The WILL...i AM...thus, i Will...The pursuit of...

THE WILL…i AM…thus, i Will…The pursuit of…

There’s a need for me to define how I’ll be using the above phrase before I proceed.  These are not technical definitions, but rather functional ones for the purpose of this installment.

The WILL – The Essence, The Creator, God, Allah, etc.

i AM – The Human Vehicle, the Body

i Will – The Manifestation, the result

I recall as a youth hearing these words, the different ways they were used and how they were associated with different Bible verses.   Also, I learned that God was within each of us. Lastly, I came upon an analogy that each physical creation starts from an inspiration (The Will) to a Vehicle (i Am) and finally manifested in the physical (i Will).  This means that all that we see has followed this process.  This means that all that will be will follow this process.  This means that we have the ability to manifest in our lives…

On October 19^th, I fractured a bone in my left foot playing basketball.  Initially, I thought it was a very bad sprain or ligament damage.  By that evening, the pain let me know I would have to see my doctor as soon as possible.  Since it was my left foot, I was blessed to be able to drive myself to the doctor’s office.  As I slowly made my way from my car to the office, one of my basketball friends was doing the same (moving at the same pace).  It was a sight to see the two of us walking with canes.  Upon greeting each other, he asked what happened.  Once I was finished telling him, I asked him the same question.  Approximately five weeks prior, he went through a 10 hour surgery procedure on the spine and was facing up to six months in recovery time.  Whenever getting out of bed, he has to wear a brace in order to keep his vertebrae in line.  In addition to the other obstacles that he has been (and will be) overcoming, he’s staying conscious of the pain medicine being prescribed.  What resonated most with me was the statement he made about choosing to fight to regain his quality of life and not taking the easy road of succumbing to potentially having a life in a wheelchair.  By now, we were in the office and it was a true testament to his character to see him praising God, as well as greeting other patients with kind and encouraging words.

The WILL…i AM…thus i Will…The pursuit of…

I’m not one who subscribes to the words ‘Luck’ or ‘Coincidence’.  Once I removed those words from my vocabulary (as it pertains to me), my vision has been much clearer. This interaction put my situation in perspective.  Not that I had a negative outlook about the injury, but a perspective that the strength of the mind from the spirit will determine your result!  What am I saying? From that encounter, I saw the benefit in having my foot healing.  I've had periodic pain in my left foot for a while.  About a month ago, I stopped playing basketball when I felt a sharp pain. I spent the next few weeks not playing, but continued to work out.  When I relayed this information to the doctor, he advised that I probably had a ‘hairline’ fracture or possibly ligament damage at that time. If I would have had it checked, I would have been in a walking boot for about two to three weeks instead of six weeks with a stress fracture. 

Lesson – Listen to your Body

Other jewels during this experience…Using the crutches to do upper body workouts (anyone who has ever been on crutches knows what I’m talking about).  This includes the arms, shoulders and abs.  Also, I've adjusted my caloric intake due to not doing cardio workouts.  All while following the doctor’s orders of not putting any weight on my left foot. The other day I was having a conversation with one of my co-workers and asked her if she’s ever heard of the P90X workout (which she had).  I told her I was on the C42X (crutch) workout.  I’m not saying that being on crutches is not challenging, but like my friend, I choose to make lemonade out of this lemon.  Also, I’m growing to appreciate the creativity needed to move items from one place to another with the focus on being efficient.  Moving at this slower pace, has allowed me to take in more of the World around me and appreciate it. Lastly, I've learned to appreciate more the blessing of being able to walk (much less run and jump).  It’s very easy to take it for granted.

As you continue to bring into harmony your spiritual, exercise and dietary goals remember that they are attainable.  See them in your mind, nurture them and allow them to manifest (you also have to do the work).  If it’s worth having, then it’s worth working to get it.  This also applies to all areas of your life…

Remember your Breathing…

The WILL…i AM…thus i Will…The pursuit of…

Thank you Brotha Reese for the inspiration!  You’re continually in my prayers for a complete healing and speedy recovery! 

Hotep

LOOKING DOWN...AHEAD

Five years ago I added running to my cardiovascular workout.  I can still vividly remember that first time when I was approaching the endpoint (about one half mile away) and how each step towards it seemingly placed me further away.  It reminded me of the movie scenes that would have the extending hallways that prevented the actor from reaching the end.  That moment was very frustrating, not to mention I was very tired.  In addition, any momentum and composure that I had built during the run quickly dissipated.  Fortunately for me, I completed the run!  Subsequently, I quickly sought advice from seasoned runners in how to handle that situation.  Each one told me to try looking down a few feet ahead instead of focusing on the endpoint in the distance.  The next time I ran, I tried this technique and it worked perfectly!  Also, I noticed that a lot of people who were running used it.  As I continued to use this technique, I realized that it helped me to stay in the moment.  While being in the moment and achieving clarity of mind, I was able to focus on my breathing and form.  Also, I was able to appreciate the environment immediately around me.  This helped me to relax, which simultaneously gave me energy to complete my run without the frustration. 

This story reminds me of how easy it is to lose focus and allow our minds to drift from the task at hand or dwell in the past/future where we have little to no control (which can be very debilitating).  Although we make plans to reach our destination (future), it’s really about the journey (present) where the real jewels of life’s experiences can be found.  Peace and harmony lies with ‘Being/Living in the Moment’.

One of Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary’s definitions for ‘Moment’ is the present time.

How does one know when they’re in the moment?  Generally speaking, a person is in the moment when their breathing is smooth and steady and their emotions/feelings are calm.  Also, the mind is clear and reflexes are sharp while everything around them seemingly is moving in slow motion.  This description is commonly referred to in sports as ‘being in the zone’. Not limited to sports, being in the moment can happen in all aspects of one’s life. 

The next question is how does one get ‘in the moment’?  I refer you to my first post entitled, ‘Breathing’.  In this post, I describe the ‘Pot Belly’ breathing technique.  When being active, an adjustment to this technique is necessary.  Instead of alternating the opening and closing of each nostril, it’s suggested to breathe through both simultaneously (If running, breathing through the mouth or combination of nose and mouth will render the desired result).  There are other techniques but I find this one to be very effective and the easiest.  With practice, you will become efficient with this technique where this will become the only way that you breathe.

As it pertains to diet, exercise and mental/spiritual health, being in the moment has the following benefits:

* Better performance due to being focused.

* Improved listening and memory skills due to being ‘present-minded’.

* Better conflict resolution for one tends not to get emotionally triggered.

* More persistence and ability to learn for one has a tendency to be more patient to work through difficulties.

* Wiser and clearer decisions (no longer reacting out of habit).

* Improved physical and mental health (less stress, lower blood pressure and sharper mind).

* More laughter (which has healing powers) and being at peace.

* One becomes more connected with their thoughts and feelings.

* Are more connected to others.

I’ve heard people say that the present is a gift.  Thank you for accepting this gift from me and taking a moment to digest it!

The above information was referenced from www.presentliving.com/whatisbeingpresent and www.essentiallifeskills.net/live-in-the-moment.html

WATER-Please

Peace & Greetings

When I was a youth, my drink of choice, at that time, was kool-aid with plenty of sugar! It’s ironic how I've grown to have water become my drink of choice. Continuing with this thought, it’s truly ironic that I have the desire to write about water. I remember how my Mother would stress the importance of drinking water. She would always inform my sister and me the need to have it in our daily consumption. 

The human body consists of approximately 60% of water (with some estimates as high as 78%). This percentage varies between men and women, as well as children. Also, this percentage changes as we age. With our bodies containing this much water, we should be more cognizant about our relationship with it.  This fact substantiates the lesson my Mother was teaching me years ago. For the purpose of this post, I’ll focus on the benefits of water as it pertains to diet, exercise and health.

DIET

It’s recommended that healthy people drink six to eight cups of water a day to properly hydrate themselves. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should drink 10 to 12 cups of water daily.  It should be noted that it could be ingested through foods and other beverages, other than water.  We should be mindful about drinking other beverages (Alcoholic, Coffee, Tea, and Colas and beverages that contain caffeine) for they are not the best choices, although they contain water.  These beverages also have a diuretic effect that causes the body to release water (dehydration).  The consumption of water helps one to lose weight by suppressing their appetite.  Water contains zero calories so it provides a two-prong attack for those conscious of their caloric intake.  To reduce one’s consumption prior to eating, it’s recommended drinking at least one glass of water. While eating (I want to be careful how I word this so work with me on this one), it’s recommended not to drink water.  One should ingest enough only to remedy a dry mouth while eating.  Upon completing the meal, one should wait a few minutes prior to drinking water. This allows the body to naturally start digesting the food. 

EXERCISE

While exercising or in warm weather, the body would need more water than the six to eight glasses that’s required daily.  The rise in the body’s temperature created by exercise or warm weather is regulated or normalized by the ingesting of water.  Water is also known to help the body burn stored fat, along with building muscle by oxygenation of cells, including muscles.  This enables the muscles to work harder and longer.

HEALTH

I found the benefits of water as it pertains to the body’s health quite interesting.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ingesting the proper amount of water daily helps to lubricate and cushion the body’s joints, as well as, protecting the spinal cord.  In addition, it protects other sensitive tissues, along with getting rid of the body’s waste and toxins through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.  The proper ingesting of water helps to increase the body’s cognitive functions through oxygen in water.  Water helps to support nerve function insuring the body’s electrolyte levels remain high enough allowing nerves to relay messages to the brain.  Other benefits include: helping lymph node production; keeping the eyes and mouth clean; prevention and treatment of common chronic ailments such as, arthritis, depression, insomnia, leukemia and lymphoma.  Not drinking enough water can lead to the following problems: fatigue; muscle cramps; irregular blood pressure; migraines or headaches; constipation, kidney problems and hunger.

Water is symbolic of being the building block of life and of cleansing both spiritually and physically.  Let us embrace this knowledge and begin and/or continue to build ourselves through cleansing.

In closing, I symbolically raise my cup of water to yours in praying for your continued blessings!

The above information was referenced from www.fitday.com, www.everydayhealth.com, www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html and www.themysticallights.com.

LOVE - THE 1ST RELATIONSHIP

Peace and Greetings

Thank you for taking the time to read and absorb my blog where your comments are welcomed.  Today's concept explores 'Love'.  How is it possible to love someone and form a significant relationship, when we have not loved ourselves and formed the first relationship?  Love should not be sought outside of ourselves, it should be formed and manifested within us (in-sperience – see definition from ‘Breathing’ post) and shared with others.  This format helps us to identify love within others. 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘Love’ as a strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone and as an attraction based upon sexual desire.  It defines ‘Relationship’ as the state of being related, interrelated or connected.

There are those who would attribute love to their pets and objects, but for the purpose of this post, I will focus on people.  Feelings, emotions and attraction for people come and go.  With love playing such a significant role in our existence, should these words be in its definition?

I've come to realize that love is more substantial than something as fleeting as feelings, emotions and attraction.  Love is binding like an adhesive.  It’s stable like a foundation of a solid structure.  I’m not dismissing or discounting the feelings, emotions and attraction that people feel towards each other.  They have their place; they’re manifestations that emanate from this foundation.

When we exclaim love, is it love or something else?

I suggest that love is the progression from knowledge of someone to understanding, inclusive of wisdom (Knowledge, Wisdom brings forth Understand/Harmony).

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘Knowledge’ as the fact or condition of knowing something (someone) with familiarity gained through experience or association.  It defines ‘Wisdom’ as the ability to discern inner qualities (of someone) – insight and ‘Understanding’ as the ability to grasp meaning-to be thoroughly familiar with the character or propensities of (someone).

We form love within ourselves, by first getting to know ourselves.  Who are you, what are your likes, what makes you unique (these are some introspective questions that we can ask ourselves to start this process)?  Along with introspection, we should learn to spend time with ourselves (For example, when you get in your car ride in silence or when you enter your home spend a few minutes with all devices off).  It’s unrealistic to expect others to spend time with us when we are unwilling to spend time with ourselves, yes?  First, become wise with the knowledge of who you are and then cultivate that wisdom to understanding.  Once you’re in harmony with yourself, you will seek to do what’s best for yourself.  This healthy love for self will lead you to approach life in a manner that will enhance it.  Be the love that you seek and you will attract it.

Let’s try an exercise.

 Perform the ‘Breathing’ exercise described in the first post.  As you start to relax, mentally ask yourself, “What are your likes?”  Allow the answers to come to you (while still doing the ‘Breathing’ exercise).  Once the answers stop coming, then ask yourself, “What makes you unique?”  Allow the answers to come to you (while still doing the ‘Breathing’ exercise).  Lastly, mentally make the statement, “I am love, I am all powerful” (Allow that phrase to resonate through your being).  Do this exercise for five (5) minutes.  As you become more comfortable, add more time.  Let me know your results.   

BREATHING

Peace and Greetings:

Welcome to the first installment of concepts presented by Kwabad Enterprises, LLC.  Thank you for taking the time to read and absorb my blog where your comments are welcomed.  Today’s concept explores ‘breathing’…Its importance cannot be overstated; it’s the centerpiece of our existence.  We would be greatly served if we were able to master our breathing and be in harmony with its benefits.   Breathing is synonymous with inspiration and energy.  When breathing properly, it energizes every cell of our body with each inhalation and removes toxins with each exhalation.  On other levels, utilizing proper breathing techniques consciously connects one to everything within the Universe (which is a discussion for another time).  Along with ‘Breathing’ properly, ‘Diet’ and ‘Exercise’ are the pillars of fulfillment within the program that we present. For the purpose of this presentation, I've added ‘Emotions’, for controlling them have been a challenge for most people.  The breathing technique I recommend is called ‘Pot Belly’ breathing.  Air is taken in slowly through the nose, allowing the stomach to expand to its maximum.  Then it is slowly released through the nose contracting the stomach to its original position.

Emotions

Our emotions, including happiness, sadness, and anger are affected by our breathing patterns.  These and other emotions are manifested when our breathing pattern is shortened.  As we receive the stimulus that triggers the emotion, a shortened breathing pattern helps to magnify the emotion associated with the stimulus.  If it’s an emotion we would rather not experience, this changed breathing pattern (shortened) only attaches our consciousness to it.  To find your way through this potential maze relatively quickly, one must consciously re-focus on their breathing.  Bringing your breathing back to a smooth rhythm is synonymous to a cloudy day becoming clear and sunny.

It’s really not about managing anger or stress; it’s about mastering your breathing.  Think about it, managing something continues the existence of said thing through manipulation of said thing, yes?

Exercise

The World realizes the importance of exercise, especially in this country where obesity is a growing problem.  We’re aware of the various types of products and/or programs being marketed to obtain the desired body.  Regardless the exercise program one subscribes, breathing properly is a key component in mastering it.  Breathing correctly places the mind and body in harmony and energizes every cell in the body while doing one’s workout.  If you hit the proverbial wall or your mind starts to drift off course, re-focusing on your breathing (bringing it back to a smooth rhythm) will help you achieve a successful and beneficial workout.

Diet

In dieting, one of the biggest obstacles I've heard from individuals was the difficulty in staying focused and committed to their diet program.  They've expressed that starting the diet wasn't the issue; it was sustaining and completing it to their desired goal.  I've found the following helpful when it came to dieting.  First, whenever you have a craving for food that will break your diet, take a moment to re-focus on your breathing.  This will allow you to relax your spirit and mind so you can select food within your diet program to eat.  [i]Second, incorporate a ‘fun’ food day within your diet program.  This is a day where you can eat anything.  Lastly, during your moment of re-focusing on your breathing, visualize how you will look as a result of your work.  Also, mentally bask in how you are achieving all of the benefits associated with being healthier.

I pray that each of you have continued Blessings and are able to ‘in-sperience’ the harmony/power that is intended for us all.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the term 'in-sperience', it's a metaphysical term meaning to search from within self where all answers lie, for in reality nothing is outside of us.  For example, to quote a line from the first Matrix movie, “…there is no spoon.”

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The Originator