So, You Want to Lose Weight?

Simple, right?

Eat as little food as you can. Near none, just eat some a tiny little bit of food daily. And watch the pounds just melt off.

Wrong. Eating no food, will actually have the negative effect. You can actually GAIN weight.

I know, I know most of you are probably screaming at your screens right now.

Holding your heads already, not getting it.

  Your body, is a very complex structure. Yet it is so simple to change.

The formula in its most simplistic form is as follows:

Calories in<Calories out.

There is a difference with, "weight loss" and "fat loss".

Our aim, is for fat loss.

Some Basic Terminology for along the way:

1). BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): The base amount of calories, you would need if in a comatose state, to maintain your body composition.

2). NEAT (Non-Exercise Associated Thermogenesis): Calories burned by non exercise activities (washing dishes, walking, talking, etc). Also called incidental exercise, something everyone has a good amount of control over.

3). EAT (Exercise Associated Thermogenesis): Calories from planned exercised.

4). TEF (Thermic effect of feeding): Calorie expenditure associated with eating.

5). TEE (Total Energy Expenditure): The total calories you require, basically to live and be healthy.

In a more complex form, here is the formula to use as a measure on how to lose fat:

BMR= 370 + (21.6 x LBM) Where LBM = [Total weight (kg) x (100 - Bodyfat %)]/100

LBM=Lean Body Mass.

Now, in order to decide what you need total, you must factor in your Activity level:

This is your TOTAL COST OF LIVING, NOT just TRAINING:

1.2= Sedentary (desk job and light exercise)

1.3-1.4= Lightly active (light daily activity, and light exercise 1-3 days)

1.5-1.6= moderately active (moderate daily activity and moderate exercise 3-5 days)

1.7-1.8= Very active (Physically demanding lifestyle and hard exercising 6-7 days a week)

1.9-2.2= Extremely Active (Athlete in endurance training or a VERY HARD and physical job)

You Take your BRM x Your activity level.

To get your total required calories.

Now, in order to lose weight, you take and minus 20% from that, and eat those calories.

Eat that for 2 weeks, if no loss, re-calculate and minus a tad more.

Never got below 1500 for men, and 1200 for women,

not for a prolonged time.

That is the basics for now.

I will get more in detail about macronutrients(Carbs, Fats, Protein)

What role they play, and how much of each you should be eating.

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

In case you missed it, or you're new here:
http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-introduction-pt-1.html

Weight loss, will bring suffering, here's my post on suffering:
http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2016/01/live-to-suffer-or-suffer-to-live.html

Until next time,

Corey.

A Wolf Doesn't Concern Himself With the Opinion of A Sheep.

    "It's not about what you do, it's about who you are becoming."-Elliott Hulse.

    That quote, has stuck with me since the day I heard it. We go through life, and we have it all laid out in front of us. We have the perfect college lined up, with the perfect job after college, with the woman of our dreams, the perfect car, house, kids, friends, everything. We have it all planned out. And live in this bubble, that we form around ourselves where nothing gets in and nothing gets out. Until, it does. Then we are stuck there, wondering what the hell we are going to do. We fabricate this world around us, and forget that there is a whole outside world, itching to get in. What does that, have to do with the quote mentioned? It has everything to do with it. Because, it's never about what you do. You can do whatever you want in life. You can do anything to your hearts content. But, who are you becoming in that process? Who are you, at the end of the day?

    You see, you can go to college, get a job, get a house, a wife, kids. But, who are you? Look in the mirror and ask yourself who are you becoming? Is it the person you thought it would be? Is your life's work beneficial or detrimental to your life? Are you becoming a better father, husband, son, daughter, wife, person? Or, is it acting negatively upon your life? These are the things we don't look at when we make choices. When we plan our lives out. We don't realize, that each choice we make grows us as a person. It creates a new avenue for personality traits to slip in, that we never knew we harbored. You may become the best lawyer, the best basketball player, best power lifter, the best at what you sought out to do. What did that gain you? Besides a trophy, besides bragging rights? Who are you becoming as a person, along with what you are doing?

    We often find ourselves at a loss. We hate our lives, our jobs, our situation. We hate a lot of things. Instead of loving life. Life is a wonderful thing man, it really is. Life is what you make it out to be. Life is how you perceive it. If all you do is watch the news, you are going to see the world differently than if you went out and experienced it yourself. Are you living your life through the eyes of someone else through a screen? Do you see the world through a looking glass, and it's all negative all the time? Bring the positive into YOUR world. Be a better you, a stronger you, a happier more vibrant YOU. Quit worrying about what goes on in the world, you can't change other peoples minds. But you sure as hell can change your own damn mind. Instead of watching television and the news at night, or during the day. Pick up a book. Live your life through the eyes of a fictional character. And realize, that the life you live is full of adventures like those you read about just in a different form.

    Life is what you make it. It really is, it's nothing short of greatness. You are nothing short of greatness. You just have to unlock your greatness.  You have to BECOME who you want to be. King, magician, warrior and lover. Such a good book by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette. Every man has those traits in him. And every man needs to unlock them, and know when to be them.

    Be the King of your castle. Rule, not with an iron fist, but not with a soft fist either. Prove you deserve the role of King. And treat others accordingly. Your wife, like a Queen. Your sons, like princes. Daughters, like princesses. Treat your kingdom, rightfully so. Never relinquish your rights as King. Prove that you have what it takes to provide for your castle. Become King in everything you do. Become King when the timing is right, and rule over your life.

    Be the Magician, the one who gets things done. Be the magician, and make the magic happen. Make people in awe at you and all that you do. Be magical in all aspects of your lives. Never reveal your secrets. When things look rough, always make that positivity appear.

    Be the Warrior. Go to battle for your kids, your family, your wife, yourself. Do not be afraid of getting your hands dirty. Get down to it, and get it done. Be on the front lines for yourself and your family. Be a warrior in life, take what you want. Be what you want. Never cower in fear, you are the fear.

    Be the Lover. Tender and kind in all that you do. Even in times of war. Know when to be loving. Know when to put the ego aside. Know when peace is needed, and when it is not. Do not go through life minus the lover side of you.

    Be all these, they are all 1/4th of your being. Know when to let the ego slide. Know when to get ride of the 'I' persona that is in all of us. Know when to be a King, when to be a Magician, when to be a Warrior and when to be a Lover. Get them balanced in your life. Be who you are, and be who you are strongly.

    Who are you becoming? Are you becoming who you thought you were going to become? Are you becoming who you SHOULD be becoming in your own mind? Why or why not? The choice is yours. The ball is in your court. It matters not what you are doing in life, only who you are becoming. A wolf does not concern himself with the opinion of a sheep. Nor should you concern yourself with the opinions of those who are stuck in life themselves.

    Would you take the opinion on losing weight, from someone who is overweight? Would you take the opinion on being a successful business man, from someone who never owned their own business? These are the things you need to ask yourself when someone offers you advice. Take each word of advice you are given with a grain of rice. And sift through the bullshit. Dictate your own life, like a King would. Only you can crown your fucking self. Only you can snatch that crown from the naysayers. Be a King, Magician, Warrior, and Lover. Look at who you are becoming, it is far more important than what you are doing. Live your life, and have fun with it.

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

In case you missed yesterdays post:
http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2016/01/live-in-now.html
    

Live in the now.

    I heard of an Author named Eckhart Tolle, and his book The Power of Now. This book changed my life so much. So much so, that I am on my third time listening to the audio book. The power of now is a powerful book, no pun intended. It taught me to live in the now. Living in the now, is the most amazing feeling you can ever experience. Once you let those past demons go, and you let the future hold you have on your life go. You just live for today. For this very moment. Nothing more, nothing less. You exist in this very moment, and only this moment. Another book, by John Eldredge titled Wild at Heart has also influenced a lot of my life. Along with a book by author John C Parkin, titled Fuck it Therapy: The Profane Way to Profound Happiness.These three books, have influenced the person I am becoming daily. I learned things I never would have without these three books.

    Live is short, and living in the past is such a bad idea. Living in the past will only hinder your future, and living in the future will only hinder your present. Living in the now, will clear any past problem you have had. Living in the now, will clear out any worry you have for the future. What is the point of worrying about the future? You have no idea what will happen in the future. Any number of things are possible. The world could end in any second. Live in that second. You'll never get this second back. You'll never experience this exact moment you are living right now, ever again. Let me put into perspective just how short our lives are.

    9/11 was done 15 years ago. I was born in 1992, that is 23(almost 24) years ago. My grandmother is in her 80's. We look at 80 years and think that is a long time. The biblical times were more than 4,000 years ago. That may seem like a long time. And, it is. But, to the world, it is but a blip. The world is MILLIONS of years old. You are living in THIS exact moment, for a reason. Live in it. Not in the past, the past is a million years ago. Not in the future, the future is a million years away. That 80 years, isn't very far away now is it? You could blink, and be 50 and wonder where those 30 years went. You could wake up tomorrow, or you could die in your sleep. You could walk in front of a bus, a car, get hit by a plane. Get shot, stabbed, get cancer and suffer. Get hooked on drugs, and become and addict and die in an alley somewhere. You could wake up, and choke on food. Drown in the bath tub. There are thousands of ways you could die. Is that second you're living in so long now?

    The times we live in, are limited. But, we are limitless. We have the power to do anything we want. Why are we limiting ourselves by looking at the past? Why are we limiting ourselves by growing up so fast? Rekindle that kindred spirit from your childhood. Stop growing up so fast. Live in the now. Go for a walk. Hug and kiss your significant other. Play with your kids. Play with your pets. Write that book you always talked about writing. Write that poetry you use to write. Learn that instrument you gave up 10 years ago. Play some basketball. Get out and get some fresh air. Live in the now, because you never know what the next second, minute, hour, day, week, month or year has in store. You never know if YOU will be a part of it. The world keeps spinning when you're dead. You're gone, and the world doesn't stop. Why do you stop? Keep ever moving.

    We like to speculate that we know what happens when we die. We like to believe in the idea of an afterlife. So we limit out life. Live in the now, because that afterlife you look towards could of couldn't exist. Live in the now, because you never know if you'll be able to live in the tomorrow. Change your life, for the now. Let go of the past, all the pain, all the misery you may have had. Let go of your preconceived notions of the future. We are but temporary beings on a temporary rock, that is part of a billion other rocks in the plane of existence we live in.

"100 years from now everyone who is living on this planet will be dead. So it's inconsequential really all the shit that you talk. All the bullshit that you stand for. It's more important what, what you're ready to build. What you're ready to build. What you're ready to pass down to your children. What you'r ready to create."- Immortal Technique.

    Remember, when you're thinking that life sucks and it's so long. That quote above. You'll be gone in 100 years from now. And, live in the now of life. Instead of chasing the future, and living in the past.

https://youtu.be/ORGNMZhC-g0

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

Related Post:

http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2016/01/live-to-suffer-or-suffer-to-live.html

Chakra is as Chakra does.

    Our body is made up of a meridian, much like the earth. We "spin" on an axis. Our axis, or meridian, is compromised of 7 different centered points. Those points, are called our Chakra points. Those 7 Chakra points symbolize our entire being. Our entire consciousness is created from these 7 points.

Base/Root/Muladhara Chakra:
This chakra is the base of the body, it symbolizes with the Earth, our physical identity and is oriented to self-preservation. It is located at the base of the spine, it forms our foundation. Representing the human sense of grounding and connection to human bodies and the physical plane. In an ideal sense, this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security and dynamic presence.

Characteristics:

Color: Red.
Life Principle: Survival and Safety.
Organ/System represented: Elimination.
Correct Balance: Stability, Health, Vibrant Energy.
Excess: Sluggishness and Constipation.
Depleted: Fear, Anxiety, Diarrhea.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Hematite, Red Jasper, Smokey Quartz.
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Easy Pose with Mula Banda.
Food: Beets, Pomegranates, Apples.



Sacral/Swadisthana Chakra:
This chakra represents water, Emotional identity, it is oriented to self-gratification. It is the second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back and sexual organs. Related to the element water, our emotions and sexuality. In an ideal sense, this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling and sexual fulfillment in our lives.

Characteristics:

Color: Orange.
Life Principle: Creativity and Sexuality.
Organ/System represented: Kidneys, Bladder, Reproductive.
Correct Balance: Sensuality, Joy, Creativity, Happiness.
Excess: Over Sensitivity, Obsessive Attachments.
Depleted: Insecurity, Fear, Guilt.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Orange Aventurine, Carnelian. 
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Cobbler, Butterfly
Food: Oranges, Carrots, Nuts, Seeds.

Solar Plexus/Manipura Chakra:
This chakra is represented by Fire, the Ego identity, and oriented to self-definition. This chakra is known as the power chakra, located in our solar plexus. Ruling over our personal power, will and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. It brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power.

Characteristics:

Color: Yellow
Life Principle: Personal Power, Identity.
Organ/System represented: Digestive, Adrenal Gland.
Correct Balance: Strength, Willpower, Self-Esteem, Courage.
Excess: Controlling, Competitive, Power Hungry.
Depleted: Chronic Fatigue, Powerlessness, Poor Digestion.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Tiger Eye, Citrine, Honey Calcite.
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Exalted Warrior.
Food: Corn, Yellow Sweet Corn, Yellow Lentils.

Heart/Anahata Chakra:
This chakra is represented by Air, social identity, and oriented to self-acceptance. Called the Heart chakra, and is the middle of the 7 chakra meridian. Related to love and is the integrator of opposites in the psyche. It allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centeredness.

Characteristics:

Color: Green.
Life Principle: Love.
Organ/System represented: Thymus Gland, Heart.
Correct Balance: Peace, Acceptance, Easily Gives and Receives Love.
Excess: Lack Empathy, Codependency, Jealousy.
Depleted: Loneliness, Shyness, Intolerance, Bitterness.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Green Aventuirne, Rose Quartz.
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Sphinx, Puppy.
Food: Broccoli, Kale, Leafy Greens.

Throat/Visuddha Chakra:
This chakra represents Sound, creative identity and is oriented to self-expression. This chakra is located in the throat, and is related to communication and creativity. Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration of sound representing language.

Characteristics:

Color: Blue
Life Principle: Communication, Words, Truth.
Organ/System represented: Thyroid Gland, Throat, Vocal Chords. 
Correct Balance: Smooth Communications.
Excess: Gossip, Criticism, Excessive Talking, Hyperthyroidism, Loud Talking.
Depleted: Inability to Express One's Self, Hypothyroidism, Quiet Speaking.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite. 
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Plow.
Food: Kelp, Blueberries.

Brow/Third-Eye/Ajna Chakra:
This chakra is represented by Light, Archetypal identity, and oriented self-reflection. Known as the Brow, or more frequently, Third-Eye center. Related to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively. It allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us "see the bigger picture."

Characteristics:

Color: Indigo.
Life Principle: Insight, Intuition. 
Organ/System represented: Brain, Eye, Nose, Pituitary Gland.
Correct Balance: Dream Recall, Intuition, Creativity, Visualization.
Excess: Headaches, Nightmares, Lack of Focus.
Depleted: Inability to Imagine or Visualize.
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Amethyst.
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Fish.
Food: Purple Potatoes, Purple Grapes, Blackberries.

Crown/Sahasrara Chakra:
This chakra is represented by Thought, Universal identity, and oriented to self-knowledge. The crown chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness. This chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and our spiritual connection.

Characteristics:

Color: Clear or Purple.
Life Principle: Understanding, Enlightenment.
Organ/System represented: Pineal Gland.
Correct Balance: Peace, Wisdom.
Excess: Day Dreamy, Superior Feeling Over Others.
Depleted: Skepticism, Difficulty Thinking. 
Represented Crystal(a few examples): Clear Quartz. 
Yoga Poses(One example of many): Headstand, Wheel.
Food: Plums, Eggplant.

Questions/Oils:

Root:

Do you feel safe and secure in your life?

Patchouli oil, for its ability to be used as a base for many perfumes and oil blends. Hence, the "root" of the blends.

Sacral:

How is your sexual health? 

Clary Sage Oil, because of its characteristic of protection and ability to clear the negativity. 

Solar-Plexus:

How is your digestive health? How well does food sit with you?

Ginger oil, for its effect on digestive health and overall wellness.

Heart:

How "broken" is your heart?

Rose oil because of its ability to make one feel safe and secure, it has been used in some PTSD cases as well. 

Throat:

Do you have a hard time speaking in front of people?

Bergamot oil, because of its use in periods of sadness, my fiance has thyroid problems, and speaking problems when it comes to talking to people. We got her a chakra roller from a local health store. And, bergamot oil was one of the main ingredients.

Third-Eye:

How open is your mind?

Frankincense oil, because of its use in spiritual oil blends over the years. It is one of the oils given to the baby Jesus in the bible. In my eyes, that gives it a very profound characteristic.

Crown:

Do you have a lot of fear?

Sandalwood oil, for its ability to bring a sense of inner peace.

    As you can see, the 7 chakras are a very important thing to pay attention to. If one chakra is out of alignment, it hurts all of them. As you can see above, our 7 chakras control every part of our lives. From feeling that we are save and secure, all the way up to having wisdom and peace within. The chakras are the most important part of our consciousness. We must realize, that our actions have reactions. When we destroy our body physically, metaphysically we will suffer. Our consciousness suffers, when our physical self suffers and vice versa. When we destroy ourselves internally, externally we suffer. Pay mind to what you ingest, weather it be food or information. Pay mind to who you spend your time with. Pay mind to who you let into your consciousness. Make sure, to bring balance to your life and your 7 chakras. Align your meridian, align your chakras and live your life in perfect harmony.

I Know
I See
I Speak
I Love
I Do
I Feel
I Am


Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

Live to suffer, or suffer to live.

    "To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering." I love that quote, by DMX. It resonates so true to life. Yet, so many of us seem to fall short of realizing that. We live in a bubble, and think that life is some magical place. Thinking that everyday will be 100% good. No suffering here. Until, you are hit so hard, that bubble pops and you are thrown into reality with no recollection of how you got there. The fact of the matter is stands, that living means suffering. You have to find a meaning in that suffering, to survive in this world.

    Your suffering, might be big it might be small. Someone might even see your suffering as trivial. "You never went to war, you've never been poor, done this or that. You don't know suffering!" We hear people say this all the time. When in reality, we all suffer differently. Tell that girl who had hoped she would get the job she wanted, that her suffering is nothing. Tell that guy who didn't make the cut on the team, or that high school kid who got denied the college of their dreams. We all have different sufferings, different levels of suffering. Different scenarios of suffering, that others may not see as bad. It is all how you perceive it. 

    We choose the suffering we have in our life. We choose weather we want to suffer good, or bad. If we want to find meaning in the suffering we have, or want to just suffer and let it overtake our lives. It goes back to the whole, feeding the negative I talked about previously. You choose to suffer and feed that negative, with more negative. Or you choose to find meaning in the suffering and feed the negative with positive. Which one are you choosing? At this very moment in time, what are you choosing? Are you choosing to be positive and find a meaning in that suffering? Or, are you being negative about your situation?

    When you choose to find meaning in your own suffering, it is an enlightening moment. You finally get in that perspective, that you have the ability to change your surroundings by changing yourself. Changing your inner self, and inner perspective to change your outer perspective. You choose your level of suffering. You may be living in a terrible place, no money, no food, no anything. But, weather you suffer, is up to you. You can choose to find that meaning, and live a healthier life feeding your negative a positive energy. Or you can choose to feed negative with negative and make your situation worse. 

You can choose to live to suffer, or suffer to live.

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

Related Post:
http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-do-you-identify-yourself.html

Feed the Negative.

    Now, you might just be thinking "Man, this guy has gone completely insane". Reading the phrase,
"Feed the negative", would have some people running for the hills. Why would we feed the negative? Isn't that the opposite of what we want to do? Isn't that completely against everything we are taught? We are taught to keep the negative out, to always be positive. The fact of the matter is, that's a complete lie. You never want to remove the negative 100% of the way out. It's just not plausible. There is ALWAYS going to be negativity. You will always feel some sort of negative. And, when you feel that negativity you should feed into it.

    By feeding it, I do not mean that you go completely negative yourself. What I mean, is to feed positive energy into the negative energy you are being hit with. To say, "My life is always positive, I never have negativity", is both ignorant and arrogant. Everyone has a negative feeling arise, a negative situation, negativity is everywhere. We can choose to fan the flames, or extinguish them, To pour more fuel on them(negative) or to pour water on them(positive). How we do this, is up to ourselves. We can choose to either ruminate on that which is nagging at us. Or, we can choose to move on and forget it ever happened. What you choose, is what you become.

    You see, you can take a negative situation and turn it positive. Or, you can keep it negative. The choice is yours. There are people out there, 10X, 100X worse off than you and I. They make it work. You get the luxury of sitting inside a warm house in the winter, and a cold house in the summer. A stocked refrigerator, blankets when you're cold, a fan or air conditioner when you're hot, prepackaged meals all you have to do is heat up for 2 minutes in a microwave. I mean come on, how NEGATIVE is your life. You can always find a positive. Am I saying, that prepackaged foods and all that are good? By no means, do I advocate eating that kind of diet. BUT, the point I am making, is a lot of people have nothing and STILL find a positive. Why can't you?

    Sit there, with the lights off, eyes closed, and think for a moment. Think of all the negative in your life. Think of how it effects you, how much it is impacting your life. Now, think of the positive. Think of how it effects you, how it is impacting your life. Open your eyes, and write down the negatives, and the positives. If your list for negatives is longer than positives, you have a problem only you can fix. Short of starvation and abuse, the negatives cannot be as bad as we perceive them to be. Then again, they may be. We all feel things differently. We all react differently to each situation. Take 10 people, and give them the same situation. Odds are, 10 different results.

    So, I guess in closing. Just think, think real hard about the negatives and positives in your life. When a negative arises, feed into it. Feed those positive energies into it. Because, only YOU can change your life. Only YOU can make the situation better. We have a 3 choices when faced with adversity:

Let it control you.
Let it define you.
Let is strengthen you.

What do you choose, to do with your negatives?

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard

http://coreysperspective.blogspot.com/2016/01/live-in-now.html

The Importance of Routine.

    All successful people have a routine. Weather it be to wake up at 5 A.M. and make coffee, go for a run, and begin their work day. Or, they wake up and they meditate, read, eat a bowl of oatmeal and read the newspaper. A routine is essential to getting what you want out of life. Habits, are a good thing to adopt. They say, it takes 21 days for something done repetitively to become habit forming, Meaning, that new routine you started yesterday that seems daunting, will become a habit 20 days from now. Don't give up just yet.

    The importance of ritual comes from times, well beyond our spectrum. Many years ago, our ancestors themselves partook in routine and rituals. Things we consider jobs or sport now days, they considered habit, routine. Foraging for food, scavenging for that little morsel to eat. Hunting, or being hunted sometimes. It was all a survival routine. Now, we go to the supermarket in our car and get a frozen dinner for less than or right at $1.00 and we are good to go. But, in fact, we are not good to go. We have lost, the routine to survive. We put all our success into prepackaged meals, automobiles and reality television.

    Instead of regular human interaction. Instead of hunting, daily for our food. Instead of looking for our means for survival, braving the elements. We live comfortably. I'm, for one, not complaining. I am sitting inside a house, that isn't 28 degrees. With wind, and I don't have to brave the elements. I bring you guys words through electronic devices. But, it deeply saddens me that we have lost our will to achieve a higher self. We pawn our time off onto television and video games. I know, I'm one to talk, I can be found on occasions playing video games.

    My point is, find a routine and follow it. I myself, have adopted a new morning routine. And, I quite enjoy it.

I wake up, and instantly drink at least 1 glass/bottle of water. Before my feet hit the floor.
Next step, foam rolling. All those tight and tense muscles. Getting them nice and loose.
Tai-Chi follows that.
Next up, this blog post.
After that, will come stretching/yoga.
Following that, will be meditation. 
And, lastly, I'll end it all with a nice cup of hot tea, and a semi cold shower.

Now, that will be my routine. That may vary slightly, I may skip the tea and opt for a workout if it's the day to workout.

Nightly routines, are also just as important as morning routines. We fall into this electronic trap, and it keeps us up at night. Television, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, ETC. It all becomes no monogamous, we forget what we are even doing. Instead of that television show you watch right before bed, opt for a chapter in a book. You don't like to read books? Try and audio book. I frequently listen to those. It's all about adopting healthy habits. Weather it be a workout routine, or weather it be simply a routine when choosing food.

    My new nightly routine, will be as follows:
A glass of sleepytime or another form of sleep tea. 
A half bottle or glass of water to follow.
A nightly Stretch/yoga session, short.
A hot shower/bath to release tensions.  
Meditation,

I always end my sessions with meditation, because meditation both frees the mind and the body. It can give you mental clarity as well as physical release of tensions.

  So go out, and map out a routine for yourself. Less electronics, more along the lines of natural, organic means. Pick up a book series, learn about meditation, deep breathing, bioenergetics, tantra, yoga, tai-chi, and adopt some healthy habits for the new year.

Check out my book, How To Get Everything You Want:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/609912

I'm also selling custom made T-shirts, to which half of the proceeds will go towards testicular and prostate cancer charity.
https://teespring.com/liftwithyourbeard