When People Start Dying Around You

So 7 people died in the Alps over a single week recently. You probably heard about it, you might have even known some of them.

When I first realised you could die doing these very cool, very life-affirming and life-enhancing things in the outdoors I was shocked.

At the time, the news that a friend died kayaking on a grade three river (medium risk, not so risky really - or so I thought) absolutely baffled and stunned me. 

I couldn’t balance the sheer joy I got with the fact that I, or my friends, could actually die.

“How could that happen?”

I didn’t really know.

Since then it’s almost become almost a fact of life.

Especially when I lived in a mountain town packed full of climbers and jumpers and kayakers and skiers and snowboarders.

All of a sudden that guy who I would smile across the bar at was gone.

Now it’s -

- and the words are going to come out wrong no matter how hard I try so bear with me -

Now it’s almost a bittersweet thing to me when someone I know or in the outdoors community dies.

There’s sadness for them not being around, for their partners and families who they leave behind.

But there’s inspiration too - because these guys inspire me no end to make the most of each and every single moment.

I’ll never be as good or as bold as some of these people - nor to I want to be - but they still inspire me to live life well.

Even in dying.

Because we just don’t know how much time we have.

There was a guy I worked with who - at 23 years old - went home early with stomach pains and was dead 2 weeks later.

That was a huge lesson.

A huge wake up call, actually.

And when someone else goes, again I get that reminder.

Steph Davis, the climber and base jumper says it well when she says that death shouldn't be removed from life: __________________

“Death is a part of life. To me, what matters most is living a good life and a curious life, one that is beautiful and true to one’s heart.” ___________________

Time is limited, and the I want to fill it with as much goodness - in every aspect of my life - as  possible.

Take care out there, enjoy it. - Arjuna

Bored At Work? Sue Your Boss

So there’s a guy who is bored of his job -

... and so he sues his employer.

Awesome!

Pass all your responsibility on how you feel over to someone else.

I actually can’t believe this happened.

But the BBC reports it, so it may have a smidgeon of truth.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36195442

I get it too - who hasn’t been bored at work?

Who hasn't wanted to sue at least one employer for something?

You know,

Maybe it’s a good thing -

Sounds like all these people got so bored of the treadmill of unfulfilling working life they did something about it.

The article is all about how they went off and became teachers or writers or potters or travelled or whatever.

And if you’ve been reading these ramblings of mine long enough you know I’m the first to encourage people to break loose and go and do something different or bold.

However!

We are sold - conditioned if you like - the idea that your happiness comes from something, something external to us.

Like a job - it’ll give you happiness.

Or money from that job will buy you happiness.

Or a relationship will make you happy. Or a car, or holidays, or more TVs, or a newer phone, or that kayaking trip.

Not happy?

Change your job. Or get a new relationship, or car, or TV, or phone.

That fact is:

- and it seems like people are starting to wake up to it -

Nothing can make you happy.

It is a personal choice to be happy or not -

You can be happy anywhere, anytime, doing anything.

Same with boredom.

It’s a choice.

You may not currently know how to make or unmake, but happiness and boredom are both choices that you make, constantly.

If you’re looking for something or someone outside of yourself to give you constant excitement and stimulation?

- Well, good luck.

Because you’re not going to find it.

And you’ll spend your life a little bit lost, searching for it.

Want an end to boredom?

It’s all in your attitude.

And then everything you throw on top of that attitude will be even better.

That new career path, that holiday, that new house …

Or even just sitting in that cubicle, shuffling paper.

Even better.

Don’t let anyone or anything take away your own happiness.

OK?

Job done, meaning of life found.

(Don’t say I never do anything for you)

And have a sweet day, Arjuna

PS.

It’s true - the meaning of life is found not so much in what you do, but how you do it.

Your internal choice. Your attitude is it.

Simple.

Want it even simpler?

Get started here, with a free guide to meditation.

Quickest way to get a bullet proof attitude.

No nonsense, just practical how to:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

And - as well - I'll tell you more on the other side.

-

Gandhi Was A Time Bender

You ever know anyone who is everywhere, doing everything? Seems like they know how to bend time in that they get so much done -

And yet they have the same 24 hour day as everyone else.

I know a guy who is awesome in this sense.

He has his own (great) business, an awesome family life, takes regular holidays, and manages to keep super fit as he’s a boxer (no small thing).

He ticks off goals at a rapid rate, and yet also has balance - he doesn't ignore his family, his health or his passions.

My complaint was that there was never enough time to do all the things I wanted to do.

And then I met my friend and he showed me that was just an excuse.

At the same time I read a biography on Gandhi.

Gandhi was no slouch, he did so much stuff - on an international level.

And do you know what?

As well as making sure his priority in each and every day was peace and calm,

He had a whole day of complete silence.

So no one could bug him.

(I think they still tried)

My friend above? - Very similar.

As well as practicing the mediation I taught him every day, and having the weekend,

He also has a whole week day to himself, to do whatever he wants with it -

As long as it’s completely non-business related.

You can’t just keep charging and expect to do things at a high level.

In fact - like Gandhi and my buddy - if you want to do a lot, AND maintain great health and a great relationship, you need to take time out.

Gandhi said that taking time for himself, taking time out, meant he had MORE time in his day.

No longer was he running around like a blue arse fly,

(not sure if Gandhi ran around like that, but you know what I mean)

Instead he found clarity and focus and calm and could execute simply and straightforwardly.

Meaning the same job took less time.

I don’t care if you’re interested in business or simply making it in good shape to the weekend for your next mission -

Don’t get busy and get busier.

You’ll just run around in little circles being less and less effective.

If you want more time in your day, take regular stoppages …

To do absolutely nothing.

Now - I recommend meditation because it rests your body to a huge degree,

Resets and rewires your head through getting rid of limiting thought patterns,

Means you can be more present and alive, anywhere you find yourself,

So that you have way more fun and less stress than anyone else around you

Want to learn?

If you go here, I'll give you a super simple yet powerful meditation practice, and we can continue the conversation:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Simple.

If you need anything, if you want to chat through your goals and how I might help, just ask.

Take it easy!

Arjuna

PS.

A whole week day off - isn’t that somewhat ballsy?

You may not be self-employed and in a position where you can do that

But you could take ten minutes, twice a day to let go of the rubbish and tune into what is important.

It’s well worth it.

And if you want help knowing how to “let go”?

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

-

-

Going From Being A Turkey To Being An Eagle

Watched a cool film the other night - one I didn’t expect to like, even though it has my man Hugh Jackson in it:

“Eddie the Eagle”

You know - about the ski jumper back in the 1988 Olympics …

Go watch it, it’s cool and very inspiring, actually.

What did I get from it?

You can say what you like about his mannerisms, but that guy (Eddie) had some serious gonads.

The 90m ski jump is huge - it makes jumpers who have been jumping since they were 6 nervous.

I’m not so keen on heights anyways, but Eddie didn’t let anything stop him competing in the Olympics.

Not a governing body, not a lack of experience or skill, nothing.

He just kept going till he got there.

How many times have I told myself that I’m not ready to do something? That I’ll collect more skills and experience and then go?

You ever done that? Waited until conditions were right? And waited, and waited …

The best scene was towards the end (it’s not a spoiler).

Eddie is riding up the elevator with the world champion up to their jump.

The champ turns to Eddie and says they are similar.

The others are competing to survive, to not fail. They are competing for an external result.

Eddie and him, on the other hand, are competing against their lesser selves.

Failure to the both of them is backing away from a challenge that they have set.

The result is irrelevant, the personal challenge is everything.

And in comes Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics all those years ago -

“It’s not the triumph but the struggle that counts”.

I love this stuff.

The result isn’t so important, but the steps you take to get there.

Keep taking the right steps, and the result comes.

It’s never so much about what you do, but how you do it that is important.

You can control the what to a certain degree, but sometimes it’s totally out of your hands.

However - you can always control the how.

And that’s the significance of life to me:

How you do this, or - your inner standing with yourself.

Because you can hide from everyone, but you can never hide from what you know to be true for you.

Right?

Keep the peace!

Arjuna

PS.

Join me in a weekend course?

One that will give you everything you need to get rid of old limiting patterns, and ignore that grey voice of doom and doubt?

Go here and I'll send you more info, as well as a starter guide to get going straight away:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Getting A Spanking And Loving It

You ever have those moments where you feel more out of control than in? Spend a whole day on Sunday feeling just that.

I was kayaking - on a more challenging river than usual.

In the warmup I was just feeling out of touch, not connected to my boat, to the river, to anything.

Whatever I did, it didn’t matter - there was no style, no power, nothing.

And so I got to the first big rapid … and got an absolute spanking.

Upside down, backwards, staring at the sky (it’s not a good thing when your kayak is vertical).

Yet thankfully, somehow flushed out at the end …

To a round of applause from a group of boy scouts out on a walk.

I’d rather be smooth as silk when I’ve got an audience.

Not this time.

As well as a bash to the ego, what it gave me was a good dose of fear.

A big chunk of the river to come, and I was feeling useless.

Feeling out of control, no skills, no balance, nothing.

I haven’t been in that position of fear for such a long time.

I’d forgotten how it eats away at you.

Your head goes wild with "what if?", your heart rate goes through the roof, your belly twists in knots.

The past failure leans on your heavily, right?

What I used to do was go into survival mode - just give up and try and get down the river as quickly as possible.

Or - I’d get angry with myself. Frustration at not being as good as I thought I was would mean I’d start swearing and hitting things.

(Not that useful a reaction actually)

Yesterday I did something I wouldn’t have done years ago - even when I was paddling much better.

I picked up my kayak and walked back up to the top, and tried again.

More than anything - given my meditation skills I wanted to see if I could better my own head, to not let that grey voice of “useless” win.

To be as present as possible, and not let the past get to me.

What happened?

It was grand.

I got another spanking, but I loved it.

Even though I was only slightly better skills wise, I didn’t let my head win.

And I remembered to have fun.

5 more times I walked back up, just to see - just to give it a go.

And that was the important thing for me in that moment - not so much being better than the rapid, but to not give up, to not let fear or frustration win.

Sometimes you have to change your definition of what success is.

Be happy with a lesser challenge without giving up.

You know what I mean?

I think that might apply everywhere in life, don't you?

Take it easy out there!

Arjuna

PS.

If you’d like to up your mental skills game you might well like to head here for a super simple, and super effective guide to getting going with all this:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Why Most People Die Before They’re 25

Old age isn’t a physical condition. It’s a mental and an attitudinal one.

I saw a video by a guy called Prince Ea who talked about this very thing - and it reminded me.

It is so easy to get stuck in a rut.

So many people are already in it by the age of 25.

Just doing the same, comfortable things, day in, day out.

Never reaching, never growing, never challenging themselves.

Never living the life they want to live.

Living just to survive, rather than making sure they do the things that make them thrive.

The biggest problem?

You never realise it.

It’s easy to slip into, a kind of lethargy and inertia just creeps up on you.

I know this so well.

I spend a long long time not doing the things that personally gave me more Life.

The result?

No adventure, no exploration, no newness, nothing uncomfortable.

Just a kind of blah "okayness".

For sure - there were so many great excuses; but it was actually fear and worry that stopped me.

Meanwhile my life ticked away.

That grey whiney voice takes control without you even realising it.

Life isn’t lived fully - you spend your time dying slowly.

Don't be okay with a rut.

How about taking a moment to have an honest evaluation - to make sure you're not a bit stuck?

To wake up, as it were.

Now - It takes some effort, some sacrifice to change this sluggish “rut-ness”.

Someone once said this: ___________

There's always free cheese in the mouse traps, but the mice there ain't happy. ___________

Ain’t that the truth.

With that in mind, let me ask you two questions:

“What do you want your life to look like in 12 months time?”

and

“What has to change for you to get there?”

Take some time, write it down.

Then the third question will be:

“How are you going to do it?”

Get clear, then get an action plan together - it'll be the best thing you ever did.

If you want help, I can help - especially with the mental and attitudinal aspect of all this.

I can show you how to beat that whiney, fearful, full of excuses voice, with the simple application of some simple yet powerful tools and understandings, and my full support.

It’ll take some effort on your behalf, but your investment will be so worthwhile. Transformative even.

If you’d like to know more from me about this stuff, go here and opt in.

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

There's a free "Quick Start Guide to Meditation" to give you something to practice, and I'll send you emails like this one to keep the conversation going.

And if you ever need anything, just email me.

Go well!

- Arjuna

PS.

Don’t do it, don’t die before it’s your time.

Be like an adult gorilla instead.

They don’t spend years dying slowly.

They live a full, rich, active, adventurous life, and then literally over a matter of days call it quits.

Now that’s style!

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

-

Knowing when you’ve gone too far (4 things to watch for)

I think what I’ve written below could be one of THE most useful things I have ever written. It is a longer piece, but pull up a pew, grab something to drink and let’s talk.

Ready?

OK:

The basis of what I teach is the importance of prioritising your peace.

“Prioritising your peace” is one way of saying this:

Every single day make your inner levels of calm, clarity and contentment the most important thing.

Every single day.

Because:

You are no use to anyone stressed, muddled and dissatisfied. You snap, you lose it, you react, you say things you regret, your relationships and health suffer, you do things to less than your ability, there’s overwhelm, fear, no sleep, no creativity, no fun …

And that ^^^ creeps up on you.

It develops a sneaky momentum that you’re not aware of before it's too late.

So knowing when you’re about to go too far is crucial.

If you’ve been practicing what I gave you in the “Quick Start Guide to Meditation”

(get a free copy here: https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports)

You’ll already have more self-awareness than 99% of the population.

You’ll see the difference in life when you’re “on” or “off”.

Here’s four key things to play with so you can take this further, and, as the slogan says -

Keep calm and carry on maximising your physical and mental abilities, your productivity, your relationships, your health, and your levels of fun …

In other words, so you can:

- rest deeper and recover faster for more energy to get bigger, badder adventures - get promoted quicker with more respect and more pay (or get the job you really want) - solve problems with less stress and with less irritation, frustration or anxiety, - get more loving (with, I must say, better sex), - stick around longer and be healthier than my wife’s grandad did (charging till the day he died at 98), - have so much more fun - in work, in the outdoors, everywhere - your friends will wonder why you’re smiling so much …

Here are four things - internal “early warning” signs -

- “Alarms", that (when you’re aware) will show you when you are NOT prioritising your peace and starting to lose it.

The Four Key Things To Watch For:

1. Levels of calm / stress / agitation Monitor your levels of calm and stress throughout the day. Remember - calm and stress has little to do with WHAT you are doing (i.e. the situation you find yourself in) and everything to do with HOW you’re doing it.

If you practice in the morning you’ll have a nice benchmark to work from for the day. The afternoon means you can settle back down, and go from there.

2. Negative thinking / resistance Notice your internal dialogue - if it’s getting negative it’s an excellent sign you need to do something. If you can’t change / leave / say something, then you must accept and give in (just for now).

3. Being hasty You can only do one thing at a time. Recognise when you’re racing around, trying to do several things at once. Stop, slow down, take some time to breathe and come back down. “Less haste, more speed” as my gran used to say.

4. Past / Future thinking You need to learn from the past and plan for the future (or enjoy and dream). No problem.

Recognise though when you’re thinking TOO much about the past and future. It’s an excellent sign you’re thinking about something you have no control over, or starting to be dissatisfied or frustrated with your current situation (Or you’re an absolute dreamer).

Instead of getting involved in those thoughts come back to the same place as your body and focus on what’s right in front of you.

You can change all of the above. You can choose to experience something different.

Making that choice simple and automatic is part of what I can help you with - I teach simple and powerful methods for freedom of choice, freedom from stress and struggle.

Go here to get a quick start practice that goes with these four things, and we can speak more about this "stuff" in greater depth:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Questions?

Tell me how it goes for you.

Arjuna

PS.

Thanks for reading.

I do appreciate the fact that you’re interested in this stuff.

To me it’s the only game in town. It gives you so much for so little effort.

If I can ever assist with anything, just let me know. Honestly.

The Queen Is A Giant Lizard - From Space!

I heard the Queen is a giant lizard from outer space. She and her ilk are controlling you, right now, keeping you docile and sedated.

Locked into a pattern of TV dinners and Strictly Come Baking.

Then there’s the Illuminati,

(I’m not sure if they are lizards too)

But they are definitely in the control game.

An aside - but I actually met a lady who saw people as animals.

She could see them as humans, but could flick a mental switch and see them as animals.

She really did see some humans as lizards. People sized things - walking like T-Rex or something.

She was kinda shy about it, and fair enough too - her dad was put away in a mental hospital for a similar reason.

But once she opened up it was great fun.

I had some sort of shield on so she couldn’t tell me what I animal was.

Boo hoo.

I CAN tell you that I have a set of angel’s wings. Someone else I met saw them. They’re edged silver and black.

Cool huh?

Got a little side-tracked, where was I?

OK - so this world can get a little bizarre.

I think it’s all a bit of fun, as long as you don’t take any of it seriously.

My word, but how some people take it so seriously.

There, in some quarters, is rampant fear about control and domination by outside influence.

Even if it’s “all the Government’s fault”.

(I do get it - things could be better, for sure)

PERO (that’s Spanish for but, by the way) ...

If you master your mind, no one can control you.

You have the one thing no one can take away from you:

Freedom of choice.

Which is untouchable.

You rid yourself of all chains, at least all the chains that are relevant.

The might Plato once said: ____________

“One cannot make a slave of a free person, for a free person is free even in a prison” ____________

And Bob Marley (who may or may not have been a better singer than Plato, we will never know) -

“Free yourself from mental slavery”. Good advice, methinks.

You can now stop blaming giant lizards and the Government for your life - and gain true independence.

I can help with that, if you’re at all interested in freedom.

Go here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

You get more information, a "Quick Start Guide" and everything else you need.

Concerns? Queries?

Get in touch, I’d love to help

Arjuna

PS.

I asked the lady I told you about above about the lizards tails - wouldn’t people be standing on them all the time?

She said that was the most surprising thing to her -

Just as someone was about to stand on one it would swish out the way.

Love that.

You're a cyborg and don’t even know it

You are a cyborg.

I know you’d like to think you’re like the Terminator.

At least, I wanted to be like Arnie’s version, back when I was a sprog.

I don’t mean that -

I mean you have certain programmes that run in the background of your life, just like a cyborg or a computer does.

If you own a PC, you’d be advised to run the “defrag” programme regularly.

Defragging puts everything back into place. It makes sense and order from mess and chaos.

Afterwards everything runs so much smoother and faster.

Rest and recovery is like that too.

It’s not optional.

You NEED to rest and recover - it’s the antidote to inner stress, mess and overwhelm.

It is a prerequisite for having enough energy and focus for bigger, badder adventures -

More patience and connection for sweeter relationships (with more lovin’)

More efficiency and creativity for faster promotions with more respect (Or getting the job you want)

And more Life and Fun in each and every moment.

If you want more of all of the above,

(and let’s face it, WHO doesn’t?)

You need to be aware of some of the other programmes running in the background of your head.

You have certain beliefs, “loops” of habit, certain ways of thinking and doing.

Picture an old LP - it has grooves which, when the needle goes in, plays a certain tune.

You have the same grooves (habits of thinking and doing)

Some of these serve you - like a habit of getting enough rest and recovery.

Some of these do not in any way shape or form.

They are the part of you that stops you.

Now what tends to happen is that in times of pressure or stress (or lack of adequate rest) -

The programmes or grooves that don't serve you take over.

If you ever wonder why you just react in a certain way time and time again - this is why.

If you’ve ever tried to beat such a habit and failed - this is also why.

They are deep and quite “slippery”.

The needle of your mind goes down that groove easily - and you get the same tune time and time again.

If you want a different tune, a song of your choosing - you need to replace those programmes, you need to create a different groove.

The meditation and mindset that I teach removes these programmes that you don’t want.

It literally is a “reprogramming”.

Wiping the slate clean so you can choose how you’d like to respond.

It’s fast, powerful and very simple. AND it gives you deep rest and fast recovery.

A “Two For One” you might exclaim! And you’d be right.

If you’re interested, opt in here for more information, and I'll send you a "Quick Start Guide to Meditation", to well, get you started, quick:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Take it easy out there!

Arjuna

PS.

I heard the Queen is really a cyborg.

But I also heard she’s a lizard from outer space.

I don’t know what to think.

Do you? -

How NOT To Miss Out

I used to have a case of “nah, it sounds like too much effort”. People would invite me out for a trip and if it required much effort on my behalf (read: just about any effort) -

I would decline,

My excuses being:

“Too tired.”

“Next time.”

“Not ready yet.”

“Would love to - but got to visit my grandma.”

“Would love to - but I have work on Monday, early”

Do you know those voices?

It took a while to realise what I was doing.

If I wanted adventure and the resulting injection of Life

- and I most CERTAINLY did -

I would have to put some effort into getting it.

Even if I was tired, even if work WAS early Monday -

If I didn’t get off the couch and do SOMETHING, I would miss out time and time again.

Often it was somewhere new and unknown territory that was stepping into -

I wasn’t sure, there was an element of surprise, so I didn’t do it.

One of the experts I go to regularly for advice and inspiration wrote this recently: ______________

“The only true failure in life is inaction. Don't be the person who lets every opportunity pass them by.”

- Pat Flynn ______________

When I realised this inaction and loss of opportunity, I almost kicked myself.

But like all failure, the important thing was I learnt from it.

I know that little mental thought programme is there, and so when that whiney little voice comes up I expect it.

If you want anything new sometimes you have to step into the unknown.

My fear of the unknown, now is not an unknown.

Which is excellent.

In awareness you have choice.

The biggest thing stopping you from having more of what you want is you.

Not your situation, not your job, not your relationship or your kids - nothing holds you back like your own self.

If you’d like to surpass this little whiney limited self, to not let it get the upper hand, I can help.

Go here and opt in (it’ll give you more info about the nature of what I’m planning), and then we can chat about it, no obligation:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Keep the peace!

Arjuna

PS.

Life is short is it not?

Squeeze everything you can from every moment.

Make it count, make it fun.

-

How To Fail

The thing that I used to hate the most about the outdoors was failing at something. In kayaking that means - in the beginning at least - taking a swim out of your boat.

Which is annoying more than anything at beginners level.

But the thing is:

Someone has to rescue you, you’re not as independent as you thought you were - 

And you think perhaps people won’t invite you on the next trip because you’re not reliable to self-rescue.

You can see how the thought process goes?

But looking back failing and all the thoughts around it was great because it made me want to become as self-reliant as possible asap.

Going though “failure” made me get better.

It also means I now understand the frustration some learners go through.

Hopefully you can relate this to any sport you do, or perhaps anything you do in life:

Failing is good - it means you’re pushing your limits.

If you push your limits, you’ll get better.

(if you’re smart and learn, not just do the same things and expect different results).

In kayaking at the moment there is a trend towards too much safety.

I think.

Everyone are paddling these huge kayaks which are very safe.

You don’t flip over very much.

Which is wonderful - so many beginners can build confidence and skills -

But these boats are a bit stodgy. Not that dynamic.

There’s more fun and skills and learning to be had, IF only these guys would extend their reach a bit.

To not be so hesitant to try something new.

My approach is that you can’t fear fear.

The outdoors is all about challenge -

(and I totally get people have different comfort and challenge levels)

Coming face to face with your own limits gives you so much.

So much confidence in yourself, so much fulfilment, so much perspective -

When you’ve just gone beyond your limits, every problem is put into place.

Life just becomes more wonderful, doesn’t it?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself in a position where you might fail.

Honestly, it’s the best thing you can do.

But learn from it.

Ask the experts too - they’re often so happy to talk about what they love.

Have more fun out there Arjuna

PS.

Failure is the whole reason I got into meditation and mindset.

I saw failure could be an ally IF my head was in the right place.

Fear didn’t overwhelm IF my head was screwed on proper.

I don’t just teach “meditation” as you think you know it.

It’s a whole way of living and breathing and seeing and being in life.

A method if you will, so simple, so easy to integrate into YOUR life.

It has to be simple, otherwise you won’t do it.

If you think you’d like to work with me -

Go here and opt in. I'll send you more info, and we can chat from there:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

-

Don't Be A Dick

I think it should be pretty easy to avoid being a dick, Shouldn't it?

Yet somehow it just happens.

Despite my best intentions, there is it.

But I'm getting better over time, me thinks.

The interesting thing is that the less dickish (IMHO - but perhaps ask my wife) I’ve somehow managed to be, the less dicks I find around me.

Isn’t that interesting?

(Like attracts like, perhaps … ?)

So how do you avoid being a dick, ALL the time?

How do you be a good human MORE?

If you look back, you remember all your great teachers, coaches, mentors very well.

And in fact you also remember the ones who made your life a misery.

I still remember the heavy vehicle driving instructor that made one afternoon of my life hell.

It’s hard enough driving a hefty truck around town without someone losing it next to you.

Yelling at someone is never a good way of getting them to do something, is it?

But I learnt from that … and hopefully it made me a better teacher, and a better human.

The fact is all your heroes, if that term can be used as the opposite of dicks, were not born like that.

Sure some were born with a certain personality, certain traits …

BUT

They all made mistakes, they all learnt, they became MORE than what they were …

And all because they WANTED to.

They were interested in putting the time in to “grow” or to “evolve”.

They kept going, all in order to live a better version of themselves.

Because they saw that reaction and impatience, stress and struggle, anxiety and panic will kill you quicker than any cancer,

And squash your creativity and your skills and your life and your dreams sooner than you can say “Holy Guacamole!”

(A good guacamole is a holy thing, indeed).

And selfishness and arrogance is a path to a small life indeed.

Giving to others actually only makes you bigger.

To avoid being a dick -

You have to want more, and then take steps to get that more.

Even just mastering your impatience …

Or your anger …

Or your depression …

Or your overwhelm …

Or your anxiety …

Is HUGE.

Because not only can you have more FUN and get BIGGER, BADDER goals, easier …

You also become a different human.

And people notice that, and in their heart of hearts you inspire them to do that as well.

When you simply master your small whiney self, you effect everything around you.

So to all those on a path of mastery -

I salute you!

Keep evolving.

Keep having maximum fun.

Arjuna

PS.

No one knows they’re a hero.

And that’s what makes them heroic.

If you’re interested in more, perhaps this programme will interest you.

Tools, techniques, support, everything you need to evolve past your small self.

In other words, a “Path of Heroes”

For more info, opt in here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

-

My (Not So) Secret Love Affair With The Rock

Don’t tell anyone. Well, you can tell my wife, she knows.

She’s okay with my secret affair of the heart.

I have a man crush on Dwayne the Rock Johnson.

You see …

Not only does he have a grand smile,

He’s cool to fans, stopping when he’s out driving, signing autographs, photos, the whole thing.

I think he probably knows his films are a bit dodgy, but he does his best to give people a good time, to entertain.

The biggest thing is that he looks like he’s just having the time of his life.

Loving every moment of it.

He works hard - witness those “FOCUS!” video of him in the gym.

(Go on, youtube it - again)

I still laugh at that.

But he’s never gets too busy to remember to enjoy the ride, even as he’s rushing towards a goal.

Man, and when Hugh Jackman and him started trading notes:

“What would Wolverine do?”

I nearly swooned.

But I didn’t cos The Rock wouldn’t.

It’s good to have heroes huh?

The fact is it doesn’t really matter what they are like in real life.

In truth, “never meet your heroes” is probably good advice.

Who they are matters not a jot, but what they inspire within you does.

That’s what he reminds and enlivens within me -

To focus, to be dedicated to something.

And yet still squeeze all the good times you can out of every single moment.

To be passionate and wanting more,

But also calm and content and solid.

I tell you, not many people have that balance.

It’s not easy when you don’t know how.

Here’s how I find it (and it works for everyone who simply practices it):

Opt in here to get all the info, inspiration and entertainment:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Have fun out there Arjuna

PS.

Even though they say “never meet your heroes”,

I’d throw that out the window to meet the Rock.

That photo would go on the mantlepiece and all over Facebook fo sho.

Who would you like to sit down to share a glass of whisky or two with?

-

Nothing Ever Comes Easy - Or Does It?

Nothing ever comes easy, otherwise you’d fall into it.

Like continual calm, focus and good humour.

If it were easy, EVERYONE would be like this ALL the time.

Is it possible?

To be permanently in the Zone?

Of course it is

- you’ve spent big chunks of your life laughing like a drain.

Taking nothing seriously, so you’re calm and Alive, and supremely settled.

Not swayed, while others are stressing out around you.

Full of quiet confidence, and, full of peace and contentment.

It’s only not easy just because you don’t know how.

But it CAN be simple.

It CAN be a straightforward matter of practicing that right things.

"What are the right things?" I hear you ask …

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter.

1). Choose your attitude

Are you focusing on the glass (or life) as being half full or half empty?

2). Find the silver lining

There’s always one, in any situation, even if it’s a lesson to grow for next time

3). See how you create your own stress

Stress comes from resistance to what is happening. Don’t resist. End of stress

4). Be aware of what your mind is telling you

Don’t let the voice in your head be a reality, let it be an option.

5). Choose well

Your life equals your choices. Choose well!

6). Live present in this moment

This is the only moment that you have, in all of time, NOW is it.

Important thing:

Your habits will be counter to these - this is what makes it all seem not easy.

But recognise the more you practice, the more you rewards you will experience.

Recognise that overcoming your habits is a simple matter of doing it.

If you want the tools that will crack your bad habits and whiney voice quicker than a nutcracker through (fresh) Christmas nuts, go here for a seat:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGt64_uKxbOIcDMxAT3la2rZ2nPcrU5LpgnznSkJ2snCRsjQ/viewform

Have fun out there

• Arjuna

PS.

Christmas nuts?

It’s not even the season.

And the 15 year old nuts that your gran would bring out, year in year out were disgusting, were they not?

These are not the nuts you are looking for.

However, these might be the nuts you want though:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGt64_uKxbOIcDMxAT3la2rZ2nPcrU5LpgnznSkJ2snCRsjQ/viewform

The Zone - Your Natural State?

What if I told you being in the Zone was your natural state?

That permanent calm, focus, happiness, heightened skills and senses was possible?

You may say “no way”, but it’s true.

The secret to being in the Zone is that you can’t try and be in the Zone.

It may sound all a bit Zen and beyond you, but stick with me.

Trying and straining to “get it” means you don’t get anything.

Olympic legend powerhouse gymnast (at 5 foot nothing) Simone Biles said recently:

____________

“Most people would focus on concentrating more and I can’t do that. It almost makes me overthink a lot of my things. I have to focus on not thinking”

____________

The secret to the Zone is this:

You can’t think.

How on EARTH do you not think?

Well, trying not to think does NOT work.

Trying to focus doesn’t either.

Instead, the secret lies in tuning into this precise moment in time.

Being aware of your senses more than your thoughts.

It means focussing on the here and now.

If you try, it means your body can’t do what it knows to do.

And it knows a lot - you don’t trust it enough.

And you start putting more attention on thinking again.

Now, before you throw this all away in disgust:

Being present is simple.

Learning not to think so much is too.

Just stop.

Be in your body, right now.

Tune into the sounds and feelings and sensations.

Let them all come and go.

Don’t chase any, just notice them.

Be in the centre of your awareness.

Job done.

Trouble is, you never practice focus and presence.

A recent study said that humans spend on average 47% of their day somewhere else.

How can you be in the Zone if you never practice it?

That’s right - you can’t.

The key right there is to practice as much as you can.

All of life benefits when you are present to it.

So you can’t lose.

You’re only going to get better at it.

Now if you really want the simple method?

If you want the tools dissolve all obstacles to you being present, focussed, and in the Zone?

Go here to get a more information on the next course, and cool daily emails like this one:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Nothing simpler, or more powerful.

Keep the peace!

• Arjuna

PS.

You do have to practice of course.

Practicing the right things makes perfect.

And you will be wondering why you never did something like this a long, long time ago.

Go here for all the info.

If I can help? Just ask, I’d love to chat.

-

You’re a outdoor freak when …

You can’t fit your car in the garage because of all the toys? Of course … an oldie but a goodie

How about welcoming bad weather with open arms and willingly going to bed early so you can get up and get going at the crack of dawn?

Ah yes …

Before outdoors (B.O.?) I would hate storms. I hated rain.

Now?

I was on the computer all the time over the weekend watching the latest weather reports.

All so I could see where the best place to go for some kayaking.

Bad weather means I see rivers filling up, or snow on it’s way, or surf lifting.

For sure - I know for some like Mountain Rescue and the Lifeboats storms coming in probably signals more work for them,

But given safety and the right equipment, now it’s such a buzz for me to be out when it’s wild.

I love how my attitude has transformed from one of complete resistance to bad weather to one of:

“Let’s see what we can do with it”

And

“Let’s make the most of it”

Are you the same?

With a small reach can you see how its your attitude that makes all the difference ANYWHERE in life?

I heard once a study that said Mondays were the biggest days for heart attacks and over all “premature” death.

There’s nothing inherently bad about Mondays, except - as you know …

We as humans live for 2 days out of 7.

Because that is the case, the day after that 2nd day (Mondays) really suck,

In fact they can be deadly.

(Best of staying in bed then, huh?)

It’s your attitude, its your approach that changes everything

Whether you really live a full and rich life, all the time,

Or just a fraction of the time.

And this is a great thing to REALLY get to grips with.

Because you can control your attitude.

You can choose it (if you get good at it)

You can’t necessarily control the weather, or Mondays, or life.

But you can control your attitude.

So practice that - practice choosing how you feel, your attitude and your perspective

Practice it even when everything is going good …

And then the bad times will be easier, because you have a stronger, more flexible attitude.

If you want help with that, I have just what you need.

A practice, a set of tools and understandings so you can have a bulletproof attitude.

With a bulletproof attitude, and the ability to be in the here and now, all of life gets sweeter.

The end of stress, fear, anxiety. 200% of life

Go here and opt in for more information, and daily reminders like this one:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Take it easy out there,

And if you need anything, get in touch. I’d love to help.

Arjuna

PS.

Being a kayaker is the best thing for welcoming rain.

If you can train yourself to be interested when it looks bad and everyone else is losing it?

I do believe you’ll become unstoppable.

And at least have all the fun, and no heart attacks on Mondays.

Sounds good to me.

Paying For Pleasure

I’m eating poached eggs and spinach, sipping on a short strong coffee. It is good.

I’ve been interested in how to eat for the most energy for a long time now.

Being in the outdoors gave me a greater appreciation for food, and what my body needs as the best fuel.

I recently tried the no/super low carbs approach - that was a little extreme, and didn’t really give me what I was looking for.

I was once a vegan too, giving up all animal products.

That was VERY extreme. Now, I did it because I thought it was the “right” thing to do.

But it didn’t suit my body. I was starving a lot of the time. And it didn’t have a big enough fun factor.

So I stopped.

When I started meditating I tried sitting on the floor with a super straight spine.

My knees, ankles and hips, oh and back too - they all hurt like a mother.

I was more grateful for stopping than I was for anything I got from the meditations.

“Right” but no fun, not enough pleasure or reward.

I only did it because I was told it was the “correct” thing to do.

Isn’t it interesting all the stuff we do because it’s the “right” thing to do?

I’m all about experimenting and honestly sticking with something if it’s good for you.

But just because something is good for you, it needs to give you a good feeling as well - right?

Otherwise you just don’t do it.

There has to be a happy medium.

I lift kettlebells, and that hurts, but it gives me a good feeling as well as a long term reward.

So there is a payment but a pleasure return too.

I don’t eat much sugar, because I know if I throw too much down me I don’t have a good feeling -  despite my thoughts about triple chocolate cake.

Again - there is a payment (not automatically reaching for the chocolate bar when I have a craving) and the pleasure is no crash and more energy.

I meditate using the Ishayas’ Ascension - that doesn’t hurt - but the payment is stopping and sitting and closing my eyes every day.

The pleasure is more Life. More freedom from the mind. Less reaction.

The point of all of this?

Experiment - try all the fads and the latest and greatest and newest programmes and regimes

But do it with a view with what works for you.

What payment / pleasure balance there is for you?

Do you enjoy it?

Is it “fun”?

And who cares if it’s “right” or not?

It has to suit you. Otherwise you won't do it.

That’s all I have today - trust your honest feelings about something. Not the second or third thoughts, they’re tricksy.

And don’t be shy of paying something to get pleasure, but trust whether the payment is worth it too.

Take it easy out there, enjoy yourself.

Arjuna

PS.

If you’re interested I can teach you Ascension meditation over a weekend.

You may find it is has the best payment / pleasure / reward balance of just about anything, this side of a good steak with a nice glass of red wine.

If you want to join us, go here to get more information, and daily emails like this one.

And a free Quick Start Guide to Meditation For Outdoor Athletes to get you flying:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

-

Trouser Snake Stupidity

I like the weird news. Somewhere, somehow there is always someone doing something a little stupid.

Like the Darwin Awards - prizes for people evolution should have forgotten -

These stories give me a chuckle, and a quick burst of gratitude that it wasn’t me that was caught so publicly.

Recent news announced that CCTV filmed a man stealing a snake from a pet store by stuffing it down his trousers.

The owners said he was lucky it wasn’t feeding day as these snakes get very, very hungry.

Indeed.

Have you ever done anything stupid?

I know I have.

My wife might say every single day, but I think she might be over estimating.

She does that a bit - I often say that I must have told her a million times to stop exaggerating.

Now I think stupidity is fine, as long as you learn from it.

(That’s my excuse anyhow)

But -

Doing the same thing and expecting different results over and over again, that’s probably not so wise, don’t you think?

Yet I see it a lot.

People are quite content to tick along, going up and going down, doing the same thing and kind of hoping things will get better.

Rarely do they look to see how they can get off the self inflicted rollercoaster themselves.

Perhaps they don’t realise it’s self-inflicted.

So few stop, and ask:

“Surely there must be another way to live life than just waiting for the weekend, or the next holiday, or the next high?”

Surely there is a way to avoid pain and get more fun, in every moment?

There is - it lies in getting more aware, clear and focussed and developing free choice in what thoughts you listen to.

You might call this being mentally fitter - getting the ability to master your own mind.

I can help with that.

If you want more from your time in the outdoors:

- more performance, more enjoyment, more Flow -

As well as every single part of your life - your health, your work, your relationships, your family …

I’m running a course that will give you the tools and the understanding and the support -

- Everything you need -

To live the biggest life possible.

To stop waiting for the weekend, to stop being bored and frustrated, to stop getting worried and anxious.

To find your true potential and permanent peace.

Get more information, how to register your interest for a seat, as well as daily emails like this one to remind and inspire you, right here:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

Good on you.

Keep the peace!

Arjuna

PS.

Don’t steal, and don’t put animals down your trousers.

And don’t tell me I never give useful tips.

-

Naked Swimming

Summer is a good time for a spot of swimming, isn't it? I know it's called wild swimming these days. Back when I was a kid it was just plain old swimming.

Wild swimming does sound cooler doesn't it?

Been at the coast for a few days and got some “wild” swims in.

Then headed to Brighton to see some friends.

My buddy who lives there loves swimming naked.

I’m not a prude, but on Brighton beach in the middle of the morning?

Not for me.

For him though, it makes him feel totally alive.

Totally free, unencumbered.

Just being in the ocean does that for me, shorts on.

The cold is not the most pleasant thing for the first few moments, but then the reward kicks in.

Such a great effect on the body. It makes you come alive, everything "zinging".

That's the thing about being out in nature, isn't it?

It clears the senses.

Puts everything in perspective too.

Gives you a sense of calm and goodness.

Imagine if you could have that every day … ?

Not just after a trip away in the outdoors, but imagine if you were able to chose to be calm, clear, content and alive any time you wish … ?

It's a great thing to have.

And why not? Why not live with such a perspective, such balance, such Life?

It's a funny thing how some people don't want that.

Or maybe they DO want that, it's just they don't know how to get it.

Well, you can live like that.

And all it takes is a simple practice.

It does take you prioritising living life thriving rather than surviving.

It takes you valuing calm and Life more than stress and struggle - enough at least to do something about it.

That’s what my next course is all about.

If you're interested, the way forward is here.

Opt in and receive daily emails like this one, as well as a FREE Quick Start Guide to Meditation For Outdoor Athletes:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports

A simple practice that makes all of life so simple.

All it takes is for you to reach out and give it to yourself.

And your loved ones. When you're in good shape, it's so much easier for everyone to be in good shape.

Have a great day now! Arjuna

PS.

No seriously -

Have a great day. Choose to enjoy it. Make it so that you stay present and calm and full of happiness.

No one else will do it for you.

This one is on you!

Thinking Is Bad For You

Just saw a study that said the best golfers are the ones that don’t think. I’ve never played much golf, but I can appreciate the kind of zone that you have to get into to hit a ball with a stick into a hole.

And my personal Zone experiences are more often than not characterised by silence up top, not a barrage of noise in the form of thinking.

I would go as far as to say this proves my thesis, that:

Thinking is bad for you.

For example, I was thinking we should get a herd of pygmy goats.

My wife, although a fan of small cute animals, disagrees.

Do you see?

Thinking is leads to trouble.

It almost resulted in me selling my new wife for a herd of goats.

I know that’s not very good science, but “let’s get serious” for a moment.

See if my argument matches your personal observation.

The reason I say thinking is bad for you,

- in any field of human endeavour but especially the physical -

Is because too much thought means the mind becomes a micro manager.

It gets involved everywhere, and ruins everything.

It's constantly sending out instructions and/or ideas, and your body can’t respond to all of them fast enough.

As an experience, it’s the difference between being in a state of mental and physical agitation,

i.e. too aroused …

(Quit sniggering in the back)

… And being calm yet focussed. Relaxed, but ready.

You know that difference, I would say quite well.

You know it when you’re out in nature, but you also know that difference when you’re sitting down looking to work out a problem.

Too much thought gets in the way.

The best role for your mind is as an “overseer”.

A general manager type who only looks at the big picture and lets the troops (your muscles, heart, lungs, instincts) take over the moment to moment running of the show.

It brings a state of calm, focus.

Your body can then “soak” up what it needs to do.

Instead of 100 instructions being thrown at it, the necessary one or two can go in, and in deep.

You’re working on a problem?

Same thing -

You can focus on the necessaries and discard the “won’t works” and “why won’t this works?” and “I should give up because I’m no good anyways” and especially the “I wonder what’s for dinners?”

To be calm yet focussed in any situation is not something people “know” how to do.

Simply because they don’t practice it.

How can you launch into Zone mode if you aren’t doing it, day in day out?

Add some pressure and flight or fight mode usually kicks in, just through habit.

So that’s what I got for you.

Be aware as you go about your day how much you are involved in unnecessary thinking.

In awareness you have choice.

Make the choice to stop thinking and be more present.

Simple.

Take it easy out there! Arjuna

PS.

I have something for thinking too much.

A practice, a tool, a technique that will bring you to a state of calm and focus.

It results in a type of mental fitness, one that means you don’t habitually engage micro manager mind mode.

Not only do you become more effective in what you want to do, it also means you will enjoy life to a much greater level than ever before.

Go here to get more info, and daily emails like this one:

https://arjunaishaya.leadpages.co/sports