The Healing of Orange Sherbet

Healing is the bridge between being sick and being healthy.  This bridge is crossed everyday, naturally, as we sleep and recover.  But the speed of the body's natural healing mechanisms often times need a little nudge, a little help, and sometimes a little love.

When I was a sick child my mother had the best cure.  I will give you a clue--it wasn't from the medicine cabinet.  My mother would pour Sprite over orange sherbet in a bowl.  I remember the floating sherbet dissolving into an ocean of fizz.  I would spoon chunks away from the shrinking island of sweet, healing goodness, until I was left with a smoothie to gulp.  And sure enough, not soon after, I would be sitting up, feeling much better.  Sometimes all you need is a mother's love, a child's faith, and a little sugar.

Healing isn't always about reducing inflammation or lowering a fever.  And getting sick isn't always about catching something.  My uncle always said that you only got sick when your body decided to slow you down.  The choice to be healthy is in your hands first, and if you fail, your body makes the decision for you.  Stop.  No More.  You are grounded.

In Kentucky we didn't define things with terms or have academic conversations about the immune system.  Most of our reality of health came from our talk of the spirit.  We left all outcomes in the hands of fate.  It was our job to always give our best and have good faith in whatever future lay ahead.

Of course, there is a real place for medicine in our fate.  We can't be completely ignorant of the advances in medicine and its relation to our longevity.  But neither can we ignore the healing cultures we grew up with.  We can't forget our orange sherbet miracles.  

The Anatomy of Happiness

In a world of wants Happiness tops the list.  Happiness is something we all chase and dream.  Often times our pursuit of Happiness leads us astray.  But as the world continues to socially evolve, and material struggles continue to fall short in fulfilling us, more and more people are seeking and discovering Happiness.  If the end goal is Happiness we need to first, learn what it is, second, understand the Anatomy of Happiness, and lastly, apply the principles of Happiness into our everyday lives.

Firstly--What is Happiness?

Happiness is a long-lasting psychological state of joy, pleasure, harmony, contentment, love, and compassion.  It is not temporary but a constant state which grows and shrinks throughout our conscious lives.   Happiness does not decay like the body.  Rather it has the capacity to grow infinitely stronger over time.

We are born with a set Baseline for Happiness--a genetically determined start carved out by chemical, hormonal, and psychological propensities.  Essentially, we are born at a predetermined Elevation of Happiness.  Genetically speaking, some of us are born below sea level, with a propensity for depression, while others are born on top of mountains, with a propensity for elation.  But this beginning state of Happiness does not tell the whole story.

Total Happiness is the confluence of Baseline Happiness and Potential Happiness.
It is gained by the understanding of one's self and the proper use of Free Will.
The Anatomy of Happiness is the harmonious union of the biological and psychological Self.

Free Will is your most powerful tool in life.  Free Will is a creative tool that synchronistically shapes your world inside and out.  Under the guidance of Free Will there lies an ability to change your biological self and your Baseline of Happiness.  And eventually, with enough practice your Baseline will move as high as you choose to take it.

Our genetic makeup follows the code of adaptability for survival.  How we survive or choose to live affects how we biologically adapt during our lifetime.  If we choose to live a healthy life these adaptations will continue to make us happier and more resilient.  The end goal being tough skin and an unassailable smile.

Happiness starts as a temporary moment experienced by the brain's release of a chemical called Dopamine.  Activities and experiences that are new, explorative, passionate, and physical reward the brain with the release of dopamine, and the subsequent feeling of being happy.  The more often this happens the higher your Baseline.  Then you normalize at a higher, happier, psychological state.

This is why Free Will is so important.  We have the freedom and power to choose in our lives how we want to live, how we want to be rewarded, how we want to adapt, and how we want to feel.  Our Happiness is our responsibility and it is within our shaping.

Keep your life interesting.
Challenge your mind and body to new things.
Spice up your life.
Explore nature.
Take moments of stillness for yourself.
Discover harmony.
Seek some form of spiritual integration and share this with others.
Discover joy from the connection to others.
Seek activities that are demanding and difficult.
Let go of your ego.
Balance control and acceptance.
And develop a rhythm in life that is distinctly your own.

The key to happiness is the ability to--
"RECOVER FROM ADVERSITY MORE QUICKLY"

You can choose to grow infinitely happier.

So do it.

Kayaking Mendocino

It was my first time in a kayak.  After a brief how-to demo our instructor, Steve, pushed us off the beach.  I began paddling for the first time, anxious and excited.  With bent knees, I relaxed my grip and reminded myself to be one with the ocean.

As everyone entered the water I took a look around.  One of the guys from Canada had his black, scraggly dog in his lap.  The other Canadian had dreadlocks and a quite demeanor.  Robyn, had sunglasses, a beanie, and an ear-to-ear grin.  One married couple shared a kayak and a desire to go-go-go.  Our instructor seemed most at ease, no life jacket, no wet suit, only sunglasses, a pair of shorts, a white t-shirt, and a constant Stevie Wonder smile.  He pointed toward a dark entrance just off the shore.  Our first cave passage.

Gaining my aquatic bearings I was the last to arrive near the cave entrance.  While listening to the end of Steve's preparatory speech I realized the waves were not calm and placid but growing fierce.  We lined up waiting for the perfect moment to go for it.  Steve watched the breaks with his finger waiting in the air.

NOW!

The couple sharing a kayak sprinted first into the shrinking diameter of the cave.  Robyn went second, just ahead of me.  So far so good.  And the Canadians followed.  Daylight faded and my eyes slowly adjusted.  The cave walls were dark and rigid, and they smoothed out to a gloss as they neared the surface of the water.  The ocean sloshed, twirled, and created soft echoes before quieting, eerily.  Pulling my eyes toward the the activity of the water, each successive wave grew larger, as my dilating eyes followed suit.  Riding on a a giant rumbling belly before a sneeze, we felt the tension build exponentially.

Halfway through the cave a wave pushed Robyn's kayak sideways.  Frantically, she pushed off the cave wall to straighten herself as I slammed into her broadside.  Twisted and off angle, we looked at each other with a surge of adrenaline. We had moments to escape.  Digging our paddles into the water we let out a last effort scream, and just as the waves showed their teeth we straightened up, got sucked down away from the cave wall, and shot out like a broken bullet.

As the adrenaline subsided we turned our boats to encourage the Canadians.  But no one was there. Then Hugo arrived soaked and breathing heavily.  I didn't quite understand what he said at first but then the words sunk in: I flipped.

After another minute Steve came through with his continuous smile and nonchalant shoulders. "We lost him...no (grin) but he did get tossed."

What a beginning to our kayaking adventure.  After our faces regained their color everything thereafter was highlighted by the gift of continued life.  Herding together we headed across the bay into a field of giant kelp.  On top of the water lay big green bulbs, the size of softballs.  On top of the bulbs sea lettuce sprouted bright green.  Steve grabbed a handful and stuffed his mouth. "So good! You gotta try this."  Without hesitation, and because I was actually starving, this treat stacked up in my lap.  And from then on I ate my sea lettuce like wet potato chips.

Rounding a rock we floated up to Harbor Seals basking in the sun.  They were spotted like dalmatians and lounging on algae covered rocks.  Unalarmed, they squinted at us half asleep and feel back into a slumber.  A few words and we paddled on.

My first experience with kayaking in the ocean was full of so many new experiences.  The vacillating power of the ocean filled me with awe, fear, amazement, and a new respect for life simultaneously.  Life seemed more unpredictable in the ocean, more precious.  And the world lying beneath the surface of the water glanced through if I focused enough, if I gave it time.

When exploring nature and watching life exist outside of ourselves, we quickly see our characteristics played back to us.  The desire to live, eat, relax, be with others, love, and explore--these desires exist in all life, at every level.

Fog, Whales, and a Great Hike

My Labor Day Weekend 2012.  

Destination: Salt Point State Park Jenner, California.

I am a grain of salt in this grand scene. Pearman Fitness (bottom left)

Welcome to Northern California.  A land of fog, whales, cliffs, mountains, and breathtaking views.  Nowhere in the world does the land and ocean come together in such a magnificent way.   

***

After a 2 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco my friends and I peeled our rears from the car seats, jumped to the earth, arched our backs like cats, and lengthened our tight thighs.  Not knowing what to expect we parked on the side of the road and followed an ambiguously labeled trail sign.  The fields were golden and dry, crunching beneath our feet as we began what would become a glorious day of surprises. 

This was our first glimpse of the ocean.  The fog ebbed and flowed, covering us one moment and retreating the next.  A seagull flew past casually and I found myself standing in silence.

Turning down the coast we stumbled upon an old, tall, angular tombstone with two names.  After digesting the dates we learned a tragic story of the fate of a family in the 1870s.  A father passed away only to be followed by his infant daughter 20 days later. I can't imagine the loneliness this widow endured as she buried her husband and child.  And I can't imagine how this outlook into the ocean spoke to her as the world seemed to take so much of her life away.

And now I found myself in the same spot. 

The Fog was most refreshing. 

Once I spot a beach on a hike I instantly analyze: Can this be done?  After sliding down lose sand and rock, hanging onto plants and tree roots, I safely planted my feet on the gravel of a deserted beach.  Prehistoric boulders, smooth and tan, crept from the ocean, like lizards desperate to bathe in the sun.  And I ran to each one leaping, smiling, and climbing to the top.

  Striking a pose.

As each bend broke in a trail and a completely new scene unfolded before us, Hans, David, and I would harmonize adjectives--Wow! Amazing! Incredible! Crazy! And with a quick share of smiles no other words were necessary.

Friends make every experience more rich.  To know that you will cherish and share these exact moments for the rest of your lives, adds a instantaneous value to the experience.

The Heavenly Reach of Trees. 

Dinosaur Hill. 

Every hill is worth climbing.  Any chance you have to become a giant and gather a larger scope of your surroundings should be taken.  Get excited.  Lose the fear.  And climb up, scoot out, and take it all in.

The Incessant Urge to Climb Manifested. 

As we finished our last hike we returned to a clear sky.   Green, gold, and blue radiated all around us.  With our last blinks, staring into the horizon two puffs of water jumped from the ocean.  Whales!

We took off running, angling ourselves down the field toward the ocean, with the hope of getting a close view.  David in front, Hans in the middle, we bolted down a tightrope of a trail full sprint.  The excitement lifted our spirits and I felt like I could hold that pace forever.  The field gave way to a rocky, alien-like surface.  Jagged, porous rock slowed down our fevered run as we opened our lungs to the ocean and waited for the surface to break.

Suddenly, two dark humps peaked out of the water and two whale spouts brought a sound of life.  We stood there happy and surprised once again.  Standing on the edge of a continent, waves crashing at our feet, and whales saying their last goodbyes... What luck!

Crossfit and Gossip

I recently read an article by The New York Times entitled "A Class for Every Yoga Mood".  The article provides insight into the evolving practice of yoga, which is no longer the stretching, breathing, meditative discipline we recognize, but rather a new "fusion yoga" that is more hardcore and breathless in nature.  Fusion Yoga has led to an unending list of possibilities: Hangover Yoga, Yoga Butt Bootcamps, Shred Yoga with Weights, Yoga Crossfit...and whatever you can dream up.  Seriously anything. 

The fitness industry has become a radio with too many stations and a weak antenna.   

Across the country there is an epidemic in the fitness industry of following trends of what's new.  People's lack of success has driven them to jump boat too often and too soon.  Our attitudes of we want it quick and we want it now! continue to misguide us on our quest for health.  We follow the gossip and flux of trends and we never learn to commit long enough to promote true lifestyle change.

Nowadays, the average fitness consumer is looking for everything hardcore.  Type A personalities, adrenaline addicts, and fitness newbies crowd group classes aching for that aching.  The new quest for health is not guided by sweat alone but by lactic acid build up, an elevated heart rate, and a sore body.  So how did we get here?

Competition in the fitness industry has pushed a desire in developers to create a niche, so as to stand out amid all the noise. 

With so many "certified yogis and trainers" businesses and fitness professionals are pushing the limits of catchy marketing to fill their classes.  Thus Trend Blending was born.  As the ink bleeds across the lines, disciplines continue to adopt the principles of others, and classes such as Yoga Shred with Weights multiply and inundate the market.  

Aside from needing to stand out with consumers the fitness industry saw an opportunity as a little underground, hardcore community grew to be mainstream and ubiquitous.

Crossfit set the stage as becoming the most successful portal to fitness.  Crossfit became the Google search for experts in olympic lifting, physical therapy, gymnastics, endurance sports, and many other disciplines.  Essentially Crossfit sold itself as the mother umbrella to fitness, aligning subcategories of all applied athletics under it's nurturing wing.  And now the competitive athlete can be found in their garage across the street.

Crossfit exposed a few uncovered desires: we enjoy being competitive, we thrive in a community, and PRs (personal records) motivate us to be our best.  We need to be supported and held accountable, we need an environment that promotes enthusiasm and educational sharing, and we need quantitative data to mark where we are and how that relates to others.  But as great as Crossfit is we should not let this trend oversaturate our perspective.

Hardcore is ok.  As long as you understand that harder, faster, stronger isn't always better.  

And it won't initially gain you quicker access to that 6-pack or skinnier waist.  Most athletes and fitness personalities that inspire us do train hard but we have to take into account that their level of fitness has progressed over a lifetime.  And their hardcore is not your hardcore.  You should never imitate levels of fitness that you can not safely and correctly perform.

The Danger of Complacency with Success

I've been training for many years now, going through many changes in my philosophic approaches to physical fitness and health; I've had many firm stands on what is best for the body and what works best for me.  And I've always used my personal experience to leverage the best plan of attack for the success of my clients.  But as they have often times succeeded I have noticed a following lull as they reach the top of their mountain.  People lose track of the path they followed and become too content with their new vista.  What they don't realize is that this mountain they are climbing continues to sink.  And there is a danger of complacency with success.

So you've lost the weight.  You have the arms or legs you wanted.  And you've never felt better.  This motivates you even more to continue to train.  But in your success you can also lose the drive you once had.  You can forget about the struggle and your passion can atrophy.

I confess that I am a sinner of my own success.  I am confident to a fault at times.  I am happy with how I look and feel with my body and when given the choice to train or lie on the couch, well, the couch wins.  My complacency is making my decisions for me.  I could train but...I'm fine.  This is a major error.

My back and hips have been giving me problems for the past 6 months.

My Response: 

"Take it easy, give my body a break.  My clothes still fit.  And I look relatively the same."  

My Body's Response: 

"I need more activity!  I will give you new aches and pains.  And confuse you with a multiplicity of physical problems." 

Recently, I've shaken off my hesitations and recommitted to training.  Outside of the new aches and pains slowing me down I had lost the drive to lift weights; I had convinced myself that I didn't want to look too muscular--I know this must sound absurd, but you don't always want people saying that you MUST be a trainer when they first meet you.

After measuring my body composition I had a wake up call.  Not because it was extraordinarily high but because it was the highest ever for me.  My new body composition directly reflected the victory of my complacency for sitting on the couch instead of training.  And I finally realized that I was sinking with the mountain.

We all need a little forced reflection every once in a while.  And my body fat test was it for me.
"So what, I look the same."  This convincing phrase lost it's validity because the numbers told me otherwise.  The numbers told the truth.

Not that we must always be better than we were but that we must always move forward.  We must know that we have been making the best decisions for ourselves at all times.  Decisions that propel us forward and up.  Decisions that challenge us so we must adapt and progress.

I challenge YOU to join me in the following:

• Be aware of the danger of complacency with success.  
• Know when you succeed.  
• Enjoy the success.  
• But don't ever stop moving.  

Why Oprah Can't Do It

Oprah Winfrey is rich.
Oprah Winfrey has unlimited resources.
Oprah Winfrey is educated and intelligent.
Oprah Winfrey is passionate and driven.
So why is Oprah Winfrey overweight?

We live in a world with ever increasing waistlines.  Food has never been more easily accessible.  Work has never been more sedentary.  Debt has never been so common.  Stress has never been so prevalent.  And amid the cornucopia of advertisements about weight loss, people find themselves feeling confused, deflated, and helpless.  As we look around for heroes, we are left seeing the most capable people fail at losing weight.  So why is Oprah Winfrey overweight?

This is not an attack on Oprah Winfrey.  Oprah is an American Icon.  She is the perfect combination of love and power; she has touched and helped millions of people, while transcending social limitations of her race and sex.  With that said, I would like to see Oprah be a success story with her weight loss and health.

Please don't think I am being shallow.  Of course, being skinny is not "the most important" thing in life.  I am only bringing up the burning reality of weight gain in this country.  We have the answers--so we claim--with a fitness and weight loss industry that boast over $60 billion dollars a year in profits.  Clearly spending the money doesn't equate to losing the weight. So what is the answer?

Oprah Winfrey I am reaching my hand out to you.  I believe the answer to a healthier country can only be found in conversation and support.  We need to talk honestly about this obesity epidemic in America.  And no one is better at being heard than you.  Lets start this conversation and never stop.

No flashy Photoshopped images necessary.  No I lost 100 pounds in 6 weeks claims!
Just good ole' fashioned, front porch a sittin', in our rocking chairs talk.

It is never too late.  But it is increasingly nearing impossible.

Worship You

We worship everything.  

We worship things, materials.  

We worship other people.

We worship prophets and gods.

But

we don't worship ourselves.

If I could concretely believe in anything in my life it is me.  I am the most sacred temple, the most robust vehicle; I am a creator of life; I am organic; And I am here, now.

The center of the universe has been pushed from the Earth into the Unknown, and we've been left  wondering what deserves our most reverent attention.  I am here to say that the center of the Universe is YOU.  And you shouldn't feel guilty for making your most sacred thing yourself.   

I am not taking away from religion or spirituality; nor am I attacking materialism or hedonism as being excitable approaches to living. But it is you that takes you to church, you who works 10 hours a day for a pay check, and you who heals others with care and love.

Growing up in a church environment I was taught to fight the impulsive cravings of my body.  I was told not to wear shorts, cut-off sleeves, say certain words, told how to pray, what to say, I was controlled and convinced to look into the eyes of the preacher for the words of God.  Essentially, my focus was awaiting the next order, the next instruction against my body.  And as I lost grip of my body I also lost grip of my potential, and my freedom.

There is an underlining fear of freedom that exist in all of us.  A small lapse of trust that hesitates our actions and gives second guess to our convictions.  Combine this with low self-esteem and you become frozen and immovable.  And you become a sheep eager to join the numbers of a herd.

Don't be a sheep, always looking over your shoulder for a wolf.  Don't spend your time solely worshiping with the collective.

Worship yourself.  Worship your freedom.  Worship your potential.  
And most importantly, 
Worship your health. 

Climb

Amid a moving cloud of chalk, my feet grip colored nubs, as my legs shake and my eyes move from left to right, up to down, calculating my next move.  I am twelve feet up a wall that is leaning like a domino mid-fall, and gravity is grabbing my hips, pulling me down, and saying: no, no, this isn't right!

I shake off the fear of falling, the fear of my foot slipping, the fear of my hands giving out, of flesh tearing from my fingers, the fear of failure, and I make a decision not to give up; I choose to climb.  There is a moment that I seek.  And this moment doesn't come easily. 

Recently, I've fallen in love with bouldering.  Bouldering is climbing without ropes or harnesses.  Immediately, it sounds scary but don't be nervous.  There are mats below and the walls don't usually exceed fifteen feet.  Of course, this is still very dangerous; you must learn to fall properly and learn when to go for it and when to back away.   This is the hardest part, differentiating real fear with inflated fear.

The best climbers all remark that they have no fear of heights.  I can't say the same.  But I will admit to my growing comfort in precarious positions on the wall.  At least now I don't cling like a baby monkey to it's mothers back, as I ascend, descend, or measure a move.  Now, I go for it with less hesitation.

I've learned so much from climbing.  The discipline required and commitment needed to improve have kept me hooked; every day I climb I improve.  And the beauty of the improvement isn't always strength related.  You must learn how to move and strangely develop the capacity to dance on the wall.  The ultimate goal being a methodological, beautiful climb--effortless and smooth.

Leaving out metaphors and similes, I want to encourage you to find an activity or discipline to follow.  Fall into a new passion, something that requires time, challenges you, distracts you from life, refocuses your mind, and leaves you feeling accomplished and hungry for more every time.

Character

My grandfather always said to me:

-KEEP A GOOD NAME-

I've carried this with me all my life.  Always remembering to act and speak responsibly.  Always being considerate to others while striving to leave the best impression.

When people think of you it is not your income, house, or car that grabs their attention.  The real focus is on how you make them feel.  Your NAME, your Character impacts people on the most personal level.

Every interaction you have with people produces an emotional reaction and a lasting impression with them.  That is why it is important to know the secrets to displaying your best Character Traits. 

CHARACTER GUIDELINES:

• Attitude and Posture: how you carry yourself, stand, and approach others.
• Acknowledge the existence of others: say hello and smile.
• Remember facts told to you by people.  And repeat them back.  You care enough to remember.
• Ask Personal Questions.
• Eye Contact! 
• Smile Often.
• Say the person's name as often as possible.
• Open Doors.
• Be available but display your busyness at all times.  This shows you would go out of your way to help.
• Don't Gossip.
• Be goofy, spontaneous, and fun to be around.  Levity is always appreciated.
• Keep Good Company.  People judge you by your friends.

This is just a jump off point for you.  By now you've already established a NAME for yourself.  But it is never too late to shine and polish your character a little.  Think of these Guidelines as a good reminder to the importance of your words and action in every interaction.

Be a light.  Be warm.  Loving.  Funny.  Remember-able.  And Full of Life.

Holiday Moment

Boston is falling beneath me and shrinking rapidly.  I am flying shotgun in a twin engine Cape Air plane, making my way to Martha's Vineyard for Christmas.  Unusually warm and clear, excitement builds as the pilot remarks that this sunset flight is going to be beautiful.

The smaller the plane the stronger the wind, and the more you feel like you are connected to the sky and flying.  There are about eight of us on the plane and no one is talking.  We are all gazing out the windows, periodically blinking.

Not quite in the clouds but a part of them.  I listen to the hum of the propellers as the sun drops behind puffs and layers of cloud, sending pockets of color into the grey sky.  One grateful thought links to another as I smile and find new beauty and new warmth in the toy-sized world below, and this grand angelic life above. 

We are all traveling for Christmas.  We are leaving the mainland, leaving our work and responsibilities, traveling to an island to eat, be with loved ones, and be merry.  And as the sun nears the horizon, and one color bows to another, only happiness is left.