moonriver posted on Feb 01, 2008
| views: 551
Oh ho ho ho, oh no no no. I think I know what you're thinking. But I didn't mean it that way... lol.
You see, I have this tendency to push myself to extreme physical limits. (Sometimes even to my psychological limits.)
Like, every 3-4 weeks, I have to pick up a 25-kilo jute sack of rice from a drop-off point along the road, then lug it up on my shoulders for a 500-m hike along a trail that gradually rises in the first 100 m, then suddenly goes into a steep climb until it reaches our place.
(If you read my picture blog about the werewolf's guava addiction, it will give you an idea of the steep grade of the stone steps.)
I did one such round just this morning, then went straight to write this blog after a quick rest to catch my breath.
I could in fact arrange for a roundabout route, so that the rice sack is delivered by the truck at a nearer and higher point. It means a more rugged terrain for the truck, but an easier burden for me.
I always choose the physically more exhausting route. I fondly call it my "monthly 500-m calvary."
My preferred climb route takes 10-15 minutes if I'm not carrying any burden. With a heavy rice sack heaved across my shoulders, it takes me twice the time. That's just short of 30 minutes of continuous walking and climbing, no rest.
Long ago, I would have given up halfway and paid a hired hand to finish the work, or stopped often to rest. But through time, I learned that ultimately, it's easier to just plod on... and on... and on... until you get your "second wind."
If you stop and rest frequently, you'll find it harder to find your pace, to get your second wind, making your task longer and more exhausting in the long run.
Here is where I can practice the trick I was referring to.
When I start my "climb to calvary" with my "cross," I push my mind to concentrate on a totally different (and more relaxing) train of thought. Usually, I think of happy or humorous incidents. Or I engage in mental exercises like recite the alphabet backward. Anything, actually, that will take my mind away from the punishing pace that my body is going through.
I don't concentrate on my breathing, or on my leg muscles, or on on my pulse rate. I simply think of something else. I'll admit this much: sometimes I compose my next SC blog while going through my Calvary's stations of the cross.
Sooner or later, in the midst of all these, at a certain point, I zone out.
At that point, I feel like I'm floating. Then it no longer matter whether i'm carrying 25 or 50 kilos. It no longer matters whether I've still 400 meters or 40 meters to go. My body is still going through this grueling climb. But my mind "doesn't mind," so to speak. It's busy
Surprisingly, my metabolism's "second wind" comes. The energy of this "second wind" -- which every long-distance or marathon athlete is familiar with, is different. It comes in a slow and steady roll, not in a sudden explosive spurt.
Before I know it, before my mind realizes it, I'm in my front yard and setting down my load onto its final destination.
Then I rest. I do a slow walk-around while catching my breath (never slump down to lie or sit somewhere).
I think most people, within their own reasonable physical and medical limits, can use this trick in so many ways. We can turn tedious tasks, such as doing laundry, or painting the fence, or digging a ditch, or even a visit to the dentist, into a zen-like moment of exhilaration.
Oh, and yes, the same trick can also be applied to *that* other strenuous physical activity you were thinking about... if you like. But I don't do it that way. I have other tricks up my sleeve, ya know.... lol.
So what do you think?
Comments
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dreamloser said on Feb 01, 2008....
i really just wanted to thank you for your comment! all the best with your "trick" just be careful!! :-D -
Lucytorial said on Feb 01, 2008....
I've had this same feeling when tackling my fear of heights... I went rock climbing.. and I zoned out as you said and felt as though I was light as a feather........ -
moonriver said on Feb 01, 2008....
hi there dreamy one -- thank you too for your comment. it's always a momentous occasion for me when i connect with a new soulcast member through these exchange of comments...
and hey, i know you can succeed on your own "climb" by not concentrating too hard on the difficult process, but maybe by looking around you to enjoy the changing scenery as you go nearer and nearer your destination. it works for me... hope it works for you too :-)
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wombat said on Feb 01, 2008....
I'm not too clear (informed) on the bag of rice thing, but I know what you mean. When I start a job, no matter how hard, I hate it if something causes me to not be able to finish it. A silly example: Gettting ready for a big inspection at work--there I am cleaning and working like a dog--up on a lift ramp cleaning the ceiling with a blow hose up in the air. I was almost finised with the last few feet of the corner of the work area, and they tell me to get down. I get obssesed with finishing what I started once I get started. It's getting started that is often my problem. -
moonriver said on Feb 01, 2008....
lucy -- you went rock-climbing? wow. for me, that's an awesome kind of extreme sports that i yet have to get used to.
i can imagine the kind of concentration this requires... like, part of your mind have to be there, doing quick but careful estimates about footholds and arm's lengths, and another part of your mind looking at the whole, you floating above it all, enjoying the zen moments... :-)
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moonriver said on Feb 01, 2008....
wombat -- i think this particular state of mind comes with experience, with getting used to the task or job at hand, such that when you "find your pace," so to speak, it's far easier to go on continuously until you finish, rather than waste time and effort in doing lots of tiny stop-and-start steps.
but i guess we all start as beginners who will have to go through the difficulties of coping, the frustrations of errors, the urge to just give up and walk away.
you're not alone. getting started is my problem too... :-)
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wombat said on Feb 01, 2008....
moonriver: (comment eaten) It's hard for me to explain, but I see that you "got it." Thanks. When I finally find my pace, even in a distasteful task, there is no stopping me. -
moonriver said on Feb 01, 2008....
yes, my friend, that's exactly what i'm talking about.
the trick of "thinking about something else" but plodding on and not stopping is an excellent coping mechanism that sort of lubricates our mind and body to mesh better. i can't explain it too, but it works. i'm glad you got it too :-)
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the_infernal_optimist said on Feb 01, 2008....
I think I understand just what you mean. I use the trick of being elsewhere in my mind for taxing/unpleasant physical situations as well as when I feel myself starting to get overly worried about something beyond my control.
I bet you have some pretty good muscles from hefting those sacks!
~Infernal
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wombat said on Feb 01, 2008....
moonriver: If I could apply it to my writing, I would be on the right road.. Thanks for something to think about. -
Lucytorial said on Feb 01, 2008....
moon its very demanding mentally, physically I didn't notice, but emotionally well lets say I cried harder than I had for a long time when I got to the top..
My guide told me to not fear that which I can't change, and enjoy the things that I could... as in get that toe hold, look at the vista, feel the breeze, feel your heartbeat... it worked... the crying was a release of all the emotion of achievement I think... try it its an absolute buzz.. (been years for me)
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ninjapirate said on Feb 02, 2008....
I think I know what you're talking about and it's always bothered me if it's a good thing to do, this zoning out. Like you said it helps you get through things a lot better, I guess I just feel like I should be trying to appreciate what I'm doing instead of not living in the moment, since my mind is elsewhere. Maybe I think to much, but I'm glad to know that this just might be the right way to handle pain or something very hard to do. -
moonriver said on Feb 02, 2008....
infernal -- that's the trick, exactly.
just recall the last time you were given a needle shot in the arm. when you over-anticipate the pain, the impact is more powerful once the real spike of pain registers in your mind. so you learn how to distract or blank your mind -- or else the doctor does it for you. the same process in how you cope with a physical tickle. much of the supposedly physical tickle is actually psychological.
our minds truly work in powerful ways.
oh. my muscles... they are not the obvious body-builder muscles that ripple across chest, back and limbs. those who've seen me personally describe me as boyish and somewhat wiry. a slim shadow who will pounce on you with cat-like grace... lol.
wombat -- it applies to writing too, my friend. definitely.
lucy -- the impressive thing about your achievement is that your tight control over mind, emotion and body is done in the midst of real physical danger of falling or being slammed into a rockface.
((images of tom cruise in the very first scene of M:II flash through my mind at this point)
it's definitely more demanding than just lugging a 25-kilo sack through a steep mountain trail, where the worst thing that could probably happen to you is to stumble on a rock and skin your shin... :-)
ninja -- i guess there are kinds of activities where it isn't advisable.
for example, if you're with a marine team on a search-and-destroy patrol in the bad outskirts of baghdad, for example, you would want absolutely tight focus on the task at hand -- no zoning out allowed here -- because you can't afford mistakes.
but i can imagine grunts who do exactly that because they're so tired of the war, they just want to shut everything out. so when the firing starts, they're zoned out, and fire back at everything that moves. not a good combat-coping mechanism...lol.
but for tedious daily routines like going to the dentist, or for winning the 800-m, it's the best trick in my book.... :-) -
humorkat said on Feb 02, 2008....
I have heard stairs are the best thing for exercise. -
silverwhisper said on Feb 02, 2008....
i've always felt as you do that to push the limits, you have to take your mind out of where you are and what you're doing, myself. :>
dude, that's pretty hardcore. while you've always struck me as spiritual, i wouldn't have expected you to characterize this as an act of devotion (your calvary, the sack of rice as your cross). ?
ed -
quietone said on Feb 02, 2008....
oh, moon, I am have used that "trick" many times in my life situations! :) -
Me-Myself&I said on Feb 02, 2008....
Moonriver....you are one fine Teacher! your wisdom and way with words are amazing. "the trick is to think of something else"....ain't that the truth!! *smile* very very nice. thank you see ya
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CreativeWoman said on Feb 02, 2008....
Moon,
My mind is one that never stops thinking. I suppose I do a little of your "trick" without really realizing it. Reversely, having a quiet mind would be the trick for me. I tell myself to push through things all the time. I think it's how I've stayed sane over the past few months. I still do my fair share of worrying though. Thanks for the reminder to try and replace those kind of thoughts.
CW
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Suddenrain said on Feb 02, 2008....
I do this all the time myself Moon. Chores, exercize and sometimes with pain. t works nicely for me. :-) -
queenparanoia said on Feb 03, 2008....
are you sure youre not a filipino moon??? because this post sounds like you are... lol... =) -
kruuyai said on Feb 03, 2008....
muun: Your rice bag is as heavy as my backpack! These days, carry my backpack just pulls my shoulders and collar bone out of joint, so even if I manage to get my mind off the pain while I'm walking, I live with it for weeks after.
"We can turn tedious tasks, such as doing laundry, or painting the fence, or digging a ditch, or even a visit to the dentist, into a zen-like moment of exhilaration." Muun, muun, muun.... if Zen is like the other forms of Buddhist meditation, the idea is not to take your mind off your tasks... on the contrary... when we wash dishes, we know we are washing dishes, when we sweep, we know we are sweeping, when we eat, we know we are eating. Only one object of mindfulness at a time... each moment receives our full attention... it's not about escaping reality. ... tsk, tsk, tsk. = )
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moonriver said on Feb 03, 2008....
kruu -- yes, i can see your point. ultimately, the idea is to see beyond the actual task at hand and see the bigger picture. but you don't escape reality, you expand it while carrying on with what you are doing... the very concept of zen. macrocosm in the microcosm.
"think of something else" is only a trick to induce the zen moment, it's not the zen moment itself. i was thinking in terms of the book zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance... :-)
nice for you to drop by, my friend. how's things your side of the world?
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moonriver said on Feb 03, 2008....
whoa, i noticed that i skipped replying to a whole lot of you, in my haste to reply to kruu. my bad. (you see the effect you have on me, kruu? lol)
humorkat -- correction pls. "next best thing." best are still the horizontal exercises, like swimming, bed calisthenics... next best thing are diagonal exercises... climbing stairs, mountains. third best thing are vertical exercises... ballroom dancing, strolling. but that's only me talking... :-)
ed -- the trick is somewhat akin to "peripheral sight". you know, when a holistic sense of sight is achieved only when you don't stare at specific objects, but direct your line of sight to something a bit off-tangent. indigenous hunters always get their elusive light-footed prey this way... :-)
i use the word "calvary" in an irreverent, whimsical way. i think many people raised as catholics and then later became non-religious continue to use catholic terms humorously.
quietone -- welcome to the TOSE club. were you thinking of something else that night? i hope not ... :-)
memyself -- looks like you have a lot of folk wisdom to teach us too, ms green witch. i'll go catch up on reading your blogs later tonight... :-)
cw -- yes, my friend, the ultimate aim is to achieve that degree of quietude, so that your mind can grasp the very essence of who you are, what you do. the TOSE trick is just to pull your thoughts away from the messy clutter directly in front of you that blocks your view.
suddenrain -- i'm so glad you and i see this with clear eyes, my good friend. you in blue, i in dark brown. good to see you blogging again... :-)
queenie -- haven't you heard the news? i've decided to apply for filipino citizenship, just to be able to say yes to your persistent questions, hahaha. but first things first. how do the filipino-chinese community celebrate the lunar new year? if your country's new year rice pudding is tastier than mine's, then i'd be proud to be one among you. at least this week... :-)
back to you, kruu -- a 25-kilo backpack gives you pain? you might be using the wrong type, my friend. a good backpack should actually correct a wrong posture and render good muscle tone.
in any case, are you amenable to a back massage to ease your aches? ready when you are... *wink*
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kruuyai said on Feb 04, 2008....
muun: It's good to know I have that effect on somebody.... lol. I think the pack is good, it's just my back that's bad. Lack of exercise, you know. That, and the fact that I start out with a collarbone that is already dislocated. Not a great combination. So, yes, a back massage sounds like a fabulous idea. I'm ready any time. How about some nice, soothing almond oil to set the mood. What kind of music shall we play?
I don't know much about Zen, but I think I understand what you're trying to say... just seeing the task as a small part of the whole... universe? and appreciating how the task fits into that. I'm probably way off, but considering that I'm between classes and I have to pee, I guess it's not too bad. ;-)
Things in my part of the world are busy, busy, busy... as you can probably guess by my extended absence. Still trying to find that balance... it's always all or nothing for me. How about you?
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moonriver said on Feb 04, 2008....
kruu -- how am i? at this very moment, sleepy as buddha's nirvana. but i can do a quickie back rub before i collapse. ((spreads almond oil on the entire terrain, runs a bach playlist on winamp))
yup, you described zen as i myself understood it. but hey, if both of us didn't get it right, there's always paris in the spring...and roma in summer... lol. ((continues backrub))
my world these days is also as busy as a hongkong shoppers' lane on payday, my friend. i'm lucky to fit in an hour for soulcast on most days. and these next few days, it will be the lunar new year holidays! the hongkong analogy will become more apt. ((finishes backrub))
i guess that's it for now. feel any relief in your back pains? ok now? see you around, kruu.... :-)
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queenparanoia said on Feb 04, 2008....
well some filipino-chinese celebrate the lunar new year the same as any other countries... but i must say the tikoy/rice pudding is much better here... =) -
silverwhisper said on Feb 04, 2008....
moon: i'll confess, i was a bit surprised... :>
ed -
kruuyai said on Feb 05, 2008....
muun: You are really on a roll with the similes, aren't you? I'm in the same boat with busy-ness. I need a 48 hour day to do everything I want to do, but as it is, I'm ready to drop with exhaustion by 9 pm. These early morning classes are really playing havoc with me. I haven't had to get up to go to work in the morning since 1996!
Mmmmmmmm, that massage felt good. I want more! Tell you what, I'll do you, and after you've had a little rest, you can come back and do me again. Whadda ya say?
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moonriver said on Feb 08, 2008....
queenieeeee! -- are you eating your tikoy there right now? i'm chewing on mine haha. yum yum. kung hei fat choi, my friend.
ed -- i'm glad i can still surprise you every now and then... :-)
kruu -- they don't call me the sultan of simile for nothing hahaha. re 9pm exhaustion blues, i feel your pain, my friend. but what i do is take a quick nap, and by 11pm (like now) i'm ok again. ready to do you one more time, hey! i'm on a roll, somebody, stop me!.... :-)
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kruuyai said on Feb 08, 2008....
Captain muun!: Do it to me one more time.. once is never enough, with a man like you.. ooo-oooo.... do it to me once a....gaaaiiiiinnnn!!!! = ) -
moonriver said on Feb 09, 2008....
kruu -- when i read a comment like this from you i have to think of something else... think of something else... or else...
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kruuyai said on Feb 09, 2008....
:p -
kruuyai said on Feb 09, 2008....
:p -
moonriver said on Feb 12, 2008....
hah. another 25 kilos, this time of red highland rice, which is a prized foodstuff around these parts. timed it. 13 min 45 sec. i think it's a new record. didn't even sweat it. now i can make my favorite kind of rice wine.
((thumps chest like tarzan...)) aaaaa-iiiiii-eeeeee!!!! rowwwrrr!!!! ((sorts out groceries, peers at fridge, starts fixing dinner...))
hey kruu, i betcha there's such a thing as the zen of eating carrots... :-)
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kruuyai said on Feb 12, 2008....
muun: Oh lordy.... how did you know I've been shopping for carrots? -
moonriver said on Feb 12, 2008....
kruu -- i didn't know. it musta been my common zens ... :-)
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kruuyai said on Feb 12, 2008....
muun: har har.... actually, I think that bananas would serve a higher purpose. ;-) -
moonriver said on Feb 12, 2008....
kruu -- yeah, well, depends on the variety of banana. cavendish bananas do achieve a higher purpose. some say, bananas for potassium, carrots for beta carotene. others say, banana, carrot, cucumber, whatever... it's the physicalities that matter. ;-)
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kruuyai said on Feb 12, 2008....
It's all in the curve... -
moonriver said on Feb 12, 2008....
the curve, plus tensile strength. and heat capacity. and surface texture. lol. now my inner engineer is acting up hahaha.
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kruuyai said on Feb 12, 2008....
muun: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Don't tell me you're an engineer! There goes my little fantasy right down the drain. Please say it isn't so. It was just a bad joke, right? Right? -
moonriver said on Feb 12, 2008....
oh, kruu, kruu, my pretty kruu.... i'm so sorry to disappoint yuu. i *am* an engineer at heart and partly in practice, even though i didn't get to finish and professionally apply my chemical engineering degree. i turned to electronic communication and computers instead.
but engineering doesn't define the whole me, lady. i'm also a writer-philosopher, a musician, a social activist, a farmer-ecologist-outdoorsman, a father, a frustrated lover...
ok, so... would it help if we get back to talking about bananas, carrots, cucumbers, and other yummy friends of the plant kingdom? the trick, as i said, is to think of something else. remember? LOL
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kruuyai said on Feb 13, 2008....
muun: Yes, please... [properly chastened] I always knew there was more to you than that. :) Okay.. bananas... [tries to get mind off the 'e' word] as I said, the curve is just right, at least a leprechaun told me that once... okay, showed me... but you are absolutely right about tensile strength. If it turns to mush, what good is it? Any suggestions? Oh boy, this is harder than I thought... my mind just keeps going back there.... whatever shall I do?
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purposeful said on May 13, 2008....
I should push myself more than I do, but I 'm a bit on the lazy side.
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moonriver said on Jun 12, 2008....
whew! did another 25-kilo haul just now. my usual monthly period hahaha. took me 34 minutes flat. i'm slipping a bit. must've been the lack of sleep these past weeks. but, as usual, and in differing circumstances, the technique serves me well. whether in hauling a 25k sack or in rolling and yawing in bed trying to catch some sleep, the trick is to think of something else. lol.
hi kruu! wanna banana? :-)
hi purposeful! wanna banana? :-)
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