DAY 7 (Mike's Journal)

Mike’s Journal
DAY 7

DATE: Tuesday, August 28, 2012
TIME: 3:32 pm

A. OPENING THOUGHTS/OBSERVATIONS:

Feeling good about completing the first two chapters. I’m inspired by this work and proud of my efforts in creating this book. A major theme that keeps coming up is letting go of the need for success and recognition. I’m working out in the gym to the best of my abilities. My focus is on succeeding for today.

On a spiritual level, I keep coming back to the idea that our emotions are complicated because the ego complicates them. I’m grateful to be reflecting on “Forgiveness” in this chapter because I believe that’s the barrier between destructive emotions and constructive ones. We have a choice to chose pain or pleasure, to choose between the world or spirit, or between “right” and “wrong” minded thinking. I think at the intersection of these seeming opposites lies in Forgiveness and understanding what the act of Forgiveness truly means on deeper levels of consciousness.

B. DREAM ENTRY: 

Dreams have been about completing things. Specifically I dreamed about graduating college and going on to a new life.

C. During your workout today we will focus on perceived “transitory” emotions such as Anger/Frustration, Pride, Courage, Neutrality/Trust, Willingness/Determination, and Acceptance/Forgiveness. Once again the purpose of today is not dwell on these emotions but to be able to identify them when they come up at critical moments in your Quest.Today's Interactive Emotional Exercises will be the identical as the last chapter except we'll use different emotions..

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The Workout

Focus on _________Legs and Abs________________

1. Exercise 1: ______ __Smith Barbell Squat________

___4__ Sets of ___10-12___ Reps

“Anger”

A strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong.

Identify what “Anger” means to you. You can describe it in terms of how it feels in your body. You can come up with images you might have seen while feeling it. You might even identify “Anger” by coming up with a quote you might have heard while feeling it, like “I’m completely pissed right now!” Be specific in what you might have done, or been accused of, that made you feel this feeling.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Anger”.

(a) An explosive emotion that results in unsatisfied desires. It’s a very physical emotion which overrides thoughts and gets me right into my body. It also implies an injustice is experienced. Especially if one's one gifts, talents, or admirable qualities go unnoticed, misunderstood or unacknowledged.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Anger”.

(b) Anger, though a negative emotion, is charged with energy in my chest that helps me get things done. I feel anger in my arms and upper back. I also feel anger in my heart.

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Anger”.

(c) Being neglected and ignored at my work. Being cut from acting roles which which I knew I would’ve done very well.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you angry about anything right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) I’m angry that my physical results aren’t coming sooner.


2. Exercise 2: ______ __Machine Leg Press_____________

___4__ Sets of __10-12___ Reps

“Pride”

A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Pride”.

(a) Pride, I feel, is now the crossing point from “negative” into “positive” emotions. It seems that now I’m building a case to think well of myself. The "unacknowledged" positive qualities that went deterred at anger are now being acknowledged at least in the mind of the own experiencing pride.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Pride”.

(b) I experience a “swelling” feeling with pride in my throat and forehead. (I.e. “getting a big head”.)

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Pride”.

(c) The great reviews I’ve gotten for past theatrical performances. In spiritual groups where members call me “an advanced soul”. These are all things that stroke my ego but have little to do with spiritual awareness.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you feeling proud of anything right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) I’m proud of the fact that I came up with the concept for this book.


3. Exercise 3: ______ __Leg Extension______________

___3__ Sets of ____12___ Reps

“Courage”

The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, pain, danger, etc. without fear; bravery.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Courage”.

(a) In the above definition courage means “facing difficulty without fear”.  I don’t fully agree with this definition. My belief is that courage is “the act of taking action in spite of fear”.  I believe fear is indeed felt and present but somehow doesn’t inhibit right action.  Without fear there couldn’t be courage.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Courage”.

(b) I feel courage as a glowing sensation in my heart and throat.

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Courageous”.

(c) Telling my future wife how I felt about her for the first time.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you feeling courageous about anything right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) Courage is opening up and writing on my laptop in spite of the fear of failure.


4. Exercise 4: ______ ___Prone Leg Curl_____________

___3__ Sets of ____12___ Reps

“Neutrality” or “Trust”

There are two words used in this section. “Neutrality” implies that there is almost a detachment or a relinquishment. This word was taken from Power vs. Force where I’ve used Dr. Hawking’s word. For myself and many of my clients the same result is generated by substituting the word “Trust”. Whichever one you wish to use will be fine.

Definition of “Neutrality”:

The state of being neutral. Not aligned with or supporting any side or position of a controversy.

Definition of “Trust”:

Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Neutrality” and/or “Trust”.

(a) I sense this is where a healthy detachment comes into play. With both “Neutrality” and “Trust” it seems that one must now let go, becoming detached of desire so that one is free to act. I also equate these moments with “Faith”.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Neutrality” and/or “Trust”.

(b) I feel these emotions as a tingling sensation in my heart, arms, hands and fingers.

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Neutrality” and/or “Trust”.

(c) Stepping onto a plane bound for Florida. It was a business trip that I couldn’t have taken had it not been for a fortunate and unexpected turn of events where the previously unavailable funds to take the trip came to me.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you trusting about anything or anyone right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) I trust that this program is aligning my mind, emotions and body. Neutrality is letting go of the desire for results and now creating a physical habit.


5. Exercise 5: ______ “Crunch and Twists” _____________

___3__ Sets of ____15___ Reps

“Willingness” or “Determination”

Once again I’m using Hawking’s word “Willingness” and adding my own word “Determination”. Use whichever word will serve you best.

Definition of “Willingness”:

Disposed or consenting; inclined. Done, given, bourn, used, etc. Cheerful readiness.
Definition of “Determination”:

The act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Willingness” and/or “Determination”.

(a) Willingness is motivation. What am I willing to do in this moment? What do I know with full confidence that I will do today? Willingness and Determination is a choice, a decision, to cut off any other possibility of not following through on my decision.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Willingness” and/or “Determination”.

(b) I feel Determination in my solar plexus. My head is very calm and cool.

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Willingness” and/or “Determination”.

(c) I was determined to be promoted to a Black Belt in karate when I was 12 years old.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you willing or determined to do anything right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) I am willing to finish today’s exercise. I am determined to find time to write my journal entries. I am willing and determined to give my best today.


6. Exercise 6: ______ ____Side Plank Crunches___________

___3__ Sets of ___10-12__ Reps

“Acceptance” or “Forgiveness”

Once again using “Acceptance” (Hawking) and “Forgiveness” (my own). Both imply a call to look at something honestly and come to grips with it.  Both are very active expressions of human emotion. Acceptance requires a dealing with a situation “as is”. Forgiveness is an important word to me because it further releases any negative emotions associated with seeing things clearly.

Definition of “Acceptance”:

The act of taking or receiving something offered. The act of assenting or believing.
 
Definition of “Forgiveness”:

Act of forgiving. To grant pardon for or remission of (an offense; debt); absolve. To give up all claim on account of; remit. To cancel indebtedness or liability of.

After Set 1: Create your own definition of “Acceptance” and/or “Forgiveness”.

(a) These emotions continue to explore the theme of “letting go”. Yet I perceive this as an active letting go and not a passive one. The higher emotions require a hot heart and cool head and for this to occur a relaxation of mind is necessary. Forgiveness is a big step in accessing the higher emotions. It requires consciously looking at something that is perceived as imperfect (the "offensive behavior" caused by self or others) and then accepting that it happened. It’s a deeper level of truth.

As stated in a previous journal entry, “Forgiveness” is the recognition that the separation between God and Man never occurred. Therefore, a conscious act of merging with God is experienced by recognizing perfection in your brother.

After Set 2: Describe the feeling of “Acceptance” and/or “Forgiveness”.

(b) I feel acceptance in my gut, forgiveness in my heart.

After Set 3: Identify moments when you’ve felt “Acceptance” and/or “Forgiveness”.

(c) I’m finally able to forgive a nasty exchange I’ve had with a family member. I recognize that it was never “him” being so offensive. This was symbolic in my own mind to forgive the pain I had caused others from indulging in past anger.

After Set 4 (or between sets): Are you feeling the need to Accept or Forgive something right now? If so, what might that be?

(d) I accept that my body being tired is an indication that I’m completing today’s workout. I forgive my body for feeling this way. I forgive myself for letting my body’s fatigue dictate my negative emotional response to others. I accept that I will make different choices now that I am conscious of this.

DIET JOURNAL: (log in any foods you consumed for the day)

Bagel with Veggie and Cream Cheese
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Crackers
Carrots
Bagel with Veggie and Cream Cheese
Mahi Mahi with Spinach Salad
Corn on the Cob
Protein Shake



Click Here for Chapter 8.