This week I'm throwing down the gauntlet -- I'm challenging you to get more done this coming week than I did this past week. Here's a top-level rundown of what I've done in the last 7 days:
Had a public conversation with the Vinny Raposa of Team Raposa Martial Arts in Newark NJ and put it up on YouTube. We talked about Frontier Rough 'n' Tumble. Watch it here.
Started a new weekly online meeting called Let's Talk Martial Arts. Come and join us this Saturday at 2 PM.
Started a new weekly online chat for my Independent Catholic Meetup called God and Coffee. Come on by this Sunday a 10:00 AM, we'd love to have you!
This Sunday will be my fourth week presenting Holy Communion for my church, Ekklesia Epignostika Church and Seminary.
This has meant that I've had to write formal homilies (a.k.a. "sermons" for you protestants out there). Here's a link to last week's: Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25th 2021
I carved, sanded and finished a new fighting cane (it finally broke after 10+ years of use, including hitting heavy bags)
Almost finished my altar stone. There are very specific requirements that have to be met before I request my Bishop bless it for use in my home chapel.
I finished work on the revamped Fool's Journey for the upcoming 2nd edition of Cabal Fang: Complete Study Course from Querent to Elder.
I finally read The Varieties of Religious Experience by Wm. James. A smash hit, and still relevant after 100+ years.
Total training time, fitness and martial arts: 10.25 hours
This is not me bragging -- this is me trying to encourage you to put down your cell phone, shut off the TV, and go get things done. Not in a "chalking up numbers" sort of way, but in a "get engaged in the art of living" sort of way.
In last week's mettle maker I suggested that the things that you think make you unique -- your likes and dislikes, your favorite food, favorite movies, etc. -- might actually be the things that prove you're just like everyone else. What might make you truly unique?
More on this topic in the mettle maker below.
Gauntlet: Mettle Maker #258
Before you train, 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.
Do some practical command and mastery with your chosen weapon. 16 min. pyramid of Air Strikes (10), Crawls (5 yards), Sprints ( 5 yards out/back = 1), and Russian Squats (2). Start an 8:00 timer. Do 10 Air Strikes, Crawl 5 yards, Sprint 5 yards out/back, and do 2 Russian Squats -- striking the air with your blunt training weapon the entire time. Then do 20 Air Strikes, Crawl 10 yards, Sprint 10 yards out/back, and do 4 Russian Squats. Keep climbing until the timer beeps, then climb down.
Pick up something heavy. Try a Cross-walk -- a Shoulder Carry and a Farmer's Walk at the same time. I used a 65# Sandbag for the shoulder carry and I put #60 on my Farmer Carry rig. Walk as far as you can, rest a minute, and then do it again switching sides. I love this combo for practical strength.
Read an old book. When was the last time you read a book at all, much less an old book? Here's a challenge: pick up a book that's at least 100 years old and give it a go. Reading Wm. James has been a real eye-opener. This man knew more about human nature -- and offers more practical advice -- than many so-called modern experts.
Think about who and what you are. Yesterday is gone and future is unwritten. Neither is real. Therefore the only thing you could possibly be is what you are doing right now. Think about it. No, really. Actually think about it. Set a time for 10 minutes or so. 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. Think in a focused way about the fact that you are only what you are doing right now. This is a form of meditation. Get there.