Happy Anniversary MOTM!

Happy anniversary Movement of the Mind, I want to thank all who've taken the time to peer into my thoughts.  I do hope all have had the chance to learn and/or enjoy this blog.  I have had so much fun writing it and look forward to another year of more thought provoking information.  Remember, cognitive plyometrics is really designed to help all of us reach a level of critical thinking that can aid us in becoming more valuable and refined.  My hat goes off to all who want to be better and always see the room for growth.  Life is a journey, and we all need help along the way.  Thank you, everyone for making this such a success, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy writing this blog.  Thanks!

Who is Food?

So, they tagged along with me on this trip, helping me the whole way.  I never felt alone, plus, they have the sweetest sense of humor.  I laughed, and contemplated so many things during this trip.  I cannot imagine having to go all the way here without them.  The connection made was almost as if we were designed to feed off one another.  Our personalities melded and they complimented me in so many ways.  I became the very existence of them and they, my lifeline.  I never could have imagined such unbiased, non critical, understanding and comforting friends.  When I'm upset they're there, and even when I'm celebrating key moments in my life, within arms reach I could see them peering at me with acceptance.  They give me energy to continue, and even help me find rest.  I never get tired of their company, even when I just want to be alone.  When life holds me to so many expectations, I am never judged, or held to any standards with them.  On my bad hair days, bad mornings and sometimes less than glamorous physique they always welcome me.

Can food be given life? 

Can we identify with this story?  If so, we are but a few of billions of people who exist and have a relationship with the food we eat.  The idea is that food is taking on a more prominent role in our lives, whether we know it or not.  Food gives us energy, yes, that's its basic function, however, now it does much more.  It creates relationships, calms, inspires, pleases, comforts, nourishes and the list could continue.  In the society we live in here in America, obesity is no more than a way of life.  The scary word, "epidemic" has lost its sting as obesity has rolled over it and moved on.  The reason I believe this to be the case is, we are addressing the behavior of those who are obese and not so much the relationships they sustain.  Whether, emotional eating, external eating or restrained, the relationship is most consistent and alive.  We'd do well to understand how individuals view food and how they interact with it.  The old mantra of "Energy in" is antiquated.  People are looking to this food relationship for answers and comfort circles, unknown elsewhere.  

You are what you eat, seems to still circulate throughout our culture.  When asked, a young lady who uses food as comfort, due to a lack of social interaction said, "I eat when I'm sad, because I have no one to speak with.  Food is my friend that accepts me for who I am, never judging and always there in my most quiet spaces."  Does this sound like food or a friend?  A relationship with food exist between all of us, how we manage that relationship will define a aspect of our health and diet.  

Portion control could be likened to a unbalanced relationship where we may want, or be wanted more than necessary.  Poor diet, also could be viewed as making poor choices in friends, where common sense or foresight is absent.  Restrained eating could also look like self deprivation or avoidance, which once that emotion or stint is over, we find ourselves on the other end of the spectrum.  These may help us to see that food could be a foe, though unbiased, or unconditionally accepting.  

Can our society rich with technology, be feeding this issue?  Well, here's a thought, with the presence of technology, we see a decrease in human interaction, thus social experiences could involve just one human being alone.  Can our friends be food, just as much as an online avatar or television program?

We are creatures designed to interact with one another.  We need relationships, and not everyone has the right circumstances to create healthy ones.  This is why education is vital, we need resources for those who need to reach out and get connected.  We cannot do this life alone, so one way or another we'll find someone, or something to accompany us.

What does it take to blossom? (Part 4)

In this piece we will discuss the ability to again redefine ourselves and reach a level of understanding that can truly separate us.  This blog bases its message on cognitive plyometrics which simply put is our ability to think actively and with agile insight.  Conditioning the mind is superior and primary to the body thus giving us the ability to do all that is needed to accomplish much in our respective worlds.  Our minds are stronger than our body, so focusing on cognitive development is far more challenging and also more rewarding.  

Our roots should be greater than us

This piece that is in its fourth part is delving into the roots of a plant.  Looking at the a flower (or most plants for that matter) what we don't see plays a vital role in its survival.  A plant just like our mind blossoms forth giving a byproduct that can be seen, admired and appreciated by many.  Our minds give forth ideas, plans, words and most of all actions that differentiate us and also makes us special.  Just like that flower beneath the beautiful blossomed bud, its vibrant leaves and stem, exists a system or network of roots that stretch far and deep to provide the most important nutrients that, that plant needs to give us such a wonderful flower.  

In this article we will discuss the roots as an important aspect of blossoming.  There are (4) pieces that the roots play that we will delve into.  The first being survival!  Just as a plant needs roots to survive we also need proverbial roots.  Our figurative roots are our support, our life lines (as it were).  Our survival depends on our ability to reach out and also dig deep within us to develop ourselves.  Reaching out when developing ourselves is essential.  Do we have mentors, friends who are moving in the same direction, and supportive family to give us our nutrient, whatever that may be when we need it?  Can a plant survive without roots?  Likely, we cannot grow either without support and direction.  This means our very survival, having those around us to refine us and direct us to be better.  

Next on our list is strength, the roots of a plant burrow deep in the earth to not only obtain the soils best nutrients. It also provides stability for the plant to maintain its place.  So, does our support keep us grounded to our place in life, aiding us to be ever determined not to sway towards poor thinking or bad judgement.  The more nutrients required by the plant the stronger and deeper the roots.  Digging deep within ourselves and demanding more of us strengthens our thoughts, plans and actions.  The strength of our roots will only sustains us and keep us grounded in sound thought.  The idea that iron sharpens iron, lends to the idea that just for as much as you are sharpened you need to return the favor, thus being equally strong with those who refine you.  This takes time, but is very important.  

Spreading out and having deep roots speaks more to our thoughts than our respective support system.  Our thoughts need to have a fair measure of depth, we cannot be surface (all the time).  Life requires more of us and rightfully so, if we cannot give of ourselves to a large degree, than we may not be able to grow.  Think of it this way, a tree gives of itself tirelessly in order for it to grow.  It gives us oxygen in order to receive the carbon dioxide it needs to grow.  It also supplies a home for wildlife and protection.  It provides meals and shade for both human and animal alike.  Trees also provide mulch once its life span has ended to give yet another tree the opportunity to live.  We have to be givers in both deed and thought, contributing to our respective circles relevant and valuable information that strengthens and replenishes.  Giving all the more, guarantees us our growth.  

Lastly, could you imagine a flower having only one root?  The very idea seems silly if you think about it.  Likewise, having little or no support would seem also unwise.  Or even having one thought, or concept?  This too is futile and hindering.  Branch out all you who want to grow, do not find all your company with those who think just as you do in regards to your development.  Look at contrasting ideas to affirm your own or think differently on a matter, thus adding a new root that can give you the nutrients needed to grow.  This article is not suggesting you befriend everyone, no, this is a call to find productive, refining support.  Develop and sustain numerous thoughts, both deep and not so deep that challenge and engage you.  This will give us the best chance to grow.   

What does it take to blossom?  Strong roots deep in ourselves and in others.  Thinking that is far reaching from our own ideals, to those who may not think as we do.  If the simplest flower can find success doing this, surely we can.