Athletic Capital

The Higher Purpose Project (Pilot)

Dan Adams — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 21:07:15 +0000

“The adult world is make believe. Roles and costumes, games and pretenses contribute to a vast story. When we become aware of it, we sense the artificiality of it all and feel, perhaps, like a child playing grown up. The entire edifice of culture and technology is built on stories, composed of symbols, about how the world is. Usually we don’t notice: we think it is all “for real”. Our stories are mostly unconscious. But the new edifice that will rise from the ruins of the old will be built on very different stories of self and world, and these stories will be consciously told. We will go back and play.”-Charles Eisenstein, Ascent of Humanity

MISSION: This project is a unique 3-month program specifically designed to discover your passions and greatest talents, help you overcome your fears and limitations, build authentic connections with fellow leaders, and give you the practical tools and strategies to create a life aligned with your highest purpose.

*A portion of all proceeds will go towards funding the Valhalla Movement led by co-founders Jordan Lejuwaan (High Existence) and Marc Coppola.

Click here to view the embedded video.

ABOUT: We are in the final stages of selecting a small pilot group to take part in our initiative and this program is unlike anything that exists today. It combines the best of online education with the excitement and emotion of an intensive, outdoor summit in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Our goal is to make this 3-month program both a turning point of your life and an experience you’ll remember forever.

This 3-months program will consist of:

1-month inner awareness training (through live webinars)
3-day intensive retreat in Big Bear Lake, California
2-month strategic life path course with weekly live Q&A calls with Phil and Dan.

You will have full guidance and support from Phil and Dan throughout the 3 month process. We will help you find your path and build a life aligned with your highest purpose.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Phase 1 (April 8- May 8):

The “Success Principles: Building The Inner To Manifest The Outer”

This phase will lay the foundation for the program. We will redefine what it means to “succeed”, change your relationship to fear, and teach you how to use your creativity and presence to be the change you want to see in the world.

This first phase of the training will consist of:

4 live 75-minute webinars, and a weekly “mission” consisting of:

Completing Weekly Exercises and Challenges To Confront Fears and Limiting Beliefs
Watching Inspiring Content
Building Authentic Connections
Finding A Reliable Mentor
Reading Informative Articles
Creating Vision Boards & Developing Awareness Of The Power of Perspectives

Over those 4 weeks, we will cover:

Week 1: The Journey Begins: Building The Inner To Create The Outer

Week 2: How To Answer The Call: Overcoming Fears And Stepping Into The Darkness

Week 3: Building The Structure: Creating The Conditions That Will Illuminate Your Path

Week 4: Living A Life Of Impact: How To Be The Change You Want To See In The World

In this part of the training you will learn how to live a happy and exciting life by using your gifts to make a positive impact on the world.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Phase 2 (May 10-12)

The Higher Purpose Summit – Big Bear Lake, California

This 3-day intensive retreat in Big Bear, California will help you find your deepest clarity, destroy your limiting beliefs, and unlock your ability to lead the life you’ve always wanted to live.

This event will take place at Camp Whittle, in an 8,000ft mountain range in the city of Big Bear, two hours outside of Los Angeles.

You will be surrounded by some of the most inspiring young leaders in personal and professional development in addition to sharing the experience with like minded peers who are committed to living their highest purpose.

Full accommodation, all meals, and transportation from LAX are included in the cost of the program.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It will be real, it will be raw, and it’s going to transform you.

A few of the confirmed speakers/facilitators for the event include:

Dan Adams: Co-Founder of Higher Purpose Project & Creator of ESPY Award Winning Mission Kilimanjaro

Phil Drolet: Co-Founder of Higher Purpose Project & Founder of Feel Good Lifestyle

Karen Lundgren: Conquered the Seven Summits And Succeeded In Bringing Her 13 Year Old Son To Top of Everest

Jordan Lejuwaan: Creator of the website High Existence and co-founder of the Valhalla Movement

Kyle Maynard: ESPY Award Winner, Motivational Speaker, Best Selling Author

Pat Solomon: Award Winning Film Producer, Director of “Finding Joe”.

Taylor Filaski: Winner of ABC Reality Show, Expedition Impossible and Avid Adventure Seeker.

Jay Ellis: Star of BET’s “The Game” and successful TV/Film Actor

Munishwarji Byazid Walking Tall: Healer, Teacher, and Creator of Temple of The Inner Self located in Atlanta, GA

Evan Clark: Co-Founder of Spectrum Experience

Jordan Romero: Youngest Person to Summit Everest (13) and Seven Summits (16)

You will learn directly from these leaders and get to interact one on one. You will see and feel exactly what it takes to do great things in the world and discover how you too can do it yourself (hint: it’s not as complex as you think).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Phase 3: (May 14 – July 14)

The Blueprint and Action Phase

For this part of the program, we’ve partnered up with a leading professional development company called ReWork.

The co-founders of ReWork are close personal friends of ours and we’ve brought them on board because they’ve created a phenomenal life development program called The Blueprint.

The Blueprint is a comprehensive, step-by-step, 8-week online training course designed to help you take control over the direction of your life and systematically discover…

• What you truly want in your life.

• What you have to do to get it.

• How to become the kind of leader who can combine work & play, creating exciting, challenging, and impactful opportunities for themselves and others.

The Blueprint is packed with cutting edge strategies, tactics, mindsets, resources, exercises, and exact scripts, all designed to do one thing: to help you take action and get results.

It’s a structured, concrete, and pragmatic training that’s been thoroughly tested with real students and professionals who are committed to living a life of impact.

Through these 8-weeks, Phil and Dan will host weekly live Q&A calls to help you navigate this journey and make the best possible decisions.

You will also be partner with an accountability partner who you will talk with each week during The Blueprint to make sure you are staying on track, taking action, and making progress.

You will be giving all the tools, guidance, and resources you need to truly succeed in this transition.

We are only accepting 30 participants for this first version of the program to create a tight-knit and intimate group, and WE WANT YOU TO BE PART OF IT.

The next version of this program will cost upwards of $1000, but for this pilot version we’re offering an exclusive opportunity. You can do the 3-month program, including the retreat, for only $495.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Why should I participate in The Higher Purpose Project?

Because we feel confident that once you start the course, you’ll see the value immediately.

We can’t in good faith guarantee that you’re going to live the perfect life by the time this course is over. To be totally honest, even if you do everything right, it might take longer than 3 months to create your dream career and a life path you’re passionate about.

But we will guarantee that if you go through this course, pay attention, and commit to putting what you learn into practice, you will see results.

You’ll have greater clarity over your interests and the direction you want to pursue, as well as what you need to become more competitive in your field of interest.

You’ll completely alter how you think and approach your life strategy in a way that will enable you to create any reality.

You’ll expand your network to include leaders aligned with your passions and then we’ll show how to create value with each connection.

And you’ll have confidence that you know what you need to do, both short-term and long-term, to reach your highest purpose.

Click here to view the embedded video.

So this is our personal promise, from our team to you:

If after going through the first 4 weeks of the course and taking the time to implement the things you learn, you feel that the knowledge and perspectives you gained were not worth the amount you paid, let us know before the Summit and we’ll refund your fee in full.

We’re aware that this guarantee is entirely subjective but we trust your judgment on whether the results you get is worth what you paid.

If you don’t see significant value in what you learn in this course, we’ll take responsibility for it. All you have to do is send us a quick email, and we’ll pay you back 100%.

So… are you ready to join us on this journey?

Do you want to stay on the track you’re on now, and hope for the best? Or do you want to take control of your life and give yourself every possible advantage in creating the best possible future for yourself?

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’re ready, join us today. Send me an email at Dan@AthleticCapital.com or call directly at 781.296.5806. Registration will most likely close by April 2nd. Be Your Own Hero

Building Within The Corporate World: Using The System To Create Your Path

Dan Adams — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:53:40 +0000

“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You trade in your sense for an act. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange, put on a mask. There can’t be any large-scale revolution until there’s a personal revolution, on an individual level. It’s got to happen inside first.” -Jim Morrison

Corporate America has been a part of achieving the “American Dream” for baby boomers for the past several decades and as our world has dramatically changed the vast majority of our population has refused to evolve. A steady job, paycheck, and pension were commonplace in the lives of millions of Americans, but with that stability came monotony and separation- endless tasks, meetings, and reports that sucked the life out of workers and revealed the illusion of their pursuit. This still exists today and many young adults venture into the corporate world to chase dollars and pay off student debt in an attempt to bridge the gap between the system of the old and the emergence of the New World. This will be an extremely difficult task for young generations to undertake, however, we now possess the “tools” to enact the change.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I, Derrick Deese, am a member of the corporate hierarchy; it is draining, time consuming, and doesn’t offer too many avenues for creativity. However, like many of those in my generation, I realize that happiness, independent wealth, and autonomy will not come from slogging through a corporate job for 20+ years. As a result I have learned to be creative inside and outside of the system. I believe it is imperative to maintain your autonomy as a creative individual – we all have that “inner artist” within, but for some its takes a little longer to peel back the layers to reveal it. As a young worker in corporate America, here are some ways to use the system to your benefit from those who have lived in your shoes. Are you willing to embark upon the journey? Be Your Own Hero

30 Valuable Insights To Maximize Time Within The System

Derrick Deese: Graduate of Georgetown University and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business (MBA). Currently working at Cargill in Minneapolis, MN while leading outside technology projects in mobile app development. (Life Path: 31/4)

1. Take time to find the things that give you the most enjoyment at work and spend most of your day focusing on those items (ie research, phone calls with customers, brainstorming, etc)

2. When you leave work, LEAVE WORK. Unplug and focus on you time. You sleep for 6-8 hours, are at work for 8-10 hours a day, and spend likely an hour commuting back and forth between work, leaving only a handful of time to yourself. Utilize every free moment.

3. Seek creative content/outlets outside of work to keep your mind active. This could be side projects, new hobbies, or even small things around the house such as building a table or chairs that accelerate personal growth.

4. Use the 50/10 rule: When you’re at work, set a timer and work for 50 minutes on a particular task. For the remaining 10 minutes, take time to do something completely different – meditate, get a glass of water, connect with a colleague on a non-work related topic. This will allow your mind to take a breather from the day-to-day tasks and constantly recharge throughout the day.

5. Connect with friends, old and new. During your time in the car home or on the train, make a phone call to a friend to connect. Human interaction has become sacred in the age of technology – it goes a long way and those conversations may spark ideas or change old perceptions, enabling you to overcome perceived barriers at certain stages of your life.

6. Log your thoughts: There are plenty of ideas that flow through our heads throughout the day, however, mot of the time we can’t remember them or don’t hold ourselves accountable to act on them. Buy a journal, take notes, start a blog to organize, and collect your creative content. We definitely recommend the online platform, Evernote, to help with this process.

7. Memorize something. Whether it’s a quote, or a short poem, try to memorize something that is meaningful to you each day. Memorization helps keep the mind sharp, and if the thing you’re memorizing is meaningful, then it will serve as a constant reminder that your purpose is bigger than your corporate job.

8. Reflect: each day, take 10 minutes (either before work or before bed) to reflect on what it is you’re doing. Why are you at work? Is your purpose to serve some giant conglomerate or to take the knowledge they can give you and do something more fulfilling? These are questions we all ask, but actually reflecting and figuring out what is the right path will be tremendous help in helping one achieve that path.

9. Save money to take a trip outside of the USA each year: As Americans, we often become complacent and very comfortable with our lives. We complain about every little thing that doesn’t go our way. Meanwhile, people around the world are going through challenges that make our problems look minuscule. Getting outside your comfort zone and traveling the world will give you a better appreciation of your life when you return. Some of my greatest insights, peaceful moments, and humbling experiences have occurred while traveling to places including India, Hungary, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and other countries around the world. Use these experiences to refresh, recharge, and reflect on what you have done and where you want to go.

10. Pay yourself first. One of the few good things about a corporate job is the steady paycheck. Having money is great. However, having a cushion that can serve for a rainy day, or when you choose to jump the proverbial corporate ship and venture out on your own is probably more important than that pair of shoes or that beer. So, each month, look to sock away 10% or so of EACH paycheck to a savings account. Not having this money will help you live below your means (which I advise) and also help you begin to build a nest egg for financial freedom.

Dan Adams: Worked from 2007-2011 at Sun Life Financial in Boston and created Athletic Capital LLC and the beginnings of Mission Kilimanjaro while within the corporate system. Dan is currently pursuing the medium of feature film while continuing to build Athletic Capital LLC. (Life Path: 25/7)

1. Learn to utilize social media & create connection within local communities: Social media has changed our World, allowing humanity to connect, share ideas, expand perceptions, and manifest visions at a far faster rate than anything experienced in human history. Spend an hour each day experimenting with new social media platforms to share your passions and connect with fellow creators aligned with your interests. I recommend the Apple One To One Program when working on personal projects outside of work and subscribing to various online tech magazines and websites for daily updates. If you want to provide value to your company while expanding your own abilities, volunteer to lead all corporate social media efforts. What was impossible yesterday has become possible today… Create

2. Seek out fellow creators that you admire and build lasting relationships via Social Media: If you could connect to anyone in the World, why not reach out to those that inspire you and learn from their experiences? There is nothing holding you back in this life except yourself. Embark upon the adventure.

3. Free yourself of gossip and mindless corporate conversation: I hated this the most while I was in Corporate America and it caused me tremendous suffering until I was able to see the bigger picture. Put head phones in, shut your door, or confront the individual compassionately to free yourself of negative energy. Take off your mask and stop playing the unconscious game. Life is precious, don’t let it go to waste playing a “role” in an illusory world.

4. Turn off the TV, stop going to bars, and focus on building authentic relationships within local communities: How many times are you going to repeat the same cycle to experience the same void in your life? If people spent a fraction of their time confronting their own fears and building their path rather than watching sports, hanging out at bars, consuming, and participating in other “escape” activities, their quality of life would RISE DRAMATICALLY. Go to interesting places that attract interesting people aligned with your highest vision. Focus on building authentic relationships through increasing your presence.

5. Invest money made in Corporate America in local creators and bringing visions to life: Every dollar you spend is a vote towards the world you wish to create. The greatest investment you can make in 2013 is helping creators bring visions to life that will enhance connection in the community and contribute to the evolving world. The perception of our current economy will soon collapse as will most of the structures associated with it. In my personal life, I have stopped investing in a 401k and have set up a fund to help those I believe in. Retirement is an illusion, LIVE NOW.

6. Use Mint.com to build awareness of expenses, change perspective of 401k (old world), and put money towards true passions: Eliminate all unnecessary expenses and save as much money as you can. By increasing personal capital, it will present you with the freedom to build your own path and help others who can influence positive change within our world. Mint.com is a great online resource that will give you an awareness of where your money is going and help you be more efficient in making daily choices. To be honest, I no longer believe in 401k’s and have decided to put all of my money towards building my path and investing in fellow creators. It is my opinion that the current economic structures will collapse in the years to come. It may not be a sudden event and could occur gradually, however, it will be inevitable consequence of the greed and separation created during the 20th century.

7. Confront a fear on a weekly basis: What are you afraid of doing? Go out and try something you’re afraid of to reveal your strength beyond form. By confronting fears it will reveal a new sense of authenticity and presence that will forever change the course of your life.

8. Build value within the corporate world by providing services aligned with your true interests: Do you enjoy marketing? Why not help the marketing department in your free time to understand the rules of the game? What are you interested in? How can you provide value to the corporation while expanding yourself? You’re a creator, not a product of your environment so be pro-active rather than reactive.

9. Go on “weekend wanderlusts” & embrace a beginner’s mindset: Embrace Nature and learn to get outside of routines and rigid perspectives. By learning to silence the mind and take things in anew, the quality of your life and work will improve dramatically. Bring like-minded people together and experience the world together. Collaborate and bring visions to life no matter how “silly” or “small” they seem. If you possess a beginner’s mindset in this life, meaning you’re willing to take the first step without being paralyzed by the fear of failure, you will learn exponentially faster than everyone else.

10. Treat all life experiences as merely a game: The process of associated with “becoming” is tremendously stressful if you fail to grasp the fact that all life is a game and external accomplishments will never complete you. Enjoy the process of creating and remember that if you take the game too seriously that the game will “play you”. There is a lot of truth in the metaphors associated with Peter Pan so think happy thoughts, play, and don’t get all caught up in corporate politics. Most people are unconscious of the game they play!

Blake Shubert: Worked from 2007-2009 at American International Group in Atlanta and took a leap of faith to co-found a nonprofit organization in Uganda, which he led for two and a half years. Blake is currently pursuing a mastery in Positive Organization Development & Change while working for a start-up called Roam in Atlanta, an innovative and collaborative workspace of the future. (Life Path: 37/10)

1. Be a change-agent through Courageous Principled Action: Organizational forms are frames for action. For example, bureaucracy enables accountability, discipline, obedience, and predictability. However, bureaucracy also constrains divergence, innovation, questioning, and adaptability. Embedded co-workers like yourself can engage in courageous principled action by drawing on the unfamiliar forms of action in a bureaucracy: divergence, innovation, questioning, and adaptability. Courageously acting against the norms in your system unlocks the possibility for change.

2. Practice humility: You know deep in your soul that you’re meant for more, yet it’s important to appreciate that for some co-workers in your company they are living their dream job. Having humility about your views on work and the future offers the opportunity develop empathy and more meaningful relationships with your co-workers.

3. Maximize corporate benefits and opportunities for personal growth: If a piece of your vision includes furthering your education, take full advantage of any tuition reimbursement program (very rare program outside of corporations). Being debt free equals more freedom for your true calling. Additionally, use company travel opportunities (minimal out-of-pocket expenses) as a way to explore and see new places.

4. Nurture like-minded relationships from within: Do you share a passion or dream with a co-worker? Use lunch breaks or time before and after work to process your thoughts and express your feelings on life between friends. Fostering fellowship at work will bring significantly more meaning to your day.

5. Gratefulness is key to being content in your circumstances: When you’re having a really hard day, remember the youth unemployment rate in Uganda is 83%. Reflecting every day on your blessings stimulates renewal.

6. Leverage your current job as a lab for experimentation: Take the time to assess your strengths and develop self-awareness. StrengthsFinder and The Reflected Best-Self Exercise are two excellent resources for developing awareness of your strengths. Focus on initiatives and opportunities at work that tap into your strengths.

7. 90% of leadership is Emotional Intelligence: Build your leadership capacity by cultivating Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management, the factors that make up your Emotional Intelligence. These skills are far more important to facilitate positive change than cognitive intelligence. Read Primal Leadership and Resonant Leadership.

8. Reframe how you view your work: – An appreciative mindset searches for the inherent potential in all things. What possibilities exist for you to learn and grow that you have not thought of? What seed can you plant today that could make the most difference to the future of your career? See the mighty oak in the acorn.

9. Find Positive Deviants within your organization to model: focus on the successful exceptions in your organization and not the failing norm. Look for co-workers who exhibit transcendent behavior (exceed expectations, overcome obstacles, and create opportunities). Connect with them and ask them to mentor and coach you. Take them out to lunch once per week to pick their brain.

10. Take advantage of every networking opportunity: Network within your organization to gain perspective on new possibilities. It’s often difficult at work to reveal your true abilities to co-workers unfamiliar with your job role. Networking breaks down barriers and allows other to see your character and potential in a more authentic way.

*Photography provided by Counse Broders (Atlanta, GA)

Do you have any insights on the tips above? Please feel free to provide feedback from your direct experiences. Be Your Own Hero

The 2013 Battle Of The Ages: The Nation’s Only FCS Alumni Game

Dan Adams — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:42:36 +0000

“Most of us are accustomed to be spectators and not partake in the game. We read books but we never write books. It has become our tradition, our national and universal habit, to be the spectators, to look on at a football game, to watch the public politicians and orators. We are merely the outsiders, looking on, and we have lost the creative capacity. Therefore we want to absorb and partake.”-J. Krishnamurti

2013 Holy Cross Alumni Game & First Annual Evening Reception

Date: Saturday April 13th, 2013

Location: Fitton Field (Alumni Game), TBD (Evening Reception)

Time: 7am-9am (Equipment Fitting), 930am-1045am (Pre-Game Practice), 1100am- Alumni Game

Game Day Agenda

7am-9am: Equipment Fitting and Dress- Please get to HC as early as possible so we can all get down the field to stretch and prepare for the game.

9:30am: Alumni Walk Through at Fitton Field- Walk through plays and catch up with other alumni. Over the past few years, we have developed a pretty decent playbook with play cards to ensure efficiency and success. Come ready to play and we will ensure things run smoothly on offense an defense. T-Shirts will be available for purchase to those making the effort to play in the game.

11:00am: Alumni Game at Fitton Field (weather permitting)- Buckle it up because it is time to show that you still have it. I look forward to defending our title for the third consecutive year and I want our team to be composed of individuals who are willing to have a good time and make some plays. A full write up of the game will provided and stats will be recorded in case you want to brag in Monday’s office meetings!

Click here to view the embedded video.

1:30pm: Holy Cross Spring Game Cookout- Please RSVP to Lu-Ann in the Holy Cross Football Office if you are taking part in this event.

6:00pm: First Annual Evening Reception & Alumni Happy Hour: I will create a worthwhile evening reception for alums to reconnect, network, and share the Holy Cross tradition. We will meet at Funky Murphy’s at 8pm (or immediately following the cookout) for those that wish to attend!

2013 Alumni Roster Class Position

Hector Reyes, Jr ’02 TE/FB
Danny Bluth ’09 WR
Mike McCabe ’10 OL/DL
Brian Gavin ’06 TE/FB
Sean Lamkin ’10 LB
Chris Poole ’09 OL/DL
Ryan McGuire ’09 TE/WR
Justin Maher ’08 WR
Aaron Jones ’10 OL/DL
Billy Edger ’09 WR
Luke Chmielinski ’11 WR/DB
Andrew Cialino ’10 LB
Dana Buglione ’08 OL/DL
Dan Adams ’07 LB
Mark Kelliher ’08 LB
Mike Bernazanni ’11 OL/DL
Brian Mauthe ’11 LB
Nick Cole ’10 WR
Randy Mariano ’92 DB
Andrew Jameson ’12 OL/DL
Rob Koster ’11 QB/WR
Mark Roman ’92 WR
Jerome Fuller ’92 RB
Ben Koller ’04 DB
John Carr ’04 RB/DB
Craig Derrell ’94 LB
Rory Glowik ’10 DL
James McLaughlin ’11 LB
Paul Scopetski ’69 OL/DL
Will Collins ’08 DL
Mude Ohimor ’11 DL
Scott Moody ’11 RB/WR

What will make the 2013 Alumni Game different from years past?

Announcing of Each Alumni Attendee w/ Class Year and Brief Bio (Pre-Game): Each alum taking part in the alumni game will be announced prior to the game and have an opportunity to run out on the field in front of friends, family, and all those in attendance.
Alumni Game Announced Play by Play Over Loud Speaker: The game will be much more entertaining and engaging with an alumni announcer commentating play by play over the loud speaker.
Full Alumni Roster & Brief Bio of Each Alum in Spring Game Program: Each alum will have the opportunity to take home a memento of their experience by being included in the official game day program.
The Return of Many Holy Cross Legends: I can’t guarantee direct participation in the Alumni Game, however, I can guarantee that there will be several Holy Cross legends in attendance that built the foundations of the program. I have a gift at locating people and I promise that I will pull out all stops in bringing the biggest names back to HC.
Full Article w/ Stats for Alumni Game will be included on GoHolyCross.com: Official bragging rights will be given to those who have the courage to show up. Your legacy will live on via GoHolyCross.com
Media Presence: I will reach out to local media to cover the alumni game which I believe will attract a lot of attention in the New England area. What other Div 1 program does this in the country? I truly believe we have some great stories on the team that could potential generate headlines across some large platforms.
Holy Cross Alumni Game MVP Trophy: I will purchase or create a version of “The Heisman Trophy” to give to the MVP of the Alumni Game. My idea is to copy the Heisman and paint it Purple, putting on Holy Cross Insignia on the front of it. I will create a name plate that will have the name of each year’s winner on the trophy. Trophy will be presented at the cookout…
Ring of Honor Nominees Announced: For alums in attendance, the Ring of Honor nominees will be announced for 2013.
Coach Gilmore (Addresses Alumni Game): Coach Gilmore will take a few minutes at the end of his speech to congratulate alums and share stats from the Alumni Game. This will also be the entry to announce the 2013 Holy Cross MVP.
HCGLC 90 Wide Mentorship Program: Mentors and current Holy Cross Football Players will have an opportunity to interact face to face and meet perspective family members/loved ones during the cookout immediately following the game. This will strengthen bonds between alumni and current players, enabling attendees to share stories and connect.
First Annual Evening Reception: I will create a worthwhile evening reception for alums to reconnect, network, and share the Holy Cross tradition. We will meet at Funky Murphy’s at 8pm (or immediately following the cookout) for those that wish to attend!

Travel & Accommodations

Booking a Cheap Flight: Please utilize ITA Software as a search engine to locate the cheapest flights into Boston area airports.
Getting The Best Deal on A Rental Car: Please utilize Priceline.com to bid on the lowest car rental rates which can be as low as $9.99/day
Booking a Cheap Hotel: Please utilize Bidding Traveler, Airbnb, and Couch Surfer if you would like to find a cheap place to stay in the Worcester area.

Discounted Rates For Upscale Worcester Hotels (Recommend going through Bidding Traveler to discount these rates further)

Beechwood Hotel: 2 Queens $152 ($75 pp), 1 King $168, Junior Suite $189 (20 Rooms Blocked Off)
Courtyard Marriott: $119/ night
LaQuinta Inn: $75/ night

For further information on ways to travel efficiently at low cost, please check out: Traveling On A Budget? 18 Valuable Insights

FAQ

Will I need to bring my own equipment? No, we will provide all basic equipment including a mouth piece, however, If you have your own equipment or want to bring items that will help you compete, please feel free. This will make the equipment manager’s job much easier.
I haven’t worked out and don’t feel that I can compete in the Alumni Game. I am too old! I understand that priorities change as we get older, however, it doesn’t take tremendous physical shape to take a few snaps. For those that wish to use this game as an incentive to get into shape, I have provided resources that can help you along: Performance and Leadership Strategies For The Aging Athlete. You are as old as your mindset… Can you imagine how proud your kids will be to see you run out on the field? That don’t care if you still run a 4.5, just the act of dressing out is heroic to them and I hope you will join us. We have a lot of young guys that can take the bulk of the reps.
Will there be an opportunity to connect with my buddies after the game? I will build an evening reception this year to really allow those that attended to reconnect and reflect on the day’s events. Please feel free to shoot me insights that you feel could better the alumni game experience.
Will I be able to wear my old number? If you provide me with this information and we have the jersey in stock, I will allow guys to choose numbers.
How many alums have played in year’s past? We usually range from 40-55 guys, so there will be ample opportunity to rest. We really need offensive and defensive lineman (big bodies) to step it up, so if you’re over 250 currently, we need you! Encourage your buddies to join us and let’s make this happen! The more guys we get the easier it will be for all of us.
Does the game and evening reception cost anything? I am in the process of assessing costs and will get back to you as soon as I finalize this information.
It costs too much to travel for this event, what are the most efficient ways to decrease travel costs? I recently wrote an article about the most effective ways to save money while traveling. Check it out: Traveling On A Budget: 18 Valuable Insights. No excuses!
I want to play, however, I can’t make it because of ________. Stop making excuses and bring your family to Worcester to relive your collegiate experience. You will really enjoy and I can promise it will impact your loved ones in positive ways.

RSVP via 2013 Alumni Game Facebook Event Page and through emailing Dan@AthleticCapital.com
Elements are subject to change and evolve with your feedback. Please feel free to share what would make you come back to Worcester for this event. “If you build it, they will come.” I am excited to build this with YOU.

2011 Alumni Game Recap (14-7, Alumni)

2012 Alumni Game Recap (21-7, Alumni)

Please feel free to contact me and give me your insight into how you would like the weekend organized. We will work together to make sure that this a great event for all those in attendance! I can be reached via cell at 781-296-5806 or by email at Dan@athleticcapital.com.

The 2012 Young Hero Holiday Gift Guide

Dan Adams — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:49:18 +0000

“Consumption calls upon no one’s gifts, calls forth none of anyone’s true being. Community and intimacy cannot come from joint consumption, but only from giving and co-creativity.”

Charles Eisenstein

The holidays are quickly approaching and during these times of connection and love, there is often an unconscious pull into the material realm. The art of “gift giving” can be a wonderful thing, however, we must be conscious of the bigger picture and spend our time and energies investing in our communities and local leaders. I wanted to put together a holiday gift guide for the “young hero”, the new generation of creators who will be responsible for the rebuilding of our World. This gift guide serves many different purposes, including the following:

Provide a useful gift resource for the evolution of young leaders. We all want to provide wonderful gifts, why not give something that has “real” value?
Bring attention to the creative work and services provided by “alchemists”, those who have made the conscious choice to bring their dreams to reality. It can be very difficult to confront the adversities associated with this conscious process, so why not celebrate those who have taken the leap to improve our world? “What you do unto others, you do unto yourself”
Bring awareness to the true importance of the holiday and allow readers to grasp their own highest potential.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Most Important Gifts You Can Give In 2012

1. Presence: The only thing that truly matters in this world is your degree of presence. This sounds like some holiday cliche, however, if you can grasp this concept on ANY level, it will forever change the course of your life. The greatest gift you can give when interacting with fellow human beings is merely a “space”, an opening through conscious love, compassion, and acceptance. All life is energy and if you possess a high level of presence you can transmute suffering and allow people to briefly experience their true self beyond illusion… Beyond the masks people wear on a daily basis.

2. Invest In Helping A Person Bring A Dream Come True: Introduce a loved one to Crowdrise.com or Kickstarter.com and show them how to create and fund their ideas. The greatest “high” in this life is being able to create a vision and bring other people into the new reality you have created. You can get them excited by becoming their first investor, empowering them to take the first step!

3. Focus on Connection & Share an experience with someone that pushes limits rather than providing commodities: Invest in experiences, not “things”. Everything goes back in the box so why spend all of your time identified with illusion? Share an experience that changes people’s perspectives and contribute to their personal growth.

4. Visit A Hospital or Homeless Shelter To Help Transmute Suffering: Don’t fear the suffering of others, transmute it. This can be a great spiritual practice where you can begin to see the transient nature of all things and help those who are being awakened to the bigger picture. Many people fear these places because they fear losing their perceived identity, however, if you can grasp the bigger picture through this type of experience you will help others in addition to helping yourself.

5. Invest in organizations in the community that are focused on building connection: The structures of our society are transitioning and the greatest investment that you can make at this stage is contributing to the efforts of young creators. Whenever you have an opportunity, invest in organizations and individuals that are focused on building connection within our world. The focus on financial transactions will become less and less prevalent as our society continues to evolve. Focus on what truly matters… Connection & Growth of True Self.

Great Organizations To Support That Will Rebuild Our Communities For The Better

1. No Barriers USA: Great 501c3 organization led by hero, Erik Weihenmayer, focused on confronting perceived limitations and fear to reveal true power. I highly recommend purchasing tickets to the 2013 No Barriers Summit in Telluride, CO this upcoming August. It will blow your change your life. I met Erik

2. The Mission Continues: Led by hero, Eric Greitens, Mission Continues (501c3) is an amazing organization that helps veterans find new ways to benefit society through pursuing passions. I TRULY BELIEVE that Eric Greitens will become a household name in the political realm over the next few years. He is a true life “Captain America”.

3. The Bold Academy: Led by hero, Amber Rae, The Bold Academy (LLC) is advertised as the “training school for super heroes”. Conducted in Boulder, CO, this place is an incubator for the new generation of conscious creators.

4. Feel Good Life Style (Super Hero Blue Print): Led by hero, Phil Drolet, the Super Hero Blue Print is an amazing interactive course that helps individuals realize their true potential. Phil is the real deal and will have a huge impact in the near future.

5. Valhalla & High Existence: Led by heroes, Jordan Lejuwaan and Marc Coppola, Valhalla is a self-sustaining community in Montreal that will contribute to the evolution of our society. Created through the principles of Charles Eisenstein’s Sacred Economics, saying this initiative is powerful is an understatement

6. Jonah & The Magical Attic Cafe (Atlanta Area): Led by Jenny Souper and Sheila Polstein, Jonah & The Magical Attic is one of the most amazing places I have ever experienced in the US. If you live in the Atlanta area, please purchase a gift certificate to the magical attic and let your world expand over great food, connection, and spiritual growth.

7. The Case Foundation: The “Be Fearless” initiative is very powerful and I think this organization will be a big player in the near future.

8. Soldiers To The Summit: Led by Charley Mace and Erik Weihenmayer, Soldiers To The Summit is an extension of No Barriers USA and a great initiative for veterans looking to find their inner strength. Soldiers To The Summit Director, Michael Brown, completed the documentary “High Ground” that is absolutely amazing!

9. K2 Adventure Foundation: Led by Kevin Cherilla and Kristen Sandquist, K2 Adventure Foundation, provides amazing experiences around the World will integrating powerful initiatives to help build self reliance in Third World countries. Kevin was the guide for Mission Kilimanjaro and did a wonderful job helping to bring the vision to life.

10. Four Seasons Wellness: Led by heroes Karen Lundgren and Paul Romero, Four Seasons Wellness, provides a variety of services and experiences to expand human potential. Karen and Paul led their youngest son Jordan to the top of Everest when he was 13 and have an intoxicating mindset that will have a major impact on clients.

Clothing & Accessories by Young Creatives With A Bigger Vision

1. Threads For Thought: Led by Eric & Leigh Fleet, Threads For Thought is an organic clothing company that contributes a portion of their profits to various charities that focus on sustainability and self reliance.

2. Out of Print Clothing: If you like books, look no further. Out Of Print Clothing reprints outdated book covers on form fitting clothing that allows people to become aware of powerful pieces of literature. A portion of profits is donating to providing books to Third World countries.

3. Bells & Bain: Led by hero, Jamie Silva, this clothing company provides a creative twist to active wear and leather accessories. Jamie was formerly a 1st Team Walter Camp All American and Indianapolis Colt that has transitioned his mindset to creative endeavors.

4. Sandra Wilson Accessories: Sandra Wilson is one of the most creative artists that I have met and I will support anything she does. Check out her amazing bracelets and pieces of art!

Top Ten Life Changing Books That Can Positively Impact

1. Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (I prefer this in audio format on my iPhone)-

2. Zen & The Art Of Making A Living by Laurence G. Boldt

3. No Excuses by Kyle Maynard

4. Sacred Economics by Charles Eisenstein

5. The Life You Were Born To Live (A Guide To Finding Your Life Purpose) by Dan Millman

6. The Adversity Advantage by Erik Weihenmayer & Paul G. Stolz

7. The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxley

8. Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

9. The $100 Startup by Chris Guilabeau

10. Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

Top Ten Life Changing Films That Can Positively Impact

1. Finding Joe (Directed by Patrick Solomon)

2. The Tree of Life (Directed by Terrance Malick)

3. The Fountain (Directed by Darren Arnofsky)

4. Legends Of The Fall (Directed by Ed Zwick)

5. Further Than The Eye Can See (Directed by Michael Brown)

6. A Fighting Chance (Directed by Takashi Doscher)

7. The Shawshank Redemption (Directed by Frank Darabont)

8. Life is Beautiful (Directed by Robert Benigni)

9. A Moment of Clarity (Directed by Kevin Cullen)

10. Hook (Directed by Stephen Spielberg)

Top Life Changing Health Boosters

1. Eat Right 4 Your Type (Peter D’Adamo): I have found this to be tremendously beneficial in my life and in the lives of others. Please experiment through your own direct experiences to come to a conclusion.

2. Stronger Faster Healthier: A wonderful supplement company run by hero, William Bunnell, that is contributing to a new awareness to what people are putting into their bodies.

Please feel free to add your own insights and wonderful gifts for 2012! Be Your Own Hero

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight December 2012: Patrick Solomon

Dan Adams — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:27:10 +0000

The Be Your Own Hero Spotlight Series on AthleticCapital.com is a new, monthly feature that showcases the stories of real-life “Heroes” — men and women who, while brandishing a defiantly positive and determined mindset, are pursuing their dreams in spite of potential adversity, criticism, cynicism, or being misunderstood by those around them. The individuals showcased in this series have different beliefs, goals, and mantras for how to live life, however, they provide valuable lessons in unlocking your inner potential. I am very blessed to have had these “heroes” come into my life and I hope their stories can help in your own personal journey.

he·ro 1. a man or woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his/her brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.

Patrick Solomon is a hero. An accomplished director in the commercial and action sports films industries, Pat made a conscious choice to create a life changing film called “Finding Joe“ that would bring attention to the hero’s journey and Joseph Campbell’s universal philosophies. Since releasing the film in 2011, Pat has received a tremendous response from the international community, impacting millions to take control of their life and discover the hero within. We are very fortunate to have met Pat along our path and encourage you to share his work with your friends and family. Be Your Own Hero

Click here to view the embedded video.

1. It seems that you have created a powerful path for yourself that is aligned with the “hero” archetype, being unafraid to venture into the unknown to bring a film to life that has the potential to awaken human potential in an unconscious society . How did discovering the Hero’s Journey and the power of storytelling change the course of your life?

I think the big discovery for me was that stories had a direct connection to my life and that when you recognize the pattern we call “the heroes journey” in stories, movies, novels etc you then begin to recognize it everywhere… in the news of the day, in your own life, in the lives of others. When you see yourself as being the hero in a story YOU are creating,the story of your life, suddenly everything makes sense… at least it did for me.

2. What are the most important take aways that you would share from Campbell’s philosophy?

I took away the “follow your bliss” mantra right away. The idea that I am naturally attracted to certain things and that I have talents in this area but not in that area…the idea that pursuing those activities that I really love and rejecting those that I don’t is a philosophy that just grabbed me.

3. How did the creation of “Finding Joe“ come about? Can you give readers a little background into your personal story and how you summoned the courage to embark on your own hero’s journey to bring “Finding Joe” to life?

The quick story is that I had been thinking of doing this film for about 10 years. I aways enjoyed the Bill Moyers interview with Campbell but even when it first aired I thought it felt dated. So, I always wanted to try something different… a more contemporary take on Campbell’s ideas. In the meantime I became a commercial director… had a wonderful mid- life crises and received a really horrible wake up call: both my parents died inside 3 weeks. I’m not sure why I took it as a “wake up call” to make the movie but I did.

4. In a modern culture void of myth, how important are super heroes to the evolution of human consciousness?

I don’t think the culture is void of myth. i think myth is everywhere and it’s easier to access than ever BUT culturally speaking, it is un-important. Unless you are brought up deep in religion or your a myth geek, no one cares. So, super heroes show up in movies and become the dominant mythic theme in the lives of many many people… and they have no idea. i would actually argue that it works both ways… really, super heroes are projections of the collective unconscious and if you look at them that way, it’s easy to see what the hopes, fears, dreams and dynamics are of our culture: We all want to be sexy beasts with shit loads of money and x-ray vision…lol My point is, be aware of who your heroes, heroines, villains and monsters are… it’s important to know why you worship them or why you hate them.

5. Do you think the hero’s journey can become a form of religion to current generations?

That’s an interesting question…Hmmmm. I think that being conscious that you are on a journey can be PRACTICE but I can’t see it as a religion.

6. Do we all have the ability to become our own hero?

We all have the POTENTIAL to become the heroines and heroes of our own stories.

7. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your own life experiences?

If by mind set you mean attitude then I can’t think of anything more important! Your attitude sets the tone for everything that happens to you and if you have a good one then good things will constantly be happening. Beware people with bad attitudes.. they are infectious.

8. Was there a particular “AHA!” moment in your life where you began to realize that by confronting your fears and “perceived” limitations that your potential was infinite?

I think I always knew that anything was possible. I believe that more than ever today.

9.What is the best way to empower others to take the first step in embarking on the journey?

Just tell them to watch Finding Joe…lol. Actually, this is a very important question! It’s why I made the movie, I wanted to inspire people to get going on their real journey before it’s too late. I think the best way to empower others is by example. If you are really living your truth then you will inspire the maximum number of others. I will say though that you have to be careful of pushing too hard. Everybody starts when they are ready and if you are pushing your loved ones too much it may backfire… I’m just sayin!

10. It appears that film has become the most efficient way to share the universal archetypes found in the hero’s journey. Do you believe this is a conscious decision made by the most powerful directors in Hollywood when crafting the story board?

I believe that most (but not all) big budget films are consumer driven in deference to the director. So the script is tailored to, and driven by, the appetite of the masses … like fast food. Why else would you pay 10 bucks for 10 cents worth of popcorn?

11. Do you believe in Jung’s collective unconscious and universal archetypes that connect our World?

I believe that a collective unconscious exists and that there are common archetypes for men and women that can be found all over the planet. I think once you are aware of them, your possibilities of being expand.

12. I have discovered through my own personal experiences that the most dangerous part of the hero’s journey is becoming attached to external outcomes which always leads to suffering and disillusionment. Do you have any special practices that help you avoid the duality trap once you succeed in achieving a particular goal?

Actually, I fall into the duality trap quite often… I think it just goes with being married and having kids…LOL! The key is to recognize when it’s happening. I feel most most tense when I am focused on a specific outcome instead of just enjoying the process… does that make sense? Better to just enjoy the journey of getting there than the actual destination.

13. How has your life changed as a result of “Finding Joe“?

I don’t think you can make a movie like this and not be changed. I interviewed 35 people and each one was a wealth of wisdom! and then listening to those words back in the edit bay for a year was like having that wisdom drilled into your head… of course my thick skull needed a large drill Overall, I think I have a little more clarity about what is important in life and what is not. I try to spend more time with the people I love and engaged in the activities I love. and it’s easier to say no to activities and people that may derail my bliss.

14. If a person had no previous interactions with Western society, it would be easy to recognize our culture’s obsession with “form” upon being integrated. How do make people aware of the unconscious (unseen) World that is responsible for all the “lesser” manifestations we identify with? Is this possible in a culture that is fueled by consumerism?

How do you make people aware? It’s the big question!! it’s like the old “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it”. To become aware of the unconscious world there has to be a desire to know. I don’t think you can intentionally make someone aware if they don’t really care to be. However, a crises is usually a good wake up call. When people are in crises they are more open to ideas that could help them out of that crises. It’s really difficult if not impossible to make a horse drink water if it doesn’t want to!! However, you can have water at the ready so when the horse finally does get thirsty, it doesn’t have too far to walk for a drink.

15. I find it interesting that the greatest contributors to human civilization have always realized the power of the universal Self. Do you believe that a universal energy (Muse) begins to work through these “artists” once they reach this heightened level of awareness? Have you found this to be true in your personal life?

Certainly in my case the more “aware” I become, the more effortless film making becomes. There were times while I was making Finding Joe that I felt more like an instrument and that something else was guiding me.

16. The best piece of advice I ever received focused on redefining the concept of fear in my life. Rather than shying away from an experience when you feel an emotion of fear, you should go right at it, embracing the emotion to reveal the perceived illusion. Have you found this to be true in your own life?

Again, I think that the same holds true in personal life. In fact you get to a point where there is no such thing as a personal life or an artists life it’s all just life! and it’s all creative and it’s all wonderful. Except when it sucks… then you have to do some work to get back on track.

17. Are there any books, documentaries, or articles outside of Campbell’s work that have had a huge impact on your life that you feel could positively influence the younger generations?

I would just recommend that you make a very conscious effort to read and view ONLY things that will inspire you or instruct you. More importantly, I recommend that you AVOID reading and viewing things that re-inforce illusions or things that make you smaller. Most television, including the news, is this way. If the intention of what you are watching is to shock you or WOW you then turn it off or throw it out!

Please be sure to purchase a copy of Finding Joe for Christmas to support Patrick’s contribution to our evolving World. Your loved ones will definitely thank you later! Connect with Finding Joe on Facebook and on Twitter! Be Your Own Hero

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight November 2012- Stephanie Torres

Dan Adams — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:58:38 +0000

Stephanie Torres is a hero. An exceptional photographer based out of Southern California, Stephanie has the rare gift of “sight” that very few will grasp in this lifetime. Athletic Capital stumbled upon Stephanie’s work this past year through fellow hero, Jordan Lejuwaan, and was completely blown away by her level of creativity and heightened awareness displayed in her work. A constant seeker of adventure, Stephanie will be taking part in her own “wanderlust” throughout the reminder of the year in Asia. We strongly encourage you to follow her adventures and support her work through InfiniteSatori.org! Be Your Own Hero

Life Path: 43/7, Connector Of The Seen & Unseen World

1. You have succeeded in bringing large scale visions to reality, founding your own photography company (Infinite Satori) and making a conscious choice to travel the World. What are your short and long term goals moving forward?

My goals aren’t necessarily specific. My priority right now is to travel to as many places possible as I continue developing my photography network. My goal is to become location independent so I can continue to do photography as I wander through the world. It would be a great thing to get paid doing what I love as I travel, but to touch hearts all over the world, move people to tears, inspire and reignite their creative spirits, and enlighten their souls through my art. That’s the main goal/dream I feel I need to live by. All other goals will be created as I go.

2. How did the founding of InfiniteSatori.org come about? Can you give readers a little background on the concept of “satori” and how you choose to pursue your own path?

Around Christmas of 2011 I had an epiphany. I came to realize that this is what I want and need to do: Follow my dreams. Follow my bliss.

My plan was to transfer to a university to finish my last two years of college to get a BA degree. I wanted to do some photography on the side and maybe travel during breaks. But mainly focus on getting that degree. That sheet of paper that says “Hey look I guess I did something with my life?”. Because that’s what everyone told me I should do. Because it’s a system that everyone follows and society has accepted it as the common path towards “success”. Then I found myself asking this question (again): Is this what you really want? The answer is a solid “No!”. I want nothing more than to travel around the world and take pictures. At the same time I want to inspire people through my photography and words. I want to help them, heal them, teach them, and share with them the infinite love that I have for the universe that is nurtured by my soul each day that passes by. For the longest time my heart had told me that I need to do what I love. But I kept ignoring it because I thought I needed to do what I was told to do, that I needed to satisfy others expectations. Then I finally woke up. I’m going to live my dreams. I’m going to do what I love. I’m going to follow my bliss. Through my blog, InfiniteSatori.org, I will document my journey to self-discovery, traveling around the world, wanderlust in photographs, path to following my dreams, epiphanies, inspirational binges, and the Pursuit of Satori. This blog is not only for my own self-discovery.. it is dedicated to YOU. I created it in the hopes that it will inspire each and everyone of you to reinvent yourself, your life, create your own path, realize the immensity of your existence, do what makes you happy, run after your dreams, live your life moment by moment, and to follow your bliss.

The concept of Satori is this: Do you know that unexplainable feeling you get.. that sort of natural high when you look at everything and it all seems surreal and you feel like you’re in a movie? You can see and feel everything but it’s as though you can’t be touched. That feeling of pure bliss, with the perfect song, and the perfect scene, and the perfect people. When you feel the most alive. Such a feeling that moves you, and renders you speechless. At that moment you are dazed and you wouldn’t choose to be anywhere in the universe but where you are. That infinite feeling, in those fleeting infinite moments. The influx of thoughts, emotions, attachments suddenly replaced by an arising of inner spaciousness. No mind. Just universal bliss. That sudden fleeting moment of enlightenment called Satori.

Through my love for photography I found an outlet where I can take that infinite Satori moment, hold it in my hands, and show it to people who may or may not know that feeling and be moved by it. I want people to see what I see whenever I have my eyes open or closed. I want them to feel at least a bit of what I feel or what others feel in that infinite moment because I know everyone has those moments, they just forget about them. They don’t savor each millisecond enough. Maybe because they are late for a meeting. Maybe because their child spilled hot chocolate on the couch. Maybe because they realized that they are a day late with paying their bills. Maybe because the mundane routines of life interrupts us from feeling the capacity of what human beings are able to feel. Nevertheless, this is why I chose photography. Because I want that infinite moment to be frozen and caught in an image. No matter how many years pass and people forget about their infinite moments, at least they’ll have it in photographs.

3. Was it difficult breaking out of patterns of social conditioning while the vast majority of people your age were consumed with getting good grades, partying, and landing a stable, corporate job upon graduation? What advice would you give to students who are starting to look outside the box?

It was difficult because these patterns are part of our society and have been instilled in our brains since the cradle. It’s always difficult breaking out of the comfort zone. Whatever you are doing.. if you are not challenging yourself or taking risks you are in your comfort zone. It’s so easy to just stay within it because it’s familiar and gives you a sense of security. You know what to expect so you’re not burdened by the dark infinite abyss called the unknown.. but do you really want to live your life that way?

I’ve realized that all the risks that I’ve taken in life, especially within the past couple of years, has led to so many serendipitous moments and beautiful experiences. Whether it was from getting out of a serious ego-driven relationship, going on a spontaneous adventure, deciding to not finish college so I can pursue my dreams.. nothing bad came out of it. I became stronger, braver, and my life became so much better than it was before I took that risk.

But before I took those risks, I got stuck in that stage of excuses, fears, and justifications as to why I shouldn’t do it. I get scared, anxious and high doubtful about the risk that I need to take. And that’s the most important obstacle one must conquer:

Excuse # 1: I would love to do that but what if it doesn’t work out then what would I do?

Answer: What if it does? You wouldn’t know unless you tried now would do?

Excuse # 2: Yes but I’m too scared to do this.

Answer: Fear is an illusion your mind created. It’s not your reality. What your reality is the fact that you want to do it. If you stay with that reality in your head, then the fear will go away and whatever it is that you want will become your reality.

Excuse # 3: What about the life I’m leaving behind? My job? My friends and family?

Answer: That life that you are leaving behind is your comfort zone. Imagine all the beautiful souls you will meet, the breathtaking places, and the amazing experiences you will have once you take the leap. You must always be adaptable to change.

Excuse # 4: But all my friends and family are telling me not to do it..

Answer: Whoever discourages you from getting something that you want is speaking through their ego-based fears. Maybe it’s because they too, have attempted to get out of that comfort zone but ended up getting pulled back in, or maybe they went after their dream but gave up right when they were extremely close it. Nevertheless, don’t listen to them. Don’t make their words your reality. IT’S YOUR LIFE. If you feel the need to get out of the comfort zone go do it. If you what to chase after what makes you happy then do it. The possibilities are endless.

Excuse # 5: I’m risking everything though.. what if I end up with nothing after taking this risk?

Answer: In order to truly live, to fully experience what the universe has to offer, we must always take risks. Always. It’s part of change. Of evolution. Of being a human being. Of living in this beautiful world full of infinite possibilities. The only thing holding you back from getting what you what and what you truly deserve, is YOU. Believe in the simple thought that everything will be okay and it will be. The first step is getting out of that comfort zone. And keep a strong positive mind. After that the universe will work its magic. And everything else will fall into place.

SO DO IT. Take that risk, that leap of faith, dive into the abysmal unknown as it will open doors to incredible opportunities and infinite possibilities.

4. What has pursuing your dreams taught you about yourself? About Others? About Life?

It has taught me a lot about the power of belief. Set your mind to it and whatever dreams you have it will come true. It may sounds slightly redundant but it rings so much truth. If you visualize it in your head all the time, eventually it will happen. This comes along with hard work, persistence, optimism, determination, and a constant positive mindset. Once you step our of your comfort zone and set out to do achieve or do something, despite all your fears, the universe conspires to make it happen for you. It will continue to open up doors where there were none.

5. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your own life experiences? Was there a particular “AHA!” moment in your life where you began to realize that by confronting your fears and “perceived” limitations that your potential was infinite? Do you believe that all people have the ability to “become their own hero”?

I’ve realized this over the past couple of years. From battling major depression, to turning my life around 180, getting out of an ego-attachment based relationship and being the happiest that I’ve ever been just being single, to being physically inactive to working out everyday and constantly pushing my limitations, to not being able to meditate for 30 seconds then being able to do it multiple times a day everyday, to breaking out of the common path and creating my very own.. I’ve come to realize that the human potential is infinite. In order for people to fix their life situations and they have to fix what’s within. You have to start taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is important to continue to push yourself and your limitations, to face your fears and do it as it is to only way to extinguish them. Anybody can become their own hero, you have to realize that you are human and you have the immense potential to mold yourself into becoming who you want to be and to turn your dreams into plans and make them come alive. There are no limits to the power of the mind and the human spirit.

6. Following your dreams has allowed you to experience some pretty amazing things at a young age. Is there a particular event or experience that has proved to be the most rewarding?

I feel as if everyday is rewarding. Yes there are days that are better than the others. Then there are some days when I’m not feeling as optimistic or inspired, but I’m grateful regardless. The best days are when I am traveling and going to a place I’ve never been before. Doing something I’ve never done before. Doing something I fear. Or when the universe opens doors for more opportunities. Or when people message me and tell me that my words and images have inspired them or that I’ve changed their life in a way. Or when I’m running as I witness a miraculous sunset before my eyes. Or when a flock of birds fly past me as I’m swimming in the ocean. Or that blissful natural high get a second right before I press the shutter as my heart knows it will be the perfect moment, then seeing this miraculous perfect moment come alive again and frozen in a pixelated frame after. The most rewarding experiences are in the smallest and simplest things to be, a perfect reminder of why I am alive and what my soul’s purpose is. In a way I feel as though I am living my dream already as I am working my way to it, if that makes sense. I’ve come to realize that these experiences are the ones that serve as the most rewarding, the ones that come right before your dreams come alive.

7. What are the greatest lessons that you have taken from your experiences as a photographer? How have you incorporated these lessons into your life outside of work? Is there any difference between the two?

The greatest lesson that I have ever learn in photography is to be present. To be here, now. That’s what photography is all about. I look through the viewfinder and instantly I am connected to the camera, to my subject, to my surroundings, to my body, to my emotions, to my subject’s emotions, everything all at once. The camera becomes the extension of my eyes and my soul channels through it. And I am in the moment. Everything else fades away. There is no time but now. I am capturing the very essence of that moment, that person, that emotion. I apply this to my life as much possible. It’s easy to get caught up in the illusion of time, in the past and the future because that’s what the ego likes to cling onto. But like being a photographer, if we could just pull ourselves in that moment and focus on nothing else then everything else fades away and there’s nothing else to live for but that moment.

8. I have found in my own life that my greatest achievements often come as a result of confronting some of my greatest fears/obstacles. What have been some of the biggest obstacles that you have had to confront to this point in your life? Do you have any special practices that help you with confronting adversity?

The biggest obstacle that I had ever overcome was depression, something I had battled since I was 15. I was the complete opposite of who I am now. Throughout my depression, on the surface I seemed mostly happy but in reality I was angry, lonely, pessimistic, selfish, clingy, insecure, and dependent. And I struggled with it throughout a serious ego-driven relationship. Since I broke up with my ex-boyfriend I finally came out of my depression, I got back into yoga then started meditating, shortly after that my life completely changed. I learned how to control my thoughts and emotions, I learned how to be alone and for the first time became happy with myself and my life. This is the happiest I have ever been in my entire life and it’s not because of a person or thing, but because I’ve found genuine happiness and infinite love within me. Meditation and yoga has expanded my consciousness, revitalized my soul, and healed my heart.

9. Are there any books, documentaries, or articles that have had a huge impact on your life that you feel could positively influence the younger generations? What do you recommend in trying to find the beginnings of one’s path?

Books like The Little Prince, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Alchemist, Tuesdays With Morrie, etc. have impacted my life. One book that blew the dust out of my eyes was Midnights With The Mystic by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. Through this book I was introduced to my ego and my inner self. It woke me up from a deep slumber and nurtured my soul at a very crucial point in my life. Amidst a huge break-up and major depression I had been battling since I was 15, it showed me light. Next came The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This one changed my life completely. It depicts everything that I had been experiencing for the past few years. And spoke to me in a way that resonated so deeply within me that it shifted my perception on myself, life, and everything within it. I couldn’t have read it at any better time in my life as it helped pull me out of my depression and inspired me immensely. I learned how to meditate, and did it multiple times a day, and got back into yoga. one story short.. I put the pieces of my life back together.

10. What changes do you feel must be made by younger generations to better the world we live in? If you could teach a child one thing, what would it be?

The first change that must be done is within oneself. You can’t better the world if you can’t better yourself. Above everything, love yourself. Once you have done that you are capable of spreading this love to others. In this way you are making the world a better place to live in. This universal love will radiate through you, them and everything you do. Imagine a world wherein all love themselves enough that they want to share that kind of love to others.

I’d teach children to love but they already know how to love. I’d teach them how to create and imagine but they are born to create and imagine. I’d teach them to be themselves but children are already themselves. I’d teach them to dream big but children dream the biggest. If anything I’d teach them to always remain a child at heart, because you lose that as you get old. People tend to forget the innate curiosity, imagination, infinite love, and ultimate freedom that comes with being a child. So I’d teach a child to always be a child no matter how old they are and no matter where they’ll be. I’d teach to always be the curious, adventurous, loving, free spirited dreamers that they are.

Would you like to support Stephanie’s amazing vision and passion? Please contact her via InfiniteSatori.org to set up a personal photo shoot to experience her amazing presence in person. Be Your Own Hero!

Creating “Your” Story: The Power of Vision Boards

Dan Adams — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:53:49 +0000

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”-Patanjali

I am a big believer in writing down goals and since graduating in 2007, have written extensively about the power of personal vision boards. In my own life, I carry a composition notebook everywhere dubbed ”The Dream Book” to help capture insights when the “muse” works through me. I have found the emergence of heightened states of creativity to be the direct result of detaching from the mind, causing the greatest insights to come while running, exploring, or spending time in nature. To combat the problem of forgetting these insights, I often wear a backpack with my “dream book” tucked inside during workouts and outdoor adventures.

At this very moment, we are all consciously or unconsciously creating our lives and I hope the insights below will empower you to embark upon the hero’s journey. The time is now. Be Your Own Hero

Dreamer vs Alchemist- (Links That Can Help You Bring Your Vision Board To Life)

I am not a big fan of “scientific studies” or formal education, however, I thought the statistics illustrated below were startling enough to share.

Several studies have shown that a written goal is more likely to be achieved than one that is merely talked about. For example, in a 1954 survey was made of individuals graduating from Yale University. It found that only 3 percent had definite written financial goals; 10 percent had a clear idea, but had not written it down; 87 percent had no ideas of their goals. Twenty years later, these Yale graduates were again interviewed. The 3 percent who had written goals had made more money than all the rest combined.- Laurence Boldt, Zen & The Art of Making A Living

I was inspired through a recent interaction with Sarah Peck and made the decision to transition the goals in my dream book to this website so readers can see the conscious process that goes into creating “my” life. We all share this magnificent ability if we’re willing to detach from identification with “form” to realize the infinite power within. What are the possibilities? Only one way to find out…

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.

GENERAL (UPDATED OCTOBER 2012)

I want to devote my life to teaching, living, and evolving Campbell’s philosophy of the hero’s journey in an attempt to free myself from fears and perceived limitations associated with duality. Through confronting my own internal obstacles, I will help free others from unconscious pain which will lead, even if on a small scale, to the evolution of our world.
Create a life path that enables me to live simply, travel the World, and embark upon any journey that I feel will expand my abilities (no matter how crazy it seems on the onset)
Be a connector of the seen and unseen worlds, serving as a universalist that can explain connections between all things. Mold my life in close association with Da Vinci, Emerson, Huxley, Einstein, Campbell, Krishnamurti and other universalists who sought to understand the power behind human form.
Be a connector of powerful human beings that I attract into my life and contribute to the creation of the “New Earth” outside the scope of current political, financial, and religious institutions.

CAREER

Build a company that empowers people to embark upon the hero’s journey and experience the magnificence of this life
~~Create an annual summit (The Higher Purpose Project) that brings young heroes I have met around the globe to one location to collaborate, create, and evolve our world.~~
Set up consultative service that enables me to utilize my talents building experiences and connecting people so I can help young creators bring large scale dreams to reality.
Create my career consciously so work and play are synonymous. Use interactions with unconscious clients as a spiritual practice to confront my own internal issues. Live the life of Peter Pan in Never Never Land

FILM & MEDIA (21st Century Mythology)

Break into the film industry as a writer/producer to share powerful messages through the new medium of mythology (film)
~~Be cast in a feature film aligned with my beliefs (core message)~~
Be cast in a speaking role of a feature film aligned with my beliefs (core message)
Be cast in a supporting role in a feature film aligned with my beliefs
Be cast in a lead role in a feature film aligned with my beliefs
~~Be cast in a lead role in a documentary aligned with my beliefs~~
~~Be cast in a feature role on a reality show~~
Produce and write my own film
Be a part of a film crew for a feature film (Production Assistant, 2nd Assistant Director, Assistant Director, etc)
~~Work in some capacity on the movie, Prisoners, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman to develop relationships with both actors~~

WRITING

Publish a book before the age of 31, detailing the hero’s journey in the 21st century and explaining the universal nature of all things. I don’t want the book to focus on external accomplishments (self actualization), but on showing people how to embark upon the journey. Think Laurence Boldt, Joseph Campbell, Aldous Huxley rolled into one.
Publish an e-book before the age of 29
Publish an article for a major website that I feel is helping our world
Write at least 2 pieces a month on AthleticCapital.com sharing key insights discovered on the hero’s journey

FINANCIAL

Create enough wealth to travel around the world and invest in projects I would like to bring to life
Purchase a small condo with fire place, high ceilings, large oak community dinner table, and tons of book shelves
Repeat the process above in different places around the world (Scandinavia, Nepal/Tibet, & South Africa)
~~Always have a $10,000 emergency fund to draw upon if needed~~
Create wealth, however, avoid becoming identified with external possessions (nothing is mine, it all goes back in the box)
Donate/invest in non-profit and individuals that empower self accountability, creativity, and compassion

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Execute a full standing back flip
Learn a second language by being immersed in another culture
Learn to play a musical instrument (guitar or piano)
Learn to read and write in Vedic Sanskrit
Compete on American Ninja Warrior (NBC) & WIN

MOVEMENT (Physical + Athletic Goals)

Swim from Alcatrez to San Francisco Shore (Sarah Peck Inspired)
Complete a triathlon
Climb Everest
~~Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro~~
Climb Mt. McKinley & Mt. Rainer
Always remain in great shape through making conscious food choices and seeking the adventure
~~Try to walk for at least 2-3 hours twice a week~~
~~Spend 30 consecutive days on the streets to free myself of the fear of homelessness~~
~~Weight Train 4x a week while listening to Eckhart Tolle’s teaching as a spiritual practice (presence)~~
Incorporate blood type diet (AB-) for the rest of your life or until proven otherwise from direct experiences
Skydive

TRAVEL

Travel to every state in the US (19 Remaining:Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Mississippi, Hawaii (Territory)
Live in a foreign country for at least 90 consecutive days
Incorporate more travel into career (travel at least 3 x month by air to different work destinations)
Visit Sweden and Nordic countries with Charles More
Backpack Patagonia
Purchase flight to Iceland
Explore Belize, ATM (San Ignacio)
Explore Tibet & Nepal (Stay in buddhist monastery for at least 7 consecutive days)
Visit Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Visit Glacier National Park (Montana)
Visit Joshua Tree National Park (SoCal)
Visit Zion National Park (Utah)
Attend “Burning Man” in Nevada in 2013
Travel to Belize and dive in the ATM caves

*Please note that external goals will never bring fulfillment and I am conscious to never identify who I am with my accomplishments. This is the core delusion within our society. It is my core belief that if you push your physical and mental capacities while refusing to succumb to duality, the higher powers will use you as a vehicle to deliver powerful messages important to the evolution of our world. Do you have the courage to embark upon the journey, to lose the false self you have identified with? Be Your Own Hero

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight September 2012- Jared Calvert

Dan Adams — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:26:26 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jared Calvert is a hero. A pilot and seeker of adventure, Jared had a childhood dream of flying through all 48 States in a personal aircraft. In 2009, Jared stumbled upon an abandoned Piper J3 Barn Cub that had not flown in 59 years. With little money to purchase a new plane, Jared made the conscious choice to disassemble the Barn Cub piece by piece and rebuild it from the ground up (See Full Story). After 3000 hours of sweat and perseverance, Jared successfully completed the restoration and began the first leg of his 48 State Tour.

A few months into his adventure, Jared was forced to confront setback as he encountered mechanical trouble during take off and crashed, narrowly escaping with his life. Unwilling to quit, Jared spent several months recovering from his injuries and was provided with a replacement plane to complete his journey. As of October 2012, Jared continues the last leg of his journey to complete his dream of flying to all 48 States. Please follow his adventures on his website, www.rangerairfield.org. Be Your Own Hero!

1. You have taken on a lofty goal of flying to all lower 48 States with a small plane that had not flown in 59 years. What inspired this journey? What message would you like to convey to those following you through accomplishing this dream?

The idea of flying America came to me not long after turning 18 and there was no doubt it had to be done with a Piper Cub. Just a few months later I was in the burn unit for treatment at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. My priorities changed during that experience. I had a newfound fear of dying and not knowing I lived. At that moment I chose to pursue my dream.

When I found the Barn Cub in 2009 I decided my dream would become reality. A Cub is about as basic, yet practical, as you can get. Designed in 1937, the Cub’s little Continental produces 65 horsepower, carries 12 gallons fuel, and lacks a starter. They are simple and fun, especially when you fly door open. I can’t imagine a better mount to explore America.

2. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your own experiences? Was there a particular “AHA” moment in your life where you began to realize that by confronting your fears and “perceived” limitations that your potential was unlimited? Do you believe that all people have the ability to become their own hero?

Mindset is everything. I’ve learned through observing others that motivation and confidence are fragile. That if one loses either they seem difficult to regain. I’ve done my best to fight obstacles with perseverance knowing that the difficult times will pass and counting on the sacrifices being worth it.

While climbing this mountain, I’ve become content with who I am and my actions, thus finding true happiness. I found myself along this journey and encourage others to do the same. Find joy in life, and others will find joy in you.

3. The degree of perseverance you have exemplified in rebuilding the Piper Cub upon discovery and then making the decision to rebuild it again after crashing is remarkable. What have been some of the biggest obstacles that you have had to confront to this point in your life? Do you have any special practices that can help others confront obstacles to bring visions to reality?

I speak of responsibility often. If you say you are going to do something, do it. I established a goal and from then on it was as though I had a contract with myself. Not reaching my goal would’ve been a failure to no one else but me, but that alone helped to keep me going.

I was also very fortunate to have a wonderful partner during the restoration of the Cub. She kept me going at times when I was just about to run dry. After the crash in Ohio I was devastated, and I still struggle with the loss, but I couldn’t quit. I took off in another Cub weeks later to continue the trip. To quit would’ve been to fail, and not failing is winning.

4. What are the greatest lessons that you have taken from the Piper Cub Journey? How have you incorporated these lessons into your life outside of flying?

People offering help and my acceptance along the way made this possible. A man I met on this trip, who is now a dear friend, hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine when he was 58. He said no one can hike the trail without help from others. Their term is “Trail Magic.” At the time I was just a few states into my journey and he was allowing me to stay with him in his hangar home. I was receiving trail magic from him and he said someday it would be my duty to provide it to others. Of course, without my determination and hard work, my dream would’ve remained a dream. But without the help of others, from removing the Cub from its barn home of 59 years, to the restoration, to the beds along the way, my dream would’ve remained just that.

Helping others with what you can provide, and accepting what they can provide, has been the outstanding lesson I’ve learned along the way.

5. What do you think holds so many people back from pursuing their passions and confronting the adversities along the way? What is the best way you have found to empower people to take that first step?

Simply not thinking you can and accepting limitations leads to failure. If one jumps into a project responsibly, there are few reasons one should fail. Illness or responsibility to others are two reasons on that short list. No road is easy. Some can be easier than others, but no road is easy. If you jump in responsibly you already know there will be challenges ahead. And when those challenges arrive you’re ready and able to maneuver around them.

6. Are there any books, documentaries, or articles that have had a huge impact on your life that you feel could positively influence the younger generations?

The building and oceanic flight of the Spirit of St. Louis can inspire. Charles Lindbergh’s book of the same name describing the journey details how remarkable achieving his goal was.

7. What does a typical day in the life of Jared Calvert look like? What are your passions outside of flying?

I’m into everything. Antique cars, vintage tractors, following our troubled political system, trying new beers, having lunch with complete strangers. Whether it’s restoring an airplane that last flew when Truman was president or baking a red velvet cake from scratch, I’m passionate about everything I do.

8. What changes do you feel must be made by younger generations to better the world we live in? If you teach a child only one thing, what would it be?

I would teach responsibility. Teaching responsibility at an early age helps encourage integrity later on.

Please continue to follow Jared’s adventures at www.rangerairfield.org. Be Your Own Hero!

Be Your Own Hero Forum & Coaching Series: 10.25.12

Dan Adams — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:41:48 +0000

Date: Thursday October 25th, 2012

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: The Atlantic (Atlanta, GA)

Guest Speaker: Takashi Doscher (Film Director/Writer)

Takashi is an award-winning writer/director from Atlanta, GA. His previous directing efforts have premiered in international film festivals, won National History Day competitions in 2003 and 2004, and entertained live audiences of over 50,000 people. A Fighting Chance, his first feature documentary, premiered on ESPN in November 2010 and in a 2-week sneak preview launched as the #1 Film and #1 Documentary on Hulu. His work has been featured and discussed in the Washington Post,MovieFone, IndieWire, Fancast, Short of the Week, and Director’s Notes, among others.

What is Athletic Capital?

Athletic Capital represents the appreciated value of individuals forged in the arena of sport, built through blood and sweat while expanding mental and physical capacities. Our organization harnesses the distinct value of seasoned athletes and accelerates their potential into the marketplace.

Athletic Capital invites you to explore and discover your purpose with a group of like-minded athletes. We will introduce you to a program designed to give you a bridge to help you build awareness of your purpose, determine what jobs, careers and ventures might be suited for your gifts and talents, and help you develop a plan to begin execution.

We will introduce our partner, Your Crescendo, an organization committed to helping people live their purpose. Through this partnership, we will host this workshop and invite you to participate in a recurring coaching program if you think it’s the right fit for you.

So come, connect, and take a giant step towards discovering your infinite potential. We hope to see you there!

Peace and Blessings,

Danny Adams

Blake Shubert

Founders, Athletic Capital

Click here to register for the event: http://athleticcapitalforum.eventbrite.com

Who has Athletic Capital?

The undersized linebacker that refused to listen to the doubters and give up on a dream, outworking his teammates to make the starting unit. Athletic Capital is perseverance and faith.

The walk-on recruit who spent fours years selflessly giving to her teammates without praise or recognition. Athletic Capital is humility, purpose, and compassion.

The swimmer who swam 10,000 meters before the sun rose while being fully accountable to attending classes and formulating her own perspectives through direct experience. Athletic Capital is work ethic and accountability.

The sprinter who overcame a debilitating hamstring tear only to work herself back to competing in the conference championships. Athletic Capital is courage and refusing to give into physical or mental limitation.

Why Athletic Capital?

As athletes we have the tendency to define our identity through our perspective sport. Years of blood and sweat perfecting our abilities forces us to naturally define ourselves as athletes. However, who are we when can no longer compete in the athletic arena? What can we transition from the athletic experience into our every day lives? For a lot of us, we feel a tremendous void that makes us feel as if the “real world” is empty and colorless. Our entire life purpose feels as if it has been stripped away and we lack the awareness to be able to create a new path. We need to leverage our unique value forged in the athletic arena and interconnect it with new experiences and self-discovery. We need an awakening to realize our true human potential in this world of infinite opportunity.

Athletic Capital invites you to invest in your future. Spend time with like-minded athletes who have transitioned the athletic mindset to create a unique path. Come away from the forum having a new awareness of your strengths, passions, and purpose. More importantly, come away from the evening with a renewed vision and “personal playbook” for creating a life of impact through the guidance of former athletes and professionals who are consciously creating their lives.

So come, connect, and take a giant step towards discovering your infinite potential. We hope to see you there!

Please Register by clicking below!:

FACEBOOK

EVENTBRITE

Be Your Own Hero Initiator Series September 2012- Pack Landfair

Dan Adams — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:17:58 +0000

The Be Your Own Hero Initiator Series on AthleticCapital.com is a new, monthly feature that showcases the stories of men and women who have made the conscious choice to initiate the creation of their own path. Individuals featured in this series have no special talents except a burning desire and an unbreakable will to reach their highest potential. Please be advised that each “Initiator” may have different beliefs, goals, and mantras for how to live life, however, they provide valuable lessons in unlocking your inner potential. Athletic Capital is very blessed to have had the opportunity to work directly with these “initiators” and hope that their stories can help empower followers to be unafraid to confront their own fears and perceived limitations.

*The difference between the Be Your Own Hero Spotlight Series and the Be Your Own Hero Initiator Series is that the spotlight series focuses on individuals around the World that have already had success creating their path while the initiator series focuses on individuals who have just started the process. All “initiators” in the series have interacted directly with the founders of Athletic Capital and will share their successes and set backs on a monthly basis.

in-i-ti-a-tor 1. a man or woman who has made a conscious choice to take the first step to bring a dream to reality 2. a person of no special ability or talent that is willing to confront fear and perceived limitations to reach their highest potential 3. a man or woman in the process of creating their own path with an ability to empowers those around them, directly or indirectly causing a paradigm shift in local communities.

Pack Landfair is an initiator and former BYOH Spotlight (October 2011). A graduate of University of Texas, Pack excelled in many sports throughout his life, culminating in an NCAA National Championship in 2004. At the end of his athletic career, Pack made the decision to take the lessons he had learned on the road, selling all his possessions to embark on a 48 State motorcycle tour focused upon connecting with people, writing, and performing among local communities. Through taking the leap of faith in building IWoodrow, Pack landed a job he never knew existed which enabled him to expand upon the talents he had cultivated pursuing the adventure.

Since his initial journey that we shared in October of 2011, Pack has continued working on paving an unconventional path focused upon deep connection and impact. We share his current goals as an “initiator” to allow you to follow his struggles and successes in building his highest vision. Be Your Own Hero!

Passion: Writing, Traveling, Performing, And Creating Events Focused Upon Empowerment & Deep Connection

Life Path: 31/4, The Creative, Universal Soldier

1. Paint a picture of the life you envision pursuing your highest purpose.

The life I envision is basically the life I live every day, except a little bigger and brighter in every way – personally and professionally. It might seem sappy, but I really am enthusiastic and grateful about my life and what I get to do with it each day.

Professionally, I work for a board of businesses that connect to their communities through local charities and good will events. My role is to serve as spokesperson, host, entertainer, and Master of Ceremonies at the community festivals, charity benefits, awards banquets, and golf tournaments that our board sponsors. I am supported by a small team that organizes these events, which help us raise thousands of dollars for a particular charity, often in a single day.

As part of my job, I also juggle, do a little magic, interact with guests, perform stand-up comedy, and tell oral stories. I also handle occasional on-air interviews on TV and radio. I believe that part of my professional fulfillment comes not just from WHAT I do, but HOW I do it. My favorite part of any work day is whenever I get to deeply relate with another person. In my line of work, this happens multiple times over the course of a single day – through basic conversation and through the stories I bring to life for audiences large and small.

My weekly work schedule, which is sometimes heaviest on Saturdays and Sundays, often consists of several forty-five minute stage shows, some charity events to host, an hour or two of face time with the business leaders who make my work possible, and a few hours entertaining children at homeless shelters and pediatric hospitals.

I consider job an outstanding profession, one that allows me to bring smiles to people’s faces and offers me millions of opportunities to interact with complete strangers in positive, uplifting, and fun ways. What I really do – more than just host an event or perform a stage act – is spread the contagious ingredients of goodwill: empathy, enthusiasm, love, and joy. I get to do that with everyone – not just with the audience at a venue but with the janitors who clean it, with the office workers that help with the booking, and with every single person I meet along the way; from the guy who helps me with the lighting to the homeless man I meet in the alley outside the loading docks, I get to take the time to share those magical ingredients – empathy, enthusiasm, love and joy. At this time in my life, it seems like spreading these seeds is as worthy as a cause as there could ever be.

My highest vision is to cultivate and to spread goodwill. This includes expanding the size of my audience while growing personally in all areas of my life – as an entertainer, as a son and brother, as a friend, as the master of my finances, and as a member of the human race. I’d also like to arrange my life so I can see the world, write, and perform as much as possible.

2. What have you discovered has real meaning for you through your life experience?

Several years ago, living off of my motorcycle and sleeping outside, I was introduced to the homeless, the addicted, the lost, the helpless, and the hopeless. Poor and lonely myself, the stories and smiles we shared were often the only things keeping our spirits alive. Through my life and my work, I‘ve learned about the power of empathy, the power of enthusiasm, the power of stories and above all, the power of connecting with people.

What I discovered is that, beyond all the distractions (money, media, politics, sports, etc), life is really about how well we treat our teammates – and, at the most basic aspect of our humanity, we’re all teammates. I don’t claim to know the “meaning of life” nor even my own final destination, but to treat others and ourselves with kindness, respect, helpfulness and hope – that is an awesome way to make the journey.

If you treat everyone you meet as nicely as possible, there’s no limit to the possibilities that may come your way.

3. What emerged to you after building the iWoodrow platform and completing your forty-eight-state motorcycle tour?

My dream, when I took off on that motorcycle, was to research and write an expansive and uplifting novel about America. That’s what put me out on the road going town-to-town, job-to-job, state-to-state through all fifty. That dream is also what put me on a stage for the first time, and what brought me back on stage time and time again, telling tales of the people I met in my travels and in my labors across America. I’d studied creative writing and majored in English, trying to establish a new medium for creative storytelling. Initially, I found myself writing stories about the lives that had impacted me on my travels, but no one would read them. So I began telling them extemporaneously any place that had a microphone (and in many places that didn’t). I performed for three people one night. The next night, I performed for eighty. The night after that, my audience was back in the single digits. I only kept telling my tales because I wanted to write a book that would have an impact and at twenty-three years old with no money, no following, and no prior successes; that was the only way I could figure to gain an audience.

One thing that emerged was the iWoodrow brand itself. “Woodrow Landfair” was sort of the stage name I was using as a performer and also my “road handle” or nickname as a traveler. Road handles are very common with hitchhikers and railroad hoppers and hardcore motorcyclists. The idea is that they take on the road handle as a persona – sort of the superhero version of an empowered self they can believe themselves to be. These men lead lives of adventure scraping town to town, helping the helpless along on the road. They can be rough lives but they are lives that are nonetheless fantasies come to life. Woodrow Landfair, as a persona, has that meaning to me. I am Pack Landfair – a pretty ordinary guy who struggles with failures and desires. But Woodrow Landfair, as a persona or symbol, he is somewhat of a superhero. Woodrow Landfair worked his way through all forty-eight states on his motorcycle, starting out with just a little cash and his used motorcycle, which he had to pawn his NCAA National Championship ring to purchase. Woodrow Landfair tells stories to audiences large and small and is the subject of newspaper and television stories. Woodrow Landfair has a DVD and a new novel coming out about his quest across the highways of America to find a hero.

More importantly though, what emerged from all my travel and all my writing and all my storytelling… was not a dime of money. What emerged was my resume as a show business professional. It was that resume that led me to my auditions which led me to my career, where I get to spread so much goodwill to so many wonderful people through community and charity organizations. It’s a great career.

4. What surprised you? What possibilities exist now that were not present before?

I’m surprised (and very grateful) to be working in show business. I feel like I never intended it. I’m even more surprised (and grateful) to be doing it in such a way that I’m able to enliven genuine, positive emotions inside people, even people who thought that part inside of them no longer existed. Just a few years ago I questioned whether that same part of myself had died. I’ll never forget how miserable it is to feel stranded, friendless, and totally out of hope. Empowering emotions are life’s fuel and without them, we are feeble. To awaken those feelings inside someone is a powerful and fulfilling experience. I never would have guessed the possibility of my profession existed, or that my unusual skillset – born of desperation and built on the road – could have such a wonderful application. Until just a month or so ago, I hadn’t realized another exciting possibility either.

This spring, I finally completed the aforementioned novel that inspired me out onto the road six years ago. The possibility this book presents connects in my mind with the inspirations I get from work.

Also, I rediscovered an unreleased DVD version of a favorite show that I performed a few years back. I feel that I must create something as best I can with such excellent and hard-fought resources.

5. What is your vision for short and long term? What are you working on now as part of this vision?

In the short-term, I’d like to do a few small shows in which we can raise a few thousand dollars for selected charities. I do this all the time for work, but I’d like to sponsor it myself under the Woodrow Landfair brand. I want Woodrow Landfair to become a symbol for helping others. We can also sell Woodrow Landfair CDs in the lobby to raise even more money for our chosen organization.

In the long term, I’d like to do bigger shows and I’d also like to have my novel and my DVD available for purchase as well. I’d also like to utilize social media to maximize my impact at this, to utilize further multimedia artistic expression, and to spread the word so I can do more shows for more organizations all over the globe.

I’m very excited, as I’m already hard at work on both my short and long term vision. Currently, my artist is finishing both the novel cover and the DVD cover. I am in the process of hiring a video editor to help me master the DVD disc as well. The novel has already been edited and needs one final edit. I have one good editor working for me already but will probably enlist a second…

This sort of leads to the next subject on your questions – stress. One of my biggest challenges right now is that feeling of overwhelm, the feeling that I have a thousand things to do and I only know what three or four of them are. I’m so excited about the work I’ve laid out before myself, that I can’t seem to sit down and go one by one through all the individual steps I want to accomplish.

6. What are your current strategies for dealing with stress and fighting the urge to get attached to the outcomes of your work?

Eat well, sleep well, exercise every day. That usually handles the stress if I can find a way to remember to eat and sleep. I tend to get almost manic when I’m caught up in executing a plan and often I forget meals and sleep time. I’ve yet to really figure out how best to deal with my own manic phases. What I fear is that I’ll have so much drive and energy during that time, that I won’t take care of myself, then I’ll crash emotionally and physically. That’s happened to me in the past.

Also in the past, I got so caught up in the outcomes of my work, that I’ve over-reacted when confronted with temporary failure. I work on not having any expectations when I approach projects now. Instead I focus more on putting forth my best planned and best executed effort, knowing that, with persistence, the outcome will favor my vision over the long-arcing timeline of life, but not necessarily right away.

I also remind myself that I am playing the game of life for my own reasons, to reach my own goals within the team concept of humanity. I remind myself not to expect life to be fair, or favorable to me, or easy. But I also remind myself not to expect life to be unfair or unfavorable or difficult. Life is an ocean of powerful winds and calm stills. Both can be deadly but both make it possible to sail and to surf and to swim and to navigate all waters, through life’s narrowest straits and into life’s grandest ports.

7. Share with the group one major piece of advice or insight based on your experience building this vision over the past year.

I feel pretty weird dispensing advice. I don’t like people telling me what to do, but I do appreciate a good report of any road traveled; anything that best empowers me for the journey ahead. So in that vain, I’ll say this about the temptation to quit when times seem absolutely hopeless:

Never give up (on yourself). Two years ago I was failing miserably in all aspects of my life, mainly because I couldn’t find a way to progress my career. I was running out of money, running out of hope, losing confidence, hiding from friends, and beginning to believe that there was no way I’d ever turn it all around. But I did. And now I’ve got a much more powerful trajectory. Ironically, that only happened because I gave up (on my old goals/outcomes).

I had been trying so hard for so long to achieve certain goals that their achievement had become totally separate from my purpose. The goals themselves had become almost completely irrelevant and trivial but because I was failing at them, I assumed I was also failing at my purpose therefore failing at life. Each day was a futile struggle – one that eventually became so painful to me that I woke every morning wishing I were dead. I’d become attached to my unachievable goals and estranged from my very achievable purpose. Finding my bearings was not an easy task.

Figure out your purpose. Purposes evolve so don’t just do it once. And use goals to drive you toward powerful outcomes. Identify with a strong and positive purpose, not with your goals. In many cases, it’s not whether you achieve your specific goals, but whether you pursue their attainment with an approach that empowers yourself and others.

Identifying with purpose rather than goals or outcomes will allow you to align yourself with your purpose. If your purpose is to create more goodwill in the world, you can live that all the time, regardless of your progress at your goal – which may be to raise $10,000 for the bills of a child cancer patient. Achieving goals is important but living a purpose is the real duty. That duty is a service to yourself and to others.

My purpose, as I see it right now, is to cultivate and spread goodwill. I’d like to find ways to align myself with my purpose as much as possible, in every area of my life – from my work in show business, to my relationships with friends and family, to my physical and mental health, to my ability to create wealth and fulfillment for myself and others. I believe life is and has always been in constant evolution and I want to continue to evolve with it.

Monthly Updates

October 2012 Goal: I’d like to do a few small shows in which we can raise a few thousand dollars for selected charities. I do this all the time for work, but I’d like to sponsor it myself under the Woodrow Landfair brand. I want Woodrow Landfair to become a symbol for helping others. I hope to sell Woodrow Landfair products in the lobby to raise even more money for our chosen organization.

October 2012 Update:

Be Your Own Hero Initiator Series August 2012- David Pergolini

Dan Adams — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:00:29 +0000

David Pergolini is an initiator. A graduate of Xavier University and former football player, David has always had a passion for film, however, was frustrated by an inability to connect with the right people in Atlanta to further his dream. In the Summer of 2011, the founders of Athletic Capital were introduced to David and over lunch, decided to incorporate his passion for filmmaking into the Mission Kilimanjaro dream. After the initial meeting, David was introduced to fellow filmmaker, Takashi Doscher, and from that moment became an integral part of the Mission Kilimanjaro experience.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We believe that you meet everyone in life for a reason and consider ourselves so fortunate to have had David as a member of our team in Tanzania. His charisma, drive, humor, compassion, and hard work became evident from Day 1 and can be considered a true blessing during difficult times. We are confident in David’s ability to create his own path and wanted to share his story straight from his mouth in hopes that YOU also will find the courage to pursue your passions and live authentically. The path is never easy, however, what is an adventure without a struggle? Be Your Own Hero

Name: David Pergolini

Passion: Filmmaking (Directing, Producing, Writing)

Life Path: 33/6

Age: 23

1. Paint us a picture of your life after college, but before you were introduced to the Mission Kilimanjaro team. What did your future look like? What challenges were you facing? What had real meaning for you?

It was difficult to fathom that it was finally over, after 20 years of schooling, it was now up to me to go out and make something of myself. The problem was I had no idea where to start. My first summer out of college, 2011, I did some odd jobs to make some cash and afterward, I’d often go spend it on booze. I used my graduation money to party and vacation, not yet fully appreciating the value of a dollar. I never fully recovered from the college ‘party’ mentality, and soon, that attitude would lead to some of the most depressing months of my life. Reality can be a bitch.

As time wore on, so too did my motivation and self-confidence. I would spend hours every day blasting my resume out to anyone with an email address. I was granted some interviews, however, most of them were absolute train wrecks. I had no idea what I was doing, which often led to even greater anxiety and frustration.

I worked in the kitchens, as a carny (seriously), and as a movie extra just to scrape up enough money to pay bills. I was certainly on the cusp of giving up, finding a regular 9-5 job, and earning a steady paycheck…the type of work that simply crushes the creative soul. Despite the temptation, I knew what I wanted out of life at my core and pursuing the status quo certainly wasn’t it. Call it stubbornness, call it being overly-ambitious, call it delusional. I came to the point where I really didn’t give a shit what anyone else thought I should do with my life.

One day, my father invited me out to lunch with one of his fellow Villanova alumni, Blake Shubert. I was unaware at the time, but that introduction would end up jump starting my career, giving me my first glimpse at Mission Kilimanjaro.

2. What perspective did you gain through the experience of Mission Kilimanjaro? How are you incorporating this perspective in your life now?

Mission Kilimanjaro changed everything for me, not just professionally, but in ways that can be expressed in a singular moment. I remember the long hikes where I would literally lose myself in the beauty of the landscape. I would walk out of my tent at night and see every star in the sky – planets, shooting stars, and even distant galaxies. It was truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and it made my grasp the infinite possibilities that our World offers.

I climbed with veterans who were told they would never walk again and I witnessed Kyle Maynard, a quad amputee, crawl to the top of a 19,340 ft mountain.

I won’t tell you how Mission Kilimanjaro changed my perspective on life because I can’t. What I can say is that the old me; the self-loathing, apathetic me, was left in Africa. I returned to the United States with a fresh perspective on possibility. I was excited and optimistic, no longer fearful of an uncertain future.

3. What emerged for you after the climb? What surprised you? What possibilities exist now that were not present before?

I continued to struggle for a few more months after the climb. Looking back, the times following my return were worse than those before it. I finally had something of value to my name, and still, opportunities weren’t waiting on my door step. I continued to work as a movie extra and perform odd jobs to pay off bills in any way I could. I was the constant target of creditors and sometimes I’d receive up to 20 calls per day…I’ve never pressed the ignore button so many times in my life-assholes. But I knew that if I just kept trying, if I held on a little longer, something was bound to roll my way.

I kept my filming and editing skills sharp working alongside friend and filmmaker, Takashi Doscher, who served as director for Mission Kilimanjaro. Then one day I got a client, then another, and another. Soon I found my schedule booked, full of opportunities to further advance my knowledge in the filmmaking industry. Not only am I doing what I love, but I’m receiving enough financial compensation to work independently.

Sometimes I sit back and reflect on where I was a year ago and where I’ll be a year from now. The future holds so many possibilities and learning from the successes and failures along the way is part of the adventure!

4. What is your vision for the short and long term? What are you working on now as part of this vision?

It’s often said that no one holds higher expectations for your own life than yourself and the same is true for me. I share the same ‘big dream’ mentality that so many ambitious, young filmmakers have and my ultimate goal is to one day write and direct my own content while (of course) being well reimbursed along the way. This is a dream, shared by millions, accomplished by few.

My career is just beginning and I’m learning something new every day about my line of work. I’m a big believer in being educated through direct experience and have been proactively reaching out as much possible to further my knowledge of the filmmaking industry. There are so many ways to better yourself; asking questions, reading books, repetition, practice, mentors, you choose!. All it takes is a bit of internal drive and self motivation to find ways around potential obstacles!

I can’t say that I’m in constant grind mode all the time because that would be a lie. The truth is, I’m lazy as shit at times. But I try hard to never let an opportunity to better myself or my career pass by. So for now, I continue to further my knowledge of my passion, I work closely with my friend and mentor, Takashi Doscher, and soon I hope to take my chances out west so I can produce content that will be worthy of an audience.

My vision of grandeur aside, my goal is to love what I do for a living and to wake up each morning with an excitement that only true joy can bring. Success can be measured in so many ways – money, fame, women- what I truly desire is to be successful in my own eyes.

5. Share one major piece of insight or advice based on your experience over the last year.

Nothing in this world comes easy. A common saying, I know, but it’s values seem to be lost nowadays. I’m no prodigy, I live in my parent’s basement and I’m not the most talented writer, director, or artist in the world or even in this city (Atlanta). I make mistakes, both personally and professionally and I’m careless at times. I also take things for granted. So many flaws, so many future obstacles, but I still find the courage to wake up with a purpose each day. I keep fighting through the failures and try to fight even harder through the perceived successes.

I’m nothing special, I’m viewed as a nobody by many. But I work my ass off and that’s what you have to do to survive in this world. It takes work, dedication, commitment, passion, love, hate, joy, and despair. Such is life and such is living.

I’m still learning and I’ll continue to learn until the day I die, but if there’s one thing I can give you, just one thing to take from such a short chapter in my life, it’s this:

1. Take responsibility for your life and where you want to take it.

2. Don’t take shit from anybody and forge your own path.

3. Love your friends and family, be kind to people, and never pity or loath yourself.

4. Take pride in what you do and live life to the fullest.

Monthly Updates

September 2012:

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight July 2012- Toby Storie-Pugh

Dan Adams — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:29:14 +0000

Toby Storie-Pugh is a hero. Born and raised in Great Britain, Toby understood at a young age the importance of seeking the adventure and creating his own path. In an effort to teach the universal principles of compassion and self accountability on a global scale, he co-founded the 501c3, Flying Kites. Dedicated to improving the standards of care and education available to poor children, Flying Kites helps children reclaim their childhood and grow to reach their full potential.

In the Spring of 2014, Toby Storie Pugh and his Kenyan teammate, Helen Kinuthia, will take part in a powerful initiative called Expedition Everest. This bold undertaking aims to empower children to reach their highest potential by dreaming big and being confident int their abilities to bring any vision to reality. If the initiative proves successful, Helen Kinuthia will become the first African female to summit Mt. Everest, a feat with paradigm shifting implications in her native homeland. As Toby would say, “Never.Stop.Dreaming”. Be Your Own Hero!

Life Path: 36/9, The Humanitarian Leader

1. You have made the conscious choice to create your own path and empower others in your personal lives and through your non-profit, Flying Kites. What are your short and long term goals with this organization? How did the idea for Expedition Everest come about?

I started Flying Kites with two close friends motivated by the potential that we saw in orphaned children to play significant leadership roles in their communities . It was – and remains – our belief that those who have suffered the most are uniquely positioned to lead, driven by the hardships that they have endured and empathetic to those who are still in pain. However, without the necessary tools – an excellent education, on-going support, and above all, self-confidence – this potential for leadership was going to be unfulfilled.

Short term goals for Flying Kites are to expand the current campus to allow us to take in additional children. Our vision is to provide a home and school for 150 children, housed in small family houses of ten children each. This requires both significant capital investment, the goal of Expedition Everest, as well as commensurate scaling of our means to sustain the organization. Both need to be given equal attention.

In the long-term, our ambition is to ensure that the Flying Kites Leadership Academy cements its place as a world-class center of care and education, to encourage the replication of our model, and to support our children as they move into adulthood. Real proof of concept will only come once our children begin to live independent, fulfilled lives and – we hope – use the tools they have been equipped with to empower positive change in their community.

So what is the Flying Kites’ difference? It’s simple; we take chances, work incredibly hard, and try to live in a way that thrills the heart. We hope that our children will do great things in life and that they will apply what we like to call ‘disciplined mischief’ to the challenges they face: work hard, but always keep a twinkle in the eye!

My greatest motivation for creating Expedition Everest, besides raising money for Flying Kites, is to inspire our children to live their lives fully, setting ambitious goals and seeing them through to completion. Everest is a great metaphor for life, and the attributes that will lead to success on the mountain are the attributes that are evident in anyone who strives and succeeds, no matter what they do. I believe that to stand the chance of achieving anything of any real value in life, one needs to have a sense of adventure. Going to a university, starting a business, raising a family, climbing Everest: everything benefits from the willingness to dare mightily.

2. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your own experiences confronting adversity? Was there a particular “AHA” moment in your life where you began to realize that by confronting your fears and “perceived” limitations that your potential was unlimited? How do you hope to convey this powerful realization through Expedition Everest?

Toby: In retrospect I was fortunate to have endured a mid- (quarter-!?) life crisis at the age of 23. It taught me to really work out what I wanted in life. Eight years a British Army scholar, I was on track into the military, the one career that held any interest for me. I wanted the physical and mental challenge, a sense of mission, and to be surrounded by people with whom I shared a similar approach to life. A day before starting training, a failed medical (for eczema of all things) defeated that ambition.

In the unsettling years that followed I tried to find an occupation that offered me what I had craved in the army, but there was no neat replacement. As I began to carve out an independent path, through adventure and charity, I learned that at times the fear – actually the terror of living a life disappointed and unfulfilled could be the greatest of motivators, forcing me to do things that otherwise would be too daunting. It was no fun at the time but it was that difficult process of self-discovery that forged the confidence to start preparations for this expedition.

On Everest, I am looking to be laid totally bare. I want to finish the climb having had to find the very best of myself and to walk out with absolutely nothing left, exhausted but at peace. I want to struggle with close friends for a goal worth achieving. I think that this is the beauty of mountaineering, the ethereal magic of being in a wild place with good people, knowing that if you persevere and succeed, you come away transformed.

3. Your climbing team for Expedition Everest is comprised of you and a native of Kenya, Helen Kinuthia. What went into the selection process for your East African teammate? What would you say defines a good team in being able to conquer some of the most dangerous environments in the World?

We had an online application for prospective team-members. We were looking for people who had not only climbing experience but also the ability to act as advocates for the campaign and for their country. I was joined by Sibusiso Vilane, the first black African to have summited Everest, for initial interviews held in Nairobi. From the almost 200 who applied online, we spoke to 22 in person. Of these, five were chosen to move onto the final stage of the selection process, a climb of Mount Kenya. On the mountain, heavily laden and expected to move independently at their fastest pace, Helen excelled. She showed herself to be tough, fit and disciplined. Despite a stomach bug on summit day she carried on cheerfully, all the while shooting superb photos.

The Everest climb is a ten-week expedition preceded by two years of intense training. I therefore wanted to find someone who has staying power and who understands instinctively the intense challenge to be faced. Each of our four training climbs will be incredibly demanding as new skills are learned and put into practice on unfamiliar terrain.

On Everest itself, we will engage in a battle of attrition and nerves. Fear, exhaustion, cold and altitude all erode one’s reserves and I needed to find someone capable of keeping everything together under pressure. I believe Helen is that person and I am excited to begin this campaign with her.

4. What have been some of the biggest obstacles that you have had to confront to this point in your life? Do you have any special practices that have helped you with confronting these setbacks when they occur?

Special practices: I have always been fortunate that my instinct when things were difficult was to bunker down and get the basic things right: keep training, keep eating, get sleep. This has always provided the foundation to weather any storm. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is critical. Being able to switch off emotions (until journey’s end at least!) has stood me in good stead.

5. I heard you took part in a motorcycle adventure across Europe. What inspired this journey and what were some of the most memorable experiences?

Traveling overland is, like mountaineering, a deceptively simple activity that makes a profound impact on you. My first journey was from Nepal to France (my home for many years) on a classic motorcycle, a Royal Enfield. The second was a drive from France to South Africa and back. What stands out in the memory are the moments when I realized – both times to my stunned surprise – that I might actually make it. On my Africa trip it happened in Mauritania and was accompanied by a rush of adrenalin so vast I almost passed out and had to stop very quickly by the side of the road. It was a strange thing, at no time did I think I wasn’t going to make it, yet the wonder of realizing that home was drawing near left me breathless. Another profound moment came after being hit by an Angolan truck and knocked off my bike. Lying in the dust with a dislocated shoulder and a broken bike my second thought (the first being unprintable curses directed at the drunk truck driver) was ‘No matter what, I am carrying on.’ And somehow, a week or so later, I did. I remember that moment often.

6. What are the greatest lessons that you have taken from your experiences climbing the tallest mountains in the World and creating your own path? How have you incorporated these lessons into your life outside of climbing?

Preparation, endurance and an understanding of one of the oldest lessons out there: that anything worth having has to be fought for, as it is only the struggle that imbues it with meaning. Climbing has evolved from something that I enjoyed as a simple adventure into something where I am able to find my peace. The older I have gotten the more I realize what an incredible privilege it is to be able to venture regularly into the hills, and to what a degree climbing allows me to express myself.

7. What do you think holds so many people back from pursuing their passions and confronting the adversities along the way? How do you hope to change the current non-profit model to have more of an impact on those they are trying to serve?

I think that fear and lack of self-belief certainly play their part. But, perhaps more insidiously, it is the day-to-day pressures of our contemporary lives that provide the greatest impediment to the pursuit of one’s passions. By design, I have created a life that is my work, and vice versa. But if that is not the case, it can be very challenging to make a real change in your lifestyle.

My advice always starts with be honest with yourself. I know what is important to me, and have created a way of living that helps me meet those priorities. By determining what the priorities are in your own life you at least can define a destination, the first critical step. After that, it’s down to your creativity and daring to work out a plan to get there. Expedition Everest started just like that: Fact 1: I wanted to climb Everest; Fact 2: I wanted that climb to benefit the charity. Eight months later, I was sitting in the Hilton Nairobi hosting a press conference to announce Kenya’s first Everest climber (pinching myself, I’ll admit!)

There are some incredible non-profits around – many of them neighbors in NYC – who have provided the inspiration to think creatively in terms of how to deliver programs and how to seek funding. I hope, with Expedition Everest, I can add to the canon of effective non-profit models, providing a demonstration that it is better to let your passion lead the way to a solution. With passion you will always find a way, without it you will always struggle.

8. Are there any books, documentaries, or articles that have had a huge impact on your life that you feel could positively influence the younger generations?

The adventurers that I admire are, perhaps naturally, often British – Ranulph Fiennes, Bear Gryll, Bruce Parry – all great examples of the lovable rogue, replete with devil-may-care attitude but who knows when it is time to buckle down and work hard. Jerzy Kukuczka is a mountaineer whose climbs still seem to defy belief. Although he was the second person – after Reinhold Messner – to climb all 14 8000 meter peaks, ten of those mountains were climbed via new routes while four summits came during the brutal Himalayan winter.Extraordinary.

In the charity world, Dr Paul Farmer of Partners in Health never fails to inspire. His story of absolute unbending belief in his model (essentially, delivering Boston-quality hospitals in rural Rwanda and Haiti) always gives me heart after a tough day. Scott Harrison’s Charity Water have shown the incredible value in charity of a well-explained model, expertly marketed and minutely tracked.

And, as a climber, I was of course blown away by Kyle Maynard’s climb of Kilimanjaro!

9. What does a day in the life of Toby Storie-Pugh or Helen Kinuthia look like?

In New York I have a fairly conventional daily routine. Either at meetings or on my computer during the day. I like to train in the afternoon, then often it’s out to an event in the city. New York has to be the networking capital of the world, and I thrive on it, getting out and telling our story and listening to the stories of others. Most weekends, I take a bus upstate and tramp around the hills with a pack on. In my pack is everything I will be taking on the big mountains (regardless of what the weather NY has bestowed on me!), in exactly the same place I will have it while climbing. In mountaineering, as in everything else, practice makes perfect.

When I am in Kenya, while I still have to keep up with communications, I am able to spend most of my time with the children. They are why I started this and I draw on the happy memories when I back home. Precious moments abound: the evening family meeting (where, amongst other items, everyone has to say something they are grateful for that day), sitting with the children doing homework, and then putting them to bed.

10. What changes do you feel must be made by younger generations to better the world we live in? If you could teach a child only one thing what would it be?

1) Start with two assumptions: what you do with your life must help the world in some way and (as I say above!) do that thing with passion.

2) Live modestly, but with fiery compassion.

3.) And climb of course!

I had the opportunity to meet fellow climber, Mike Chambers, who introduced me to Toby and Expedition Everest while climbing in Africa this past January. I have a profound respect for the message behind the platform and encourage you to support this powerful undertaking. Please be sure to check out Expedition Everest and Flying Kites to learn more! Be Your Own Hero

The Blood Type Experiment: Maximizing Human Potential

Dan Adams — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 22:14:44 +0000

“The control of the palate is a valuable aid for the control of mind.”-Gandhi

As many of you have probably gathered from this website, I rely on finding truth in my own life through direct experience. I respect and will listen to anyone’s opinion, however, when it comes to making a decision I have learned to take in information and come to my own conclusions.

That being said, I wanted to share aspects of the Blood Type Diet that I have found to be beneficial in my personal life and the lives of my clients. Please feel free to experiment to see what works as I am excited to hear about your own personal experiences. Be Your Own Hero

What is the Blood Type Diet?

Here’s the theory in a nutshell: There’s a chemical reaction between your blood and the foods you eat caused by a diverse group of proteins in foods called lectins. According to Peter D’Adamo, author of Eat Right For Your Type, when you eat a food containing lectins that are incompatible with your blood type, the lectins target an organ and begin to agglutinate blood cells. It’s not life threatening, but it can make you feel crummy, retain fat, and look bloated. On a more serious note, D’Adamo makes a connection between cancer and disease through the consumption of lectins that are not easily digested by particular blood types.

Obviously, I think there is a lot more to diet than just knowing your blood type and secretor status, however, I have found that consuming recommended foods for my blood type (AB-) has increased my energy. caused me to loss excess weight, and look less bloated. Please note that I did not follow portion guidelines outlined in the book but adjusted them to meet my own goals.

*Please Note: I do not advise that everything I experiment with should be taken as an absolute truth. My perspective consistently evolves, however, I am not afraid to share views that I have developed through experiments I have performed on my own body. I hope that you will use this website as a resource to increase awareness and be empowered to discover truth through direct experiences. If eating certain foods goes against religious or moral convictions, I encourage you to follow your own beliefs as all paths lead to the same. At this point, I am undecided if the Blood Type Diet works well due to my inherent perspective (self actualization) or can be considered a universal truth. It has worked on clients and when analyzing the diets of youthful looking individuals over a period of 48 months. Either way, the diet consists of natural foods regardless of blood type and I do not see harm in recommending it.

*If you have food allergies be careful with the recommendations and use common sense.

You can discover your blood type with a home testing kit for $9.95 (And no, I don’t receive a commission!)

Brief Overview of the Four Blood Types:

Blood Type A*: The Universal Vegetarian

Diet Profile: Vegetarian (Vegetables, Tofu, Seafood, Grains, Beans, Legumes, Fruit) Avoid (Meat, Dairy, Kidney Beans

Avoid: Meat, Dairy, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Wheat

Blood Type B*: The Balanced Eater

Diet Profile: Balanced (Meat (No Chicken), Dairy, Grains, Beans, Legumes, Vegetables, Fruit)

Avoid: Corn, Lentil, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Buckwheat, Wheat

Blood Type O*: The Meat Eater

Diet Profile: High Protein Meat Eaters (Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Fruit)

Avoid: Wheat, Corn, Kidney Beans, Navy Beans, Lentils, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Mustard Greens

Blood Type AB*: The Product of Evolution

Diet Profile: Mixed Diet in Moderation (No Red Meat or Chicken), Seafood, Dairy, Tofu, Beans, Legumes, Grains, Vegetables, Fruit)

Avoid: Red Meat, Chicken, Kidney Beans, Lima Beans, Seeds, Corn, Buckwheat

*Information Obtained from Eat Right 4 Your Type by Dr. Peter D’Adamo

% of each Blood Type in World Population*

O Positive 38.4%
A Positive 32.3%
B Positive 9.4%
O Negative 7.7%
A Negative 6.5%
AB Positive 3.2%
B Negative 1.7%
AB Negative 0.7%

*Information Obtained From The Red Cross

Seemingly Evident Truths According to Blood Type Percentages

1. The Paleo Diet is popular and works for so many people due to the fact that nearly 46% of the world’s population is Blood Type O. Paleo is a solution for people with this blood type but can cause serious problems for people that have A, B, or AB.

2. AB Negative is evident in .7% of the World’s population which is why these individuals do not have success following conventional diets. (I can speak from my own direct experiences as an AB- blood type.)

3. 77% of the Native American population is Blood Type O which to me explains the obesity epidemic as they incorporated grains and processed foods into their diet. Native Americans were definitely hit the hardest by a westernized diet that deviated from their evolutionary approach to nutrition.

4. 31% of Asians are Type O, 38% are Type A, 22% are Type B, and 9% are Type AB. To me this helps to explain why the Asian population responded so poorly to casein protein in The China Study (They don’t consume milk so of course they did not test well when being introduced to it).

Evident Truths in My Own Life that back up The Blood Type Diet:

1. After my athletic career had ended, I decided to take more of an active role in what I put into my body. I meticulously tracked calories and foods consumed to find what worked best for overall energy and body composition. During this process, I found that when I eliminated milk and oatmeal from my diet, I lacked energy and looked flat despite eating the same amount of calories. (AB’s benefit from a diet composed of dairy and grains as dairy is an anabolic agent for this blood type).

2. I found that despite eating the same amount of calories that I often looked bloated and felt crummy after eating certain ”healthy” foods (chicken, lean steak, buffalo, etc). This process was very frustrating for me and I started to incorporate more seafood options into my diet sub-consciously that over time made me feel better. I didn’t know it at the time but I was adjusting my diet to my blood type.

3. I tried to incorporate a Paleo approach to my diet and found that it negatively impacted me from an energy and body composition stand point. I have found in my own life that conventional diets do not work for me which would make sense since only .7% of the world population shares my blood type. *The key is not to get caught up in duality or separation from others, just understand that small changes may have a positive impact on overall nutrition.

4. In my personal experience I found that vegetarians usually look great when they are Blood Type A. When a O Blood Type changes to a vegan diet, they often looked aged, bloated, and lack energy. Try this experiment in your personal life. If a person claims to be a vegan and looks great, ask what blood type they are. Repeat this experiment on people that have a youthful appearance.

5. I found that I could eat less on a diet tailored to my blood type. I think this is an important revelation since life is about simplifying and becoming less attached to the food we eat. Please don’t become obsessive about eating the “right” food as that will undermine the whole goal of the program. Make the necessary changes when you can and don’t worry about the rest. Life is about living, don’t become attached to routines that limit growth.

6. I removed all forms of meat from my diet with great results. I don’t eat chicken or red meat and have stuck with fish, nuts, and dairy as my primary protein source. This has paid rather large dividends for my body composition and overall expenditure on food.

*Information below was gathered from Peter D’Adamo’s research in addition to other sources specializing in this field.

O Blood Type

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN:
WHEAT GLUTEN: interferes with insulin efficiency, slows metabolic rate Corn: interferes with insulin efficiency, slows metabolic rate
KIDNEY BEANS: impair calorie utilization
NAVY BEANS: impair calorie utilization
LENTILS: inhibit proper nutrient metabolism,
CABBAGE: inhibits thyroid hormone
BRUSSEL SPROUTS: inhibit thryroid hormone
CAULIFLOWER: inhibits thyroid hormone
MUSTARD GREENS: inhibit thyroid production

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS
KELP: contains iodine, increases thyroid hormone production Seafood: contains iodine, increases thyroid hormone production Iodized salt: contains iodine, increases thyroid hormone production Liver: Aids efficient metabolism
RED MEAT: aids efficient metabolism
KALE, SPINACH, & BROCCOLI: aids efficient metabolism

MEATS:
Highly Beneficial: Beef, Buffalo, Heart, Lamb, Liver, Mutton, Veal, Venison

Avoid: Bacon/Ham/Pork, Turtle, Quail

SEAFOOD:
Highly Beneficial: Bass (all), Cod, Halibut, Perch, Pike, Red Snapper, Shad, Sole (except Gray or Dover), Sturgeon, Swordfish, Tilefish, Trout (rainbow), Yellowtail

Avoid: Barracuda, Catfish, Conch, Frog, Herring, Lox, Octopus, Pollack, Salmon roe, squid (calamari)

DAIRY & EGGS
Highly beneficial: NONE

Avoid: American cheese, blue cheese, brie, buttermilk, camembert, casein, cheddar, colby, cottage cheese, cream cheese, edam, egg (goose/quail), emmenthal, gouda, half and half, ice cream, jarlsburg, kefir, milk (cow/goat), monterey jack, muenster, neufchatel, paneer, parmesan, provolone, quark, ricotta, sherbert, sour cream, string cheese, swiss, whey, yogurt

OILS AND FATS:
Highly Beneficial: Flaxseed, Olive

Avoid: Coconut, Castor, Corn, Cottonseed, Peanut, Safflower, Soy

NUTS AND SEEDS:

Highly Beneficial: Flaxseed, Pumpkin seed, walnut

Avoid: Beech, Brazil, Cashew, Chestnut, Peanut, Pistachio, Poppy seed, sunflower seed

BEANS AND LEGUMES:

Highly Beneficial: Adzuki bean, Black eyed pea

Avoid: Copper bean, kidney bean, lentil, navy bean

CEREALS:

Highly beneficial: None

Avoid: Barley, Corn, Cornflakes, Cornmeal, cream of wheat, grape nuts, grits, seven grain, shredded wheat, wheat germ, wheat bran

BREADS AND MUFFINS: Highly Beneficial: Manna Bread

Avoid: Bagel, Corn Muffin, English Muffin, High Protein Bread, Multi-Grain Bread, Pumpernickel, Sprouted wheat, whole wheat bread

VEGETABLES:

Highly beneficial: Artichoke, Beet greens, broccoli, chicory, collard greens, dandelion, ginger, horseradish, kale, kelp, romaine, okra, onion, parsley

Avoid: Alfalfa Sprouts, Capers, Cauliflower, Corn, Cucumber, Leek, Mushroom, Mustard greens, Olive (black), pickles, potato, rhubarb, spirulina,

FRUIT:
Highly Beneficial: Banana, blueberry, cherry, fig, guava, mango, plum, prune

Avoid: Asian pear, avocado, blackberry, cantaloupe, coconut, kiwi, melon, orange, plantain, tangerine

SPICES, SUGARS, AND SEASONINGS:

Highly Beneficial: Carob, curry, dulse, horseradish, kelp, parsley, pepper, cayenne, turmeric

Avoid: Aspartame, cornstarch, acacia, corn syrup, fructose, mace, maltodextrin, msg, nutmeg, pepper, sucanet, sucrose

CONDIMENTS:

Avoid: Ketchup, Picklets, Mayonnaise, Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce

HERBAL TEAS:

Highly Beneficial: Astralagus, Cayenne, Chickweed, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Ginger, Hopes, Linden, Mulberry, Parsley, Rose Hip, Sarsaparilla

Avoid: Alfalfa, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Saint John’s Wort, Strawberry leaf MISC BEVERAGES:
Highly Beneficial: Green Tea, Seltzer Water, Club Soda
Avoid: Beer, Coffee, Liquor, Soda, Tea, black

A Blood Type

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN:

MEAT (poorly digested, stored as fat, increases digestive toxins)

DAIRY FOODS (inhibit nutrient metabolism, increases digestive toxins)

KIDNEY BEANS (interfere with digestive enzymes, slow metabolic rate)

LIMA BEANS (interfere with digestive enzymes, slow metabolic rate)

WHEAT (in overabundance) (impairs calorie utilization

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS:

VEGETABLE OILS (aid efficient digestion, prevent fluid retention

SOY FOODS (aid efficient digestion, metabolize quickly)

VEGETABLES (aid efficient metabolism, increase intestinal mobility)

PINEAPPLE (increase calorie utilization, increase intestinal mobility)

MEATS:

Highly Beneficial: None

Neutral: Chicken, Turkey, Ostrich

Avoid: Bacon/Ham/Pork, Beef, Buffalo, Duck, Goose, Lamb, Liver, Pheasant, Rabbit, Turtle, Veal, Venison

SEAFOOD

Highly Beneficial: Carp, Cod, Mackerel, Monkfish, Perch, Pickerel, Pollack, Red Snapper, Salmon (Fresh), Sardine, Snail, Trout, Whitefish, Whiting

Avoid: Anchovy, Barracuda, Bass, Bluefish, Catfish, Caviar, Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish, Eel, Flounder, Frog, Grouper, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Harvest Fish, Herring, Lobster, Lox, Mussel, Octopus, Oyster, Scallop, Shad, Shrimp, Sole, Squid

DAIRY & EGGS

Highly Beneficial: None

Neutral: Egg, Farmer Cheese, Feta, Ghee, Goat cheese, Kefir, (Milk, goat), Mozzarella, Paneer, Ricotta, Sour Cream (low/non-fat), Yogurt (all varieties)

Avoid: American Cheese, Blue Cheese, Brie, Butter, Buttermilk, Casein (milk protein), Cheddar, Colby, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Gouda, Half & Half, Ice Cream, Jarlsberg, Milk (cow), Monterey Jack, Muenster, Neufchatel, Parmesan, Provolone, Sherbet, String Cheese, Swiss, Whey

OILS AND FATS

Highly Beneficial: Black Currant Seed, Flaxseed, Olive, Walnut

Avoid: Castor, Coconut, Cottonseed, Peanut, Corn

NUTS AND SEEDS

Highly Beneficial: Flaxseed, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Seed, Walnut

Avoid: Brazil, Cashew, Cashew Butter, Pistachio

BEANS & LEGUMES

Highly Beneficial: Adzuki Bean, Black Bean, Black Eyed Pea, Fava Bean, Green Beans, Lentil, Pinto Bean, Soybean, Soy Cheese, Soy Flakes/Granule, Soy Milk, Soy Miso, Soy Tempeh, Soy Tofu

Avoid: Copper Bean, Garbanzo Bean (chickpea), Kidney bean, Lima bean, Navy bean, Tamarind bean

CEREALS

Highly Beneficial: Amaranth, Buckwheat, Kasha, Oat Bran, Oatmeal

Avoid: Cream of Wheat, Farina, Grape Nuts, Wheat Germ, Seven Grain, Shredded Wheat, Wheat Bran

BREADS & MUFFINS

Highly Beneficial: Essene (Manna) Bread, Ezekiel Bread, Soy Flour Bread

Avoid: English Muffin, High Protein Bread, Matzo, Multi-Grain Bread, Pumpernickel, Wheat Bran Muffin, Whole Wheat Bread

GRAINS & PASTA:

Highly Beneficial: Buckwheat/Kasha, Oat Flour, Rye Flour, Soba Noodles

Avoid: Whole Wheat Flour

VEGETABLES

Highly Beneficial: Alfalfa Sprouts, Artichoke, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Carrot, Celery, Chickory, Collard Greens, Dandelion, Escarole, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Kale, Leek, Lettuce: Romaine, Mushroom, Okra, Onion, Parsley, Parsnip, Pumpkin, Rappini, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnip

Avoid: Cabbage, Capers, Chili pepper, Eggplant, Juniper, Mushroom (shiitake), Olives, Pepper, Potato, Rhubarb, Sauerkraut, Tomato, Yam, Yucca

FRUITS

Highly Beneficial: Apricot, Blackberry, Blueberry, Boysenberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Pineapple, Plum, Prune

Avoid: Bananas, Coconut, Mango, Melon, Orange, Papaya, Plantain, Tangerine

JUICES & FLUIDS

Highly Beneficial: Aloe, Apricot, Blackberry, Carrot, Celery, Cherry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Pineapple, Prune, Spinach

Avoid: Cabbage, Coconut milk, Mango, Orange, Papaya, Tangerine, Tomato

SPICES, SUGARS, & SEASONINGS

Highly Beneficial: Barley Malt, Molasses, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Mustard, Parsley, Tamari, Tumeric

Avoid: Acacia (gum arabic), Capers, Gelatin (plain), Pepper, Tamarind, Vinegar, Wintergreen

CONDIMENTS

Highly Beneficial: Mustard, Soy Sauce

Avoid: Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Pickles, Pickle relish, Vinegar (all), Worcestershire sauce

HERBAL TEAS

Highly Beneficial: Alfalfa, Aloe, Astralagus, Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Echinacea, Fennel, Fenugreek, Gentian, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Hawthorn, Holy Basil, Milk Thistle, Rose Hip, Saint John’s Wort, Slippery Elm, Stone Root, Valerian

Avoid: Catnip, Cayenne, Corn Silk, Goldenseal, Juniper, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Yellow dock

MISCELLANEOUS BEVERAGES

Highly Beneficial: Coffee (Regular/Decaf), Tea (Green), Wine (Red)

Neutral: White Wine

Avoid: Beer, Liquor (distilled), Seltzer Water, Soda (club, cola, diet/misc), Tea (Black) Regular & Decaf

B Blood Type

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN:

CORN: inhibits insulin efficiency, hampers metabolic rate, causes hypoglycemia

LENTILS: inhibit proper nutrition uptake, hamper metabolic rate, causes hypoglycemia

PEANUTS: hamper metabolic efficiency, cause hypoglycemia, inhibit liver function

SESAME SEEDS: hamper metabolic efficiency, cause hypoglycemia

BUCKWHEAT: inhibits digestion, hampers metabolic efficiency, causes hypoglycemia

WHEAT: slows the digestive and metabolic processes, causes foods to be stored as fat, not burned as energy, inhibits insulin efficiency

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS:

GREEN VEGETABLESs: Aid efficient metabolism

MEAT: Aids efficient metabolism

LIVER: Aids efficient metabolism

EGGS/LOW FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS: Aids efficient metabolism

LICORICE TEA: Counters hypoglycemia

MEATS AND POULTRY

Highly Beneficial: Goat, Lamb, Mutton, Rabbit, Venison

Neutral: Beef, Buffalo, Liver, Ostrich, Pheasant, Turkey, Veal

Avoid: Bacon/Ham/Pork, Chicken, cornish hen, duck, goose, grouse, guinea pig, guinea hen, heart, horse, partridge, quail, squab, squirrel, turtle

SEAFOOD

Highly beneficial: Caviar, Cod, Croaker, Flounder, Grouper, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Monkfish, Perch, Pickerel, PIke, Porgy, Salmon, Sardine, Shad, Sole, Sturgeon

Avoid: Anchovy, Bass, Barracuda, Beluga, Butterfish, Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish, Eel, Frog, Herring (pickled), Lox, Mussel, Octopus, Oyster, Pollack, Salmon roe, shrimp, snail, sole (gray or dover), trout, yellowtail

DAIRY & EGGS

Highly Beneficial: Cottage Cheese, Farmer Cheese, Feta, Goat Cheese, Kefir, Milk (Cow/Goat), Mozzarella, Paneer, Ricotta, Yogurt

Avoid: American Cheese, Blue Cheese, Egg, Ice Cream, String Cheese

OILS AND FATS

Highly Beneficial: Olive Oil

Avoid: Avocado, Borage seed, Canola, Castor, Coconut, Corn, Cottonseed, Peanut, Safflower, Sesame, Soy, Sunflower

NUTS AND SEEDS

Highly Beneficial: Walnuts

Avoid: Cashew, Hazelnut, Pistachio, Peanut, Poppy seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, sunflower seeds

BEANS AND LEGUMES

Highly Beneficial: Kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans

Avoid: Adzuki bean, black bean, black eyed peas, garbanzo peas (chickpeas), lentil, mung beans/sprouts, soybean, soy cheese, soy milk,

CEREALS

Highly Beneficial: Millet, Oatmeal, Oatbran, Rice, Puffed, Rice Bran

Avoid: Buckwheat/Kasha, cornflakes, cornmeal, cream of wheat, grits, rye, seven grain, tapioca, wheat germ

BREADS

Highly Beneficial: Ezekiel bread, Rice Cake

Avoid: Multi-grain bread, pumpernickel, rye, whole wheat bread, Ryvita

VEGETABLES

Highly Beneficial: Beet, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Collard greens, Egg plant, ginger, Kale, Mushrooms, Mustard greens, Parsley, parsnip, pepper, potato, Yam

Avoid: Artichoke, Corn, Olive, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Tomato

FRUITS

Highly Beneficial: Banana, Cranberry, Grape, Papaya, Pineapple, Plum, Watermelon

Avoid: Avocado, Coconut, Melon, Persimmon, Pomegranate, Prickly Pear, Star Fruit

SUGARS, SPICES, AND SEASONINGS

Highly Beneficial: Curry, Ginger, Horseradish, parsley, pepper, cayenne

Avoid: Allspice, Aspartame, Barley malt, cinnamon, cornstarch, corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, guar gum, msg, pepper, tapoica

CONDIMENTS:

Avoid: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Stevia, Sucanut

HERBAL TEAS:

Highly Beneficial: Cayenne, Ginger, Ginseng, Green, Licorice Root, Milk Thistle, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry leaf, Rose hip

Avoid: Aloe, Coltsfoot, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Shepherd’s purse, skull cap

DRINKS

Highly Beneficial: Green Tea

Avoid: Liquor, Soda, Seltzer Water

AB Blood Type

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT GAIN:

RED MEAT (poorly digested, stored as fat, toxifies intestinal tract)

KIDNEY BEANS (inhibit insulin efficiency, causes hypoglycemia, slows metabolic rate), LIMA BEANS (inhibit insulin efficiency, causes hypoglycemia, slow metabolic rate), SEEDS (causes hypoglycemia)

CORN (inhibits insulin efficiency)

BUCKWHEAT (causes hypoglycemia)

WHEAT (decreases metabolism, inefficient use of calories, inhibits insulin efficiency)

FOODS THAT ENCOURAGE WEIGHT LOSS:

TOFU (promotes metabolic efficiency)

SEAFOOD (promotes metabolic efficiency)

DAIRY (improves insulin production)

GREEN VEGETABLES (improve metabolic efficiency)

KELP (improves insulin production)

PINEAPPLE (aids Digestion, stimulates intestinal mobility)

MEATS

Highly Beneficial: Turkey

Neutral: Goat, Lamb, Mutton, Ostrich, Pheasant, Rabbit. Liver (Calf)

Avoid: Bacon/ham/pork, Beef, Buffalo, Chicken, Cornish Hen, Duck, Goose, Grouse, Guinea Hen, Heart, Horse, Partridge, Quail, Squab, Squirrel, Sweetbreads, Turtle, Veal, Venison

SEAFOOD

Highly Beneficial: Cod, Grouper, Mackeral, Mahi-Mahi, Monkfish, Pickerel, Pike, Porgy, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Salmon, Sardine, Shad, Snail, Sturgeon, Tuna

Neutral: Bluefish, Bullhead, Butterfish, Carp, Catfish, Caviar, Chub, Croaker, Cusk, Drum, Halfmoon Fish, Harvest Fish, Herring, Mullet, Muskellunge, Mussel, Perch, Pollack, Pompano, Rosefish, Scallop, Scrod, Scup, Shark, Smelt, Squid, Sucker, Sunfish, Swordfish, Tilapia, Tilefish, Weakfish, Whitefish

Avoid: Barracuda, Bass (all), Beluga, Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish, Eel, Flounder, Frog, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Herring (pickled, smoked), Lobster, Lox, Octopus, Oyster, Salmon roe, Shrimp, Sole, Trout, Whiting, Yellowfish

DAIRY & EGGS

Highly Beneficial: Cottage Cheese, Farmer Cheese, Feta, Goat Cheese, Milk (GOAT), Kefir, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Sour Cream (Low/Non-Fat), Yogurt (All Varieties)

Neutral: Casein, Cheddar, Colby, Cream Cheese, Edam, Egg, Emmenthal, Ghee, Egg (goose, quail), Gouda, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Milk (cow), Monterey Jack, Muenster, Nuefchatel, Paneer, Quark, String Cheese, Swiss, Whey

Avoid: American Cheese, Blue Cheese, Brie, Butter, Buttermilk, Camembert, Egg (duck), Half & Half, Ice Cream, Milk (cow, whole), Parmesan, Provolone, Sherbert

OILS

Highly Beneficial: Olive, Walnut

Neutral: Almond, Castor, Peanut, Black currant seed, Cod Liver, Soy, Borage Seed, Evening Primose, Wheat Germ, Canola, Flaxseed

Avoid: Coconut, Cottonseed, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower

SEEDS

Highly Beneficial: Chestnut, Peanut Butter, Peanut, Walnut

Neutral: Almond, Beechnut, Brazil, Butternut, Cashew, Flaxseed, Hickory, Litchi, Macadamia, Pecan, Pine nut, Saflower seed

Avoid: Hazelnut, Poppy seed, Pumpkin seed, Sesame seed, Sunflower

BEANS & LEGUMES

Highly Beneficial: Lentil, Green bean, Navy bean, Pinto Bean, Soybean, Soy Miso, Soy Tempeh, Soy Tofu

Neutral: Cannellini bean, Northern bean, great pea, Copper bean, green beans, jicama, lental, granules, white bean, soy milk, soy cheese

Avoid: Adzuki bean, Black bean, black eyed pea, Fava bean, Garbanzo bean (chickpea), Kidney bean, lima bean, mung bean/sprouts

CEREALS

Highly Beneficial: Amaranth, Oatmeal, Ryeberry, Millet, Oat Bran, Rice, Bran, Rice, Puffed, Spelt

Neutral: Barley, Cream of rice, Quinoa, Shredded wheat, soy flakes, wheat bran, wheat germ

Avoid: Buckwheat/Kasha, Cornflakes, Cornmeal, Greats, Kamut, Tapoica, Teff

BREADS

Highly Beneficial: Brown Rice Bread, Essene (Manna) Bread, Ezekial, Millet, Rice Cake, Rye Bread, Rye Crisp, Ryvita, Soy Flour, Wasa Crispbread

Neutral: Gluten free bread, Pumpernickel, Whole wheat bread

Avoid: Corn Muffins

GRAINS & PASTA

Highly Beneficial: Oat Flour, Rice (Basmati, Brown, White, Wild), Rice Flour, Rye Flour

Neutral: Quinoa, Couscous

VEGETABLES

Highly Beneficial: Alfalfa Sprouts, Beet, Greens, Beet, Broccoli, Cauliflower, celery, collard greens, cucumber, dandelion, eggplant, garlic, Kale, Mushroom, maitake, Mustard Greens, Parsley Parsnip, Potato, Sweet, Yam

Avoid: Aloe, Artichoke, Caper, Corn, Mushroom, Olive, Pepper, Pickles, Radish, Rhubarb

FRUITS

Highly Beneficial: Cherry, Cranberry, Fig, Gooseberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Lemon, Loganberry, Pineapple, Plum, Watermelon

Avoid: Avocado, Banana, Coconut, Dewberry, Guava, Mango, Melon, Orange, Persimmon, Pomegranate, Prickly Pear, Quince, Sago palm, Starfruit

SEASONINGS

Highly beneficial: Curry, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish, Molasses, Blackstrap, Oregano, Parsley

Avoid: Acacia, Allspice, Aloe, Almond extract, Aspartame, Barley malt, Carrageenan, Cornstarch, corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose, gelatin, guar gum, invert sugar, MSG, Pepper, Vinegar, Yeast, Tapoica

CONDIMENTS

Avoid: Ketchup, Pickles, Pickle relish, Soy sauce, Worcestershire,

HERBAL TEAS

Highly Beneficial: Alfalfa, Astralagus, Burdock, Chamomile, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Gentian, Ginger, Ginseng, Hawthorn, Licorice Root, Milk Thistle, Parsley, Rose Hip, Strawberry leaf, Green Tea

Avoid: Aloe, Cayenne, Coltsfoot, Corn silk, genetian, Hops, Red Clover, Linden, Mullein, Rhubarb, Senna, Shepherd’s purse, Skullcap

DRINKS

Avoid: Coffee, Liquor, Soda, Tea (black)

If you would like to learn more or have a question, please leave a comment below. Be Your Own Hero!

The Law Of Numbers: Determining Your Life Path

Dan Adams — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:47:54 +0000

“Some are slaves of ambition or money, but others are interested in understanding life itself. These give themselves the name of philosophers (lovers of wisdom), and they value the contemplation and discovery of nature beyond all other pursuits.” -Pythagoras

Would you believe me if I told you that there is great meaning found in numbers? I stumbled upon a system known as “numerology” in 2007 after being drawn to The Way of The Peaceful Warrior and other subsequent works by author Dan Millman. Millman appealed to me because he was a former Olympic athlete who made a conscious choice to venture outside the box to examine the meaning of life and expand human potential. His love for stoic philosophy, world religion, and encompassing belief in the hero’s journey immediately became evident as he simply explained principles that have existed since the beginning of time.

I have delayed sharing this system because I first had to prove that there was truth in it from my own direct life experiences. How could I recommend something so outside traditional thought without first incorporating it into my life? Over the course of 5 years, I found that there were few discrepancies when analyzing myself, friends, family members, relationship partners, or those I have come to admire throughout history. As a result, this system has given me tremendous strength to confront the unknown since there is evidence that there is an organization beyond form.

*Please don’t take my perspective as truth without first incorporating an idea or system into your life. There is no absolute truth in this life so be willing to explore, using different tools to discover the light within. You must be willing to formulate your own perspectives without having them dictated to you by the system.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I ask you to let go of rigid perspectives and keep an open mind when experimenting with the system in your own life. Are you willing to examine your current perceptions and beliefs to reveal something far more powerful? Be Your Own Hero…

What is Numerology?

Numerology is the science of numbers, a method of character analysis which uses numbers (energy) found in birth dates and names in an attempt to solve the age-old question “Who am I?”

Numerology can be used as a practical method of understanding your highest purpose. The core system outlines your natural talents and interests, brings awareness to subconscious tendencies, and examines the opportunities and challenges along your path. It has been used by human beings from the beginning of recorded history with its core discovery in the West being attributed to Pythagoras.

Numerology embraces the belief that the individual enters a given life by choice at a certain time and into a certain environment, presenting the opportunity to further evolve their consciousness.

*Numerology, astrology, enneagram, palm reading, and tarot cards are all based on the same fundamental principles, however, some prefer to practice certain mediums over others. Be willing to explore, keep an open mind, and come to your own conclusion through direct experience.

Why is Numerology Important?

Numerology is important because it orchestrates that there is organization in the Universe, a concept that is vastly important to the evolution of human consciousness. If you can incorporate elements of this system into your daily life, it will help enable you to confront your deepest fears and insecurities which will only serve as obstacles to grasping your highest potential.

I discovered that by studying the works of other 25/7′s (my life path) that there was always an immediate connection regardless of the task being performed. Those on the same life path share a similar views of the world and will often possess common strengths and weaknesses. One of the greatest influences in my life has come through the work of another 25/7, Joseph Campbell.

I have also deeply connected with movies that star other 25/7′s as they share a similar interest in understanding the World beyond form. Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception), Christian Bale (The Dark Knight), Natalie Portman (V is for Vendetta), and Mel Gibson (Braveheart). Gibson was the perfect cast William Wallace since the weaknesses in his personal life path focus upon lack of trust and fear of betrayal, bringing an authenticity to the character.

Who was Pythagoras?

Pythagoras founded a philosophical and religious school in Southern Italy, where he taught mathematics, astronomy, and music. Pythagoras was the head of the society with an inner circle of followers known as mathematikoi. The beliefs that Pythagoras held were:

(1) that at its deepest level, reality is mathematical in nature,

(2) that philosophy can be used for spiritual purification,

(3) that the soul can rise to union with the divine,

(4) that certain symbols have a mystical significance (sacred geometry).

How do I calculate my Life Path?

The Life Path number is established from the date of birth. First, add the numbers of the Month, day, and year together to arrive at a cumulative total. Next, add the individual numerals of the sum total together to get your life path.

Example: If a person was born on October 20, 1984 (10-20-1984), add the month 1+0 to the day 2+0 plus the the year 1+9+8+4 arriving at a cumulative total of 25. The equation looks like this (1+0)+(2+0)+ (1+9+8+4)= 25. Add sum of numbers together in your cumulative number, (25) (2+5)=7 to get your true life path: 25/7

What does my Life Path mean?

For the interest of space and time, I have given a general overview of each life path. For a more in-depth information regarding your specific life path, please consult Dan Millman’s work, The Life You Were Born to Live. It is the most comprehensive work I have discovered to this point regarding numerology.

EXAMPLE: Dan Adams, 25/7, The Connector of The Known & Unknown (Introverted Extrovert)

The “2″ and “5″ energy of my life path are the karmic lessons I must master in this life before maximizing my overall path of “7″. I must be willing to trust in others, building positive collaborations that serve the community. I must learn to be a “team player” and surround myself with like minded people that can propel me forward.

The “5″ aspect of my path tells me that I will gain important insights traveling that will expand more awareness and increase my power. I must learn to feel “at home” wherever I go and must consistently seek the unknown to discover my light. This energy tells me that I am drawn to experiences and must keep my presence to avoid becoming too scattered.

For karmic lessons, please feel free to consult the life paths below to build a better understanding of different paths.

Life Path 1 (10/1, 19/10, 37/10, 28/10, 29/11 (Master Number))- The Extroverted Leader of People

The Life Path 1 suggests that you entered this plane with strong leadership skills that allow you to empower those you come in contact with. Your nature is charged with individualistic desires, a demand for independence, and the need for personal goal attainment. Many of our military generals, corporate leaders, and political leaders are men and women having the Life Path 1. When you manifest 1 energy in the positive, your mind is capable of significant creative inspiration and it possesses the enthusiasm and drive to bring large scale visions to reality. You are very good at getting the ball rolling as initiating new projects and visions is your forte. With this strength comes utter determination and the capability to lead large groups of people. As a natural leader you have an inclination for taking charge of any situation, sometimes causing resentment from others.

Highly original, you are very efficient in coming up with new visions or goals. In any work that you choose, your independent attitude and extroverted personality is attractive to your peers. You have very strong personal needs and desires, and you feel it is always necessary to follow your own convictions. You tire of routine and highly detailed tasks rather quickly.

You are ambitious and assertive in promoting yourself due to extroverted qualities. Although you may hide the fact in social situations, you have a tendency to influence others to follow your lead. That said, for the most part, you are considered very good company, friendly, good-natured, and wonderful with words. People are attracted to 1 energy and are drawn to your ideas which is a good thing since 1′s are very sensitive to disapproval and don’t handle it very well.

*If you have a life path of “10″ please be aware that the “0″ following the 1 accentuates the 1 influence. 10′s and 11′s will be similar in their life path, however, slightly different in the lessons they must confront and overcome to maximize their 1 path.

The Dark Side of 1 Energy

The negative aspects of your number encourage the tendency to become dictatorial and tactless. Diplomacy is always the best tactic with which to get your way. Being dictatorial will negate your chances of success. Hypersensitivity is another negative aspect that must be controlled. It’s difficult for you to accept criticism, yet you can be rather critical of others. Allow your better instincts to prevail, and you should be able to subdue these negative qualities. Selfishness, depression, and vanity are other traits that can mitigate your success. Your path will be one of great power and success if you accept the role of leader and play it with all good faith, understanding, and generosity.

There are several ways that the negative side of the 1 can show up. The 1 always has the potential for greatness as a leader, but they may fail as a follower. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to follow for a while before you’re allowed to lead and this can be a difficult time. When the 1 Life Path person is not fully developed and expressing the negative side of this number, the demeanor may appear dependent rather than independent, particularly in the early years. If you’re expressing this negative trait of the number 1, you’re likely to be very dissatisfied with your circumstances, and long for self-sufficiency. This might be defined as the weak or dependent side of the negative 1 Life Path. On the strong side of this negative curve, the 1 energy can become too self-serving, selfish, and egotistical. Avoid being too bossy and demanding.

Personal Commentary: 1′s have a tremendous amount of energy and they are usually easy to pick out in groups. Extremely extroverted, good with words, and outspoken, 1′s are natural leaders of people. They can be overwhelming at times as they often possess a deep insecurity that forces them to always have to convey their opinion. When they do not channel stress correctly, they will often experience digestive issues which can make life difficult when traveling. I really enjoy being around women that are 29/11′s as my mother shares the same energy. They are usually always drawn to creative endeavors (especially interior design) and are natural healers.

28/10′s have more of a dark energy when compared to 29/11′s, however, they are often very sexually attractive and intriguing. This path is very strong energy and I have really enjoyed the company of the feminine 28/10 as they are often deep thinkers and natural creators. This path is also commonly interested in witchcraft and metaphysical healing.

38/11′s- This path has many of the same qualities of the 28/10 and the 29/11, however, they have a more evolved sense of humor and can be “goofy” at times. The share an inclination towards art and are very good at expressing themselves when energy is not blocked.

*I have found that 29/11′s often have to confront many adversities in childhood that are often linked to neglect or abuse. They are wise to take the lessons from these experiences to bring greater illumination to their lives and those they interact with. They must break the unconscious cycle spanning from childhood that prevents them from having meaningful relationships and seeing their self worth.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 1, 5, and 7

Compatible Numbers: 2, 3, and 9

Challenge Numbers: 4 and 6

Neutral Numbers: 8

Notable Individuals With Life Path 1: George Washington, Benito Mussolini, George Lucas, Jack Nicholson, Jacques Cousteau, Jim Morrison, Larry King, Steve Jobs (28/10), Daniel Day-Lewis (37/10), Tom Hanks (37/10), Scarlett Johansson (28/10), Maria Shriver, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nancy Reagan, Sally Field, Sean Connery, Sting, Tiger Woods, Tom Cruise, Jared Leto (29/11), Erik Weihenmayer, Ernest Hemingway (37/10), Colbie Caillat, Ayn Rand (19/10), Stonewall Jackson (19/10), Napoleon Bonaparte (37/10), George Clooney (28/10), Dick Butkus (28/10), Davy Crockett (38/11), Jim Bowie (28/10), Clint Eastwood (22/4), George Armstrong Custer (29/11), Eminem (28/10), Herman Melville (28/10), Barry Sanders (38/11), Tim Burton (38/11), Nikola Tesla (28/10), Samuel L. Jackson (28/10), Michael Moore (28/10), Steve Gleason (37/10), John Stamos (37/10), Leo Tolstoy (37/10), Bobby Fisher (29/11), Gary Vaynerchuk (29/11), Chris Mccandles (29/11), OJ Simpson (37/10), Hugh Jackman (28/10), Walt Disney, Alanis Morrisette (28/10), Ernest Hemingway (37/10), Nicolas Cage (28/10), Shakira (28/10), David Beckham (29/11), Michael Jordan (29/11), Bill Clinton (29/11), Michelle Obama (29/11), Edgar Allan Poe (29/11, Mozart (29/11), Barack Obama (29/11), Robert Downey Jr (29/11), Orlando Bloom (29/11), Amelia Earhart (38/11), Madonna (38/11), Jackie Kennedy, Colin Powell, Tim Mcgraw, Tony Blair (29/11), Meg Ryan (29/11), Jennifer Aniston (29/11), Michelle Pfeiffer (38/11), Kanye West (38/11), Al Gore (29/11), Tony Robbins (29/11), Jamie Lee Curtis (29/11), Bob Hope (29/11)

Life Path 2 (11/2, 20/2)- The Compassionate Team Player

As the perfect companion, you’re the ideal mate, spouse, partner, friend, or employee. For this reason it’s best to follow the well-trodden path and leave the trailblazing to others. You can profit by their mistakes and wisely make the necessary corrections as you go along.

Disharmony and unpleasant situations disturb you greatly, therefore you go out of your way to keep peace and to calm troubled waters. Your concern and consideration for others bring you a host of friends who you appreciate and treasure. Two outstanding traits that count heavily toward the attainment of anything you desire are your diplomacy and tact. You do things so gracefully that there’s never much of a problem in getting your own way.

The keynote of your success is cooperation—therefore, you’re most successful when completing the plans or executing the directives of others who are less capable of handling the organization and detail. It’s best not to attempt to originate ideas or businesses on your own.

Always agreeable, charming, and friendly, you impress people immediately. You draw out the silent and give solace to the troubled. As a result, you go through life with great grace. Calm and intelligent, you master any group or environment without friction. You need never lack for the finer things in life, even though you’re not aggressive.

Your great power of concentration and cooperation draw to you without much effort the rewards that others have to search for. This rhythm is vital to your contentment.

You have an unusual spirit of independence that makes you the perfect companion, yet completely self-sufficient if you need to be. You can easily and most satisfactorily take over the business responsibilities when left in charge, or those of the household when your partner is elsewhere. You prefer to act in concert with a partner, employer, or companion, where your duty is to carry out their directives. However, this same sense of cooperation and understanding also makes you quite efficient in whatever you undertake in a managerial capacity. Yet, in most cases your successes lie in assisting rather than in directing. Should an idea in its raw state be presented to you, you’ll bring it to life and make it workable. This is a good quality to have since much of your life will be spent in the employ of others.

It’s in your nature to readily forgive and understand, which again, makes you the perfect companion. Should there be trouble within your marriage or partnership, chances are you’ll be the one to make sacrifices or compromises in order to overcome it. The great powers you have been endowed with allow you to forgive any transgression on the part of your mate or partner, but you must take care to avoid being so forgiving that transgressions become a habit on their part.

The Life Path 2 suggests that you entered this plane with a spiritual quality in your makeup allowing you to be one of the peacemakers in society. Your strengths come from an ability to listen and absorb. You’re a fixer, a mediator, and a very diplomatic type of person using persuasive skills rather than forcefulness to make your way in the world. When you embrace and exhibit the strength of your spiritual side, you’re intuitive, avant-garde, idealistic, and visionary. These extremes make you interesting with much to offer society. You have the potential to be a deep-thinker, and no doubt interested in understanding many of life’s mysteries and more intriguing facets.

If you’re living with the positive attributes of the number 2 Life Path, you’re apt to have the most delicate ability to be balanced and fair. You clearly see the full spectrum of viewpoints in any argument or situation. Because of this, people seek you out to be a mediator. In this role you’re able to settle disputes with the most unbiased flair. There’s sincere concern for others; you think the best of people, and want the best for them. You’re honest and open in thought, word, and deed. You excel in any form of group activity where your expertise in handling and blending people can be used effectively. Manners and tact mark your way with others, and you’re not one to dominate a group or situation. You’re the master of compromise and of maintaining harmony in your environment. As the ultimate team member, you never demand praise or recognition.

In many ways, you’re a creature of habit and routine—you like your path and pattern well worn and familiar. Your ability to analyze and render accurate judgments is a wonderful natural trait you bring to the business world. You strive for complete accuracy and even perfection in your work. Perhaps you’re not a leader, but you’re a visionary and a very talented idea person.

The Dark Side of 2 Energy
Negatively, in your effort to please you can too easily be influenced against your better judgment. You can also be moody and undecided, not to mention oversensitive. There are times when your uncertainty allows others to get the best of you, and this can make you resentful.

On the negative side, nervous energy is a trait often observed in the Life Path 2. Because of this, you may be seen as an extremist who’s sometimes the zealot in expressing likes and dislikes. Nervous tension can bring the normally easygoing 2 into a state of emotional outrage, which to those around you, may seem well out of character. Indeed, the 2 can sometimes become oversensitive. In some instances, the strength of the 2 can also become its weakness. At times you may find it hard to decide what to do. Twos often struggle against indecisiveness. Making decisions and getting your rear in gear—so to speak—may be a challenge. There’s a tendency for the many 2s to harbor feelings of uneasiness, and dissatisfaction with accomplishments and personal progress in life. The biggest obstacle and difficulty you may face is that of passivity and a state of apathy and lethargy. The negative 2 flirts with pessimism. When this sets in to any degree, you accomplish very little. If you’re living on the negative side of the 2, you may lack common sense, and you’re quite often unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Even the more positive individuals with the 2 Life Path prefer a more amiable and less competitive environment, often shunning the business world. You can best serve society in endeavors utilizing your skills of counseling and guidance. Much of your idealism is people-oriented and quite humanitarian in nature. You expect a great deal of yourself.

Personal Commentary on 2′s: Very compassionate people that often put others ahead of themselves. If you want to build a successful team, you’re wise to include 2 energy. They are not natural leaders (enjoy sitting back and observing) but do a good job of balancing out other energies in groups and making people feel comfortable. I don’t have too many 2′s in my life because I enjoy being around strong leaders that like to take charge of situations. This will change as my path evolves.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 2, 4, and 8

Compatible Numbers: 1, 3, 6, and 9

Challenge Numbers: 5 and 7

Notable Individuals With Life Path 2: Ronald Reagan (20/2), Barach Spinoza (20/2), Claude Monet (20/2)

Life Path 3 (12/3, 21/3, 30/3)- The Creative

Self-expression is your keynote. The sparkle and effervescence you generate wherever you go bolsters the morale of anyone feeling a bit low. This, plus the fact that you’re very sociable and entertaining to be around, helps you to win friends quite easily. With the exception of the rare individual who doesn’t understand you, or perhaps feels envy, most people enjoy your company and treasure your friendship. You do realize that life isn’t all fun and games; and though you enjoy them as much as anyone, you see things clearly and don’t waste time or energy on the unreal or ridiculous.

Intelligence and a very keen mind are your two great assets—use them well. You quickly and easily learn anything that catches you fancy; but once the knowledge is stored, you go on to other things, rather than delve into it deeply. This versatility is the foundation of the many talents you possess, which make it problematic at times to decide just what it is you wish to express. Enthusiasm reigns for a time, and you manage to transmit this excitement to others. Then suddenly your interest changes and you quickly go on to something else.

You’re used to, and enjoy, getting things your own way and doing exactly as you please. “What will be, will be” is your motto, and you don’t worry too much about tomorrow. This is fine as long as you don’t become so unconcerned that you neglect the things you should.

With your quick wit, the words you choose at times makes you seem a bit too critical of other people and their opinions. Take care, for you could unintentionally hurt those you love. Wit is an asset when used strictly in a humorous sense, and you’ve been endowed with a finely honed sense of humor that keeps you and yours cheerful.

Words—and your clever way of using them–stand you in good stead in any field where verbal communication is necessary. You’ll succeed in any of these areas without much effort on your part. Language and its use are like food for your soul. You thrive on intellectual pursuits and like to pass on what you’ve learned to others who are less knowledgeable. Music, dance, and the arts are very important to you.

Your greatest happiness is in loving and being loved. It’s an absolute necessity for you to be emotionally involved. Because of this great need for love, you’re apt to be a very good mate, always adoring, always ready to forgive, as long as your partner shows you the affection you crave. You mustn’t let this love become too overpowering or try to dominate the relationship because it could lead to the loss of all that you seek. Intimacy is extremely important to you and some of your relationships will be based on that alone.

Use your talents to bring joy wherever you go and in every relationship. Continually cultivate new associations and be cheerful, for this is your blueprint.

The Life Path 3 indicates that you entered this plane with a strong sense of creativity and wonderful communication skills. Achievement for you most likely comes through engaging your ingenious expression. A truly gifted 3 possesses the most exceptional innovative skills, normally in the verbal realm, writing, speaking, acting, or similar endeavors. Here we’re apt to find the entertainers of the world, bright, effervescent, sparkling people with optimistic attitudes. The bright side of this path stresses harmony, beauty, and pleasures; of sharing your inventive talents with the world. Capturing your capability in creative self-expression is the highest level of attainment for this life path.

Life Path 3’s generally live to the fullest, often without much worry about tomorrow. This can result in poor money management; you’re simply not concerned. You spend it when you have it, and sometimes even when you don’t.

The 3 loves connecting with people. The characteristics of the 3 are warmth and friendliness, a good conversationalist, social and open. A good talker both from the standpoint of being a delight to listen to, but even more importantly, one who has the ability to listen to others. Accordingly, the life path 3 produces people who are a welcome addition to any social situation and know how to make others feel at home. Your approach to life tends to be exceedingly positive. Your disposition is almost always sunny and openhearted. A happy and often inspired person, you’re constantly seeking and needing stimulation of similar people.

There is a remote side to your 3 Life Path, as well. This comes as a surprise to the native and to those who think they’re well acquainted. The 3 is actually a very sensitive soul. When hurt, you can easily retreat into a shell of morose silence for extended periods. Nonetheless, the 3 eventually copes with all of the many setbacks that occur in life and bounces back for more. It’s usually easy for you to deal with problems because you freely admit their existence without letting them get you down for too long. Because of your own sensitivity to hurt, you have a caring disposition and are usually conscious of other people’s feelings and emotions.

In romance, the 3 is an ardent and loyal lover. Relationships that don’t go well can leave scars that linger. Emotional experiences of all types tend to deeply touch the 3 with the associated drama taking some time to play out. Regrettably, the giving disposition of the 3 often attracts demanding partners. As with most of life’s issues for the 3 Life Path, balance in relationships can be elusive.

Your big test with a 3 Life Path is controlling your highs and lows. You won’t thrive in a routine environment or when you’re placed under dominating management. Slow thinking and overly contemplative people tend to frustrate you. You don’t function well with this type, whether you’re working for them or with them. Your exuberant nature will take you far, especially when you’re able to focus your energies and talents.

The Dark Side of 3 Energy
On the negative side, don’t allow intimate desires to negate your common sense or cause you to be promiscuous. Vanity and a tendency toward wasting yourself and your talents are also a danger, as is a lackadaisical “who cares” attitude.

For the few living on the negative side of this Life Path, a 3 may be so delighted with the joy of living they become frivolous and superficial. You may scatter your abilities and express little sense of purpose. The 3 can be an enigma, for no apparent reason you may become moody and tend to retreat. Escapist tendencies are not uncommon with the 3 life path, and you find it very hard to settle into one place or one position. Guard against being critical of others, impatient, intolerant, or overly optimistic.

Personal commentary: 3′s love self expression and are very creative in conveying ideas. I really enjoy 3′s for the reason that they produce awesome art and new, creative ways of looking at the world. If you want to harness your inner creativity, you’re wise to surround yourself with a 3 as they have the ability to show you a different world! When I think of 3′s, I envision the oracles in the movie, Minority Report, that lay suspended, thinking and using their intuition to build a new world. The key for this path is learning to express themselves despite the contradicting views of the unconscious society.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 3, 6, and 9

Compatible Numbers: 1, 2, and 5

Challenge Numbers: 4, 7, and 8

Notable Individuals With Life Path 3: Alec Baldwin, Bill Cosby, Christina Aguilera, Darran Arnofsky, David Bowie, Enya, Jack Welch, Jimmy Buffett, Jodie Foster, John Travolta, Josh Grobin, Mary J Blige, Pierce Brosnan, Shania Twain, Brandan Frasier, Kevin Costner, Kevin Spacey, Reese Witherspoon, Elijah Wood, Andrew Jackson, Takashi Doscher, General William Sherman (21/3), Zach Thomas (30/3), Jake LaMotta (21/3), RFK (21/3), Ted Kennedy (21/3), Billy The Kid (30/3), Jiddu Krishnamurti (30/3), Alfred Hitchcock, Cameron Diaz, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Michael Keaton

Life Path 4 (13/4, 22/4, 31/4, 40/4)- The Universal Soldier & Master Builder

You won’t reach for the fleeting things of life. Rather, you’ll settle only for those that’ll reward you with lasting benefits. You have a great head for details and can make even the most boring, mundane jobs pay off with a measure of success. You can keep your head when everyone around you loses theirs. Take this for what it’s worth and channel it properly; persevere when others have tired or lost interest and you’ll receive your just rewards.

You must learn to evaluate every idea or product you’re involved with and not get carried away with the “blue sky” aspects of them. Think clearly and stand firm where your logic dictates. Never a wanderer, you prefer to live and work in one place after you’ve adjusted to it. You work best when you have a sense of permanence to hang onto.

A 4 Life Path is one of justice, equality, and practicality. You’ll spend your lifetime working toward your goal. Even when you attain what you think you want, you’ll go on and lay foundations for other acquisitions. Always working, always building, so goes a 4, but with a great capacity for patience, you’re well prepared for it.

Method, logic, and loyalty are your tools. This combination brings you what you desire. Details, duty, and conservation may restrict you in a sense—except when applied in the most practical way. At times, you find yourself so bogged down with details that you may lose sight of the overall picture. In that case, it’s wise to allow yourself to flow with the tide and accept the thoughts and opinions of more experienced people. This applies to all arenas—from raising a family, to managing a business, and everything in-between. Insisting that your ideas are the most practical can hinder your progress, so learn to listen and weigh everything before you tell yourself and others that your way is the only way.

Always ready to take on anything, you never shirk your duties. When dependability is required, you’re the ideal candidate. As a mate, this bodes well for your partnership and is a great model for any children you may raise.

You can take any idea, concept, or design and bring it to life. Express yourself whenever the opportunity presents itself, both in business and at home. If you’re a homemaker, you can adapt the design of any decorator or artist and bring beauty and easy living into your home.

The Life Path 4 suggests that you entered this plane with a natural genius for planning, fixing, building, and somehow, with practical application and cerebral excellence, making things work. You’re one of the most trustworthy, practical, and down-to-earth of individuals—the cornerstone members of society. Indeed, as a Life Path 4, you are a builder of society. The cream of the crop in this Life Path can be a master builder in society. If you’re among these highly talented people, you have an idealistic nature which is grounded in practical terms, allowing you to conceive grandiose, far-reaching schemes and carry them through to the end. If you desire and are willing to work for it, you can achieve enormous success, prestige, and fame. Obviously, everyone with a 4 Life Path doesn’t become famous.

People with this Life Path have the ability to take orders and to carry them out with dedication and perseverance, and many 4s live and work happily in this context. But so often, the 4 Life Path is the entrepreneur and manager in the community. In either role, you always demand as much from yourself as you do from others, and sometimes a lot more.

You have the kind of willpower that’s often mistaken for stubbornness. You don’t think of yourself as dogged, but your honest beliefs and that ever-direct speech makes you come across as completely unremitting. Once you’ve made a decision, you follow it through to the conclusion—right, wrong, or indifferent. You’re set in your ways and determined to handle things the way you feel they should be handled. Your tenacity of purpose and ability to get the job done, borders on obsession. You’re a wonderful manager with a great sense of how to get the job done.

Because of your ability to view things in a common-sense and practical way, you’re an excellent organizer and planner. This stems from a strong desire to be a perfectionist in your labor. Planning is necessary to avoid errors. It’s very likely that a 4 Life Path person invented the to-do list, because it’s the rare Life Path 4 who doesn’t have one by his/her side at all times. You program your life in an orderly fashion that allows you to catalog and manage the flow of ideas and activities that fill your day. You function best when under the gun and facing a tough set of problems.

Loyal and devoted, you make the best of your partnerships, and you’re always a good provider. Friends may be few in number, but you’re very close to the ones you have. And once friendships are made, they often last a lifetime.

The number 4 is solidly associated with the element of earth from which it gains its strength and utter sense of reality. You’re one of the most dependable people you know. If patience and determination can ever win, you’re sure to achieve great success in life. Often, you’re called on to take care of others—to finish what they’ve started. It may not seem fair and probably isn’t, but it may be the key to your accomplishment and reputation.

The Dark Side of 4 Energy
Stubbornness, narrow-mindedness, jealousy, envy, and stinginess can be the shadow side of your character.

The negative side of the 4 can prove dogmatic to an excess, narrow-minded, and repressive. Skin-deep people turn you off, and you lack the tact to keep your feelings from showing to those in your sphere of influence. Additionally, the negative 4 has a tendency to get so caught up in the daily routine of affairs that they can miss the big picture and subsequently forfeit major opportunities that come along.

Personal Commentary: I respect 4′s but usually not my favorite energy to be around. 4′s are very rational thinkers and often do not like to think outside the box which opposes many of my interests and beliefs. They are very organized, clean up after themselves (always a plus), and follow a systematic, mechanized process. 22/4′s are MASTER BUILDERS and are great at grasping how things work (Leonardo Da Vinci was a 22/4 and so was Immanuel Kant). They are often “gear heads” and are VERY GOOD at fixing anything when they put their awareness on it.

31/4′s can be fun to be around if they are willing to get outside of routine to express themselves in creative ways (Brad Pitt and Steve Jobs 31/4). In the negative, 4′s will cling to their perspective and routines, being unwilling to grasp a bigger picture. I have met a few 4′s that have evolved from their life lessons and elevated their awareness to become conscious creators. In my personal life, I had a (40/4) teach me about presence and compassion that transformed my prejudices about this path. We all have the potential to elevate our path regardless of the energy we come into this life with.

MASTER NUMBER 22/4: The 22/4 loves to build systems, program, projects, and organizations that are useful, practical, and uplifting. Naturally, this Master Builder is highly creative, and is delighted to create something that calls for order, planning, and bringing people to a higher sense of awareness in the process.

The 22/4 can function well in arenas that allow for a broad perspective, encompass national and international interests, and promote universal understanding, peace, and higher consciousness.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 2, 4, and 8

Compatible Numbers: 6

Challenge Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9

Notable Individuals With Life Path 4: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Gates (22/4), Billy Graham, Bono(U2), Brad Pitt, Bryan Adams, Dale Earnhardt (22/4), Dean Martin (22/4), Demi Moore, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Jewel, John Kerry, Val Kilmer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Paul McCartney (22/4), Sir Richard Branson (22/4), Steve McQueen (22/4), Leonardo Da Vinci (22/4), Sigmund Freud, Immanuel Kant (22/4), Mark Twain (22/4), Tupac Shakur (31/4), David Hume (22/4), Babe Ruth (31/4), James Garner (31/4), Brian Piccolo (22/4), Larry Bird (31/4), Che Guevara (31/4), Mike Tyson (31/4), Rudy Ruettiger (31/4), Pat Tillman (31/4), Donald Trump (31/4), Sheryl Crow (22/4), Eckhart Tolle (31/4)

Life Path 5 (14/5, 23/5, 32/5)- The Freedom Seeker & Master of Experience

Freedom is your proudest possession and you’ll allow no one to interfere with it. This sense of freedom manifests itself in constant pursuit of adventure. Your natural wit, enthusiasm, and boundless energy make this possible.

You’re not always consistent in your temperament—experiencing great highs and lows—you’re sometimes docile and sometimes in a black temper. However, this variance of mood always implies a chameleon-like intellect that can match the mood of the times, advancing or remaining static as the situation demands.

You thoroughly enjoy everything that goes on in this great universe called life. Your interest, combined with your wit and sense of humor, makes you the center of attraction of any group. Words are gems you enjoy giving to those around you. Language is your currency—the means by which you express all you’ve learned and experienced. Though usually humorous, you’re by no means merely a clown. You take pleasure in serious subjects and express yourself well, but take care to show your mastery of language only in areas where your knowledge is complete. You can easily misinform people because your way of expressing yourself can hold them captive, and they often believe anything you have to say.

Making excellent use of all the senses, you’re sensual in thought and action. This results in a magnetic quality that draws people to you. Should you venture into subjects you know little about, you may find yourself in an extremely embarrassing position. Once made to look foolish, you’ll be hard-pressed to vindicate yourself and you’ll not command the attention you’re used to and fond of.

Sarcasm and humor—though assets—can also be weapons when used against someone unable to compete; someone without your command of rhetoric. Take care to control your thoughts; channel them carefully into positive areas to further yourself and your career. You have a tendency toward involving yourself in too many areas at one time, especially when your vivid imagination takes over. When you consolidate your thoughts and efforts, you reap the most benefits.

Be prepared for quick and frequent changes—moves and travel. Accept these changes with a spirit of adventure and keep moving. Yours isn’t a life of steadiness in any case, so leave each place or relationship with no regrets. Seek all of the new experiences you can find and store the knowledge gained for future use. Learn languages and use them wherever you can. The ingenuity and adaptability you’ve been endowed with allows you to wring more pleasure out of every situation—giving you double the rewards.

The Life Path 5 suggests that you entered this plane with a highly progressive mindset, with the attitude and skills to make the world a better place. The key word for your Life Path is freedom. In the pursuit of freedom, you’re naturally versatile, adventurous, and advanced in your thinking. You’re one of those people strives to find answers to the many questions that life poses. The bywords for the positive Life Path 5 are constant change and improvement. You want to be totally unrestrained, as this is the number most frequently associated with the productive use of freedom.

You may be one of the most compassionate of people as the 5 is surely the most freedom-loving and compassionate Life Path. Your love of freedom extends to humanity at large, and concern for your fellow man, his freedom and his welfare, may be foremost in your mind. As the ultimate progressive thinker type, your potential in government, law, the military, and other positions of authority is unlimited.

You’re an excellent communicator and you know how to motivate people. This may be your strongest and most valuable trait. Because of this skill, and your amazing wit, you’re a truly natural born salesperson. The ability to sell and motivate extends to any sort of physical product, all the way through to whatever ideas or concepts you embrace.

You loath boring work, and chafe at mundane tasks. It’s important for you to find a job that provides thought-provoking responsibilities. You do best dealing with people, but the important thing is that you have the flexibility to express yourself at all times. You have an innate ability to think through complex matters and analyze them quickly, and then be off-and-running onto a new challenge. Generally speaking, the number 5 personality is rather happy-go-lucky—living for today—and not over-worried about tomorrow.

A love of adventure dominates your life. This may take the form of mental or physical manifestation, but in either case, you thrill to the chance for exploration and blazing new trails. As a Life Path 5, you belong to a group considered the most worldly and traveled. Clearly you’re not one to pass up a good adventure. You have a healthy dose of the risk-taker in your makeup; the conservative approach stands in second place.

In romance, you hate to be tied down and restricted. This doesn’t at all mean that you’re unfaithful or promiscuous. It means that a good partner for you needs to understand your nature. A relationship based on jealousy and having tight reigns isn’t going to work for you—at all. A partner who understands your need to be free and trusted will find you trustworthy, even if you aren’t constantly available and totally dutiful. It’s important for you to mix with like-minded people, and to spend less time with those who are constraining and demanding.

The Dark Side of 5 Energy
Your shadow side encourages fickleness, jealousy, depression, and a vicious temper. You also make impulsive decisions that can be harmful. You tend more toward doing exactly what you want, rather than what’s good for you. Your constant need for change in relationships, jobs, homes, and other areas often leaves you out on a limb, and you find yourself having to start all over again.

People with a 5 Life Path generally become writers, actors, linguists, or “front” people involved in advertising, public relations—anything that deals with words or discussions. Knowing this helps you to save every tidbit of knowledge you glean from life and use it in one way or another in the above professions.

If you’re living on the negative side of the Life Path 5, you’re apt to be multi-talented, but suffer from a lack of direction that results in confusion surrounding your ambition. Restless, discontent, and impulsive, you may bounce from one job to the next without accomplishing much. A negative Life Path 5 can become irresponsible in tasks and decisions concerning home and business. The total pursuit of sensation and adventure can result in a Life Pat 5 that self-indulgent and totally unaware of the feelings of those around them.

Personal Commentary: Very sexual female energy that is awesome to be around. 5′s are attracted to new experiences and will try just about anything once. They are usually VERY physically attractive, however, can be easily become scattered by wanting to do too many things at once. They are not usually focused on committed relationships because they are freedom seekers and during this period of my life I have really enjoyed that energy. Every girl I have dated over the past 2 years has been a 5 energy as they are consumers of authentic experience and often beautiful people.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 1, 5, and 7

Compatible Numbers: 3 and 9

Challenge Numbers: 2, 4, and 6

Neutral Numbers: 8

Notable Individuals With Life Path 5: Abraham Lincoln, Malcolm X, Angelina Jolie, Bette Midler, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Charles Barkley, Clark Gable, Dennis Quaid, Don Henley, Don Johnson, Helen Keller, Liv Tyler, Mick Jagger, Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, Willie Nelson, Christie Brinkley, Courtney Cox, Michael J. Fox, Steve Martin, Jeremy Irons, Sean Penn, J.K. Rowling, Denzel Washington, Sigourney Weaver, John Steinbeck, Jon Bon Jovi, Adolph Hitler, Thomas Jefferson, Duke Dlouhy, David Lynch, Benjamin Franklin, Vincent Van Gough (23/5), Marlon Brando (23/5), Jerry Rice (23/5), Cal Ripken Jr. (32/5), Floyd Mayweather (32/5), Ricky Hatton (32/5), Bo Jackson (23/5), Isaac Newton, Colin Farrell, Joaquin Phoenix, Uma Thurman, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre,

Life Path 6 (15/6, 24/6, 42/6, 33/6)- The Insightful Mentor & Leader of Ideas

The wisdom with which you mediate can also be used to great advantage within groups or organizations, as well as in family life. You can safely be classified a do-gooder in the nicest sense of the word and to everyone’s advantage.

Love is the reigning factor in your life, and your destiny dictates that you teach the meaning of love to all humanity through your strong sense of justice. In your personal relationships you give strength, comfort, and lasting love or friendship, and you’re always there when needed and wanted. You enjoy beauty, peace, and harmony in your surroundings, especially in your home. Your home and family are your immediate concern and, once you’ve established your brand of happiness there, you extend it elsewhere.

Unselfishness is one of your main characteristics. It allows you to teach both old and young everything you’ve learned, with the hope that it’ll provide value—shedding light on their path in life. Always sympathetic and understanding, you find it easy to counsel the troubled without ever being critical.

A great connoisseur of the finer things in life, you express your appreciation of the arts by being creative in these fields. You home is generally a showplace of your interests, yet it expresses the warmth of your personality and charm.

Many unwelcome responsibilities fall to you, and though not easy to cope with, you face up to them and fulfill them to the best of your ability, adding to your overall understanding of life and true happiness. You’re cognizant of the additional strength you acquire with each adversity that you conquer. Eventually these adversities become like water rolling off a duck’s back and never try you beyond your endurance. You’re a great humanitarian and show it every chance you get.

The Life Path 6 suggests that you entered this plane with tools to become the ultimate nurturer, and a beacon for truth, justice, righteousness, and domesticity. Your paternal, or maternal, as the case may be, instincts with a 6 Life Path exceed all others by a considerable margin. Whether in the home or in the work place, you’re the predominant caretaker and family head. While the 6 may assume significant responsibilities in the community, their life revolves around the immediate home and family, for this is the most domestic of numbers. Conservative principles and convictions are deeply ingrained and define your character.

You’re idealistic and must feel useful to be happy. Your main contributions are advice, service, and your ever present support. You’re a humanitarian of the first order. It’s your role to serve others, and you start in the home environment. You’re realistic about life, and you feel that the most important things are home, family, and friends.

This is the Life Path related to leadership by example and assumption of responsibility. Hence, you find it your obligation to pick up the burden and always be ready to help. If you’re like the majority with Life Path 6, you’re one who willingly carries far more than your fair share of any load, and you’re always there when needed. In doing so, you take ownership and often become an authority over the situation.

In romance, the 6 is loyal and devoted. A caretaker type, you’re apt to attract partners who you can care for and protect. The key ingredient that must prevail in your relationships is harmony. You don’t function well in stressful relationships. When this happens, there’s a tendency for you to become dominate and control.

It’s likely you feel compelled to function with strength and compassion. You’re a sympathetic and kind person, generous with personal and material resources. Wisdom, balance, and understanding are the cornerstones of your life—they define your overall approach to life in general. Your extraordinary wisdom and the ability to understand other people’s problems starts at an early age. This allows you to easily span the generation gap and assume an important role in life early on.

The Dark Side of 6 Energy
Your few negatives are extravagance, over-protectiveness, and being a bit of a worrywart. You may also meddle in affairs that don’t concern you in an effort to help others understand what you think is wrong, though they haven’t asked for your advice. Additionally, you may not allow other people their own frailties if they’re inconsistent with yours.

The additional pitfalls to your particular Life Path are a tendency to become overwhelmed by responsibilities and a slave to others; especially members of you own family or close friends. It’s easy for you to fall into a pattern of being too critical of others and yourself. The misuse of this Life Path produces tendencies for you to engage in exaggeration, over-expansiveness, and self-righteousness. Modesty and humility may not flow easily.

The natural burdens of this number are heavy, and on rare occasions, responsibility is abdicated by people with this Life Path 6. This rejection of responsibility makes you feel guilty and uneasy, and it can have damaging effects on your relationships with others.

Personal Commentary: I really enjoy 6 energy because they are seekers of truth. I have found that I can have many deep conversations with 6′s and they provide key insight that helps to further ideas. They are usually very healing and provide an element of stability that is helpful when confronting the unknown. 6′s are wonderful mentors and teachers when their energy is properly focused, however, they are perfectionists by nature and can be very judging when blocked. The greatest 6 I have met thus far in my life is Kyle Maynard (33/6, Christ Consciousness). You will feel very at ease around 6′s as their homes are very clean and healing.

MASTER NUMBER 33/6: For a long time, the 33/6 was thought to be the highest Master Number, signifying the highest human consciousness possible. Because of this, the number 33 has been given nearly divine status, and called the number of the avatar. However, with the expansion of human consciousness, we now all for other Master Numbers beyond 33.

In daily life the 33/6 is a champion of the underdog, and exudes compassion, love, and empathy. This Master Number willing gives of itself, lending encouragement, and heartfelt understanding to all who need help. It’s thought that the 33/6 has Christlike qualities of sacrificing itself for the sake of others. However, because of their tender heartedness and sensitivity, 33/6′s can easily be swept into despair of others, feeling the deep pain of the world.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 3, 6, and 9

Compatible Numbers: 2, 4, 7, and 8

Challenge Numbers: 1 and 5

Notable Individuals With Life Path 6: Albert Einstein, Christopher Reeve, Eddie Murphy, Eleanor Roosevelt, George Steinbrenner, George W. Bush, Goldie Hawn, Howard Hughes, Joanne Woodward, John Denver, Michael Jackson, Richard Nixon, Robert DiNiro, Rosie O’Donnell, Steve Irwin, Steven Tyler, Edward Norton, Theodore Roosevelt, Francis Ford Coppola, Stephen King, Christian Slater, Sylvester Stallone (33/6), Meryl Streep, Ted Turner, Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Claire Danes, Kyle Maynard, Aldous Huxley, T.S. Eliot, James Dean, Steve Prefontaine, James Madison, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hal Price, Jordan Lejuwaan, Dwight D Eisenhower (24/6), Jesse Jackson, Jackson Pollock (24/6), Thomas Edison (24/6), Charlie Sheen (33/6), Warren Buffett (24/6), Tim Ferriss (33/6), Seth Godin (24/6), Joe DiMaggio (24/6), Joe Rogan (33/6), Bruce Willis (33/6)

Life Path 7 (16/7, 25/7, 34/7)- The Truth Seeker & Connector Of The Unseen

The nature of a Life Path 7 person is intellectual and introspective. You delve into everything in an effort to find out what makes it tick. You rarely accept things at face value. Rather, you must see for yourself that your own opinions are sound. When the germ of an idea is absorbed into your subconscious, you meditate and turn it over in your mind until you fully understand every aspect. Only then do you act on it or discard it. This process leads you to the discovery of great philosophical truths, which you use, in turn, to your advancement as well as in the consolation and healing of the troubled. You’re psychic—you possess a certain knowing—and often experience déjà vu, a sense of having lived a certain experience before.

Yours is the role of philosopher, teacher, and healer, but it’s not easy for you to teach until you loosen up a bit. Your reserved nature gives people the impression that you’re unapproachable. Only those who understand your quiet, contemplative moods can get through to you. These are the fortunate ones because you have so much to give.

Your interests are mainly cultural and philosophical—you pursue the intellectual. The finer things in life are as necessary to you as the air you breathe. All things beautiful capture your keen interest: a well done painting, a beautiful sculpture, or a good book. You’re the rare individual who enjoys every stroke of the brush in a painting, not just the overall effect. Because of this trait, you’re a connoisseur of the finest ilk. Life Path 7’s make excellent parents because they teach their children to appreciate all of the beauty that life has to offer, both in an intellectual and a physical sense.

Your reserved manner wraps you in a mantle of dignity. Respect from one and all is your heritage, and you accept it with grace. Because you have to face a wide brushstroke of obstacles, life is often disappointing to you, but you see disappointments as opportunities to delve into the hidden truths of life and use this knowledge to better yourself and your life. This spiritual and practical knowledge you glean is your vehicle to happiness.

Never hurry—take the time for rest and meditation. There’s no need to be concerned by economics, for you generally have what you need. The fate of the mystic, as for a 7, is to study, question, apply, and teach the secrets of the soul. As such, Providence always take care of your material needs. This is a rare gift and should be used well.

The Life Path 7 suggests that you entered this plane with a gift for investigation, analysis, and keen observation. You’re a thinker of the first order. You evaluate situations quickly and with amazing accuracy. As a result, you’re thorough and complete in your work—the perfectionist who expects everyone else to meet a high standard of performance, too.

A Life Path 7 person is a peaceful and affectionate soul. But you guard your connection to people carefully. It’s easy for you to detect deception and recognize insincere people. When you do, you give them a wide berth. You aren’t one to have a large circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it’s for life. Most 7’s are charming and refined individuals with great poise and a quick wit.

Nonetheless, there’s a certain reclusiveness about you. While others enjoy being around you, you don’t necessarily enjoy being around them. Your reserve is often mistaken for aloofness, but there’s no rush. It takes time for you to warm up to new friends. Clubs and organizations hold little interest for you—you’re not a joiner.

You enjoy your own company—you actually thrive on being alone, away from the hustle and bustle life. You need a good deal of quiet time to be with your own inner thoughts and dreams. You dislike crowds, noise, distractions, and confusion.

As mentioned before, the keynote of 7′s strength is reflected in their depth of thought. 7’s garner knowledge from practically every source they find. Intellectual, scientific, and studious, you don’t accept a premise until you have dissected the subject and arrived at your own independent conclusion.

7 is considered a spiritual number and it often denotes a spiritual wisdom that becomes apparent at a fairly early age. A built-in inner guidance system provides you with a strong sense of intuition—almost a law unto yourself. Whatever spiritual position you take, traditional ornot, you cling to it with fervor. Once you’ve decided on an issue, you’re tenacious. It’s almost impossible to get you to revisit the question. Adaptability is not your style, and change for you is a rarity.

Rather than accepting advice, you rely on your own experiences and your intuition. Your hunches usually prove to be accurate, and knowing this, you confidently follow the directions they guide.

The Dark Side of 7 Energy
Your shadow side has you leaning toward moodiness, standoffishness, and secretiveness—none of which furthers your image. As a result, many people find you cold and unemotional, making it difficult to enter relationships. Worst case scenario, you may also be devious and calculating.

In the most negative use of the 7 energies, you can be pessimistic, lackadaisical, quarrelsome, and secretive. A Life Path 7 individual who’s not living life fully and gaining through experiences, is a hard person to live with because of their lack of consideration for others. Operating on the negative side of the 7 can produce a selfish and spoiled individual and living with one can be a challenge. This may be why some 7s prefer living alone.

Fortunately, the negative 7 is not the typical 7, at least not without some mitigating positive traits. This number is one that seems to have some major shifts from highs to lows. Stability in feelings may be elusive for you.

Personal Commentary: 7′s are usually very deep spiritual thinkers. They are not attracted to big groups of people and have a tendency to be loners. These truth seekers LOVE reading and being around things touched by time (old books, antiques). They have an analytical mind that is second to none and are great connectors of the “seen” and “unseen” Worlds. These individuals take pride in being different and do not share the perspectives of the masses. 34/7′s is more of an introverted energy than 25/7, however, both share characteristics of skepticism, lack of trust, and an inability to let their inner light shine through. Many “7″‘s will have a hard time connecting with people because their mind is focused on different things, people will sometimes view them as “aloof” or having a lack of presence. The key for 7′s is learning to trust the inner knower and believing in their ability to create their own path. This energy has a very difficult time with the current state of our society and may experience tremendous anxiety trying to find the proper path. Just remember, “If you build it, they will come”. Don’t lose your natural child-like, Peter Pan qualities when the unconscious majority forces its limited beliefs on you. Believe in your own abilities and think happy thoughts!

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match Numbers: 1, 5, and 7

Challenge Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9

Notable Individuals With Life Path 7: ”Dr. Phil” McGraw, Deepak Chopra, Bruce Lee, Christian Bale, Antonio Banderas, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, JFK, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr., Julia Roberts, Katherine Hepburn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Marilyn Monroe, Mel Gibson, Michael Douglas, Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth, Joseph Campbell, Muhammad Ali, Harry Connick, Jr, Johnny Depp, Shannon Dougherty, Carmen Electra, Carrie Fischer, Hugh Grant, Al Pacino, Ethan Hawke (25/7), Kiera Knightley, Angela Lansbury, Heath Ledger, Ewan McGregor, Toni Morrison, Al Pacino, Natalie Portman (34/7), Susan Sarandon, Emma Thompson, Naomi Watts, Jerry Seinfeld, Winston Churchill, James Stewart, Jesse James, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, James Cameron, Arthur Ashe, Wes Welker (25/7), Jackie Robinson (25/7), Gavin Rossdale (25/7), James Caan (25/7), Gale Sayers (25/7), Rocky Marciano (25/7), Sugar Shane Mosley (34/7), Vladimir Putin (25/7), Martin Sheen (25/7), Amy Smart (34/7) Lauren Hill (34/7), James Cameron (34/7), Kiera Knightley (34/7), Michael Douglas (34/7), Aaliyah (34/7), Taylor Swift (34/7), Stephen Hawking (25/7)

Life Path 8 (17/8, 26/8, 35/8, 44/8)- The Wealth Accumulator & Leader of Business

You’ve the capacity for management in all areas of life, especially in business and financial matters—should you so desire.

Fame, power, and fortune are the three corners of your crown—should you so desire.

A great connoisseur of the finer things in life, you especially appreciate the arts—visual, performing, language, and culinary. Your home is generally a showplace of your interests, yet it expresses the warmth of your personality and charm.

You understand the material world and intuitively know what makes virtually any enterprise work. Your talent lies with the greater vision, its purpose, and long-range goals. You possess the ability to inspire people to join you in your quest—should you so desire.

Business, finance, real estate, law, science (particularly history, archeology, and physics), publishing, and the management of large institutions are among the vocational fields that suit you best. You’re naturally attracted to positions of influence and leadership—politics, social work, and teaching are among the many other areas where your abilities can shine—should you so desire.

As a leader and a teacher—a person who influences—those in your sphere of influence need your continual guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. You must prod them into action and direct them along the lines of your vision.

With such ability, you’d do well to align yourself with large groups or organizations; the larger the group, the larger your rewards, whether financial or spiritual. A great sense of what is inordinately right helps you to direct your efforts. Your interest in philanthropic organizations can be extremely useful to them because you have the ability to draw to them what many others can’t—accomplishing so much more.

You’re very perceptive and understand human nature. As such, you have profound sympathy for people less fortunate than you. Courage is one of your greatest assets and you display it often in fighting for equal rights for all mankind. The underdog is your pet project. Your lifetime is spent in lending a hand to anyone who needs it, and that which is given is always returned many-fold.

Material things will be yours without much effort—should you so desire—but your happiness will also be spiritual in the knowledge that you’ve accomplished something unique by sheer dint of your ability.

The Life Path 8 suggests that you entered this plane armed to lead, direct, organize, and govern. You’re endowed with tremendous potential for conceiving far-reaching schemes and ideas, and also possess the tenacity and independence to follow them through to completion. In short, you were born to be an executive.

You know how to manage yourself and your environment. Your ability to judge the character and potential of the people around you is an asset. Your inspirational quality goes a long way toward engaging them in your endeavors—a special trait not to be overlooked.

The Life Path 8 produces many powerful, confident, and materially successful people. A large part of their success comes from how hard they work. Take care, this Life Path is the most prone to producing workaholics. You may be very much in love, but watch that you’re not too busy and preoccupied to show it. You must make time for love and nurture it.

The Dark Side of 8 Energy
The negative 8 can be dictatorial and often suppresses the enthusiasm and efforts of fellow member of the environment. The strength of their own personality can exclude close feelings for other people with whom they come in contact.

Material gains and rewards often become issues of utmost importance, even to the neglect of family, home, and peace of mind. Dedication to success can become an obsession.

Emotional feelings are often suppressed by the negative 8, resulting in isolation and loneliness. All Life Path 8 people must avoid discounting the opinions of others.

Personal Commentary: If you date a girl that is an unconscious 8, you better make A LOT of money. 8′s are often VERY COMPETITIVE and are driven by attainment of power and respect of their peers. They are usually great business leaders and have a tendency to be attracted to material things. I often have a hard time with 8 energy because this life purpose is often focused on manifesting things that fail to interest me. 8′s often fall prey to a heightened sense of ego which can cause them to manifest health problems. In the positive, they are the most efficient at bringing large scale visions to reality. Their biggest obstacle is feeling that they are never enough and constantly seeking outside of themselves. The must become aware that true power is always within not displayed through external illusion.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 2, 4, and 8

Compatible Numbers: 6

Challenge Numbers: 3, 7, and 9

Neutral Numbers: 1 and 5

Notable Individuals With Life Path 8: Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Paul Newman, Richard Gere, Stevie Nicks, Victor Frankl, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Armstrong, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Matt Damon, Martin Scorsese, Martha Stewart, Bob Dylan, Ted Williams, General George Patton, Ulysses S. Grant (26/8), Tom Brady (35/8), Helena Bonham Carter (35/8), Brit Marling (35/8), Robert Zemeckis (26/8), R.L. Stine (26/8), Jon Krakauer (26/8), Mickey Mantle (17/8), Jean Claude Van Damme (26/8), Viggo Mortensen (26/8), Osama Bin Laden (26/8), Jason Statham (35/8), Brit Marling (35/8), Frank Waters (26/8), Julia Orman (26/8)

Life Path 9 (18/9, 27/9, 36/9)- The Humanitarian Leader

A 9 Life Path is the sum total of all the other numbers. Therefore, it carries all of the same attributes and negatives attendant to each, making your energy highly charged in every way.

You’re a utopian. You spend your life trying to realize some aspect of your utopian dream—sacrificing money, time, and energy for a better world. It’s in giving that you find much satisfaction. You’ve a broad outlook on life. You tend to see the big picture, rather than the minute details. The person with a 9 Life Path is rarely prejudiced or accepts social biases of people. Instead, they evaluate people on the basis of what they can do for—contribute to—the larger cause.

You have a healthy imagination and are extremely creative, especially at harmoniously arranging the beauty already potential in the environment. These abilities can lead you into fields such as interior decorating, landscape art, and photography. But because of your strong social consciousness, you can be an effective politician, lawyer, judge, minister, teacher, healer, or environmentalist. Vocations that require self-sacrifice and have a clear positive social impact are common among 9s.

You’re often disappointed by the realities of life, the shortcomings of others, or of yourself. You don’t want to accept the imperfections of the world, a feeling that drives you constantly to try to improve upon it. Rather than being satisfied with your efforts, and those of others, you relentlessly push on, striving for even greater accomplishments.

A key to your personality is the necessity of sacrifice. One of your lessons is learning to let go of material possessions and relationships; learning that holding on too tightly to anything causes pain. The most successful and satisfying road for a Life Path 9 is giving, sharing, and sacrificing for a larger goal without expecting anything in return.

Doing for others is one of your finest characteristics, and you derive extreme pleasure from knowing that you were able to help in some way. If you’re a 9 with financial means, you’d do well to tie your personal fortunes to an endeavor that makes the world a better place for others. Very often, this turns into a highly successful and lucrative enterprise. Your life rests on the axiom that the more one gives, the larger the reward.

The Life Path 9 suggests that you entered this plane with an abundance of dramatic feelings coupled with a strong sense of compassion and generosity. The key to the nature of a Life Path number 9 is found in their humanitarian attitude. The 9, being the highest of the single digit numbers, holds an elevated position in terms of responsibilities to mankind.

Material gain is not overly important, although some Life Path 9 people are materially rewarded in significant ways. In this, however, the 9 Life Path is not apt to get rich since they’re very generous—many times to a fault—and usually have an easy come, easy go attitude about money.

The 9 Life Path indicates you have a commanding presence. You’ve the ability to make friends easily, as people are attracted to your magnetic, open personality. You meet people easily and are quickly befriended because of your openness and amiable demeanor. Your genial ways often put you in the lead in whatever you pursue.

Your quite inquisitive and your extreme sensitivity makes you understand and respond easily to people, atmosphere, attitudes, music, sounds, color, and personalities. This makes you very perceptive and accentuates your interest in the meaning behind everything you come across. All things mystic appeal to you and you feel the need to delve deeper—to see for yourself just what they may hold for you.

You tend to be quite sensitive because you experience through the lens of feeling. The number 9’s deep understanding of life is sometimes manifested in the artistic and literary fields. If drama and acting isn’t your forte, it will surely be an area of great interest and potential. Likewise, you may be able to express your deep emotional feelings through painting, writing, music, or other art forms.

The purpose of life for those with a 9 life path is often of a philosophical nature. Judges, spiritual leaders, healers, and educators frequently have much 9 energy. The number is less inclined to the competitive business environment and may even find this a struggle.

The Dark Side of 9 Energy
Because of the demanding nature of the truly positive 9, many tend to fail in this category. It’s not uncommon for persons with the 9 life path to fight the realities and challenges of purpose imposed here because selflessness isn’t an easy trait.

You may have difficulty believing that giving and a lack of ambition for personal gain can be satisfying. It must be realized and accepted that little long-term satisfaction and happiness is to be gained by rejecting the natural humanitarian inclinations of this path.

You’re romantic, but your love is more impersonal because you tend to be focused on your dreams. When you’re not in harmony with your true nature, you can fall to moodiness, or become aloof, and withdrawn. You can become timid, uncertain, and ungrateful, putting the blame for your troubles on others or the world.

Your concern for and interest in others tends to unnerve you at times, causing you to either rise to the heights of ecstasy or sink into the depths of depression.

Personal Commentary: Wonderful energy that is often focused upon selfless acts. This is the energy of the universal humanitarian and individuals possessing 9 energy are usually great at bringing visions to reality. Individuals in this category represent the highest form of leadership and are great to have in a group. I often learn a lot from 9′s in this life and I try to surround myself with as many as possible.

Relationship Compatibility

Natural Match: 3, 6, and 9

Compatibile Numbers: 1, 2, 5, and 7

Challenge Numbers: 4 and 8

Notable Individuals With Life Path 9: Bob Marley, Henry David Thoreau, Charles Lindbergh, Elvis Presley, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harrison Ford, Jack Canfield, Jimi Hendrix, Louisa May Alcott, Kurt Russell, Mahatma Gandhi, Robin Williams, Whitney Houston, Robert Redford, Eric Greitens, Kurt Cobain, Heather Kampf, Robert E Lee (27/9), Roger Maris (27/9), Junior Seau (36/9), Mitt Romney (27/9), Charles Bronson (18/9), Lance Armstrong (36/9), Mother Theresa (27/9), Jimmy Carter (18/9), Carlos Castaneda (27/9), Joel Osteen (27/9), Dolph Lundgren (27/9), Ed Harris (27/9), Carl Jung (36/9)

Summary of Universal Characteristics Found Within Each Life Path

1 Life Path – Individuation, independence, attainment, beginnings, innovator, leadership

2 Life Path- Cooperation, balance, diplomacy, the peacemaker, power behind the throne

3 Life Path – Self-expression, creativity, communication, artistic, sensitive, social

4 Life Path – Limitation, order, service, practical, foundations, discipline, reliable, systematic

5 Life Path – Constructive freedom, change, versatile, explorer, travel, adaptable

6 Life Path – Balance, responsibility, love, caring, protective, nurturing, community-oriented.

7 Life Path -Analysis, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, introspective, analytical, spiritual

8 Life Path- Material satisfaction, authority, power, ambition, giving and receiving

9 Life Path – Humanitarianism, selflessness, idealist, compassion, completion, universal love

10 Life Path- Please see life path “1″

12 Life Path- Please see life path “3″. 39/12 is a very creative path that is a little more extroverted and possesses slightly better leadership skills than the 30/3 life path. If their energy is in the positive, they are more likely to “connect the dots” and see a bigger picture due to the “9″ energy in their path.

MASTER NUMBER 29/11 Life Path – Illumination, revelation, intuition, visionary leader, psychic, sensitive, creative, inspirational, uplifts humanity, brings light, Spiritual Light Messenger, extroverted with internal divide (void), self defeating tendencies based upon difficulties in childhood (neglect, death, or separation from parents)

MASTER NUMBER 22/4 Life Path- Master Builder, practical mystic, mastery through self-enterprise, Master Organizer, Master Planner, visionary, practical idealism, dreams into reality, systematic, process driven, ambitious, intuitive, methodical, disciplined, natural leader, introverted.

MASTER NUMBER 33/6 Life Path- Christlike energy, self sacrificing, sensitive, compassionate, extroverted, sunshine type energy, life of the party, natural leader of people, socialite.

Please be aware that there is a lot more information to share, however, I am limited by space and time in what I can present. Let this guide be the spark for you to go against conventional thinking to discover your own truth. Be Your Own Hero!

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight May 2012- Takashi Doscher

Dan Adams — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:33:18 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Takashi Doscher is a hero. An award winning director/writer from Atlanta, GA, Takashi made the conscious choice to pursue his passion for film despite having no formal education or experience in the industry. A Fighting Chance, his first feature documentary, premiered on ESPN in November 2010 and in a 2-week sneak preview launched as the #1 Film and #1 Documentary on Hulu. He is the youngest person to sell a film to ESPN in addition to being featured and discussed in the Washington Post, MovieFone, IndieWire, Fancast, Short of the Week, and Director’s Notes, among others.

Life Path: 30/3, creative self expression

*I had the special pleasure of working with Takashi Doscher on Mission Kilimanjaro this past January and was very impressed with his ability to confront adversity. For 10 grueling days, Takashi climbed alongside our team while carrying a tremendous amount of camera equipment and burying the responsibility of capturing the MK story. Despite having no climbing experience, he never once complained and demonstrated the power of his mindset in bringing any vision to reality! Takashi leads by example, are you? Be Your Own Hero!

1. You have experienced a tremendous amount of success in the film industry, becoming the youngest person to sell a film to ESPN in addition to having your work celebrated as the #1 Film and #1 Documentary on Hulu. What are your short and long term goals moving forward?

My short term goals are to continue to make good content and to learn and grow as a writer/director. I am currently working on 2 feature film scripts, a short film, and a documentary. I plan on moving to LA in January, and ultimately I want to write and direct feature studio films.

2. You graduated from University of Florida with a degree in English, however, decided to pursue a very different path. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your experiences in pursuing what you love? Do you believe that all people have the ability “become their own hero” by cultivating the right mindset?

I have learned that mindset is everything. Nobody is going to give you anything. You have to create opportunities for yourself when no one else believes in you. The only way you can do this is by having the conviction in yourself. You will have doubts and low points, confusion and frustration, but I think it is empowering to realize that you are the only person who can lift yourself out of it. To be honest, I do not think that all people have this ability, but the ones that do, achieve great things.

3. I imagine that it must have been very difficult to take a the initial leap of faith to direct “A Fighting Chance” with very little previous experience. I believe the longest film you had directed to that point was 5 minutes? Do you have any special practices that have helped you with confronting adversity and bringing your visions to reality?

There are a couple of things that I strive to do with any large and unfamiliar task. The first thing is to look at great examples of the past. Successful films, profitable businesses, etc. It may be because of my background in math and science (I have a minor in physics), but I enjoy looking at great things and reverse engineering them. I want to discover the tiny decisions they made that added up to be something special.

Along this same line, I find it very helpful to deconstruct large projects into many smaller tasks. As long as you can still maintain your vision on the big picture, the smaller tasks are much less intimidating and more easy to get done. Moving forward, even with small steps, is absolutely critical.

4. Do you remember a specific turning point while filming “A Fighting Chance” when you truly started to believe that the project would be a success? What was the biggest obstacle that you encountered while bringing this project to life?

The turning point for me had to be when Kyle, the subject of the film, secured his fight. This was to be our climax of the film and we had no idea when we started if it would ever happen.

The biggest obstacle was learning to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. This is not something they teach in school – in fact, in many ways, they teach the opposite. From the time we are born until we are in our twenties, for many people, there has always been someone to tell them what to do and how to do it. It was a liberating feeling, to be our own bosses and setting our own schedule, but deep down we had to learn that we were the only ones who could hold ourselves accountable. We had to realize that if we slacked off, we were hurting ourselves.

5. What would you suggest to young people who lack a sense of purpose in their lives? What do you think holds so many young people back from pursuing their passions?

Fear and complacency.

For many people in our generation, myself included, we have never experienced failure. At least in America, many of us were raised where you could do no wrong. Everything was praised.

This notion is crap. We can fail. We can experience hardship. A lot of young people in America are afraid of that now that they are older. Failure is a possibility. So as a result, I think we see young people doing two things. Either they do fail, or they settle for safety. They feel more fear of failure than desire for success, so they go with the safe options. They choose options they don’t love, but options that are comfortable. This is not a terrible thing, and I don’t want to judge anyone too harshly. However, if you are a young person and you are unhappy, this may be a reason why.

6. What were the greatest lessons that you took from your role with Mission Kilimanjaro this past January? How have you applied these lessons to your daily life?

I learned that in order to be happy, I need to be constantly pushing myself. Kilimanjaro was way out of my comfort zone. We filmed in some of the most miserable conditions I could have imagined, and I learned that I loved it. I don’t mean that I have to have near-death experiences, but I learned that I am most happy when I am pushing myself into the uncomfortable.

Everyday, I need to try something new or do something that I didnt think I could do. I think that is a fantastic way to grow and for me to feel happy and fulfilled.

7. Are there any particular books that have had an impact on your life that you would recommend to younger generations to realize their potential? Who have been your biggest influences in film?

Young people still read? In all seriousness, go get “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield.

I have too many film influences to name. Just go try and live an interesting life. Stories will follow. Film technique can always be taught. A unique voice has to be cultivated over a lifetime as I’m still trying to find mine.

8. If you could teach a child only one thing, what would it be?

I dont know if this is possible, but I would try to instill a love for learning.

Have an interest in film? Please feel free to follow Takashi Doscher’s future projects and connect with him via his personal website, Intellectual Propaganda, and on Twitter (@TakashiDoscher). Be Your Own Hero!

Confronting Myth In The Fitness Industry- 11 Powerful Discoveries

Dan Adams — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:17:56 +0000

“All propaganda has to be popular and has to accommodate itself to the comprehension of the least intelligent of those whom it seeks to reach.”-Adolph Hitler

In the past few months I have grown tired of listening to the lies fed to consumers by the fitness industry and wanted to take some time to reveal what I have discovered through my own direct experiences. By becoming aware, we present ourselves with the ability to rise above the unconscious majority and find truth in our daily lives. Who says you can’t be the expert? Be Your Own Hero!

*The fitness industry does a great job of creating a “void” within the life of the consumer so they can sell the “magic” solution. The biggest threat to this industry is that the “consumer” will discover that the solution does not lie in the product, but in the mindset acquired as a result. These myths were discovered through my own life experiences and time spent mentoring others, so please feel free to try them out yourself before coming to a conclusion!

11 Fitness Myths Revealed

1. High Protein Diets Are Essential For A Lean Physique- For a long time I forced myself to eat massive amounts of protein because I believed in the popular myth that eating other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fat) would cause weight gain. The fitness industry promotes protein as such an important nutrient because it can easily package it and SELL it to you in protein powders. Through traveling internationally, I found that I became LEANER and HEALTHIER by eating a more balanced diet. I, along with Harvard Medical, discovered that eating different percentages of macronutrients had no effect on weight gain if the same amount of calories were consumed.

*I still recommend eating protein pre/post workout, however, just don’t let protein consume your entire diet.

2. You MUST Eat 5-7 Times A Day- This myth messed up my life for quite some time before I finally realized that it was completely bogus. The amount of times that you eat in a day has zero effect on your ability to retain a lean physique. That being said, if you go longer than 4-5 hours without eating anything there is a tendency to overeat due to drop in blood sugar levels. Depending on how busy I am, I will eat between 3-6 meals a day and if necessary, I will combine two or event three small meals into one. Exposing this myth allowed a tremendous amount of freedom to creep back into my life!

3. If You Eat Before Bed You Will Get Fat- This is a myth with a caveat. Eating clean foods before bed if you are below your daily expenditure WILL NOT cause you to gain weight. However, if you stay up late, your body will naturally secrete gherlin and leptin which will cause a craving for simple sugars. Understand the difference and make the appropriate decision by asking yourself the question, “Are you truly hungry or are you just tired?”

4. Supplements Are As Good As Food- FALSE. 95% of supplements are a complete waste of your money. Focus on incorporating foods into your diet that are high in antioxidants and if you chose to supplement, focus merely on the basics. Pick up a Multi-Vitamin, Whey Protein void of artificial ingredients, and fish oil. Less is more…

5. Cardio Is Absolutely Essential- Anybody who says this doesn’t eat clean. What you put into your body is 90% of the game and if you can’t control this aspect it doesn’t matter how much cardio you do. If I choose to incorporate energy work (1-2x/week), I will do short intervals (running, swimming, biking, etc) that enables me to compete against myself. I NEVER do steady state cardio… NEVER. Who really wants to waste their life staring at a wall on a stationary bike?

6. Type of Workout Determines Body Type- You know how your trainer always tell you to do higher reps when you want to “tone” up? First off, anybody that uses the word “tone” doesn’t know shit and should be immediately disregarded. Second, the type of “workout” that you do has very little impact on physique. As I stated before, the fitness game is 90% nutrition.

7. Physical Transformation Is Solely Due To Diet & Exercise- A lot of people think that the physical transformations on shows like “The Biggest Loser” are mainly a result of diet and exercise. In my opinion, successful physical transformations are primarily due to a psychological tweak that allows a person to begin believing in their ability to change. Proper diet and nutrition are simple byproducts of the power of moving from a victim mindset to a creator mindset. That being said, money is not made showing people how to grasp their own power, it is made selling them products. Transition the mindset in your physical training to everything that you do.

8. Meditation Is Not Important To Building Ideal Physique- Being able to meditate is the one of the MOST important exercises to building a healthy physique. If you’re able to properly release stress and anxiety in adverse situations, you will find that you’re far less at risk to overeat and make stupid decisions as a result. Learn to breath, become unattached to outcomes, and enjoy the journey that life presents. You will find that your mindset plays the largest role in creating your physical realities.

9. “Eyes To The Sky” When Squatting- If I had a dollar for every time I was told this as a teenager, I wouldn’t have to be compensated for the rest of my life. This myth started as result of unconscious high school strength coaches and other BFS groupies preaching that using the “proper form” during the squat involved looking up at the ceiling throughout the exercise. Obviously, very few of these “experts” actually squatted. By looking up at the ceiling, the spine becomes out of alignment and the body instantly becomes weak. If you want to develop more power in the squat exercise, start by flexing your upper back (keeps lower back straight) and looking straight ahead (keeps your spine neutral). This simple tip produces amazing results. Don’t take my word for it.. try it yourself!

10. Creatine Increases Lean Muscle Mass- I was never fond of creatine, however, a recent study confirmed my suspicion that creatine has little to no impact on building lean muscle mass. Sorry supplement industry! I am sure you will find additional ways to say that your product is x% more effective.

11. You Must Sleep 8 hours A Day To Maximize Growth: I have experimented with different sleeping protocols and I have found this to be grossly inaccurate. I often sleep 4-6 hours a night and nap for 20 min to an hour in the afternoon if I feel tired. I have learned to listen to my body’s natural algorithms and as a byproduct, have improved my efficiency ten fold!

For those that are interested in having some additional help in achieving goals (physically and in life), please feel free to read up on The Discover Your Own Hero Training & Life Coaching Program. I can be reached via email at Dan@AthleticCapital.com as I am happy to help!

The article I wrote several months ago entitled, The Hero’s Diet- 25 Guidelines to Optimum Health, is still a great resource for the beginner, however, I have evolved my thinking and do not recommend strict adherence. Remember, perception creates reality so don’t be afraid to expand upon your beliefs!

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight May 2012- Jamie Silva

Dan Adams — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:29:17 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jamie Silva is a hero. A native of Rhode Island, Silva became accustomed to success at an early age, earning Gatorade Player of The Year in 2002 at East Providence High. Despite his notable achievements, Silva was not heavily recruited due to his perceived lack of size and speed. Unwilling to surrender to the perceptions of others, Silva accepted a full scholarship to Boston College and continued believing in his abilities. In his collegiate career, Silva was named a Consensus First Team All American Selection, set the school record for interceptions in a season (8), was nominated as a 1 of 3 finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, and earned MVP honors of the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl. Upon graduation, Silva was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts and made in appearance in Superbowl XLIV against the New Orleans Saints.

Life Path: 30/3, Creative Self Expression

Jamie Silva is one of the best football players that I have had the opportunity to watch and I am very impressed with his ability to transition his powerful mindset to empower those around him. He marches to the beat of his own drum, embraces creativity, and leads by example. I hope his story will help you take that first step to realize your own infinite potential. Be Your Own Hero!

1. You have experienced a tremendous amount of success in your athletic career, being honored as a Unanimous First Team All American at Boston College and accomplishing your childhood dream of playing in the NFL. What are your short and long term goals moving forward?

I am starting a business that deals with selling athletic goods to individuals, youth teams, high schools, and colleges. I have reached out to many of my teammates from Boston College and the Indianapolis Colts that are transitioning to their post football career and looking for future opportunities. They all have expressed an interest in working with me to develop this company and am very excited with the potential!

2. What has pursuing your dreams taught you about yourself? About others? About life?

I have always been told that I was too small, too slow, too.. (fill in the blank) to make it to the next “big” stage. In high school, once Boston College offered me a scholarship, I had teachers sit me down and tell me that I should go elsewhere because I would never see the field. I refused to be discouraged because despite their concerns I knew what I was capable of (that is all that matters anyway).

There are many things in life that people think are unachievable, however, it cannot have an impact unless you start believing in their limited perception. If you prepare yourself with the greatest effort and believe, amazing things happen in this World! I would not say that you can achieve anything because I feel making that statement lacks integrity, however, you have to swing to hit the homerun!

3. I think it is fair to say that you aren’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest football player by traditional combine measures, yet you always seem to make the big time play when presented with an opportunity. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your experiences in athletics? Do you believe that all people have the ability “become their own hero” by cultivating the right mindset?

Absolutely! I think football serves as a great example. I have gone up against many guys that were bigger, faster, and stronger than me, however, I never once thought that anyone was tougher. There have been times in my career that I was hurt and pushed through mentally because I knew that I had to. In the 3rd quarter of a preseason game against the Bengals, I broke a few ribs (they were pointing/bulging out towards the skin) and refused to come out of the game. I decided to pop them back where they should be ( it was almost unbearable pain) and I discovered that they would become displaced after every play. For the rest of the game I found myself popping my broken ribs back into place which directly impacted my ability to breathe. I returned a few punts late in the game in this condition!

T
his experience was very painful at the time and even to this day 3 years later my ribs are deformed and still hurt, however, I am glad that that event happened in my life. I almost see it as a test that was put in front of me and rather than folding and sitting out the rest of the game, I dealt with the situation at hand and refused to succumb to limitation. I needed to stay in there to fight and make something happen which is a mindset that I try to apply to daily life.

4. What lessons from the athletic experience have you applied to building successful initiatives in the community? What do you hope young fans take from your legacy?

I have worked extremely hard to have the success in athletics that I have had, but I also know that I have had some luck and a good set of genes to get me where I am. My goal is to be able to give back to the youth and help them achieve their goals on the playing field and in life!

5. As a role model to many young people throughout the US, how would you define a good leader? What do you believe are the most effective ways to empower young people to “lead” in their lives?

Leading by example is a powerful method! Kids don’t listen to an adult that smokes who tells them “dont smoke”… why should they? Peyton Manning is a great leader and it is much of the reason he will retire one day as one of the best ever. On top of his tremendous athletic ability, he is always on time, never overlooks people, and always prepares himself for the upcoming challenge. There are many quarterbacks that have stronger arms and are considered more agile, however, his preparation is what will enable him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day.

6. What would you suggest to young people who lack a sense of purpose in their lives? What do you think holds so many young people back from pursuing their passions?

I think people young and old should set short term goals for themselves. I feel like this is a great way to jump start their mindset to achieve. These goals should not be solely focused on basic tasks like “do my homework”, that stuff is a given. When setting goals, you need to set your sights as high as possible and take that first step towards achieving your end result . It is great to set weekly goals and hold yourself accountable in an effort to achieve something larger in the near future!

7. What are your passions outside of Football? What does an off day look like for Jamie Silva?

My mind goes fast and in all different directions! I have ideas and visions that I am constantly jotting down. Some of these after more thought have been crossed out, some I have brought to life, and many I have on the “to do” list. I will be running a few businesses in the near future that I am very excited about and I hope to apply the same mindset that has enabled me to succeed in sports to other pursuits I wish to pursue!

8. As a father of three beautiful kids, if you could only instill one lesson in them, what would it be?

To believe in yourself.

Please feel free to follow Jamie Silva’s career and community events via Twitter, Facebook, and his personal website. Be Your Own Hero!

The 2012 Battle Of The Ages- Alumni Route Holy Cross, 21-7

Dan Adams — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:56:41 +0000

“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” -John Barrymore

*Source: www.GoHolyCross.com

WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross held its annual alumni football game on Saturday, April 14, at the conclusion of spring practice. The alumni players earned the victory in the contest, outscoring the current Crusaders 21-7 and limiting the Holy Cross Offense to under 60 yards.

Dominic Randolph (Class of 2009) led the alumni by completing seven of 18 passes for 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ryan McGuire (Class of 2008) had a game-high four receptions for 60 yards and two scores, while Freddie Santana (Class of 2011) added two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Jerome Fuller (Class of 1992) had a game-high 41 rushing yards on 10 carries for the alumni. On the defensive side of the ball, Sean Lamkin (Class of 2009) recorded four tackles and three pass breakups, while John Myrick (Class of 2010) added four tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup.

Alumni Game Offensive MVP: Ryan McGuire, (2 catches for 60 yards, 2 TD’s)

Alumni Game Defensive MVP: Sean Lamkin, (4 Unassisted Tackles, 3 Pass Breakups)

2012 Holy Cross Alumni “Warriors”

Graham Edward TE/FB ’11
Andrew Schoepfer OL ’07
Sean Lamkin LB ’11
Dan Adams LB ’07
Ben Koller DB ’04
Rob Koster WR ’10
Mark Kelliher LB ’08
Billy Edger WR ’09
Freddie Santana ’10
Jerome Fuller RB ’92
Ryan McGuire TE/WR ’09
Dan Nolan OL/DL ’08
Justin Maher WR ’09
Mark Roman QB ’92
Tom Heffernan QB ’87
Mauricio Barrazza DL ’94
Nick Cole WR ’10
Dana Buglione ’10
Paul Scopetski ’69
Dominic Randolph QB ’09
Doug Grasier DL ’08
John Carr DB ’05
Joe Kosich QB ’10
James McLaughlin LB ’10

2012 Holy Cross Alumni Statistics

Alumni

Rushing (Att-Yds-TD): Jerome Fuller (10-41-0), Freddie Santana (1-7-0), Joe Kosich (1-6-0), Dominic Randolph (1-(-4)-0), Tom Heffernan (2-(-12)-0)

Passing (Comp-Att-Yds-TD-INT): Dominic Randolph (7-18-111-2-0), Tom Heffernan (2-6-52-1-1), Joe Kosich (1-6-10-0-1).

Receiving (No-Yds-TD): Ryan McGuire (4-60-2), Freddie Santana (2-52-1), Mark Roman (1-23-0), Justin Maher (1-16-0), Rob Koster (1-12-0), Bill Edger (1-10-0).

Tackles (Solo-Assist-Total): Sean Lamkin (4-0-4), John Myrick (4-0-4), Mark Kellier (2-2-4),Doug Graiser (1-2-3), James McLaughlin (2-0-2), Ben Koller (1-1-2), Josh Nims (1-1-2), Graham Gawryszewski (0-2-2), John Carr (1-0-1), Joe Kosich (1-0-1), Dan Adams (0-1-1), Mauricio Barraza (0-1-1), Freddie Santana (0-1-1).

Tackles for Loss (No-Yds): James McLaughlin (1-7), John Myrick (1-1).

Sacks (No-Yds): James McLaughlin (1-7).

Pass Breakups (No): Sean Lamkin (3), John Myrick (1).

Current Crusaders

Rushing (Att-Yds-TD): Matt Intile (7-15-1), Reggie Woods (1-1-0), Michael Shewchuk (1-(-7)-0).

Passing (Comp-Att-Yds-TD-INT): Michael Shewchuk (6-11-31-0-0), Ryan Laughlin (2-5-10-0-0).

Receiving (No-Yds-TD): Nate Stanley (2-7-0), Tyler Artim (2-5-0), James Lizotte (1-10-0), Shane Taylor (1-10-0), Jereme Murray(1-6-0), Jimmy Jordan (1-3-0).

Tackles (Solo-Assist-Total): Ryan Neumann (3-3-7), Max Phelps (3-0-3), Gary Acquah (2-1-3), Logan Silver (2-1-3), Shane Thompson (1-2-3), Tom Kohlhauff (0-3-3), Jack Daly (2-0-2), Matthew Boyd (1-1-2), Sam Jones (1-1-2), Aaron Lewis (1-1-2), Kyle Robbins (1-1-2), Ben Coffaro (1-0-1), Jack Maliska (1-0-1), Irvin Scott (1-0-1), George Sessoms (0-1-1).

Tackles for Loss (No-Yds): Aaron Lewis (1-7), Matthew Boyd (1-5), Gary Acquah (1-4), Shane Thompson (1-2).

Sacks (No-Yds): Aaron Lewis (1-7), Matthew Boyd (1-5), Gary Acquah (1-4).

Interceptions (No-Yds-TD): Logan Silver (1-36-0), Shane Thompson (1-20-0).

Pass Breakups (No): Logan Silver (2), Diego Quintanar (1), Kyle Robbins (1).

If I were a Holy Cross Alum, I would plan on marking off “Alumni Game” in April of 2013! Be Your Own Hero!

Be Your Own Hero Spotlight April 2012- Leigh Fleet

Dan Adams — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:54:00 +0000

Leigh Fleet is a hero. Always drawn towards helping create positive change in the international community, Leigh co-founded a sustainable clothing company alongside her husband, Eric, called Threads For Thought. In 5 short years, Threads For Thought has become a highly recognized brand sold at stores like Nordstrom’s and Whole Foods with a focus on empowering people to become aware of their power to create positive change. Through a variety of trendy, custom fit, and colorful garments, Leigh is providing young people with an opportunity to express themselves and create the change they wish to see in an evolving World. Be Your Own Hero!

Life Path: Unknown

1. You have built an amazing clothing company in three short years that embodies a truly powerful message. What are your short and long term goals moving forward with Threads For Thought?

In terms of short & long-term goals, they are congruent, we try to move forward at a steady pace addressing the challenges day to day and seeing what new opportunities present themselves as we continuing growing. Overall, working through the challenges and developing the new opportunities, we maintain the goals of:

1. Always offering fashion-forward products and reasonable price points

2. A commitment of working to the best of our ability to make sure the product is made as sustainable as possible

3. To raise the consumers awareness to various initiatives the company supports and believes helps the world be a better place and give back (supporting the incredible work done by the International Rescue Committee (IRC Rescue.org) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC NRDC.org) . And other initiatives – including Operation Homefront (for supporting returing vets), New Root (an amazing refugee garden program with the IRC), Rock the Vote, Alzheimer’s Association, and more.

We are always thrilled when a new project or charity contacts us and we try to support as many as we can (paying it forward). We are very fortunate to have most major retailers on board with the give back component and sustainability part of the brand, not just the reasonably priced fashion products. Being able to have these major retailers believe in the message and purchase with purpose helps move us forward, but ultimately, it’s all the customers and fans who take a chance to check us out and spread the message. This helps to keep us going and is the main reason to stay focused on our overall mission!

2. What lessons have you learned about the power of mindset through your own experiences building a successful company? Was there a particular moment in your life where you began to realize that by confronting your fears and “perceived” limitations that your potential was unlimited? Do you believe that all people have the ability to harness this creative potential in bringing visions to reality?

“What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”, is a powerful quote that I think of daily. To persevere and have belief in yourself and your vision is critical to one’s mindset of accomplishing one’s goals (and yes I do think all have the ability to do so). However, nothing worthwhile comes easily, so you have to be willing to persevere, especially when faced with setbacks along the way which inevitably occur. I think you also have to be able to truly imagine your vision, which is not the same as “wishful thinking”. You have to be able to see it in your mind in a very complete way as if it was already a reality. Once you can “see” your dream, you can begin breaking it down into small components which will enable you to take the necessary “first steps” towards your goal.

Eric went to school for business and I went to school for education (I actually taught a few years after college before joining Threads). I mention this because it is important to understand that Eric did not go to school for fashion design and I did not go to school for web design, yet those are two of the many tasks we do daily for Threads. We had to build up the drive to move past our perceived limitation of lacking certain “skills” and remember that we have the potential to create something amazing by sticking to our vision.

3. What was the greatest adversity that you experienced in building the Threads For Thought vision? Do you have any special practices that have helped you with confronting adversity? How have you implemented these practices in your daily life?

At the beginning of building Threads for Thought, we would hear from stores – love it – great idea – great product – great message, BUT not sure it’s for us. The biggest adversity when starting was trying to survive on a small order-to-order basis, so we continued pushing our brand to everyone that would listen. Eventually, the stores started placing orders for a few tees which gave us the necessary confidence to continue building the T4T vision!

Thank goodness for our network of friends and family that helped to support us and the brand. When we encountered setbacks we would go to them for encouragement and “meditate” on our mission/purpose . This enabled us to see our company with a fresh perspective and when we went out to share our brand with stores, people seemed to be re-energized!. This is a practice we continue to do on a weekly basis (we think to ourselves this is a good product, this is a good message, let’s move it forward!)

4. How did you come up with the name Threads For Thought? Can you briefly explain how your personal experiences led to creating a clothing company with a brand focused upon giving back and providing aid to the international community?

The name Threads for Thought (T4T or Threads for Short) is a play on the phrase “food for thought”. We wanted our clothing, which was initially just screened graphic tees, to convey messages that young people would truly consider, think about, and embrace. From the very beginning, T4T was created to provide “meaningful” fashion and give customers an opportunity to express themselves. The earliest lines of clothes focused on the issues of peace, the environment, Africa, & organic/sustainable policies regarding our food supply.

We approached these issues in a number of ways, ranging from conveying messages in a serious manner to bringing in some humor and playfulness to get the point across. Threads for Thoughts has always placed it’s emphasis on a sense of fashion and style which can be seen through the fabrics, fit, and colors. These elements define our brand and will continue to be of utmost importance moving forward.

In terms of our personal experiences impacting our decision to create this company, we were both raised to be very much aware of the world around us. In first grade Eric was concerned about the Gulf War and I was helping out in soup kitchens, however, when we got to college our eyes were opened even wider through the support of amazing professors and witnessing the horrific events in the international community that we wanted to positively impact. Our friends loved fashion and to shop so we thought to ourselves, “How could we get them to also care and support social issues?”. A natural evolution occurred in our lives which enabled us to pursue the outlet of fashion combined with our deep concerns for social issues. This would serve as the foundation for the founding of Threads For Thought.

Why we now are going to go with the tag line “Fashion that Empowers!” which was an evolution of “Fashion for the Rebel Soul”. For a long time it wasn’t cool to wear your cause on your sleeve, so it would take a rebel to do so. Just this past January, we saw someone in FL wearing one of the original peace shirts! Our plan this Spring is to re-release some of our old graphics that are worn by some of our most dedicated followers.

5. What would you suggest to people who lack a sense of purpose in their lives? What do you think holds so many people back from pursuing their passions and confronting the adversities along the way?

To think, “What Would You Do If You Couldn’t Fail?” and then to be aware that it you will encounter many obstacles which will be absolutely necessary to bring your highest vision to life. It’s not about the achievements, it’s about the journey of learning to push your own “perceived” boundaries every.. single.. day. It can definitely be scary and fearful to take that first step and leave your comfort zone, however, I always reflect on the trapeze parable when I need strength. The trapeze parable states that you can hold on to your trapeze and steadily swing and be fine (status quo) – but there is another trapeze that is your purpose, waiting for you to take the leap of “faith”. Within you there is always that sense of anxiety that you will fail or lose and as you jump you confront that fear of the unknown. By having the courage to take the leap you find that you’re able to land at the next rung and immediately know that it was all worth it! This realization leads to setting your sights on the next goal without being attached to outcomes.

6. You have accomplished some pretty amazing things at a young age. Is there a particular event or experience that has proved to be the most rewarding since founding Threads For Thought?

Without a doubt it is going to be seeing with our own eyes the programs our proceeds support! In October we have a trip planned to go to Africa with the IRC. It will be our first trip to the field and we are THRILLED! We have been able to do lots here in the states as we have worked with teens and discussed how to incorporate advocacy ideas into design, visited community gardens run by refugee farmers, and met many speakers who share their empowering stories of survival all because the IRC made it possible. We have gone to visit NRDC programs in the cities which provided green houses on roof tops of public schools to teach about clean energy. Tomorrow, we are going to go on a second visit to the Operation Homefront Village outside of DC and say thanks to our heroes who have served our country. It is truly amazing to meet their families and hear their stories!

7. Are there any books, documentaries, or articles that have had a huge impact on your life that you feel could positively influence the younger generations?

Articles: It’s great that the Huffington Post and Washington Post make it easy to read about current events via social media. It’s important that young people stay aware of current events, especially global events as it’s scary how many newspapers have cut back on foreign reporting. Eric and I personally love a good op-ed piece in the NY Times.

Books: Half the Sky, Three Cups of Tea, Not on Our Watch, What is the What, Eating Animals, The Story of Bee, The Poisonwood Bible

Documentaries: Food Inc, No Impact Man, The Story of Stuff, An Inconvenient Truth, Citizen USA, and Michael Moore’s documentaries if you remember who it is coming from and are willing to keep an open mind. Also does a good PBS or HBO special count too? Love those! We are also big NPR listeners .. ok now I feel like we sound like complete dorks!

8. If you could teach a child one thing what would it be?

Ah!, hard question but I would say to love one another (not in a religious law way – not that anything is wrong with anyone’s choice in religion but we are not associated with any religions). We need future generations to be able to respect all humans and all life, to rid the World of intolerance and ignorance. When we started Threads we wanted to give customers the opportunity to spread a message to do good, and that is still our mission today. If young children learn to love one another, they will think of ways to persevere and make differences. Even if they are small it all adds up to big, beautiful things!

I have really come to love the Threads For Thought brand and can honestly state that it makes up the majority of my wardrobe. It has been a pleasure meeting Leigh and I hope that you will help in supporting her vision. To learn more about Leigh Fleet and Threads For Thought, please feel free to visit her website at ThreadsForThought.com! Be Your Own Hero!

The Tao Of The Iron Game- Cultivating True Strength Through Fitness

Dan Adams — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:33:09 +0000

“It is one thing to study war and another to live the warrior’s life.”- Telamon of Arcadia

I have gotten away from writing over these past few months and wanted to take some time to share some principles that I have tried to implement in my fitness regimen as well as in my daily life since returning from Africa. Unfortunately, I see so many people with good intentions in the gym that fail to grasp their true strength, falling prey to the consumer fitness machine and never experiencing a feeling of satisfaction or joy. These people are often “seekers” with good intentions who focus solely on the external, believing in the illusion that if they separate themselves from others, work harder, get stronger, and achieve that ideal body that they will one day feel whole and appreciated. It is the core delusion of the fitness industry and precisely why it has become a multi-billion dollar business embraced by millions of empty souls. I should know, I was once one of them. Time To Awaken. Be Your Own Hero!

1. Push Physical Limits To Discover Mind/Body Connection: Lifting weights and breaking physical barriers has one goal and one goal only, discovering the power of perception in shaping your World. I have always gravitated towards sports and weight training because I wanted to become something more, I wanted to understand and cultivate a strength that could never be defeated. I tried to push myself past every physical barrier that I could and eventually began to redefine my perceptions. Up until my mid-twenties the focus of my training was always on the external as I believed that if I kept on accomplishing, achieving, and growing that I would one day feel content. Most people will always have this perspective as they will never muster the courage to confront the adversity necessary to unveil the illusion. They will live their life according to what fitness magazines tell them because they will keep on believing that they guy on the cover must be the happiest person on the planet. YOU”RE NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. Push physical limits daily, challenge your perspectives of what is possible, and never identify with externals. You have a power within that is capable of crushing any obstacle that stands in your way if you harness it in the right way.

2. Cultivate Creativity & Ability To Evolve: Creativity enhances every aspect of our existence and it is something that we need to authentically pursue every single day of our lives. Don’t get stuck in monotonous routines due to fear of change. The only way to grasp your greatest power is to be able to evolve on a daily basis without clinging to old systems that may have worked at one time. Try new exercises, change your diet, challenge your perspectives, and enjoy each step of the journey. The physical goal isn’t an end in itself, channeling your creative energy and learning to evolve to any situation will allow you to achieve anything you put your mind on. By fully embodying this principle, you will find a new energy in your workouts, career, and relationships which will serve as an empowering force to others.

3. Avoid The Separation Trap: Have you ever wondered why that male or female bodybuilder at the local LA Fitness seems to be dead behind their eyes? Why they seem to have it all physically, yet you can feel an extreme insecurity and emptiness when you talk to them? Unfortunately, their life is fueled by trying to fill the internal void with external accomplishments, a core delusion in the human psyche that leads to a dark abyss of endless suffering. So does that mean you shouldn’t focus on external goals? Of course not, but the minute you define yourself through a physical accomplishment or goal, you will lose all of your power. Believe me, I know because it took a long time to climb out of this abyss myself. Push yourself, empower others, and never be afraid to confront a fear. That is true power.

4. Challenge The Collective & Find Your Own Truth: The fitness industry is a consumer machine which knowingly creates a void in the life of the perspective buyer then conveniently provides a solution (which they sell to you through supplements, exercise equipment, diet regimens, and tons of other bullshit). The key players of the fitness industry are fully aware that the vast majority of society is unconscious and will continue believing whatever is fed to them by “fitness experts” that repackage the same information over and over again. All they need to do is make you believe that if you lose x% of body fat through “x” solution that you will live a glorious life, attracting beautiful partners, and never again experiencing the void you feel currently. They are lying to you, however, it will never be revealed since it will bring an end to our current economic system based upon consumerism and debt. Fortunately for all of us, past failures lead to future success, so don’t allow yourself to remain blind to this reality which strips so many people of their power and freedom. Obtain information, test it out on yourself, and always focus on simple solutions. Anyone who makes things complex doesn’t know what their talking about because if they really mastered the concept they would be able to explain it to a beginner. This is an all encompassing fact of life. Don’t be afraid to listen to your gut and and find your own truth through dissecting the information you are presented with.

5. Develop Awareness of The Present Moment Through Breath And Focus: It is definitely easy in the gym to let your mind spin in a million different directions as Eminem blasts in your ear. You go through your typical routine, get annoyed with all those “lazy” people that get in your way, get distracted with various text messages, and think about all the other things you will need to do once you leave. And you enjoy working out?

Your time in the gym will be much more efficient if you see it as a spiritual practice focused on pushing physical limits and increasing energy. Listen to only uplifting music (Sigur Ros and M83), pay careful attention to breath and form, and be present in everything that you’re doing. Live by the mantra,”Everything is as it should be”, and focus merely on this moment, relinquishing all judgement. You will find a new quality that arises in your workouts and you can apply the same practice to everything you do in life. Can you tell that I like universal concepts?

6. Use People’s Love For The Literal As An Opportunity To Connect On A Deeper Level: 99% of people identify solely with the literal (physical appearance, career title, possessions, wealth, etc) so use this to your advantage in being able to connect to them on a deeper level. You will find that if you follow the principles in this article that your energy will substantially improve, enabling your body to take on a new glow that people are naturally attracted to. This is your opportunity to slowly bring a new awareness of who they are, enabling them to let go of the rigid perspectives responsible for their suffering. You meet everyone in life for a reason so be sure to open and authentic in every interaction regardless of outcome.

7. Empower Those Around You Through Compassion And Humility: We are all connected on a deeper level so be sure to be compassionate toward everyone that you meet. What we judge we often fear, so take small steps each day to confront your own internal divisions rather than placing blame on external situations. Grasp the power in Proust’s quote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands but seeing with new eyes.”

8. Begin To Become Aware Of “True Strength” In Others (It May Not Be What You Think): I used to think that the most muscular guy in the gym was always the one most capable of handling adversity and therefore was the “strongest”. However, I found at a young age that the people I often looked up to weren’t very interesting and seemed to be tremendously insecure despite their physical appearances. The minute they had to go outside of the gym and do something that was alien to them, they would immediately crumble. “What do you mean Dan? I can’t do that!” Obviously this is rather a broad generalization, but if often always rings true with body builders who use artificial substances to enhance their physical appearance. Again, when you are attached to anything external (especially your body) it will be extremely difficult to confront obstacles that force you to miss a meal, a workout, or anything that reinforces your perception of who you are. Again, I fell into this trap myself (not taking artificial substances but becoming obsessive about meal timing, diet, and other trivial bs)

Enjoy your workouts and try to be consistent, however, never fall into the trap of seeking an identity through the weight room. That shit is weak and will cut you off from living your dreams.

9. Develop Inner Strength To Balance Outer Strength: The weight room is a great tool that can expand perceptions of what is possible by confronting obstacles in the form of physical goals. But is it really enough? The answer is no. If you really want to become a “warrior” and discover your true power in life, you need to spend an equal amount of time expanding your mental awareness through study and the application of principles to your direct experience. This is “true” education and something I didn’t grasp until getting out of the system (graduating from college). Sorry for wasting your money Mom and Dad.

10. Practice Non-Attachment To Physical Goals And Be Unafraid Of Failure Or Loss: This has been reinforced throughout the article, however, it is probably the most important piece of advice I can give you. Do not become attached to every outcome and perception for you will continue to suffer. How do you really know what is good or evil? Have you never had something “bad” happen to you that turned out to be a “good” in disguise? Good cannot exist without evil, hot without cold, summer without winter, life without death, so stop judging! Do not let the fear of failure or loss deter you from following your heart. The World opens up and supplies us with the necessary resources when we are willing to take the leap of faith into the abyss. I try to live this concept every.single.day.

11. Discover Your Power To Create Your Physical Form And Transition This Mindset To Everything In Your Life: You can create your physical form through your perception of working out, food, and stress. It is “scientific” fact that our DNA can express itself in different ways according to our mental perceptions. Paste a picture of what you would like physically on your bathroom mirror. You will find that the World will present you with many opportunities to manifest your goal, however, you must be “aware’ of these opportunities when they strike. How do you know when these opportunities arise? If you feel fear, you know you’re headed in the right direction.

12. Eliminate Weakening Influences: The vast majority of people have no idea who they really are so be sure to take charge of your energy in all environments. It is sad, however, many people are unconscious vampires whose primary goal is to suck energy, focusing on their limitations and making you aware of yours. Don’t fall into this trap of identifying with the collective and be compassionate to those who are fighting this battle. Practice repeating this saying on a daily basis, “I am on my path and the views of others is none of my business.” It’s the truth since it is your perspectives that create your reality.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Do you feel like your physical training has hit a plateau? Do you feel stuck in your personal life as well? Consider joining Athletic Capital’s Discover Your Own Hero Program to crush physical goals and lead a life aligned with your passions. What are you waiting for? Be Your Own Hero!