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No Worries Be Happy

There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever - Mahatma Gandhi

Mindset and stress management are major parts of the Blue Collar Zen lifestyle. These two components must be understood and considered in “energy management” which is the X factor of health, fitness and enlightenment. The mindset stressed in BCZ is one of positive, right action, thought and talk. Stress management is paramount as stress comes in many forms and has the ability to negate all other lifestyle applications and literally kill. The news of the day that filled all of the gyms I was in yesterday was OJ. It was on most of the TV sets, there to occupy restless minds, and the comments on the outcome of his trial were heard in a constant flow. It was painful for me in many ways. It hurt to see that OJ had ended up the man he is, but it hurt much more to see the ugly glee that was shown for his situation. If you believe Fred Goldman is happy, has gained anything positive, or feels any closure over his son’s death, I implore you to re-explore the roots of whatever belief system you follow as you have missed an important point or many.

The healthiest and most productive mindset is one that contributes to positive momentum. For this to be it is essential to commit and apply to the best of your ability right, action, talk and thought. This will be an ongoing effort, in constant need of monitoring and correcting. We will fall short again and again. The key to reducing these falls is not to ever accept them and, no matter how many times, try to eliminate them in the future. To accept that it our right to judge and hate others for their negative actions is to lower ourselves closer to that in which we are so repulsed by. This is the wasting of precious energy and does nothing to contribute to positive momentum.

No worries, be happy. Stress comes in many forms. Some is avoidable, some is not. To spend energy dwelling or languishing on something negative is stressful, and can be easily eliminated. Think about it. Ciao

My Boys

I just wanted to share this photo. These men are all the epitome of lives lived truly from the heart. The fact that even in todays time of quick, exterior based, personality driven fame, heroes of the heart still resonate their same power whether they are still with us physically or not. Share the love, baby

Big Brotha Pharma & The Hypocritical Oath

Dana White Commits Seppuku

If only Dana White, aka as “The Philly Soft Roll Boy” had a shred of true martial arts ethics and dignity to literally commit such a noble act. Such aristocracy is not in his make up. His last act, though, has effectively created the beginning of his, most welcome and needed eradication from his lofty reign I predict.

There is a lot of controversy, and conflicting stances regarding the UFC, and MMA. The questions really are about the style of combat sports that should be allowed. Boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing are accepted, mainstream sports. With a couple rule changes such as the use of a ring as opposed to a cage, and eliminating elbows and strikes to the head on a downed opponent the argument quietly fades into obscurity where it belongs.  This is where it eventually will go; it is just a matter of time before the more sporting rules of PRIDE fighting are applied. The true problem is the UFC’s, and MMA,  Dana White, and the powers to be that allow him to continue to promote his façade.

I have been a practicing martial artist for 35 years, making the gradual transition from violent, angry, young man, to philosophical, peaceful warrior. Many activities in life are dangerous to one’s health and safety. From my perspective, sport is sport. Through exerting yourself with full intensity in many types of competitions, the competitors fully accept the responsibility, and possibility of serious injury or even death to themselves and/or their opponent. Is face to face combat more violent than a blindsided, fully intent on physical damage, to a unaware, completely defenseless against the collision, football quarterback. Is face to face combat more violent than a pitcher throwing a 90 mph fastball at a batters head? In my opinion the mindset is where the ethics and moral questions arise. Just as one’s personal choice of health enhancing exercise is defined by that individual’s personality, so is their support of a sport. The choice of yoga, hiking, walking, weight lifting, pilates, endurance training, or martial arts as a personal choice of fulfilling the obligation to respecting, and enhancing our physical vessel are all good choices, if they fit the individuals personality, and physical requirements. Sports are physical culture arts. As with all art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is determined by perspective, experience, and personal preference.

Mixed martial arts is not anything close to martial arts philosophically. It is simply a sport of hand to hand combat.  Martial arts philosophy is a belief that self-realization occurs only through intense conditioning, physical training and mental discipline. Although many of the competitors in MMA competitions are truly martial artists, many are just sport fighters with no interest, let alone understanding of the concept of self-realization. Do I watch MMA competitions? Yes I do. I relate to, admire, and respect most of these athletes in this ultimate, pure, man to man sport. There are competitors in MMA, such as Randy Coutour, Anderson Silva, George St Pierre, B.J. Penn, Frank Shamrock, Carlos Newton, Royce Gracie, Dan Henderson, Bas Rutten, and more that epitomize a martial arts lifestyle of ultimate self-realization through a base of physical culture.

The bloodlust attraction of no holds barred, hand to hand combat is certainly nothing new. In 648 B.C.E., the Greeks introduced the sport of pankration into the Olympic Games. The word pankration is a combination Greek words, pan, meaning “all,” and kratos, meaning “powers.” The sport was a very violent mixture of Hellenic boxing, wrestling, and submission techniques. Common techniques included punches, joint locks, choke holds, elbow and knee strikes, and kicks. Kicks to the legs, groin and stomach were quite commonly used. Standing strikes such as these were common, though the overwhelming majority of pankration bouts were settled on the ground, where submission holds and strikes were both accepted practices.. The only two rules were no biting and no eye gouging. The bouts could end only when one competitor was knocked unconscious, or submitted to his opponent by raising his hand. These matches often lasted for hours, and sometimes ended with the death of one, or even both competitors. The sport became the most popular event in the Olympic Games, and across the Hellenic world.

In a time of strangling, neutering political correctness, it is refreshing to see the purity of feelings, beliefs, and philosophy of life that the UFC’s front man, Dana White‘s foul mouthed, self serving, controlling, egomaniacal, emotional rants serve up. You have to give him credit for not playing the insincere, PC charade. But, to deny the negative impact in credibility of all combat sports he invokes and that his mindset, and philosophy is the antithesis of anything resembling martial arts, would be as blatant an ignoring of the obvious, as recognizing that his affected machismo, pseudo-badass arrogance, and need for attention is fueled by very deep seeded insecurities of his own identify, and manhood. In two successive weeks, Dana made absolutely sure that it is well known that he is a cretin of the highest order. First he shows his fickle loyalty with a very disrespectful criticism of, by his own account, the greatest fighter in the world, Anderson Silva. Then, just as the stench of his public defecation of lack of character began to fade due, his perennial need to be seen as a bad boy, or just an inability to think before speaking has him publish as a video blog a vile, sophomoric, ill informed tirade against a female reporter for the most highly read MMA web site online. Here is an example of Dana White’s unacceptable diatribe:

“f***ing retarded story … you f***ing moron … f***ing dumb … you don’t know what the f*** you’re talking about … shut the f*** up … whoever gave you that quote is a p***y and a f***ing f*ggot and a f***ing liar … maybe you’re the liar … everything that comes out of your mouth is f***ing stupid … You f***ing dumb b****. F*** you, Loretta Hunt.”

Mixed martial arts are here to stay, as it deservedly should. Just as assuredly Dana white will be replaced with a dignified, true martial artist who will take MMA to its place as a mainstream sport. The sport will thrive, and the competitors will be treated with the same respect and parity as other mainstream sports. Thanks, Dana, for doing the right thing, albeit, in a bad way.

Peace

Earth Soldier - World Peace Song 2009

As a sports coach I have had the benefit of learning incredible things from players of all ages and sexes. I would say that I have learned as much or more from them than they have learned from me. In matters of , compassion, empathy, and the importance of humanity and love before power, and success, they have, many times, been my teacher. I am thankful beyond words that I was of a mindset to be open to their brilliance.

This is a beautiful, moving film and message. Once again fortifying the importance and value of the voice of our youth. This film is the work of a young fim student in India, Aaditya Shakya. It is a moving and beautiful piece of fil art and, a thought provoking message. Do yourself a favor and enjoy it.

Blue Collar Zen Cuisine

The following is an example of how a Blue Collar Zen master passionately enjoys beautiful, sumptuous cuisine. Preparing a delicious, nutritious, beautiful meal is a sensual act of meditation. From the creative recipe conception, on to the focussed, detailed preparation and finishing with the joy of sharing and enjoying the feast, . This is a fusion of two of my favorite styles of cuisine, mediterrannean and sashimi,`along with a secret French/Mexican inspiration. I had some fun preparing the vinaigrette to pair with a nice Pinot Noir by using just a little balsamic vinegar with some of the Pinot Noir as the base of the dressing.

Ahi Sashimi with Avocado and Fava Bean Salad

serves 4

Salad ingredients:

1 pound sashimi grade ahi tuna

1 cup fava beans

1 large avocado

20 tear drop tomatoes

8 cups mixed butter lettuce, arrugala, and radichio

Mixed Olive, Pesto Vinaigrette ingredients:

2 T mixed olive tapenade

2 T pesto

4 T Pinot Noir

1.5 T balsamic vinegar

1 T extra virgin olive oil

2 T tamari or soy sauce

Mix vinagrette ingredients and set aside. Slice tomatoes and mix with fava beans, lettuce, radichio and arrugala in salad bowl. Slice ahi into 2 inch long, 1/8 inch thick pieces. Slice eac avocado 1/2 across 1/8 inch thick. Add all but 2 tablespons of the vinagrette to the greens, tomato and fava beans, and mix. Mound salad mix high in the center of the plate. Alternately lay the avocado and ahi slices around the base of the salad.  Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the ahi and avocado and serve with love.

De La Hoya es Muy Impotente

“When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek small improvements one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens and when it happens, it lasts.”

-`John Wooden

Oscar De La Hoya was one limp example of machismo Saturday night as he did his impersonation of a sacrificial lamb being offered up to slaughter at the hand of Manny Pacquiao. The only reason this shameful display is getting attention on my blog was some comments made by Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach and De La Hoya himself about his inability to react quickly enough to be effective. It had nothing to do with his age as suggested. The problem lies in his poor lifestyle in relation to his occupation as a professional fighter. Any skill that is left unhoned will diminish in time. He lives the life of a wealthy land owner and only exercises to burn calories and keeps his form slim. There is nothing done on a consistent basis to maintain his combative reaction or to stimulate his naturally low aggressiveness. The problem is that De La Hoya jogs and spends time on a elliptical trainer at a walk in the park pace. No training to maintain muscular balance, strength or aggressiveness. No work on making his feet quicker and improving his balance and movement ability being added to his daily fitness routine.

Oscar De La Hoya approached preparing his body for hand to hand combat with the same mindset that the general public approaches maintaining their healthand fitness. The bottom line is specific needs must be met to reach any physical state. The more complete the approach the more accomplished. Oscar’s fragmented, nominal effort at getting down to weight and making sure he could move and punch for 12 rounds was minimal at best. His timing and technique was that of a part timer. The general public puts in similar fragmented, compartmentalized approaches such as cutting trans fats and going to the gym 3 days a week. I need say no more.  The results of De La Hoya in the ring and the state of our collective health and fitness are clearly definitive of the effectiveness of their approaches.

More than likely De La Hoya would have lost against the better fighter, even if he had improved his mental and physical preparation. But, I can guarantee you he would not have performed in the shameful manner in which he did and would have felt that he earned his multi million dollar paycheck. Performance in the ring or performance in life takes an integrated management of your state of health, fitness and performance ability, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Manny Pacquiao walks the walk of a physical culturist and is an inspiration as a person and an athlete. His success and joy of life is well deserved and well earned. Your performance in life defines you. Is your performance in life all you can give?

Psychedelic Meditation, Savantism & Human Potential

Curly’s Law, Flexible Meditation, Regeneration & Balance

I read an article in the NY TImes Friday that brought the Sicilian in my blood to a boil. I reacted with a post on this blog that was appropriately harsh, yet I awoke this morning realizing I did not feel good about experiencing the energy it took to write it. This was very apparent in my mood apon awakening as I had a hang over of sorts from that energy. I had a good 20 minute meditation to rebalance my mood and regenerate the love. During that meditation “Curly’s Law” came to mind and I was reconnected with the fact that this site and my intentions are not about the negatives, but about the positives. It is about adding positive componenets to your life and allowing them to take over. For example doing your best to consume food that is wholesome and fresh (whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits & vegetables and lean protein) in meals whose main focal point revolves around the garden. For many of my clients this approach alone once applied is all that is needed to start melting off that unwanted bodyfat and rekindling some dyanmic energy. With that said I have removed the article (Fitness, Journalistic Whoredom, & the NY TImes) from blog and put into my articles.

Fitness, Journalistic Whoredom & the NY Times

The January 8th 2008 edition of the New York TImes published an article in its Health (sic) section entitled:  Does Exercise Really Keep Us Healthy? In the brain flatulation of an attempt at responsible journalism the eminent Gina Kolata makes the asinine and irresponsible statement that Fitness is oversold. First off, this is the United States of America where the overselling everything from the obvious to the bogus from beauty preserving placebos to toxic pharmaceuticals is the contemporary state of the market place. Gina Kolata is oversold as a voice in the know regarding health and fitness as well as a New York intellectual with her impressive educational resume. With a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and her master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Maryland, and a stint at M.I.T. studying molecular biology in a Ph.D. program, she is no doubt well suited for academic prowess, and might qualify as a ½ intellectual? Intellect as defined by the Webster-Merriam dictionary: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will: the capacity for knowledge b: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed. You show me where the rationale and intelligence is her vacuous discrediting of Heracles advice of eating less and exercising, her compulsion driven, personal exercise regimen, and her insights on the discipline of fat(you would think she could have found a more sensitive word in her extensive, intellectual vocabulary) people. As the video clip provided later, you will attest to my only stating the obvious.

My life is about positive actions and service and contirbuting to humanity. This is what fuels my passion and provides purpose. I am gifted with the ability to help others find happiness and to evolve spiritually during their time here. I do not do this from a pulpit, I do it on the field, in the gym, and outside in the fresh air. I know that an optimally healthy body creates a physical state of high energy and performance ability, a mental state of elevated clarity and ability, and an emotional state of calm, patient sensitivity. In such a state one is more aware and able to apply the natural desire of self realization. Now where does this connect with the title of this article?  It is about the contrast in quality of important information and the contrast in intent by those spreading this information. The NY Times’ Gina Kolata is the epitome of irresponsible, self serving journalistic whoredom. She is a pawn for corporate America, without any passion or intent on contributing helpful information to people. She writes for money and says what she is told to. ess.html http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-exercise-ess.html

In my uninformed and ignorant youth I enjoyed the NY Times, as I found the tone to be more objective, intelligent and responsible in comparison to many other newspapers.  It seemed there was actually content and at least a jab at objective reporting even when there was a certain view or stance being taken. It seems I was young, ignorant, and of a very malleable mindset.  Proving that youth has limited perspective, that feces is expelled from even the most refined, and that it is still odiferous and repugnant, the Times, Gina Kolata wrote a contrived, asinine exercise in toying with interpretation in 01/08/08’s, Does Exercise Really Keep Us Healthy?

The acidic, arrogant character of her piece shows blatant disdain for physical culture as well as being a thinly veiled statement ridiculing holistic, healthy living as a waste of effort. I, at first, believed her manufactured stance against physical fitness was a pathetic attempt at justifying of her own lack of discipline to apply a healthy lifestyle. In researching her a bit I found I was wrong. Ms. Kolata has, evidently been a compulsive exerciser, prone to the ignorant, health decimating, exercise science devoid, neurosis balancing; sweat until you drop cardio approach to training for many years. She is the definition of the exercise junkie approach to fitness. Not only is her choice of exercise ignorant, her purpose of attempting to balance unhealthy lifestyle choices (including the deep seeded guilt of selling your soul to the coporate devil) and maintaining a pseudo-healthy lean look the same(this look appears more like the emancipated result of the POW or concentration camp diet and health lifestyle to me). With her irresponsible article she has placed herself on a rung lower than all the health, fitness and wellness charlatans that she is obviously attacking. Her circular argument goes beyond putting her foot in her mouth; it places her head deeply up her back side opening.

Exactly what is her objective? If it was to create more confusion and give the couch potatoes another reason to stay put, she has succeeded. I would be glad to debate her view points, LIVE, any time, any day and expose her for authoring a very vacant, irresponsible, negative, piece with no point. Of course, this is just my opinion, and I could be mistaken.

BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER PLEASE READ THE NY TIMES ARTICLE THAT INGNITED THIS RANT AND FORM A VISUAL OF THE AUTHOR: http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-exercise-ess.htmlIt will enhance the affect of the ensuing video clip and my comments regarding it.

This video clip clearly defines Gina Kolata’s astounding brilliance, presence and needed place as a health and fitness advocate. I think her statement and its delivery regarding Hippocrates at the 1:25 mark of the clip, will stand as one of the most insightful, important messages of our time. NOT! I suppose it must have slipped her genius IQ that maybe fat people didn’t follow Hippocrates advice and that it was the lack of application of the  advice rather than the advice itself that was flawed. Her insight on fat people, at 1:46 of the clip, borders on ridiculous.

In reviewing the archives of her stories that foul stench I was subjected to in reading one article appears to be a very consistent pattern. Instead of providing information that allows our own decision, we are sold a corporate supported viewpoint. Read the following story, due a little research yourself, and make you own decision.

http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/Gina-Kolata-Dowie6jul98.htm