Look Mom — It’s Workout of the Week #39!

Betty Mitchell — August 2nd 1937 ~ January 13th 2016

Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of my mother’s passing.  This week’s knowledge lesson comes by way of her.

Mom had a less than perfect childhood.  She wouldn’t want me to share any details, so I won’t.  All you need to know is that those experiences were a weight she carried her entire life.  Sometimes they almost pulled her under, but she always came back to the surface with grace and poise.

And, unlike some unfortunate souls who suffer in childhood, she did not pass down the abuses she suffered onto me.  On the contrary.  Mom instilled in me a lifelong sense of wonder, a love of all things spiritual, and a deep respect for intellectual pursuits.

On my 18th birthday Mom gave me a Bible.  And on the card she suggested that I read Philippians 4:8-9.  I did read it, and I never forgot it.  This passage is great advice for anyone.  But when you consider the weight that she carried, it’s easy to see how important, perhaps even lifesaving, this passage must have been to her.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks Mom.  You were amazing, and I miss you like nobody’s business.

And now for the workout of the week.

Cabal Fang Workout of the Week #39

10-Minute Grappling Half Pyramid.  Set a timer for 10 mins and complete a half pyramid of Bag Lifts, Splay-n-Punch, and Get-up with 1-2-Punch (1 of each, 2 of each, etc.).  See how high you can climb — with perfect form! — before the timer beeps.  Take as few 12-count breaks as you must.  This sounds ridiculously easy on paper.  It ain’t.  Breathe deep my lovely little snowflakes, and try not to puke.

Meditation on Peace.  The sentiment of Philippians 4:8-9 referenced above is a universal truth.  In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius said, “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”  Where focus goes energy flows.  Set a timer for 10 minutes.  Settle into your chosen meditative posture.  Imagine a specific scene — a place and/or time where/when  you experienced total peace if only for a moment — and visualize it until the timer beeps.