We Are Mountains

Balboa Press

Contents

1. We Are Mountains..............................12. Acquiescence..................................73. Attitude......................................114. Character.....................................155. Goal Setting..................................196. Motivation....................................237. Perseverance..................................278. Discipline....................................319. Willpower.....................................3512. Exercise.....................................5113. Weight Loss..................................6314. Nutrition....................................6915. Aging Process................................8916. Happiness....................................9317. Spirituality.................................9718. The Sum of the Summation.....................10319. Added Addendum...............................105

Chapter One

We Are Mountains

"Without some goal and some effort to reach it, no one can live." These are the tactful words of the great psychologist Fyodor Dostoyevsky. On the other hand, beyond these words of wisdom lies the integral fact that it takes both acknowledgement and acceptance of who we truly are as individuals to realistically live with all good intent and purpose. It's simple to think what we want to achieve out of life. The path we take to genuinely succeed is structured around attitude, motivation, perseverance and discipline. One relies on the other. When all are in high gear, we become super-connected to life. Treat your own cognizance, essence and the entity with reverence. Allow them to work harmoniously for you. Don't think less of yourself than who you truly are even if you haven't discovered that yet. At the same token, don't allow yourself to think you are more than another.

Take a close look at a mountainside next time it is in visible reach. We all have been in a situation where we are driving and see a mountain range in the distant. When obvious to the naked eye, we are overwhelmed by it's magnitude. The scenery it represents to us is one of great strength, endurance, reliability and tremendous valor. The mountain appears to have a personality of its own. It magnetizes us in a charismatic way. Simply speaking, it is the lion that roars. We are intimidated in a mild way by its presence. We are overpowered by its proximity. It has a universal appeal of the closeness of the heavens. The mountain is a manifestation of infinite fortitude. In the Bible it references great authority and "pillars" of the world. On tarot cards, it is the most perceived image. They represent landmarks, barriers, challenges, fortresses, boundaries and retreats. Mountains can induce exhilaration, enchantment and admiration. To some they are a symbol of achievement. Courageous, tenacious, cultivated, sophisticated are some similar characteristics we wouldn't mind to be and for others to perceive us just like the mountain exemplifies. However, there is another side to this magnanimous setting (mountain). It is one of complete placidity, effortless steadiness and perfect equanimity. It's calm, its balance, is soothing. It's own steadfastness is a deluge of tranquility. This vision is gentle as a lamb. Some even view this perception of the mountain as sacred. In dreams, one climbing a mountain is symbolic of inner elevation. If one takes a real moment to reflect on their inner presence, he or she will find that there is sanctity within. You must pilgrimage on your own to discover it. This serene representation is hidden in all us as it is in the mountain. Self-composure (inner harmony) and bodily equilibrium is something special we all keep privilege. Oh how great it would be to have the dual qualities of that mountainside! Mountains portray both the core and the axis of the world. Let yourself depict the metropolis and focal point of your own being. Wait! It is possible for we are mountains! Yes, there is that inherent nature of resoluteness and quiet serenity within us all. Synthesizing the two is parallel to blending life and exercise/health. Both have a way of complimenting, stabilizing one another with powerful direction. Do not permit yourself to comply with what might be inferior in yourself or even others for that matter. Have allegiance to what is admirable about your customary self and others you are associated with. Follow the path of the good within and the end result will be grand. What lies beyond the mountain range is anyone's guess – the majestic implications are infinite. Build your empire (body, mind and center) with the qualifications of a mountainside in mind. It's never too late!

Maintaining a qualified health/fitness program will become artwork yet the picture will be magnificent. You can insure yourself with colors of determination, motivation, inspiration, and correct attitude just like the mountainside. All of this will have a reflection on your persona as well as your own walk through life. Remind yourself of your goals in life and exercise/health but stay disconnected to end results for the time being. Authorize simple but steady progress each day. Answer to what is now but recognize you are not attached to it. Development and success is kin to one another. Persist in what is genuine. Capitulate to life's demands but endeavor in improving yourself through health/exercise. Overpower negative emotion before it thrusts. This will give you the power to move forward. Adverse stress weakens the immune system as well as the mind. Productive, progressive action contributes to your own wellness and to the well-being of those you surround yourself with. Most recent studies have shown that behavioral patters (positive or negative) can be contagious in your own social network. If consternation and uncertainty surrounds you, spotlight the affirmative activity at the moment. Think of the benefits that will emanate. The demanding confidence to labor forward is located within our own being. It is up to you to reach inside yourself and grasp it. Your faithfulness to self-improvement will flourish into positive energy. There will inevitably be a breakthrough when the two (development and success) greet one another like family. Make your entity one of duel substance just like the brilliant mountain. Construct your own fortress with strength, balance and harmony. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated it perfectly "All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better." When it comes to the essence of our own existence, expand your own personal aviation by discovering the many channels of your domain. Create yourself into a mountain!

Touchstone for the Touched

1. We teach what we live. - Unknown Proverb

2. Stir a revolution within yourself.

3. Turn your world inside out.

4. Envision your dreams through a kaleidoscope not a telescope.

5. Unpretentious strength allures proper success.

6. Action is made in motion.

7. Accomplishment is initiated by motivation.

8. Life isn't a see–saw. The circumstances you surround yourself with are. Without consistency balance cannot last. Life/Wellness/Relationships

9. If you can control your breath, you can control your mind. If you can control your mind, you can control your life. – Yogi Bhajan

10. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. – Socrates

Chapter Two

Acquiescence

Ah, the gentle art of acceptance. No matter who you are, one must inevitably accept the circumstances and choices that circumference their own hemisphere. If you acknowledge the manner life exists right now for you and consciously concede to what is going on then you recognize your own state of affairs. Insurmountable, repeated difficulties may indicate that one is in denial to their own reality. Our personal universe is created through our existing conditions as well as our options that we lean on. The always, positive side to this scenario is that we are the ones behind the wheel. No one else should be in control here as it is our individuality that provides us with our alternatives. Do not ever doubt who you can be as this will only amass agitation. Quite often, we find our state of affairs not corrigible at the present. Hastily rushing into decision making to alter the way things have transpired can more often cause further confusion down the road. Our insight (inner strength) and personal knowledge can envision and prepare ourselves for changes for a meritorious result. Locate the favorable, enthusiastic existence in you. There is no need or room for that matter to compare oneself with the position of others or the way others look physically. Allocate yourself to what is sensible and real. We all have (by habit), envisioned ourselves doing something entirely different or leading a completely diversified life or even appearing not our ordinary self. It is our own lifework to keep the consciousness focused on positive attributes within ourselves so we can move forward. Giving true regards (understanding) to yourself without worrying about any negative qualities, you perpetrate realism that will allow you naturally to become the distinct person you are meant to be. Become your own true navigator and cultivate your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual presence. You will become a force for the good. Others will take notice of this first-rate characteristic. Your undeniable energy will give others the want to connect.

Similarly, if one is intent on reshaping their body with exercise and good eating habits, all for the advantageous rewards it offers, the same general ethics apply. If someone is not in shape or relatively overweight, one can make positive advances to fortify their wellness for the best. This time, undoubtedly calls for patience and inner strength (discipline). Don't give in to pessimistic sentiment that it can't be done because you have never journeyed this direction before. Allow diversity to arrive naturally. When taking on a new regiment of exercise and eating nutritional foods, being fully aware that changes will not abruptly take place but progress is imminent when you respectfully abide to the new task. Once in the rhythm of a steadfast pledge to oneself, you will create noticeable differences in the way you feel, think and look in time. Remember, you cannot plant a seed (A) and harvest a tree (Z) overnight. That which is carefully nurtured will be assured of reliable progress over time. Once you have figured out the most productive way (program) to initiate your challenge and abide by it, you will reap the order (benefits) and squash the chaos (flab). Finally, you will free yourself from repeating those negative attributes you once surrounded your "being" with. Develop your own uniqueness and your abilities will radiate. Now, tune yourself up! Turn yourself on! Steer yourself right! Don't steer yourself wrong!

Lessons from the Learned

1. True wisdom is not something obtained from the chapters of a textbook.

2. Knowledge is everything attained from the pages we live.

3. Potential is a plausible dexterity that needs to be honed.

4. The attitude we create is what becomes limitless.

5. The beauty of our own acceptance alongside the5. fortitude of our self-knowledge is what cultivates us daily.

6. What becomes cardinal and valuable will always generate from the peaceful order within.

7. Anything in life that we don't accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it. Shakti Gawain

8. Determine the thing that can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way. - Abraham Lincoln

9. Accept everything about yourself – I mean everything, you are you and that is the beginning and the end – no apologies, no regrets. - Clark Moustakas

10. I wish they would only take me as I am. - Vincent Van Gogh

Chapter Three

Attitude

Quite conceivably everything that has a positive direction begins with the true intent to make the first step forward. As a result, challenge and change are in motion. Without action, without challenge, there will not be any room for change. One must recognize that the going is just as important as the arriving. What becomes paramount now is the perspective given to the situation at hand to what is correct. The great Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw flawlessly asserted, "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." Igniting an illuminating passion to change self or future for the good is quite attainable. Being responsive and aware will keep your temperament legitimately favorable. Don't ponder why you are at the place you are but concentrate assertive energy on where you want to go. Becoming motivated and self-determined is the inspiration behind "no guts, no glory" ethics. Aspiring to become more successful in life or more achieving in your own fitness program is dependent on your own attitude toward yourself. Fitting enthusiasm will be equitable by your own devotion to further enhancement. Believe in the dynamism of your own truth. Whatever shape or form it has attained, meet head on with an unconditional mind. Concentrating on self-improvement will build self-confidence as well as internal motivation to grow and develop. Assessing your own weaknesses and attempting to correct them will make space for positive traits to accumulate. Confident attitude is most alluring. By cultivating oneself, an eyebrow or two will be raised by those around you who will want to emulate your positive action. Potential and growth is a ball that is in your court. If it is your intention to put it through the hoop, then the shot is yours. If you miss, one can always rebound and shoot again. Don't allow outside, negative influences the chance to block your shot. Making useless comparisons to others or another situation will only interrupt your momentum. Positive and negative forces will always surround you. This is the flow of the universe. It can be beneficial to allow knowledgeable help that might assist you. There is no shame in getting guidance from another in life or in exercise (trainer). Life can become complex. Similarly, exercise (training) and nutrition can be problematic. Leaning on another for leadership (direction) in some manner is justifiable and beneficial. You can't always make your own bed alone. Every great leader was once a follower. Just stay on course, take recommendation from discerning others and be true to your intentions (heart) and you will automatically become real to others. What comes naturally from your own nucleus will direct attention to what is proper and correct. Everything possible is determined by attitude. How we feel towards something or in this instance making a `shot' is affected by our stand to accept or deny, assert it or doubt it. Accept things the way they are now. Negative consciousness will only entice you to renounce the action, the challenge and the changes. Positive attitude allows the door to be open for progress in many directions. Meet and greet the new frontier with an open mind. Be impelled to improve yourself for the simple fact it will make you a better person. You will welcome the lucid truth and the whole value it has for you. Mountains stand tall, so can you!

The Altitude of Attitude

1. Believing in you is a notable accomplishment.

2. Positive attitude makes the everyday affairs of life simpler.

3. Affirmative approach brings constructive changes.

4. Creative thinking is a force for productivity.

5. Life smiles when you wave at it with a high - flying frame of mind.

6. The penchant to look at the bright side of things will always create a sunny day for you.

7. I dream my painting then I paint my dream. – Van Gogh

8. Life is not a matter of having good cards but of playing a poor hand well. - Robert Louis Stevenson

9. When you come upon a path that brings benefit and happiness to all follow this path as the moon journeys through the stars. – Buddha

10. A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug. - Patricia Neal

(Continues...)

Excerpted from We Are Mountainsby Jon Kaden Copyright © 2011 by Jon Kaden. Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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