over the world, it is hard not to feel a great sadness over how we have been treating our environment...and herein lies another opportunity: to remember that we always have a choice.
Travel is an opportunity to experience wonder and beauty and to once again, announce to the entire Universe, through your actions, words and thoughts, I AM this
3.18.2009
The love of live music
Live music is one of life's most incredible treasures. Invariably, the performer is up there, in front of the crowd, sharing something deeply personal.
The courage and conviction--and often inexplicable, deep-seated need--to share their music comes with... is fueled by... and is a demonstration of...pure passion.
This passion is felt by all who linger long enough to listen with more than their ears.
So what does this have to do with working out, Whole-istic health and personal transformation?
Listening to live music can be a moving, exhilarating and emotional experience. It leaves you feeling alive... a little bit (or a lot) more open to the wonder and possibilities of life.
Live music reminds you of how exciting it feels to be alive...to be Here, in this moment of Now.
And this, after all, is what this experience is all about: enjoying life.
Listening to live music is enjoyable and leaves you feeling good about life. Becoming physically fit--and mentally fit--is about enabling yourself to enjoy life more.
Do you need to be healthy and fit to enjoy live music? Of course not (well, maybe at least a little bit). But you do have to be physically and mentally healthy and fit to enjoy more of the possibilities that live music leaves you feeling open to.
The courage and conviction--and often inexplicable, deep-seated need--to share their music comes with... is fueled by... and is a demonstration of...pure passion.
This passion is felt by all who linger long enough to listen with more than their ears.
So what does this have to do with working out, Whole-istic health and personal transformation?
Listening to live music can be a moving, exhilarating and emotional experience. It leaves you feeling alive... a little bit (or a lot) more open to the wonder and possibilities of life.
Live music reminds you of how exciting it feels to be alive...to be Here, in this moment of Now.
And this, after all, is what this experience is all about: enjoying life.
Listening to live music is enjoyable and leaves you feeling good about life. Becoming physically fit--and mentally fit--is about enabling yourself to enjoy life more.
Do you need to be healthy and fit to enjoy live music? Of course not (well, maybe at least a little bit). But you do have to be physically and mentally healthy and fit to enjoy more of the possibilities that live music leaves you feeling open to.
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