pursuing your passion

stretching vs mobility training
Many of you may be visiting this site as result of reading my comments on the New York Times Well Blogs. I assume that I said something or you were interested in exploring further some of the ideas expressed there. I’d like to invite you to comment, ask questions and actively participate. _____________________ The lastest NYTIMES Well Blog Post was about How Necessary is Stretching. There’s a definite difference between Stretching & Mobility(Flexibility) Training. - Stretching is usually a static and isolated. - Mobility trai

“the biggest loser” mythology
I just can’t stand it anymore. I’ve waited 9 years as this show has grown in popularity to comment. Today that ends. The New York Times reports (On Reality Show to Lose Weight, Health Can Take a Back Seat) how contestants on the NBC show, The Biggest Loser, use dangerous methods to achieve the shows goals. And silence participants with gag clauses and participating agreements the keep them free and clear of any potential medical liability in the event that someone hurts themselves trying to win the show. Read the article for the gory details. My point here is simple: Las

if movement is primal, is it “spiritual”?
I’ve got a nagging question that’s been bothering me ever since I first read Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia and Songlines, but more recently too. If you accept that movement is an essential experience and a significant part of being human, then is movement, when practiced in a mindful, focused way, a “spiritual” practice? I’m sure many Yogi’s out there would shout out : Yes! and just as many surfers would probably join them. However, if a group of rugby or soccer players also shouted Yea, how many of us would accept this? In modern life, there’s been a healthy re-interpretation what defines, spiritual practice?

anxiety, training and play
I recently read a New York Times report on (Phys Ed: Why Exercise Makes You Less Anxious By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS). While interesting, the article supports what has already been studied elsewhere in other areas including Positive Psychology or the study of Flow. We are just beginning to understand the relationship between physical health and emotional well-being in many respects. So, while I understand the need for simplification in studies to produce solid data and exploring new areas of science, I am convinced that it is essential for you and I pro

“extreme sports”, play and athleticism
If you are new to this blog you might think that this blog is about surfing or skateboarding or some other “extreme sport”. It’s not. What it is about is about training to play better. And it just so happens that surfers, snowboarders and skaters (among others) know something about Play and optimal experience that many others don’t. The purpose of this post is to demystify and hopefully inspire you to take a second look a these pursuits no matter how old you may be. I think that you will find that each of them offers you a unique way to experience the pure joy and playfulness of our youth in ways you may not yet imagine. You have probably thought lik