The essence, the meaning, the central issue, the tastiest bit -- this is the marrow. To get to the marrow, break the bone and dive deep. Get down to the core.
Get dirty.
When you skim the surface of an endeavor, not only do you fail to arrive at its kernel, you reduce the total time and energy available for mining once you decide to dig. Read that again and let it sink in.
Life is short. Death is forever. Don't waste time getting your head right -- right with truth and reality, right with your calling, right with God.
Bone Shaker: Mettle Maker #251
Roll the bones. Warm-up thoroughly for at at least 8 minutes. Do 2-3 minutes each of (a) jumping rope or footwork (b) light calisthenics and (c) shadowboxing, forms, light heavy bag work, or 8 minutes of MBF.
Break some bones. Have you completed this month's constitutional yet? If not, get there. If so, do it again but substitute O Goshi (or similar hip throw such as Cross-Buttocks Throw) for Seoi Nage. Use the heaviest bag you can manage (60 - 75 lbs. works for most folks). If you're stuck, see video below.
Rattle your bones. Are you prepared to go for a strenuous hike -- either for fun or in the case of an emergency? Shoulder a pack of about 2/3 your comfortable max (I used #25 because I rarely hike with a pack >#35) and cover at least 2 miles. Do this regularly so that you can manage when the chips are down. Those who never hike and don't own packs, start with a #10 bookbag and work your way up. Advanced folks, extra credit if you fashion your own pack from tarp and cordage.
Pick them bones clean -- apply survival strategy to everyday life. Wander for hours after realizing you are lost and you'll waste precious energy and daylight. Stay put instead. Make shelter before darkness falls and rest warm. Assess resources, abilities, likelihood of rescue, etc. Get your bearings by watching the sunrise. Then, based on facts, decide on sitting tight and signaling for help or hiking out. Here's the thing: this is true about other areas of life. Every penny spent on toys isn't saved for retirement, every minute spent training low-percentage techniques takes time away from critical skills, every bit of attention paid to the frivolous steals time from the essential. Where can you scavenge a little more money, a little more time, and a little more attention for the things you really care about? Chew on this and take corrective action.
Feel it in your bones. Set timer for 10 minutes and practice your contemplation. Assume posture of choice and regulate breathing to a slow and steady rhythm. Keep your eyes open and fixed. Do not fidget, wiggle or scratch. Allow your thoughts to dissipate like ripples on a pond and your mind to approach a state of calm and relaxed awareness. Do not think at all, but especially not in words -- do not evaluate, judge, make lists, fixate on emotions, let your mind wander, or any of that. Just breathe and be.