Sergeant Tony's Blog

I have an iPhone.

Don’t hate.

But if you DO hate, there’s an app for that!

Calendars and schedulers and smart phones. Day Timers, Fil-o-Faxes, and Day Runners. So many ways to schedule and manage our time.

I’m glad that I’m not a parent of little children. You guys who are … God bless you! I’ve never seen such over-scheduling of time! The average 7 year old has a schedule that rivals that of any captain of industry or CEO of any Fortune 500 company. Classes, clubs, teams, lessons, play dates, school, homework, projects … oh my!

I’m worried though. I don’t think it’s such a good approach. But that’s not what this is about. Though it kind of is.

A few weeks ago I told you about living in Japan, my experiences in a Zen Buddhist Monastery, and my friend, Takahashi Sensei. (The Oar — 6/24/09).

Ten years in Japan taught me the differences in the Eastern Mind from the Western Mind. And my Buddhist monk friends taught me the differences in the Judeo-Christian world view and the Eastern Philosophical world view. The differences are vast. And one is not better than the other. They’re just different.

When I lived there, I missed the world view of the west. And when I live here, I miss the world view of the Orient.

And here’s the thing that I keep trying to learn over and over and over again from my Zen masters. And though it’s Zen-like, anyone of any religious or philosophical belief can embrace it. It’s not exclusive to Buddhism, which is more philosophy than religion. And this lesson, if we learn it, can and will change our lives.

Takahashi Sensei, repeating the words of his masters before him, said to me constantly these simple words.

“Tony san, be present.”

Be present.

The first time I heard the phrase I thought it was hokum. It reminded me of the “joke” that goes something like this, “Where ever you are, there you are.”

Whatever.

Or was it, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”

Be present? Really? That’s the big secret here? You guys cloister yourself away in this monastery for “be present?” Seriously? What a colossal waste of time, I thought, with my western mind.

Give me a formula!

Give me 5 keys to happy living!

Give me a 12 step program!

My western mind needed that kind of structure.

But the simplicity of “be present” only obscures its depth and wisdom.

We live in marvelous times, you and I. In the past 100 years technology has so altered the human experience on this earth! For that matter, the past 20 years have been incredible. Do you remember life before the internet? Amazing times!

The other day my son Nathan and I were having lunch at Houston’s. I looked around and saw several tables where people were talking, but not to each other. Cell phones and blue tooths (or is that blue teeth) were humming. The bodies were present, but the people weren’t.

Do you remember a life before cell phones?

As much as I love my iPhone … there are times where I need to turn it off and put it away. When I’m having lunch with my son … when I’m meeting a friend for coffee and conversation … when I’m having a meal with my family …

I need to be present.

In that moment.

At that time.

All of me needs to be all in.

I need to appreciate the moment I’m in.

There are moments that I feel the most alive … and those are the times where I’m fully present. When I slow down. When I turn it off. When I reflect. When I engage.

Yes, I know that we all have to plan and strategize and prepare for tomorrow. We all have to put things in a schedule. We all have a calendar to fill in. I got that.

But …

Be present … in the now. With the next breath you take …

… be present.

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MOUNT FUJI

Tomorrow morning at 0530 we’ll be climbing the mountain! See you at the parking garage on Zach Curlin, on the campus of the U of M. Bring your dumbbells, mat, water bottle and towel!

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0645 and 0830 Class Info

8:30 Class Returns on MONDAY AUGUST 31st!

The 0645 class WILL NOT GO ON HIATUS! This class will remain on the schedule as long as attendance dictates! I’ve made a commitment to this class for the next three months!

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Today’s Big Three

1. Maggie Stamms (Boot Camper) is a student looking for an evening/weekend job in just about anything.

2. Anna Haug (Boot Camper) is looking for a new job. She’s had experience in outside sales.

3. Simple Organizing Solutions by JoAnn Jones (Boot Camper), Professional Organizer (joannjones63@comcast.net C: 901-292-7607) Customize and help implement organizing systems for clients for their homes, garages, attics and home offices so things can be found readily when needed. Special Boot Camp Rate - Up to 1.5 hour assessment of project(s) and written overview for $50 (book by August 31st).

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HALF MARATHON TRAINING

Half Marathon Training begins on Saturday, September 5 at 8 AM!

NOTE THE CHANGE IN VENUE:

We will meet at the U of M on September 5 and 12 due to activities at Shelby Farms on those days. Park inside the parking garage on Zach Curlin (Mt. Fuji) and meet down in front.

If you can run/jog/walk 3 miles in 36 minutes or less, you are a candidate! It’s easier than you think! Every year half of the members of this training group are new and have never run a half marathon!

Cost of the three month training is $75 for Boot Campers and $125 for “friends of Boot Camp” (non-boot campers).

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Don’t smoke.

Drink in moderation.

Eat sensibly and less.

Exercise often.

To you continued good health and fitness,

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow

USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding

Memphis, TN

901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com