Just My Thoughts

Body Beautiful

2006-07-03T19:17:00.000-04:00

How to develop the Body you Want

I would love to tell you it's easy, but that wouldn't be necessarily true. Nothing of worth comes without effort. However, it is well worth the effort to build a well conditioned and healthy you.

The first step is to determine your desire. Figure out exactly what you want. How do you want your body to look? Do you want to lose weight? Gain weight? Are you trying to obtain a particular shape? You have to envision a clear and specific desire. Abstract ideas will get you abstract results.
Once you realize exactly what you desire, the next step is research. You have to do your homework. Learn how the body works, in general as well as specifically your own body. Little Suzy may live off of junk food and appear not to gain any weight, but if you even look at a twinkie for too long, you go from having a J-Lo to looking like a potato. What works for someone else may not work for you. Familiarize yourself with the dynamics of your own body. Learn to listen to your body.

Whether your aim is to pack on muscle or slim down and tone-up, the essence of any training regimen is to shed excess body fat. Obtain an understanding of the body's metabolism and how the substances you consume effects your body. There's more to reducing body fat than just cutting food intake. What you eat, when you eat and how you eat all play a major part. Additionally, the body adapts to reduced calorie intake. So starving yourself isn't the answer.

With an understanding of the body's metabolic process an how the food you eat effect the body, you can take advantage of the body's natural cycles in order to work towards building the body you want.

Armed with information, the next step is to strategize and develop a master plan. Identify how you intend to achieve your desired results. Outline the routine you will follow,(whether by dieting, exercise, etc.) step by step. This plan shouldn't be rigid at all. It must be fluid, adapting according to your body's responses to training.
The final step of course is execution and dedication to purpose. You may encounter bumps along the way, it is to be expected. Do not allow it to discourage you. It is a part of the learning process. Hold fast to your desire. Use it to motivate you to see things through.

The body is the instrument of the Mind. Even though genetics may play a part in body type and some health conditions, overall the condition and development of the body is in our control. Envision/determine your desire, do your research, develop a plan, and execute with purpose and precision. That's the blue-print to achieving whatever you desire. Until next time ---

Keep it Body Beautiful!

Take advantage of the body’s natural cycles

Sleep/ rest: During sleep your body starts to break down body fat to get the glycogen it needs for conversion into energy to facilitate bodily functions. You can take advantage of this catabolic state in a number of ways:

Doing cardio / exercising immediately or within an hour after waking up. It will increase your body’s metabolic rate and prolong the fat- burning process initiated during sleep.
Drinking coffee in the morning or upon waking. Recent research shows that coffee is a benign stimulant that can help burn body fat, curb appetite and increase energy production. It does so with almost no calories’ when taken black. It is also high in antioxidants.
Drink tea (especially Green tea) at least an hour before going to bed at night. Tea has similar fat burning capabilities as coffee minus the stimulant effect. It is also a source of antioxidants. The purpose of drinking tea before resting is to jump-start the body’s catabolic state.

If gaining weight ( muscle mass) is your goal:

Consume a fast-digesting protein immediately upon waking up. It will replace the amino acids ( the building blocks of muscle fibers) you lost during the night and switch the body from a catabolic state into an anabolic state.

Go to sleep after consuming a meal post-workout. When at rest your body repairs itself. Muscles damaged from training when healed equals enhanced muscle strength, tone and / or size. Resting after a workout allows your body to maximize energy to facilitate healing, digestion and other important functions.

Taking advantage of how the body operates during periods of rest is one way of using the natural cycles of the body to your benefit.

How the food you consume effect your body

Carbohydrates, protein and fat provide the body with the essential energy it needs. Each effect the body’s efficiency at storing body fat differently. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, fruit juice, white rice and cold cereals digest rapidly, could help make you fatter than slow-digesting fibers based carbs such as beans, oatmeal, peas and whole grains do. Fast-digesting carbs are converted rapidly into glucose, the basic energy source of the body. If the energy is not utilized it is stored as body fat. On the other hand, slow digesting carbs converts more slowly to glucose, providing the body with a slow release of energy readily used as fuel. It also stay in your system longer warding off hunger, allowing you to eat less.

Protein is less fatting because it increases your metabolism more that consuming carbs and fat does. What about fat? For active people (sorry channel surfing is not an activity) excess amounts will likely be deposited as body fat easier than both carbohydrates and protein, because active people typically store extra protein as muscle tissue and mildly excessive carbs as muscle glycogen.

In general stick to low-fat, high protein foods and fibrous carbs. I wouldn’t recommend a no -fat diet because fat is an essential part of a diet.. Avoid saturated fat., however unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturates and polyunsaturated are good for you. The main thing is be conscious of the food you eat and how it effects your body. Til next time remember...

Body Beautiful!

LIVING RIGHT

Its been said exercise is mental. Some say 90%, 80%, 70% mental. I feel its 100% mental and it begins before you even pickup a weight, jump on a bike or lace up your running shoes.. It begins with identifying an objective.

I cringe when I here people say they want to or are trying to lose weight. Weight loss can mean anything from losing muscle mass, body fay or both. Losing muscle mass may or may not be healthy depending on the situation. Reaching a particular weight may not equate with being healthy either, because you can have a slim build and still be technically "fat"if you have a high body fat percentage. Flab is flab whether it’s on a slim frame or a big frame.

A goal should always encompass the heart of the matter. A issue isn’t your weight. Your weight is a result of your lifestyle. Therefore, any goal you set should be directed at changing your lifestyle. Living right should be your focus. Shedding body fat , toning up, reduced stress, etc, are the benefits of Living right.

What is Living right and Living right according to what or who? Living right means living proper and in accord with reason; not leading a destructive lifestyle. The very purpose of eating is to provide your body the energy it needs to accomplish activities. Somehow we lost our way and got into the habit of eating for taste instead of eating to sustain Life. We also have developed the habit of eating three meals a day ( that figure doesn’t include the snacking done in between these periods) which is unnecessary if you are not highly active. Just ask yourself, why is it that 65% of adults and 16 of children are obese or overweight?

There is nothing wrong with eating food that taste good; nobody want to eat something that taste nasty. However, if a food lacks nutritional value you shouldn’t eat it just because it taste good. Arsenic taste like almonds but you don’t see people filling themselves on that, so why poison body with other substances. It is okay to treat yourself to food or dessert you like that aren’t the most nutritional. However, such "treats" should be in moderation and fall on your exercise days. In that way the extra calories you consume will be less likely to be stored as body fat.

How many times a day a persons eats and when, should be on the particular lifestyle of the person. A person that is highly active meaning that exercises, play sports, who’s profession is physically strenuous and such physical activities, would need to consume more calories daily than a person whois not as physically active. TO use myself as an example: On days that I’m not training I consume anywhere from 1200 1500 calories. On my training days I take in two to three times that amount depending on what time I train.

Physical activity is an important factor in leading a healthy lifestyle. It promotes a healthy, viable metabolism that can fight disease, slow aging and prevent your body from accumulating large amounts of body fat. Some form of exercise: calisthenics, weight training, aerobics, cardiovascular, etc; should be a regular part of your weekly routine. There isn’t a such thing as not having the time. Make the best of whatever time you have available. Something is better that nothing.

This article in no way covers everything that entails Living right. It is merely my attempt to show the importance of developing the right mental attitude by identifying the true issue. Many people rarely stick to dieting or exercising because they view it as an onerous task instead of as a necessary way of life. Life always follows a simple mathematical logic, eating right+ living right= looking right and feeling right. Keep it Body Beautiful!!

Creative Essence

2006-07-03T18:56:00.000-04:00

"From I'm to I Am"

I am writing this while I'm still behind bars

but my perspective is, I don't see the ground, I see the stars

so it's just a matter of time, I'm thinking seconds

before I'm back on my grind, in my Essence

manifesting my perfection

I know

they say nobody is perfect

but I 'm somebody, I know what my worth is

I know what my gift and my curse is

so you have to forgive me for my worse years

but I 'm going to do me perfect

you can't view me from the surface

or pass judgment for the worse I did

they get absurd ideas

like "he ain't learn from his first bid"

but if everything happens for a reason and purpose

I'm still breathing

so that means I'm just completing my circuit

I'm leaving the circus to the clowns

I'm not playing around

Life isn't a game -- it's profound

and now - I figured out what the meaning's about

so no more dreaming now - my Vision is intuition

I'm blessed

no more existing in the now - I live in the next

no more merely existing - now I am Existence in the the flesh

did a three sixty turn around -shit, I never left

I'm right

my perspective is insight

so my objective is in sight

I'm so focused it's zen like

my sole objective grows from a soul perspective

so my sole perspective is so Objective

I am One with the whole -- yes I'm so connected

I know there are those that oppose my methods

even though they don't know where my head is

they want to see me broke and naked

left broke and breathless

but nope, I am deathless

I don't just live for the day and cope - I am not so reckless

and I don't have faith and hope - I just don't accept shit

I see deception for deception

and the Truth for no less than

The Truth

no exception to the rule - any questions

I don't need to believe - I make it my business to know

since to live is to grow

those that think I am finished - NO

there's no limit to growth

and I got a whole lot of living to go

I know I have dirt on my shoulders

but if you look closer - you may notice

I have the whole world on my shoulders

so take notice

I am about to show and prove who the G.O.A.T. is: THE PASSION

Because I’m in prison
doesn’t mean I’m imprisoned
it doesn’t dim my vision
or end my mission
this is just an intermission
until I get back in position
get back to truly Living
in fact these conditions
can’t stop the fact I’m the True and Living
True this isn’t Life
and it can’t be
but it takes more than these four walls
to drive me to insanity
and land me on my knees
I stand on my own two live by my own rule
maybe you can’t see
it’s just the Man in me
and prison doesn’t make me any less of a Man_____
I can be all I can be Not like the U.S.. reserve
more like when I resurrect on the third
maybe then you can understand me
and grant me
the respect I deserve
and the loyalty that I need
you can touch my wounds if you need to believe
feel my pain-feel my stress-feel my agony
But I have no regrets
because this had to be
now it is on me to make it happen
decision is reality
it’s only naturally
I master me
upon my release
check my masterpiece until then who’s going to laugh with me?
Who’s going to smile for me? Who’s has my back for me?
No one not really... sadly
but don’t worry be happy
is how they spit at me
What does that mean exactly?
Prison hasn’t finish me
so hold on to you Hennessy
don.’t pour it out in my memory
prison can’t diminish me
if anything
it only strengthens my identity
I’d rather your love not your sympathy
maybe a little empathy
because I need the energy
for motivation, inspiration
to overcome the trials and tribulations I’m facing
day-in and day out
I’m surrounded by the dead- weighting me down
can you see me now
the value of MY Smile?
Lord knows
crossing these crossroads
with this cross across my torso
is torture to my soul
but I can know
it’s the seeds that I need to grow the Life lessons that I need to know
so as dark as it gets
I’m still breathing through
and even though
it’s well passed the evening of my soul
it’s darkest before the dawn
are you my light in physical form? I need to know

Greatest of All Time

Supreme Mind

God Cipher Divine

I AM

THE PASSION

Because I’m in prison
doesn’t mean I’m imprisoned
it doesn’t dim my vision
or end my mission
this is just an intermission
until I get back in position
get back to truly Living
in fact these conditions
can’t stop the fact I’m the True and Living
True this isn’t Life
and it can’t be
but it takes more than these four walls
to drive me to insanity
and land me on my knees
I stand on my own two live by my own rule
maybe you can’t see
it’s just the Man in me
and prison doesn’t make me any less of a Man_____
I can be all I can be Not like the U.S.. reserve
more like when I resurrect on the third
maybe then you can understand me
and grant me
the respect I deserve
and the loyalty that I need
you can touch my wounds if you need to believe
feel my pain-feel my stress-feel my agony
But I have no regrets
because this had to be
now it is on me to make it happen
decision is reality
it’s only naturally
I master me
upon my release
check my masterpiece until then who’s going to laugh with me?
Who’s going to smile for me? Who’s has my back for me?
No one not really... sadly
but don’t worry be happy
is how they spit at me
What does that mean exactly?
Prison hasn’t finish me
so hold on to you Hennessy
don.’t pour it out in my memory
prison can’t diminish me
if anything
it only strengthens my identity
I’d rather your love not your sympathy
maybe a little empathy
because I need the energy
for motivation, inspiration
to overcome the trials and tribulations I’m facing
day-in and day out
I’m surrounded by the dead- weighting me down
can you see me now
the value of MY Smile?
Lord knows
crossing these crossroads
with this cross across my torso
is torture to my soul
but I can know
it’s the seeds that I need to grow the Life lessons that I need to know
so as dark as it gets
I’m still breathing through
and even though
it’s well passed the evening of my soul
it’s darkest before the dawn
are you my light in physical form? I need to know?

Remember Me?
I hear your heart speak timidly,
you heart beat tenderly.
As we close the vicinity of identity,
our heart beat in symmetry.
We form one entity.
Everything before is a memory.
The now is an infinite symphony
of a profound intimacy.
The will be will be, we’ll see
creation in our imagery.
Re-member Me and we’ll be.

A Stream Of Thought
A stream of thought
flows
like a river goes
gently
relentlessly it grows
simply
because it knows
infinity
intimately it shows
within me
A stream of thought

Dreams
A field of dreams is monfertile grounds
The seeds it sow are sterile and bloom stagnation.
Its fragrance reek of no intent,
so content with the bliss of ignorance.
Its flowers are found in gravel-yards
marking the resting place of the dead.
The monexistent wear garlands of its pedals as crowns.
Kings and Queens of the dumb,
their Kingdoms never come.
Because they are still dreaming.

Contact Info

2006-07-03T18:53:00.000-04:00

I welcome your thoughts: any comments, suggestions, questions, an article or artwork for submission, whatever; please write or email me your thoughts. You can contact me directly at
Jason Bentley 99A2610
Green Haven Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 4000
Stormville, NY 12582
You can email your correspondence to Just My Thoughts at boogie4677@hotmail.com.

About this blog

2006-07-03T18:48:00.000-04:00

The name says it all, this blog is Just My Thoughts; my perspective of Life and all it encompass. It is my way of connecting thoughts with the world.

The section Self Reflection is a platform to build on varies topics, as long as the underlying essence of the discourse embraces the Truth. Creative Essence is a section for the expression of varies forms of art.

Self Reflection

2006-07-03T18:12:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first edition of Just My Thoughts. Since all things begin with Self, I feel it would be perfect to make Self the theme for this debut posting. I know, I know, I can hear the moans and groans now. It is a subject most shy away from. However, recognition of Self is essential to personal growth and development.

Self is defined as the essence of one's being. There are two aspects to Self: the objective and the subjective. All are one, the subjective is merely a concentrated form of the objective. The objective Self is the fundamental nature of a person; it is who you are. The subjective Self is the particular qualities a person manifests; it is who you allow yourself to be. To live in discordance to one's nature leads to a false sense of Self: it is to be a nonentity.

Without getting too philosophical, the nature of Self is supreme, universal, infinite... Realization of the essence of our being is the key to unlocking the tremendous potentialities of our mind. However, the basis of Self realization is experience, not mere logical conclusions. Once one comes into the knowledge one must have it. Once one lives it, one must become it, or rather, be it.

Responsibility is a major factor in the recognition of Self. It is said that God looks after babies and fools. The underlying reasoning is that neither could take care of themselves. As adults, we cannot claim to be babies anymore and unless we are willing to admit to being fools, responsibility is clearly in our hands. We must be accountable for our actions because we are the architects of our lives. Life is what you make it, indeed. Reality is a matter of perception and perception is another word for understanding; with understanding comes control. You do the Math.

If responsibility is a major factor of recognition of Self, the number one excuse for irresponsibility is a lack of time. You often hear: "I didn't have enough time...", "I had to rush to do...", "I lost track of time...". We do everything but what needs to be done. Either time is running away from us or running us down. We allow time to dominate our lives, when that should not be the case.

To master time, we must first understand what it is. Time, in this context, is the measure of thought. The past, present, and future are all properties of consciousness. The past is a memory, a recollection; the future is foresight, a vision, anticipation; the present is awareness. Therefore, time is the movement of thought: thinking back; forethought, looking forward; grounded in the here and now.

With that understanding it is clear that our focus determines our reality, our reality determines our destiny. Destiny meaning the inevitable conclusion of our thoughts and actions. To manage our time is to manage our lives.

You reap what you sow, meaning the seeds you plant determines the fruits you harvest. Our minds are fertile grounds. Most mental gardens are neglected and overrun with weeds. Some "gardeners" have no idea of the seeds they plant and when the flowers bloom they are disappointed or upset. Why not be like a farmer and cultivate our mental gardens with purpose, to produce according to our desire. If you want apples why not plant apple seeds. If you want success why not take the necessary steps to achieve it. If you want Life why not Live.

The skills of Living
Living is a skill. It is something you grow proficient at the more you experience Life. Living means to be true to Life. Life is the expression of vitality (energy) at the current point in time. Life is a condition of existence for nothing exists without expressing and manifesting itself. So Life is about expression. In essence Life is about creation: transforming pure potential into actuality; the ideal into reality.

So being true to Life means being a creator. The Mind is a superlative form of energy because it is a conscious force. Thus the source of an individual’s creative power is consciousness. A characteristic of consciousness is the power of choice. Every choice, every action / reaction and feeling for which responsibility is taken, as opposed to attributing them to external circumstances, brings about awareness of the source of creation within. It is impossible not to create your Life, The choice is to do so consciously and with purpose.

Energy spent on useless things is wasteful. Therefore, Living, like any skill requires discipline. The discipline to exclude things that are not relevant to, or that are contrary to your purpose. The discipline to view all things with equality, perceiving them for what they are; distinguishing between the appearances and the reality of situation or thing. The discipline of maintaining a level of conscious awareness in every action and perception. The discipline of not allowing circumstances to overwhelm you. The discipline to control emotional states, rather than have them control you. These disciplines maximize the use of energy under a condition of order based on meaningfulness. The higher your aspirations, the more your life-style must be organized.

What is missing in our current self-image is a sense of scale, and a realistic recognition of the power and scope of creative potential. Not everyone chooses to explore his or her fullest potential. One of the reason for this is a limited perception of what is being and what our values are or could be. A sense of values stems from what is meaningful, and meaning. Is based on experience. The deeper our understanding of life, the broader our scope of reality.

Don’t get caught up in the habit of living; where associations, judgments or assumptions replaces pure perception; where you lose yourself in the created instead of being the creator you are. The skill of Living is in being the True and Living embodiment of Life. Love Life enough to want to live it to the fullest.----------

Just My Thoughts...

The Discipline Of Pain

I live with pain every moment. Its is an intimate part of my existence. Physical Pain; emotional pain the pain of being.

Pain is described as an unpleasant sensation varying in severity, resulting from injury, disease (lack of comfort} or emotional disorder; suffering or distress. Pain is a natural occurrence that cannot be avoided. It is not a phenomenon separate and distinct of you. Its is a part of you and it has it purpose. Pain is the herald of change, with a message calling for awareness. While most change brings about a most of dis-ease as we adjust to the change, inherent in pain is the opportunity to grow.
Pain is neither good or bad, it merely is. It is our perception or response to it that colors it one way or the other. It is common for pain not to be viewed in a positive light. The reason for this is because we attach ourselves to or focus on the discomfort and suffering aspects of the pain instead of the growth and maturity that arises from it.

I live with pain every moment . I’m in Hell. The conditions are entirely unnatural. It is a breeding ground for suffering intended to destroy my spirit.
It pains me to know my family suffers because I am not physically present in their life, It pains me when a person I truly respect and care about denies the value of my affection and friendship, all because I’m in prison. I can probably fill the page with a list of my pain.
I am learning not to run from the pain. I must not deny it or fight it. I must embrace the pain. That is the only way to conquer it and move beyond it.

Nature would not allow us pain if it was not useful. Pain is a force, it is energy. Energy is fuel for our being. Growth, whether physical or emotional, requires energy.
Uncontrolled pain is of destructive. It becomes crutch, an excuse for weakness and self-imposed limitations. An attitude of being a victim develops into a "why me?" syndrome. The pain rules you . Such states spend energy without making use of it.

To understand the essence of your pain, its cause and purpose, brings it into the domain of your consciousness. Where there is consciousness, there is power because consciousness is a creative power. Conscious suffering means seizing the pain, dissecting it and making a creative use of it. It makes pain much less painful because the pain is brought under control and utilized; the dynamic energy of frustration and sorrow is transformed into something that serves a constructive purpose.

I live with pain every moment. Pain is a great force intended to propel us in the direction of greater consciousness. The discipline of pain produces optimum growth, development and elevation because it pushes us beyond our limitations and force us to increase in maturity and understanding in order to deal with the situation.
It takes tremendous pressure to transform coal into diamond. It takes intense heat to force steal into a keen weapon.
I live with pain every moment... the pressure... the heat... My pain is my cross to bear... what don’t kill you, makes you stronger... I’m still breathing.

[I would like to thank a friend of mine for coming up with the topic of pain. She is also a source of pain, though it’s not intentional it still hurts the same. She has shown me more than anyone that pleasure and pain are two faces of the same coin. Maybe that’s why she inspires me as much as she does. Thank you for being that special.]