Day 2 of 118 (4 months until the Shredder in Austin)

Body - Mind - Spirit, they are not separated, but rather different aspects of the whole. So putting more energy into spiritual pursuits does not take away energy from physical ones. The only reason my physical pursuits lagged last year is because of laziness and financial difficulties. So because I knew I did not have the means to afford a consistent gym membership nor the transportation to get there, let alone compete, I decided that I could still be productive in advancing on my life's path.

What I have found through experience, even before my recent studies and experiences in spirituality, is that progress in one aspect advances all aspects of the whole. This is Bill Phillips MAIN POINT in all his work when he says that doing a 12 week challenge changes your body AND YOUR LIFE. Through achievements in the physical, you can learn and advance your mental and spiritual side. Body for LIFE targets those that aren't even at the median of physical fitness, but rather the bottom of the barrel. And those people are probably mediocre in their mental and spiritual selves because their physical side is pulling them down.

So by getting into shape, you also raise the value of other aspects of yourself. Your physical body is healthier, your heart and blood are healthier, your brain gets healthier blood, therefore you think clearer and your mental faculties are sharper. You think clearer. Because you live healthier and get good sleep at night you are more productive during the day, especially at work. You have less sick days and are more valuable to your employer. You start to understand your worth to your employer, and if your employer does not acknowledge that you have the confidence to seek better employment....or even to seek out your dreams. And because you understand your worth, and your confidence has increased, and your enjoyment of life has increased, so has your spiritual side. You want others to feel this good too. You want to share yourself, your talents, your treasures with others. And by experiencing others pain, suffering, or disabilities, you appreciate your own health and good fortune much more. You won't take your health and your ABILITIES for granted anymore. And you continue to learn, grow, and experience more.

My studies and experiences in spirituality have made my experiences in the gym better. I am much more intune to my body because when I listen, I listen to my spirit too. Sometimes my body may be able to push the weight, but my mind is just not in it. And that alone could cause an injury if I'm not focused on what I'm doing. Meditation has helped my focus become more powerful. And working out in the gym has given me opportunities to experience energy in action, miracles, and events that test and push the limits of being human.