tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74554113050657776772024-03-18T09:27:09.452-07:00PeaceWalker Blog"We train so that we may walk in peace..."
~Imi LichtenfeldCraig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.comBlogger683125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-77372018040502722142024-03-18T08:18:00.000-07:002024-03-18T08:18:17.157-07:00Knocked Down<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55GIIGZqtvoJ0haL7cVX2ttp6CaNzbUKdUWHTD8khNa0LiKn5bT96hCW-Ls-iUCRvvB2jzIFWnFjeRzCuRmMFMTwTe2tbYjx1T52QVZAmH6LAR9uLUzMJ98OVM15O9W58-9zY0lm1dz3nxis6uMHw8BiXK2J9Z8SZP-lMeOvLn6szdtzIK0ODY49zo98/s2048/PeaceWalker%20Live%20Tim%20Trust%20Fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55GIIGZqtvoJ0haL7cVX2ttp6CaNzbUKdUWHTD8khNa0LiKn5bT96hCW-Ls-iUCRvvB2jzIFWnFjeRzCuRmMFMTwTe2tbYjx1T52QVZAmH6LAR9uLUzMJ98OVM15O9W58-9zY0lm1dz3nxis6uMHw8BiXK2J9Z8SZP-lMeOvLn6szdtzIK0ODY49zo98/w360-h640/PeaceWalker%20Live%20Tim%20Trust%20Fall.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Tim looks like he's doing a little praying doing the 'Trust Fall' exercise at this year's </span></div></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> PeaceWalker LIVE Camp / Conference</span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you ever feel knocked down by Life?</span></p><div id="m_47033718444684261text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe you're just feeling a little down (easy to do this time of year).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Possibly something happened that got you down: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Work</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ A Relationship </span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Financial Woes</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Someone Close to you dies</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ You get hurt or sick</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ You lose your job</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ You feel unfulfilled with your Life</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ You are fearful of the future</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Something happens that you don't want</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Something you wanted doesn't happen</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The list can go on and on and on...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The fact that you're living means that some time Life is going to kick you down sometimes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And when you're feeling down, you are more vulnerable. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Vulnerable to what?!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Conflict?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Yep.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Being targeted by someone who means you harm?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Yup, that too.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Why?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Because your mindset is off. You're not "on your game," which leaves you at risk. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">At risk of getting caught off guard or, more likely, at risk of stirring something negative up yourself. </span></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_47033718444684261text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Flip the Script</b></span></div><div id="m_47033718444684261text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Alfred Pennyworth : </span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"Took quite a fall, didn't we, Master Bruce?" </span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Thomas Wayne : </span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"And why do we fall, Bruce? So we can learn to pick ourselves up."</span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Precisely.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our old adage: <b style="font-style: italic;">"Keep Going"</b> is a good one once again!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Most of the pain of falling down is simply the FEAR of falling down!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Often what we're afraid of never really happens.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It reminds me of another quote, this one from Mark Twain:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">"I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened. Worrying is like paying a debt you don't owe. I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened."</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was in a bad headspace this morning (which is, of course, why I'm writing this email to you right now...). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It actually began last night, triggered by a discussion that was supposed to be inspiring, but instead triggered some negative feelings that took over and I just couldn't shake it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was hoping that a good night's rest would cure it, but that wasn't the case. Restless dreams, and an anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach even when I woke up. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">What was all the ruckus about?!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The usual Life stuff... You know bills, risk, uncertain / unknown future, the big hairy monster lurking under your bed... </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">95% of this stuff is simply in my head... Just like Mark Twain's quote.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It took a little bit, but I finally pulled myself out out of it. </span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_47033718444684261text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Trust Fall</b></span></div><div id="m_47033718444684261text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At this year's PeaceWalker LIVE Training Camp, we did this little exercise called the "Trust Fall". </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is A Trust Fall?</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A Trust Fall is a team building activity where one member of the team stands on a raised platform. They then fall backwards standing upright in a rigid position usually with their eyes closed relying on the support of their other team members to catch them.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You know these people are going to catch you, but your mind and emotions mess with you. </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But...</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once you've done it, it gets easier to do it again... and again... and again!</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course you still get that little twinge of nervousness, but that's just your body telling you you're still alive! </span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Life is a lot like that too!</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, Keep Going!</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-86491" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Simple Approach to Enjoying Life?!</b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-86491" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-47"><div style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's a simple approach to learning how to to protect yourself: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/%C2%A0" style="background: transparent; color: #f37d21; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.peacewalker.org/ </a></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a free home study course. Just click on the link, scroll down a little, you'll see the link. </span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It'll give you free access to <span style="color: black; font-family: Poppins; white-space-collapse: preserve;">show you a Simple 6 Step Solution to being a tough target.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Poppins; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Check it out: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/%C2%A0" style="background: transparent; color: #f37d21; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.peacewalker.org/ </a></span></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reach out if you need anything.</span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep going,</span></div><div style="color: #757575; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~Craig</span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-51846421949856615152024-03-11T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T04:00:00.127-07:00A Tangled Mess<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8y4IMiAa9eXc6GzIYMp8yOLwBo9aWSIJzk8rY9P2QWjZ9LRziDZ-IhiljUxwGJ24sUCMGKODZyXAdtOd8kdh9DSUSMHeOLwtTM0yVyN2XFmhs1BfnK8yx4w3VpJS_NGS5-k5pUFs99lZlnp2zP1HhopIcpKqS0_4O2J09e4ytagG6WE_bzr6BWvxcIw/s1023/tangled-christmas-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1023" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8y4IMiAa9eXc6GzIYMp8yOLwBo9aWSIJzk8rY9P2QWjZ9LRziDZ-IhiljUxwGJ24sUCMGKODZyXAdtOd8kdh9DSUSMHeOLwtTM0yVyN2XFmhs1BfnK8yx4w3VpJS_NGS5-k5pUFs99lZlnp2zP1HhopIcpKqS0_4O2J09e4ytagG6WE_bzr6BWvxcIw/w400-h313/tangled-christmas-lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My music choice of the day is the soundtrack from the movie,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."</i></p><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>As the new year draws ever so near, I think about those things that I always do... I'm already planning, scheming and strategizing about next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>You want to know one of the biggest things I'm contemplating?!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SIMPLIFING!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>How to Simplify my approach to... well, everything!</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but my life is always going in a thousand directions. Just like those tangled Christmas lights... Before you know it one line turns into dozens and then those lines start getting crossed and knotted up. Before you know it it's a tangled mess. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's No Different...</b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Your approach to dealing with conflict, protecting yourself, and being successful in your world isn't any different. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best weapon in the world does you no good if you can't access it when you need it. Same holds true for pretty much anything now-a-days. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has to be simple. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, as you've heard me say a million times...</div><div><br /></div><div>Simple isn't always easy!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Simple</b> = Without complication</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Easy</b> = Without effort </div><div><br /></div><div>The key is to take your Simple and make it Easy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Most don't though. For many living in this day and age, life just keeps getting more and more complicated. Just like the difference between big and small government, if you don't watch out it turns into a huge untenable spaghetti monster ruling your life!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have to learn how to dial things in. Prioritize. Eliminate. Hell yes, or hell no! </div><div>Simplify, simplify, simplify!</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Even Simple Gets Complicated...</b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Yup, you heard me, Simple w/o a system gets complicated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think of it like your computer desktop. You put one file on it no problem. But then, one turns into ten, then twenty, before you know it, that one file that you wanted access to is buried in a sea of other files, so you have to sift through each and every one to find what you're looking for. Then, to make matters worse, because of the knurly mess on your desktop, your computer operating system is running slow because it has to sift through each and every file looking for what you need. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's no different now-a-days with people being enamored with techniques and quick hacks rather than principles, good basics and strategy. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you know the formula you can adapt to figure out other problems. </div><div><br /></div><div>Being that conflict like Life is dynamic. If you want to master it you'll want to learn the simple formula and then be able to adapt that formula in the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just read this quote in a friend of mine's new book, "Fight Like Hell"</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"The better you become, the more you realize that t's impossible to prepare for every situation. At this level, adaptability and improvisation become your most valuable assets." </i></div><div><br /></div><div>~Ed Latimore</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I'll point out what should be obvious, but Ed leaves out in his quote...</div><div><br /></div><div>In order to effectively improvise and adapt, those skills have to come from the proper framework otherwise your 'solution' will be anything but. You'll end up in the giggliweeds or worse. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-80558" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Your Operating System!?</b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-73" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>This is why your operating system, frameworks and formula's that you use to figure all of this conflict, survival and success stuff is so important. </div><div><br /></div><div>In simple terms...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>IT HAS TO BE SIMPLE!!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If it's not, you won't use it! Period! </div><div><br /></div><div>And that's exactly why I teach the way I do. That's why I set up the entire PeaceWalker approach.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's why if you want to feel that confidence of knowing you can handle yourself during conflict and violence in your life, you'll want a simple approach to complicated things....</div><div><br /></div><div>It'll give you the advantage!</div><div><br /></div><div>Like Occam's razor, look for simple.</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-86491" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Simple Approach to Enjoying Life?!</b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-86491" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div id="m_5302571163778033544text-47" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's a simple approach to dealing with those difficult conversations: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/ " target="_blank">https://www.peacewalker.org/ </a></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a free home study course, but you'll have to scroll down a little after clicking that link. </span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It'll give you free access to <span style="color: black; font-family: Poppins; white-space-collapse: preserve;">show you a Simple 5 Step Solution to resolving verbal disputes. Discover a better way of communicating at home, work or school when dealing difficult, disrespectful, even dangerous people. </span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Poppins; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Check it out: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/ ">https://www.peacewalker.org/ </a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Poppins; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Keep Going,
~Craig</span></span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-2756198217406203902024-03-04T04:00:00.000-08:002024-03-04T04:00:00.143-08:00Getting Some<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliGemzKK42RGrntj2yAy7f9tek5Vt0LcDH6kDJpUPhEJdEkArjzRc5iEybu_4ioXNtGFHITHPglX5SxfzF-i0hWdKx7EJu0bMcoBEvqErOvmCe6TsmEA9C1468D9sb0GBtl4yBhsyNrrhr_ZNZom1fFOwBy6vjfHZdp1rQoKaH_HJwiHJ-DLBzUK18eY/s540/MeditatingWaterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliGemzKK42RGrntj2yAy7f9tek5Vt0LcDH6kDJpUPhEJdEkArjzRc5iEybu_4ioXNtGFHITHPglX5SxfzF-i0hWdKx7EJu0bMcoBEvqErOvmCe6TsmEA9C1468D9sb0GBtl4yBhsyNrrhr_ZNZom1fFOwBy6vjfHZdp1rQoKaH_HJwiHJ-DLBzUK18eY/w400-h266/MeditatingWaterfall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Well, now that I have your attention...</p><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-2"><div><br /></div><div>Let's talk about getting some Inner Peace. You know, like the Peace part of PeaceWalker.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a marketing 'expert' once ask me why I call what I do being a PeaceWalker, when I taught people how to protect themselves. I explained to him that the goal is to develop the skills to cultivate peace inside of and around you. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're not a peace, you continue to become the victim or the aggressor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people misunderstand what a Warrior really is...</div><div><br /></div><div>The warrior's goal should be to bring about peace. To protect. To serve. Yes, you must sometimes fight, but that isn't the goal. The goal of an enlightened warrior is to have the skills to bring peace to a violent conflict... </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, when possible, prevent war from happening in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your journey in learning how to defend yourself (and others) is about developing the capacity to inspire Peace inside of and around you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stirring sh*t up and making war is easy. Having the clarity, skills and courage to bring about Peace... Now that's a trick!</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-13078" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It Begins w/You!</b></span></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-8"><div><br /></div><div>Don't become part of the problem...</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people think of inner peace as a rare finding – one that only a certain breed of granola crunching / tree hugging gurus can attain. You know the ones who drink Kombucha (not that there's anything wrong with that), journal their feelings every day (nothing wrong w/that either) and spend weeks in silent meditation under a freezing cold waterfall somewhere in India. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that couldn’t be farther than the truth! Everyone can and should cultivate inner peace. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why Do Protectors Need Inner Peace? </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Simple, hurt people, hurt people. <i>(Read and absorb that one a few times)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>You think that healthy, well adjusted people go out and create all this havoc?! </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, let's be honest...</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes... </div><div><br /></div><div>But even then, typically it's because they haven't handled their sh*t, they have a meltdown and all their hurt, anger, frustration, etc. spills over everyone else... Maybe you?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Some would say we need inner peace on the planet more than ever. I'd agree. I would add good leadership as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we are busy, anxious, frustrated, or upset, we look for something that will keep us grounded. However, not all coping mechanisms are healthy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those who enjoy a sense of inner peace understand it cannot be faked or manufactured. It has to be cultivated in your everyday life. It becomes a habit, or it doesn't. And if you're on 'the path', even when you slip off it, you usually don't veer too far and it's easier to gain your balance back.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Baseline</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>When you feel like you can truly manage your emotions and stress levels you are less reactive to most tomfoolery from the delta bravos out there. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you have some inner peace you find it easier to gain and maintain baseline during stressful times of conflict. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead of reacting harshly or out of fear, it's easier to respond in a balanced way, trusting all will be well... You develop a <i>"You Got This!"</i> attitude.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inner peace is a self-journey toward manifesting your own destiny and loving yourself just as you are, warts and all. Learning to be the eye of the storm. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can’t rush this process. It happens when it happens. You're either on the path or off it. In fact, you will never be able to have perfect peace all the time in every situation. However, you can harness this power by beginning to practice self-awareness and set the pace, lead from the front and become a role model for others to follow. You know, be the change you want to see in the world. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>There are many reasons you need to develop inner peace in your life: </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>- So your baseline doesn't waver in the presence of troubles or difficult situations, </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>- So that you can act and make decisions from a place of love, not fear.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>(I train to protect myself so that I can be more peaceful, not more violent)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>- It eliminates a lot of stress and helps you deal with stress more effectively when it does get through.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>- It improves your overall focus.</i></b></div><div><b><i>- It facilitates self-awareness.</i></b></div><div><b><i>- It reduces negative, agitated thinking, and worry.</i></b></div><div><b><i>- It improves creativity.</i></b></div><div><b><i>- It reduces anxiety.</i></b></div><div><b><i>- It improves your relationships.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Inner peace is a lifestyle that can be chosen, and if more people adopted it as a practice, we would live in a much better world. Inner peace gives you the power to control your mind, it’s like a superpower! </div><div><br /></div><div>It may take time, patience, and effort, but that’s all part of the journey toward the steady mind, healthy balance, and a strong sense of self-awareness that comes along with inner peace. It’s more than worth the effort!</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-38531" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Want Some?! </b></span></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><span style="font-size: medium;">Get my free 6A's of Safety Self Defense Strategy. It's a quick, simple solution to your personal protection. Get it free here: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/">https://www.peacewalker.org/</a></span></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><br /></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><br /></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep Going,</span></div><div id="m_4087054723334695015text-19"><span style="font-size: large;">~Craig</span></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-26634869644989074282024-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-26T04:00:00.245-08:00One Simple Idea<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LNIEWL721qBeVC64WHTBLYn0Uhw1EdrTp90fmYLW9g4sB65Gj6FEyAbnGMRfoac4V3nuyDy2DrwFqoGQftie6oUIhBFuz5ztWyh06UABBkOve4rlEoiKiXMsPOK7klqIiy6gRkfTq9vlaoccQ_fu91JkpwpZtB91igDac9_QKm9Yqg9X9f5XjCwmY_0/s2048/iCI%20Nation%20Jenn%20on%20Stage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LNIEWL721qBeVC64WHTBLYn0Uhw1EdrTp90fmYLW9g4sB65Gj6FEyAbnGMRfoac4V3nuyDy2DrwFqoGQftie6oUIhBFuz5ztWyh06UABBkOve4rlEoiKiXMsPOK7klqIiy6gRkfTq9vlaoccQ_fu91JkpwpZtB91igDac9_QKm9Yqg9X9f5XjCwmY_0/w400-h300/iCI%20Nation%20Jenn%20on%20Stage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><i>Jennifer Franson founder and executive director of iCI Nation - An organization that connects cops & community, building trust and relationships</i></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">One Simple Idea Can Change Everything! </span></p><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>A Community...</div><div><br /></div><div>A City...</div><div><br /></div><div>A Nation...</div><div><br /></div><div>The World...</div><div><br /></div><div>But it all begins with changing a single Life...</div><div><br /></div><div>Yours!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Vision that Changed a City</b></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>A couple days ago, I attended iCI Nation's Fundraising Gala.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It was an incredible event raising awareness and resources for a movement started by one of our own PeaceWalker community members, Jennifer Franson. <div><br /></div><div>It began with one simple idea of encouraging police officers in a time when they needed some community support. That sentiment grew into a full blown movement. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now several years later, Jenn heads up a 501-3c non-profit organization that <br /><div>connects police with community citizens and non-profit organizations who serve the community. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>You'd think that these folks would all get along...</div><div><br /></div><div>But they don't!</div><div><br /></div><div>That's where Jenn's big idea came in...</div><div><br /></div><div>What started out as encouragement ended up reducing violence and crime, saving lives through connecting the PeaceWalker way! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Hard to Define...</b></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Jenn uses her PeaceWalker skills to pave the way for better relationships and trust between cops, community and non-profit resources, resulting in solving many problems before they turn into problems. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's much simpler to have metrics for reacting or responding to something:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>~10 assailants arrested.</i></b></div><div><b><i>~6 car thieves apprehended. </i></b></div><div><b><i>~5 drug dealers taken into custody.</i></b></div><div><b><i>~7 suicides stopped. </i></b></div><div><b><i>~4 marriages end in divorce.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>...You get the idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about it. It's hard to account for things that didn't happen because the problem didn't arise in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>So when you offer solutions that prevent things from happing vs. responding to things that happened, it's harder for many folks to get their heads around that. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's kinda like the difference between Eastern and Western medicine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eastern medicine is great for prevention, but lacks in responding to disease once it's taken hold of someone. Whereas Western medicine is crap for prevention but is way better then Eastern medicine at treating a disease after someone is sick. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's not that one is right and the other wrong, they are just approaching the situation from opposite ends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, prevention is much harder to quantify...</div><div><br /></div><div>However, that's what we PeaceWalkers are going for if we can! </div><div><br /></div><div>We're like Ninja's. Sometimes were undetectable to the undiscerned eye!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-79262" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's Like the Argument that Never Happened...</b></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-7" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>De-escalation is great, but Non-Escalation is Better! </div><div><br /></div><div>Learning what to do and say to lay the foundations of peace is better than having to use tactics to respond to a situation that is already underway. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, this is not to say that you shouldn't have the skill and initiative to meet the conflict where ever it is when necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just saying consciously knowing how to inspire peace is a skill that few have. But it is this skill that Jenn has woven into the foundation of her organization and it is a skill that you should have as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>It could change much more than your Life (although that's a good start!)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Like Jenn, you could end up creating an entire movement!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Here's Where It Starts!<br /><br /></b></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out my Free Conflict Communication Home Study Course: <i>"Just Say This..."</i></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click the link below and scroll down to where it says, "Just Say This..." You'll see the access button.<br /></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/">https://www.peacew</a></span><a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">alker.org/</a></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Keep Going,</span></div><div id="m_-335284550548347715text-30881" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">~Craig</span></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-23058216423126166762024-02-19T16:00:00.000-08:002024-02-19T16:00:00.138-08:00Where to Stand, What to Say...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwLoOSi7doK4tZ9p00vWq1iVmZAqY_Jt2miRbLGxAz8RyyebWmiD3ocxYTx7xmrIxgEL2x7vjQtU0uzwyq1DPnEMug8goa-br395gid3_Fe2rOBsYBziGSfgbZ9N0BPnqHcPExiURd7d-sb3N0Kk_wm8IWaH3_3ZLiDlWWYCYfothnxRWmbws3xhbR3Q/s1000/Mich%20Court%20Officer%20Assoc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwLoOSi7doK4tZ9p00vWq1iVmZAqY_Jt2miRbLGxAz8RyyebWmiD3ocxYTx7xmrIxgEL2x7vjQtU0uzwyq1DPnEMug8goa-br395gid3_Fe2rOBsYBziGSfgbZ9N0BPnqHcPExiURd7d-sb3N0Kk_wm8IWaH3_3ZLiDlWWYCYfothnxRWmbws3xhbR3Q/w400-h400/Mich%20Court%20Officer%20Assoc.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I received some more accolades from one of the court officers who attended my Integrated Response Training at the Midland Conference.</p><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-2"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Hi Craig,</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>You did a great presentation for a limited time period.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>It was good to see the class actually up and moving.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Fantastic message!</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Thanks Again!</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><b>~B.M.</b></div><div>Southwest Legal Services & Deputy</div><div>St. Joseph County, Mi. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-13078" style="padding-top: 20px;"><b>One Important Lesson...</b></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-8"><div><br /></div><div>Remaining Baseline while interacting with someone who's all rev'd up, can not only be challenging, if you don't stay calm, cool and collected during the situation, it can be dangerous too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Many reasons actually...</div><div><br /></div><div>One is because you will be less likely to respond approaperately to warning signs of the person becoming violent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another reason is that the more amped up you are, the less situationally aware you become. You get distracted. You may not see other things happening around you, such as other people approaching, a trip hazard or worse!</div><div><br /></div><div>When you lose your composure, you start becoming part of the problem, often adding gasoline to the fire, </div><div><br /></div><div>Rather than chilling things out, it's easy to ramp things up instead if you lose your cool. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-17161" style="padding-top: 20px;"><b>Same Holds True at Home...</b></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-86"><div><br /></div><div>It's no different at home...</div><div><br /></div><div>During the holidays, it's easy for some conversations, with some folks, to be stressed, or become heated. </div><div><br /></div><div>With so much going on in the world and many of your family, friends and people you work with have very different opinions...</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of which you may not like. </div><div><br /></div><div>With the additional hustle and bustle of the holidays, It's easy to get into conversations that hurt feelings or end up crushing relationships. These conversations can cost you business or your job, if you say the wrong thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to be careful to hold your baseline and have some verbal skills to be able to sail smoothly through the roughest of the social waters. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-99850" style="padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>A Quick Tactic & Some Unsolicited Advice...</b></div><div id="m_-2581799576580426601text-78"><div><br /></div><div>Here's one of the tactics I shared with those court officers at the Midland Conference:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TACTICAL GROUNDING:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>When you feel yourself losing your composure:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1) Relax, take a deep breath </b>(or three)<b>, Stand</b> (or sit)<b> Up Straight.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2) Good Mental Dialog. </b>Say to yourself things like, "You Got This!"</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>3) Put on your Game Face. </b>*Look the part, if you need to appear as if you understand and are interested in what they have to say, then your face better reflect that too! Look however you need to in order to send the right message in the moment: Concerned, interested, stern, serious, light hearted, etc. whatever you need to look like to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the unsolicited advice...</div><div><br />Keep working on your communication skills!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Want more?!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out my 6A's of Safety Strategy for Personal Defense. It's a simple approach that can change your life, maybe even save it! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's free. Just click the link and scroll down, you'll see it: <a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/">https://www.peacewalker.org/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep Going,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~Craig</b></span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-87166910023977339642024-02-12T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-12T04:00:00.140-08:00That's What She Said!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw07N0pYyxXGT2GdVuO6kbaN2lCsgYWg9XdtV2qQVpY03ZjrDnDLj5He7oCKmme4Wi02ym-Ru1dTKcYcavYtZF6k_rCIVenHNH5hBrS14CMoEEytVJx_CpigBRg06PekVjJgo75oi68JUREatXxNy1aCGJ739cbtLLN-WX7bSwNEwYrVsBBFb2H0BM0uo/s2048/Michigan%20Court%20Officer%20Assoc%202023%20Confernece%20Craig,%20Ginger%20&%20Mike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw07N0pYyxXGT2GdVuO6kbaN2lCsgYWg9XdtV2qQVpY03ZjrDnDLj5He7oCKmme4Wi02ym-Ru1dTKcYcavYtZF6k_rCIVenHNH5hBrS14CMoEEytVJx_CpigBRg06PekVjJgo75oi68JUREatXxNy1aCGJ739cbtLLN-WX7bSwNEwYrVsBBFb2H0BM0uo/w400-h334/Michigan%20Court%20Officer%20Assoc%202023%20Confernece%20Craig,%20Ginger%20&%20Mike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm the one in the middle w/the big ole' cheesy smile between Ginger and Michael, Michigan Court Officers, Deputy Sheriff, Process Servers' Association board members. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Late last year I was brought in by the Michigan Court Officers, Deputy Sheriff, Process Servers' Association to do some training with them at their conference held in Midland, MI.</span></p><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div><div>Great group! </div><div><br /></div><div>We covered some really important concepts and tactics to help them not only be safer at their job, but to Live more powerfully <i>(I know it may sound a bit corny... but it's true!).</i></div><div><br /></div><div>The feedback has been great...</div><div><br /></div><div>Ginger Z, one of the associations directors said:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Thank you again sooooo much. The feedback was awesome! I will say... the overall consensus is they would love to see you again...</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Might have to see about what it would take to set up a day long workshop with you."</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><b>Why?!</b></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div><div>Why do I often hear feedback like Ginger's?</div><div><br /></div><div>I could say it's because I've been doing this a long time and it's not my first rodeo... </div><div><br /></div><div>But that's not it.</div><div><br /></div><div>You could do something for a long time and still not get feedback like that.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could say that it was the great content...</div><div><br /></div><div>And I believe it IS good content...</div><div><br /></div><div>But, I don't really think it's only that either. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><b>So, What Is It Then?!</b></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div><div>The real secret to my sessions impacting people so deeply is because I am to transform people, not just give them information. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's in the formula.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your training shouldn't just educate you. </div><div><br /></div><div>It shouldn't just change you either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Really great training TRANSFORMS You! <i>Even if just a little bit. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-92304" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><b>Impact!</b></div><div id="m_-4677767428496210832text-49" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Your defensive tactics, de-escalation, leadership training has to re-connect you with your true identity. Your Protector Identity!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">WHY?!<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It's not just for the good feelz son!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Oh nooooo no no no...</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It's tactical too!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It all starts with your mindset.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">If you don't have a good MINDSET, then it doesn't really matter what skills, tool or weapon you have you aren't going to be as effective. </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Not to mention you may simply make the situation worse because of your attitude (which btw is another element of Mindset.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>MINDSET:</b></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>ETHIC:</b> Life is precious - You have to separate one's Life Value from behavior. Deal approaperately w/the behavior while simultaneously treating them with dignity and respect. (This used to be called professionalism... but it's more than that, it's something to live by!)<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>IDENTITY:</b> We were ALL born Protectors. Just make sure we're protecting the right things! LIFE!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>ATTITUDE: </b>Calm, Cool, Collected (Baseline) - Use Conflict as an Opportunity.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Yep, you being dialed in with your CALL as a Protector of Life and living by the CODE that Life is Precious helps you to be more tactical, more effective at dealing with people and problems that arise. </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Not to mention, you don't want to be the cause of the problem or the gas on the fire!</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">It could save your Life (or someone else's!)</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Here's the link to my 6A's of Safety Personal Protection Strategy. It's free! </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Go to:<a href="https://www.peacewalker.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.peacewalker.org/</a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Scroll down to One Simple Defense, put in your email and click the button! </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Keep Going,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">~Craig</span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-17584513712744626482024-02-05T08:07:00.000-08:002024-02-05T08:07:04.280-08:00The Strategy of Laughter <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9refuL9o25CyCUOvtI_GMDbDbePffRErq5v7WbpNsWtZ3uLJVYWAq-DBJxtx_t6dcHJFTx2ACJwPVtx3AeWbxLe5uXSUoB663FWonLPSPmk9Tds_1qde6AzaW6CzwBocEsS1vdTrPqV9Aq_qvRQoGU5-rKCYKbtYIEpnNh_-8fDoDx1C9_vX-Apte6tw/s750/when-you-have-a-bad-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="750" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9refuL9o25CyCUOvtI_GMDbDbePffRErq5v7WbpNsWtZ3uLJVYWAq-DBJxtx_t6dcHJFTx2ACJwPVtx3AeWbxLe5uXSUoB663FWonLPSPmk9Tds_1qde6AzaW6CzwBocEsS1vdTrPqV9Aq_qvRQoGU5-rKCYKbtYIEpnNh_-8fDoDx1C9_vX-Apte6tw/w400-h219/when-you-have-a-bad-back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Why So Serious?!</b></p><div id="m_5352700958354221392text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Difficulty befalls us all. Our lives may be going along perfectly, and then out of the blue ... <b>WHAM!</b> ... life decides to test us. You are in the fast lane of life, cruising along at a pretty good clip, and lo and behold, a roadblock appears directly in your path.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It wasn't there, and now it is. You have no time to react. Your previously wonderful life is suddenly not so wonderful. You might lose a loved one with no warning. The company you work for goes bankrupt, and overnight you are out of work, wondering what you will do. Or... Maybe your back goes out and you have to teach later that day... </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The knee-jerk reaction is to get mad or begin panicking. That's especially the case if you have people who depend on you. This is a time you have to be strong for them and for yourself. The last thing you might be thinking is to embrace humor, but that could be a smart move for many reasons.</span><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Laughter Can Help You Manage Conflict</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sometime long ago, someone said that laughter is the best medicine. It might not be the best, but it's the easiest to access. You give yourself permission to laugh, joke around and be playful. Having a solid sense of humor allows you to laugh in good times and bad.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The endorphins that are released when you laugh lower stress and anxiety. Embracing that laughter when life gets difficult also allows the people around you to destress. Laughter is contagious. Your sense of humor helps other people calm down and relax. You feel better about the situation when you see those you care about smiling and laughing.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Sense of Humor Says, "I've Got This"</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A little fun in the face of distress tells the world you're on top of things. You are fine. You realize this is difficult, but you can't help yourself or anyone else if you start freaking out. You choose calm and confident jokes and playfulness over stress and anxiety.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This is an affirmation of strength. </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are many times when conflict tests a group of people. They are often looking to someone for leadership. When you make a lighthearted joke about the situation and share a smile, and a laugh, that sense of humor makes everyone feel better about their trouble.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><h2 style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Your Sense of Humor Can Defuse a Ticking Timebomb</span></b></h2><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Trouble causes tension. When a situation becomes tense, the people who don't keep their Baseline (you know stay calm, cool and collected) are ticking timebombs that can make things worse than they already are.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Your sense of humor is like an efficient bomb squad. It defuses the tension bomb and can put things in their proper perspective.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Rely on your sense of humor when things get tough. Making fun of the situation can help you relax. Everyone feels a little better about what's happening when others are laughing. Choose humor and laughter over imagining the worst-case scenario, and you'll find life's difficulties easier to deal with.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Want my free Conflict Communication Mini Course?! Go to </span><a href="http://peacewalker.org" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">peacewalker.org</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> and scroll down to </span><span style="color: black; font-size: calc(var(--newsletter-block-title-text-font-font-size-value) * 1rem); font-weight: var(--newsletter-block-title-text-font-font-weight);"><span style="font-family: arial;">JUST SAY THIS... Put in your email for access.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 14px;"><div class="newsletter-form-header-description" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-size: 16px; line-height: var(--newsletter-block-description-text-font-line-height);"><p class="" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This free home study communication course will show you a Simple 5 Step Solution to resolving verbal disputes. Discover a better way of communicating at home, work or school when dealing difficult, disrespectful, even dangerous people. </span></p><p class="" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep going,</span></p><p class="" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); margin: 1rem 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">~Craig</span></p></div></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-83732465007514325582024-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-29T04:00:00.132-08:00Learn to (Ice) Fish?!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLgnn6CHGPqcg__rO1Y7sVOTx5op7AM1CHO6S5CmoGFQPRlpv4olPy9QgQ9iRN0EinLY_JZzEiYkHBXHXj_5vLqjCos5yi5Aus25hKdKu6spBx3T6k0sAf2qL20oqAPrRh_qNIH0OZ8y6l9LW1R-VDlZfVcmdy0UlWccRbS8eUG-YW0TIfRpecmMW1mY/s275/Ice%20Fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLgnn6CHGPqcg__rO1Y7sVOTx5op7AM1CHO6S5CmoGFQPRlpv4olPy9QgQ9iRN0EinLY_JZzEiYkHBXHXj_5vLqjCos5yi5Aus25hKdKu6spBx3T6k0sAf2qL20oqAPrRh_qNIH0OZ8y6l9LW1R-VDlZfVcmdy0UlWccRbS8eUG-YW0TIfRpecmMW1mY/w266-h400/Ice%20Fishing.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Typically, people come to the academy, take a course or hire me to train their group to solve a problem. </span></p><div id="m_-3123135124388180292text-25" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>They want a solution to a situation that has happened, or one that they're afraid of happening. </div><div><br /></div><div>They want answers! </div><div><br /></div><div>They want an effective<i> 'technique' </i>to remedy what's ailing them.<i> </i>They're hoping the course or training gives them the medicine. </div><div><br /></div><div>And it might, however...</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the old saying:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Give the man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime."</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Well, the same holds true when I am teaching people how to protect themselves, manage conflict and become better leaders. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can show them a technique a.k.a. the solution to the situation a.k.a. "Give them the Fish, so to speak.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one level that's ok... It's a good start, at least they may eat for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, to really be effective, simply learning techniques isn't enough (especially when it comes to handling conflict and violence). You'll want to learn the formula behind what makes that technique effective. How does it work well for THIS situation, but not THAT one?</div><div><br /></div><div>Once you learn the<i> 'secret' </i>formula, you then can begin applying those principles to other situations and <i>viola!, </i>you miraculously begin to come up with your own answers!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Why!?</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Because when you can see how the things work underneath (mere) techniques, you can start to figure things out. You see the problem and gain an ability to adapt the principles to handle changes on the fly. </div><div><br /></div><div>You start to learn how to improvise effectively. </div><div><br /></div><div>Improvisation is an important quality to have when it comes to dealing with conflict and the wide spectrum of violence in this world....</div><div><br /></div><div>But you have to have a structure an operating system to pull from.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>(Again) Why?!</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Because when it comes to managing conflict and violence, the more healthy habits you have the more likely you are not to find yourself in the middle of some shenanigans'. </div><div><br /></div><div>As you know conflict comes in all shapes and sizes, all functions and forms. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because we're people and things get sticky, messy and all tangled up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take this holiday season that we are entering...</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's face it, there's a reason why you only see most of them one time a year! </div><div><br /></div><div>These social interactions bring on a certain flavor of conflict to them. And understanding how to navigate those interactions, not only makes your Life safer, it also makes it better. Easier. Less stress. More peace & fulfillment.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, when it comes to self defense, conflict management and leadership, it's most effective if you LIVE IT!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So Just to Get Things Straight...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We start by learning how to<b> Solve the (specific) Problem</b>...</div><div><br /></div><div>Then Learn the <b>Formula</b>...</div><div><br /></div><div>Then build habits the <b>Live the Lifestyle</b> of being a PeaceWalker.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3123135124388180292text-97646" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Don't Believe Me?!</b></span></div><div id="m_-3123135124388180292text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Here are some more feedback I received just this morning from the Michigan Court Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Process Server Association Conference I taught at a couple weeks ago:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>“Assault prevention with Craig was fun, informative, inclusive and interactive. Very useful information.”</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>“Thought provoking approach to de-escalation..." </b></i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><i><b></b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>“Please bring Craig back. (We) Would enjoy more training!”</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>“Craig Gray was GREAT! Thank you for having him.”</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div id="m_-3123135124388180292text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Join Me For a Free Training?</b></span></div><div id="m_-3123135124388180292text-19" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Fishing?!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Kind of! =)</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Here's the link to my free home study course:</div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">https://sixdaydefense.com/</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Keep going,</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">~Craig</span></span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-80670444806245336862024-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-22T04:00:00.246-08:00This Left Them Speechless!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9JiQgm76PbrRa-kirZbkskxUHjm0i_8d3pKxpqTNea1KayP2IsH5_rggHMV1JVNKR3ry161kpiaf8JZuKYia02j9qTObK6lWvtDpHVJnXSlHPUX7zV3QLENMZEsO7yayhrWcinmpSsdoXSxk18v5JWH_xMTMbnaAIxPYLzfP0T3qCIuX_Ok8sUnZtUc/s2592/Michigan%20Counselors%20Conference%20Thank%20You%20Certificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9JiQgm76PbrRa-kirZbkskxUHjm0i_8d3pKxpqTNea1KayP2IsH5_rggHMV1JVNKR3ry161kpiaf8JZuKYia02j9qTObK6lWvtDpHVJnXSlHPUX7zV3QLENMZEsO7yayhrWcinmpSsdoXSxk18v5JWH_xMTMbnaAIxPYLzfP0T3qCIuX_Ok8sUnZtUc/w400-h300/Michigan%20Counselors%20Conference%20Thank%20You%20Certificate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A few years back I was hired by the Michigan Counselor Association to be keynote presenter and do a couple breakout sessions on conflict management.</span></p><div id="m_4607366976422704337text-2" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">In one of the breakouts, I showed them how verbal communication and physical defensive tactics go hand in hand.</span></span><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I demonstrated to them how these two are essential not only for your safety, but when you bring these together, your confidence raises in pretty much everything you do!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The Experience Stunned Them...</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Someone brought up the topic of bullying.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"In my opinion, one of the main problems of many of the approaches embraced by today's schools is that they are coming from the wrong place. They are starting from the wrong foundation. They are beginning from a place of false assumptions and more importantly from a flawed, warped perspective of the human experience.”</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What?! The crowd mouthed.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Could I get a volunteer?" I asked politely.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A small, young lady stepped up.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Let's say that you have to talk to me. Stand where you normally would to talk." I said to her with a slight grin.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">She adjusted her position slightly and stood there.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you feel safe?" I asked.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">She nodded confidently.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Are you sure?" I asked, as I reached my hand out and put it on her shoulder.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The energy began to change in the room as I began to illustrate my point.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"What is stopping me from hurting you right now?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My comment didn't quite register with her, so I repeated it slower, more deliberate, more intentional.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"What is stopping me from hurting you right now?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Her eyes widened as the air was sucked out of the room from my statement.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"If I can touch you, that means I can grab you, hit you, throw you down, assault you, rape you. And what are you going to do about it?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Now you could hear a pin drop in the room.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you think you can make it to that door (about 25 feet away) before I got a hold of you?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Before she could answer, I said, "I doubt it, I'd own you before you got two steps off."</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you think you could get to your cell phone and dial 911? The answer is NO." I said flatly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Let's say someone here was able to call for help, how long do you think it would take the cops to get here?" I asked gravely.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Too long." I exclaimed, adding, "do you know what I could do to you in the 10 or 20 minutes it took them to get here?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The young counselor was now visibly uncomfortable, so uncomfortable she was frozen in her place. No doubt wondering why she volunteered in the first place.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"OK, what about all of your friends here in the room?" I said, waving my hands around the room like some magician would before making someone disappear.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you think anyone would help you?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Maybe, but probably not, at least not at first," I said matter-of-factly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you know how much I could hurt and humiliate you in that time?" I said looking her.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"A LOT!" I pointed out with a menacing look in my eye.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"How do you feel right now?" I asked her.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">She didn't say anything at first. So I said it another way.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Do you feel safe? Do you feel confident? Do you feel empowered?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"No," she said barely above a whisper, shaking her head slightly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I began to soften my words and demeanor.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On a scale of one to five how safe, confident and empowered do you feel right now?</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"One or one and a half," she shared looking up hesitantly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"This is how kids feel with a bully. The threat of a physical attack is always imminent as well as the emotional and psychological victimization. These are all factors in their world... And they know it." I explained.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I went on to say, "The only reason we do not feel (physically) unsafe as adults in this society is because of a social contract we unconsciously agree to which states that (pretty much) whatever happens we are not going to try to physically hurt one another."</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">That social contract doesn't exist for kids, criminals and people who get emotionally overwhelmed, in the same way it does for (most) of us as adults.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Would you like me to show you some simple ways that you could raise your confidence in how to handle this situation?" I asked her.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Yes, of course," she exclaimed as her demeanor began to relax.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I shared a simple yet profound method of how to better manage this concept of "Tactical Space," where to stand, how to move and what to look for to be safer and have a tactical advantage if someone was trying to physically hurt you.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It doesn't have to do with teaching people how to fight or hurt others, on the contrary, it is helping them understand that they are already protectors; we just need to help them be better at it by giving them the right tools for the job!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">After showing her some very simple things (that you can find in the Basic Training section in the Private PeaceWalker Membership), I asked her.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"How confident do you feel now?"</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"A lot more," she said enthusiastically.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I probably feel like a 4 or 4.5 on that 5 point scale!" She beamed.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Great!" I exclaimed.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Is this something you think would benefit your students?" I asked.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Yes!" She said delighted.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I hope you can share it with them," I said honestly.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"If you need help let me know." I added.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Just the Beginning...</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Now you too have the opportunity to learn the very same approach that I taught to those counselors (...and so much more)! Get started today with my free home study course:</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This is a unique opportunity to join me and a select group of motivated individuals for a Life Changing Experience!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div id="m_4607366976422704337text-21022" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; padding-top: 10px;"><div>Keep going,</div><div><b><i>~Craig</i></b></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-67426766831039614312024-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-15T08:46:47.944-08:00Pushing Buttons , Turning Screws<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF4ugzzrL1PzYGwhyphenhyphenc1Bs22nSqFrRlDnpd2JxovkJ-dXTzy9DJD5OuLWWDYcvEVC7eluIShINsPruo_LTfF-VYg7wNIwGvXixU0TnfOJccXtrt-6iEETlIvSRHru7W-UAYIo4QFFmD4ODMA6-6p8qYJyuaU_uTodxfo1hn8Z9Xrz-a69vcveHWs6COhU/s480/Pushing%20Buttons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF4ugzzrL1PzYGwhyphenhyphenc1Bs22nSqFrRlDnpd2JxovkJ-dXTzy9DJD5OuLWWDYcvEVC7eluIShINsPruo_LTfF-VYg7wNIwGvXixU0TnfOJccXtrt-6iEETlIvSRHru7W-UAYIo4QFFmD4ODMA6-6p8qYJyuaU_uTodxfo1hn8Z9Xrz-a69vcveHWs6COhU/w400-h300/Pushing%20Buttons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;">A while back, Tim, one of the instructors at our local Krav academy signed up for this week's Knife & Stick defense seminar, and he noticed that I had the wrong date on the paypal link. </span></p><div id="m_2888689887591754948text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>He still registered for it (thx!) and then emailed me to let me know of the discrepancy (thx again!). </div><div><br /></div><div>I got into my paypal account and couldn't find the right button to push to fix it... I'm still looking for it! I know I'm just overlooking a simple step. By the time I do find it'll be too late for this one, but the next one will read right! </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, man, I'd fire me if I could! It's hard to find good help now-a-days!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Here's the Real Lesson...</b></div></div><div id="m_2888689887591754948text-8" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The real lesson of that Paypal conundrum isn't obvious to everyone. </span></span><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's a great analogy when dealing with conflict...<div><br /></div><div>Like the Paypal situation, the solution is really very simple, but not easy!</div><div><br /></div><div>You just have to know what's the right button to push! </div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is that most people don't know what button to push, and what order to push them in! </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, yes, we've all learned how to push those right buttons to p*ss people off! <i>(Especially if you have siblings! Then you' probably spent much of your early life pushing buttons like Liberace plays the piano! =)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>We know what it's like to have our buttons pushed too! </div><div><br /></div><div>Like most people...</div><div><br /></div><div>You're used to randomly pushing, pulling and twisting things to get what you want. And the good thing is most of the time it works out for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the rub is, when the chips are down and things are critical, randomness doesn't often work. </div><div><br /></div><div>What?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah, I'm talking conflict here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Talking casually is one thing, but knowing how to effectively influence, de-escalate and use communication as a diagnostic tool is something that most people don't have a framework for. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Or take physical self defense...</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people can move, but they often don't, rather they freeze during the critical moment of crisis... Or if they do move, they don't move in a way that would give them any advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Pray Tell is this So Important?!</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Simple, we ALL have to deal with people, and with people comes conflict. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can't escape it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Emotional conflict. Verbal conflict. Physical conflict. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Conflict inside of you...</div><div><br /></div><div>And Conflicts around you.</div><div><br /></div><div>The safe, successful, fulfilled people are the ones who know how to deal with this conflict better. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to be one of those people who knows what to do when nice doesn't work. One of those people who has an Unshakeable Foundation, and a Fearless Mindset. </div><div><br />Someone who knows how to Influence others...</div><div><br /></div><div>And is confident enough to be a person of Absolute Action! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now's your chance to discover what you're really made of! </div><div><br /></div><div>Become more resilient, more formidable. A force for good! </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, it's not just about pushing buttons...</div><div><br /></div><div>It knowing what button to push and when! </div><div><br /></div><div>The PeaceWalker Home Study Course can get you started on your Protector Journey! Click on this link and get started today!</div></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Keep going,</span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">~Craig</span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-44589734459745384682024-01-08T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-08T04:00:00.147-08:00Be the King<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrfI5BC-Iz4irEe45YHyLL8N2NKh7StrLsHqcLw2nHPOmgbOhKD_-wijaypFnbSEG7so-_-MBXL66n4KUUe40RxaH_BIFZO3BabwO6F0EPqdGlfs9BuyNiLmSFklvOVlc2KAjwlyaOf8ynsnW2S2ZaPRrxiD6QFWcBFm6_smOsgTCuN0kfsQc2dpopwo/s275/King%20Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrfI5BC-Iz4irEe45YHyLL8N2NKh7StrLsHqcLw2nHPOmgbOhKD_-wijaypFnbSEG7so-_-MBXL66n4KUUe40RxaH_BIFZO3BabwO6F0EPqdGlfs9BuyNiLmSFklvOVlc2KAjwlyaOf8ynsnW2S2ZaPRrxiD6QFWcBFm6_smOsgTCuN0kfsQc2dpopwo/w266-h400/King%20Card.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Few years back, I went on a Rad Bradbury binge. </span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Who's that?! </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">You know the famous author of <i>Fahrenheit 451</i>, <i>The October Country</i>, <i>The Martian Chronicles, Something Wicked this Way Comes, The Halloween Tree</i> and countless others. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And during that binge, I listened to a bunch of his interviews that I found on YouTube. In one of the videos, he talked a lot about his friendship with & respect for Walt Disney, and some stories about their conversations.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There was one conversation that especially stood out.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">He was talking about how the city was courting Walt to run for mayor.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When Ray asked Walt why he didn’t want to be mayor, Walt said:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>“Ray, why should I run for Mayor when I'm already King?”</b></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The man had a point.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Why be a mere politician constantly having to smooch the gluteus assimus’s of the proletariat for votes & virtue signals… when you can simply reign over them, impose your will upon them, and bring peace & prosperity without the prattling-on of the peanut gallery’s multiple Narratives & agendas?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">At Disneyland, Walt was truly King.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What he said went.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So what, pray tell, does this have to do with your training and being a PeaceWalker?!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Everything.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">That is if you want to learn how to be Overlord & Emperor over your own kingdom, your own safety, power and influence... be it on a large or small scale. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Wouldn't it be nice to give the order, wave your hand, and have it be so?!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Well Skippy, you and I both know it doesn't always work that way.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Not everyone is Walt Disney!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">HOWEVER...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The ONE THING you do have full control over is YOU. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Your mind, your beliefs, your attitude, your focus and your choices, are all totally up to you!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">No one can make you believe in or focus on something. You can even have all of your choices taken away, save one... Your ability to choose how to respond to something.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Are you acting as King of your own Magic Kingdom!?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Well, when it comes to being able to protect yourself (and those you care about), your ability to have full agency over yourself will give you more influence over the people you are dealing with, which in turn gives you more control over the entire situation. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And when you can't control their actions, you have to realize that you can control YOURS! </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Believe it or not managing conflict and violence is more about having control over what YOU do vs. trying to control what THEY do. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Once you know the framework on how to make this happen everything gets a whole lot easier for you when it comes to personal protection, conflict management, and leadership. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">That means (you're more likely to)...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Look like a tougher target to the baddies out there.</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Have an easier time parenting your kids</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Have less stress teaching at your school</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Have a simpler time managing people at your Job</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Close more sales, if that what's you do. </i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Get less complaints, more profits at your business</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Be safer out on the road or when you're pulling people over (officers out there)</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>~More... Oh, so much more!</b></i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The point is you have to have control over your most valuable asset...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">YOU!!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And that begins, but doesn't end with your mindset.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />So...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">How do you accomplish this?</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A good start is getting on my free home study course - Six Day Defense:</div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Keep Going,</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">~Craig</span></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-31303138227895608642024-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-01T04:00:00.345-08:00Start Where You're At<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbl19KPyqc9bLFE03YYjJB-rpBfzTHrnKXEkaM8pUoAqmrGXmqCiQ1h-BRpAU59gOrc8B0bt_bDtb0XJ2dvMRh_hHwIJ2RkpwXSSlbdT7GB6Wu2eRTdv4ysMflASkt2g-9WSl08rXlROgZJcDqOb6ywyHPcxsu-Uv171ZDyqIP6s6L2f63wQfhYryMZc/s1800/New%20Year%20Confetti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbl19KPyqc9bLFE03YYjJB-rpBfzTHrnKXEkaM8pUoAqmrGXmqCiQ1h-BRpAU59gOrc8B0bt_bDtb0XJ2dvMRh_hHwIJ2RkpwXSSlbdT7GB6Wu2eRTdv4ysMflASkt2g-9WSl08rXlROgZJcDqOb6ywyHPcxsu-Uv171ZDyqIP6s6L2f63wQfhYryMZc/w400-h266/New%20Year%20Confetti.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>I hope that you had a good New Year Celebration regardless if it was quiet like mine or loud and proud... bold and crazy... </p><div id="m_-2861947448941277881text-2"><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, I hope it was safe and something you enjoyed it w/the people you care about. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now hopefully you're RARE'N to start your... New Year w/a BANG!</div><div><br /></div><div>Words of Advice on Resolutions</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not a big fan really. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am, however a big fan of looking back over the year to see what was working, and what wasn't. What I want more of and what I want less of. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's not only about goal though...</div><div><br /></div><div>You should be dialing in what type of life you're creating... </div><div><br /></div><div>What type of a person are you becoming?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you happy with where you're life is going?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">You May Think Me Strange...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That at 52 I'd say what type of person I'm becoming...</div><div><br /></div><div>Many would believe that by that age we have already became the person who we are and in certain respects I'd agree, however in many other aspects I wouldn't...</div><div><br /></div><div>Make no mistake, we are always developing, always progressing or regressing, always changing...</div><div><br /></div><div>And I want to make sure that I evaluate where I am and where I want to be... Who I am and who I want to become...</div><div><br /></div><div>To make sure I'm doing the things necessary to support my decision and goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Simple, not Easy...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Start Where You're At...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember that this journey is a marathon and at times a sprint...</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is a long journey, so you have to make sure whatever you do is sustainable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Make sure that the suck you have to embrace, no matter how large or small is worth it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Time is a limited resource...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember how fast this past decade went?</div><div><br /></div><div>The next 10 will go even faster! </div><div><br /></div><div>Make sure that the Juice is Worth the Squeeze in everything you set out to do!</div><div><br /></div><div>Re-Evaluate Your Everything!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's good to finish what you start...</div><div><br /></div><div>But it's better to evaluate, re-evaluate and keep checking in to make sure where you're wanting to go still makes sense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things change and you should too! </div><div><br /></div><div>Relationships, careers, identities, activities, needs, health, responsibilities, pretty much everything!</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep up and keep evolving!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's ok to change...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The New Year can be a good time to reflect, re-evaluate and make a plan to move forward in a direction that give you more of what you want and less of what you don't!</div><div><br /></div><div>Make sure you are enjoying the journey! As we have both experienced, it goes fast!</div><div><br /></div><div>You Don't Live In a Bubble...</div><div><br /></div><div>We are constantly dealing with other people, and with people comes conflict...</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you want to be more successful in the next year, learn how to deal with that conflict better!</div><div><br /></div><div>Gain a new sense of clarity and confidence when it comes to protecting yourself and others.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will help you get more of what you want and less of what you don't!</div><div><br /></div><div>So..</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Make it the best year ever!!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking to get a head start on your best year yet, you have to commit to investing into yourself. The PeaceWalker 6 Day Defense will help you Become a Force For Good!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2861947448941277881text-21022" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; padding-top: 10px;"><div>Keep going,</div><div><b><i>~Craig </i></b></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-23987969560869224382023-12-25T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-25T04:00:00.141-08:00The Most Magical Two Minutes... by Ken Zurski<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjugR6-sSVZYTFPf7ZjtnhsgVhAxWTutEWfAnIDVT8xHs5Ppzp8VxNV3KemoWyzAfcHEfF3k-if7FBHSlxHvnBPE18y-TZdj9wA55abpeDVv_9fkXUp_gnVomoOgOEbw7q40ReNb6wvFw61IDhvJj2slw1PLvwOt9VUrltpyASuCPklR7Q1AJiecv2AM/s1600/Charlie%20Brown%20Christmas%20ending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjugR6-sSVZYTFPf7ZjtnhsgVhAxWTutEWfAnIDVT8xHs5Ppzp8VxNV3KemoWyzAfcHEfF3k-if7FBHSlxHvnBPE18y-TZdj9wA55abpeDVv_9fkXUp_gnVomoOgOEbw7q40ReNb6wvFw61IDhvJj2slw1PLvwOt9VUrltpyASuCPklR7Q1AJiecv2AM/w400-h300/Charlie%20Brown%20Christmas%20ending.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em;">When “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was produced for television in 1965, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz had one specific, but important directive. That the program be about something. Namely, he insisted, it be about the true spirit of Christmas. Otherwise, he said, “Why bother?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">Of course, as we know now, Schulz had his way. Mostly lighthearted and inspirational, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is punctuated by its infectious original music, a catchy song, and the now iconic symbol of recognition and hopefulness: a seemingly lifeless little tree.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">The highlight of the special , however, is a moving scene in which the Linus character, blanket in hand, stands on a spotlighted stage and explains the true meaning of Christmas. It includes a biblical passage from the <em>Book of Luke.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">Specifically, <em>Luke 2: 8-14.</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">Linus recites:</p><blockquote style="background-color: white; border-left: 5px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><p style="font-size: 20.65px; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><em>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. </em></span><span style="font-weight: 700;"><em>And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. </em></span><span style="font-weight: 700;"><em>And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. </em></span><span style="font-weight: 700;"><em>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. </em></span><span style="font-weight: 700;"><em>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.</em></span></p></blockquote><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">When he is finished with that last line, Linus turns and address someone directly: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">Linus’s words, like the special itself, has been charming audiences ever since.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;">By Ken Zurski</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;">Merry Christmas!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 0.928571em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 15.3214px;"><br /></span></p>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-57488910589303871872023-12-18T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-18T04:00:00.144-08:00Why So Serious?!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBmnvDab9YSPEh0_WhlcenD5C-k48XwoxNHWf6kMoYD2OLk6IVXKVZqNQ0GIuYLlDjYoFTm_d-_QP1wnyYoMJNuk4jKh5miEHyKWa3MsnF79yETiTi1SMgc73W5kUCJTTyhdCMW5_C6NUQdYyUzPUU7B3-4Jn2fzGYtYCo_q8cd7iCItwXSM7GmtymdA/s750/when-you-have-a-bad-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="750" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBmnvDab9YSPEh0_WhlcenD5C-k48XwoxNHWf6kMoYD2OLk6IVXKVZqNQ0GIuYLlDjYoFTm_d-_QP1wnyYoMJNuk4jKh5miEHyKWa3MsnF79yETiTi1SMgc73W5kUCJTTyhdCMW5_C6NUQdYyUzPUU7B3-4Jn2fzGYtYCo_q8cd7iCItwXSM7GmtymdA/w400-h219/when-you-have-a-bad-back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Apparently, as a result of wrangling this years ample Christmas tree around, I threw out my back. :-(</p><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-2"><div><br /></div><div>It didn't happen in the moment, it was a delayed effect. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yep...</div><div><br /></div><div>I go to get out of bed yesterday morning and I could barely stand up straight or walk. I'll save you the details about getting my shoes on or going to the bathroom! </div><div><br /></div><div>In times of pain or trouble I often find myself making jokes or laughing... And yesterday was no exception, even though it literally hurt to even chuckle. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-13078" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Why So Serious?!</b></span></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-8"><div><br /></div><div>Difficulty befalls us all. Our lives may be going along perfectly, and then out of the blue ... <b>WHAM!</b> ... life decides to test us. You are in the fast lane of life, cruising along at a pretty good clip, and lo and behold, a roadblock appears directly in your path.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't there, and now it is. You have no time to react. Your previously wonderful life is suddenly not so wonderful. You might lose a loved one with no warning. The company you work for goes bankrupt, and overnight you are out of work, wondering what you will do. Or... Maybe your back goes out and you have to teach later that day... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The knee-jerk reaction is to get mad or begin panicking. That's especially the case if you have people who depend on you. This is a time you have to be strong for them and for yourself. The last thing you might be thinking is to embrace humor, but that could be a smart move for many reasons.<div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Laughter Can Help You Manage Conflict</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometime long ago, someone said that laughter is the best medicine. It might not be the best, but it's the easiest to access. You give yourself permission to laugh, joke around and be playful. Having a solid sense of humor allows you to laugh in good times and bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>The endorphins that are released when you laugh lower stress and anxiety. Embracing that laughter when life gets difficult also allows the people around you to destress. Laughter is contagious. Your sense of humor helps other people calm down and relax. You feel better about the situation when you see those you care about smiling and laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">A Sense of Humor Says, "I've Got This"</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>A little fun in the face of distress tells the world you're on top of things. You are fine. You realize this is difficult, but you can't help yourself or anyone else if you start freaking out. You choose calm and confident jokes and playfulness over stress and anxiety.</div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">This is an affirmation of strength. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are many times when conflict tests a group of people. They are often looking to someone for leadership. When you make a lighthearted joke about the situation and share a smile, and a laugh, that sense of humor makes everyone feel better about their trouble.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Your Sense of Humor Can Defuse a Ticking Timebomb</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Trouble causes tension. When a situation becomes tense, the people who don't keep their Baseline (you know stay calm, cool and collected) are ticking timebombs that can make things worse than they already are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your sense of humor is like an efficient bomb squad. It defuses the tension bomb and can put things in their proper perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rely on your sense of humor when things get tough. Making fun of the situation can help you relax. Everyone feels a little better about what's happening when others are laughing. Choose humor and laughter over imagining the worst-case scenario, and you'll find life's difficulties easier to deal with.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-17161" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Be Careful Though...</b></span></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-19"><div><br /></div><div>You have to keep the humor in check. Cracking jokes in the middle of a funeral, or making jokes at other people expense in a time of crisis is just tacky, so make sure not to cross the line when using humor as a tension breaker. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a razors edge, so don't be THAT person. </div><div><br /></div><div>You know what I'm saying...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-87407" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So, What Happened?!</b></span></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-89"><div><br /></div><div>If you're wondering how / if I made it trough teaching my classes last night?</div><div><br /></div><div>I did...</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a bit rough, but I was able to not only get through those classes, but I even felt better after doing so. </div><div><br /></div><div>How?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Another story for another day. (Training Over Forty material there!)</div><div><br /></div><div>The short story is this:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>~Gentle stretches and movement throughout the day.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>~Heating pad and some heavy duty anti-inflammatories. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i><b>~Taking it real easy teaching. </b>(Moving slow, doing the things I could and staying clear of the things I couldn't.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-72462" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Speaking of Humor...</b></span></div><div id="m_1376044756809555593text-63"><div><br /></div><div>Dealing with the stress and conflict that the holiday's sometimes bring can be challenging, so keep your wits about you and keep that good 'ol Christmas Spirit! </div><div><br /></div><div>While you're doing that, check out my free home study course:</div><div><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Going,</div><div>~Craig</div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-70428141652960506812023-12-11T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-11T04:00:00.135-08:00Scare Tactics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NTCWfMU9fwYXl95Vj_V9ETw42pRQVVW2N4h0elU6hZwoBztZeXSeL7cZ1Xi362q9McaFJQARm4OUaSYQEnFU9IELFrbtpuXI6IRxHTnigAzZjodkHnRf55BtdhF2hZ8usSjBvHcSGHu9zNsjHrTVOPM0eldD1vC7ox6159pqwITeD8zuV5F5fwYkzzk/s900/Scare%20Tactics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NTCWfMU9fwYXl95Vj_V9ETw42pRQVVW2N4h0elU6hZwoBztZeXSeL7cZ1Xi362q9McaFJQARm4OUaSYQEnFU9IELFrbtpuXI6IRxHTnigAzZjodkHnRf55BtdhF2hZ8usSjBvHcSGHu9zNsjHrTVOPM0eldD1vC7ox6159pqwITeD8zuV5F5fwYkzzk/w400-h400/Scare%20Tactics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I know Halloween is long since over, but...</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's not uncommon for martial arts</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">personal protection courses of all types to use advertising based on scare tactics. </span></p><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Telling stories of crime, violence <span class="il">and</span> conflict is a good way to motivate people to take a course or buy something security oriented, be it classes, guns, security systems, pepper spray, or the like. </div><div><br /></div><div>We tend to gravitate toward the negative. You've probably heard the old marketing line, <i>"If it bleeds it leads..." </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>That's a sad <span class="il">but</span> true statement.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the legal field it would be called ambulance chasing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just made an announcement a few weeks ago at the academy half joking about our Active Response Training Seminar. It seems many of the years in the past, when we run these seminars, some event occurs just before the seminar. It kinda makes it look like we are 'ambulance chasers.' When that's not really the case it all. Our events are scheduled out about a year in advance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, this year was no exception, with the Israeli / Hamas attacks happening just weeks before the seminar. </div><div><br /></div><div>There's always something going on...</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Knee Jerk Reaction?!</b></span></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>People are reactionary. They wait until they feel an urgency to train. This might be because something happened to them, or someone they know personally. Possibly, they wait until something hits the news that is disturbing <span class="il">and</span> now they are shaken up enough to do something. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="il">But</span> once that knee jerk reaction fades, so does the urgency to train. </div><div><br /></div><div>Too bad really...</div><div><br /></div><div>It's like waiting for an accident to happen, before you decide to put on your seatbelt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a hint.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you wait, it may be too late! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to put your seatbelt on during an accident!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to get the training you need to prevent or deal with a situation during or after the event occurs. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know this is not rocket science, <span class="il">but</span>...</div><div><br /></div><div>It's best to get the training BEFORE you need to use it!</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-52675" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It Doesn't Have to Be Bad!</b></span></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-68" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>There are so many positive reasons to get good training, ones that lay outside of simply protecting yourself <span class="il">and</span> others from an assault.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="il">Yes</span>, of course personal protection is a major reason for training... </div><div><br /></div><div>However, there is much more depth to that question than meets the eye. I think one of the best answers to that question came from a friend of mine, James Morganelli. He said,</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Training offers me the best path I know of to become the kind of person I want to be."</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Through enduring training, we can learn to recognize humanity's guiding motivations <span class="il">and</span> values <span class="il">and</span> in turn gain the clarity to properly respect, protect, <span class="il">and</span> defend ourselves <span class="il">and</span> others. One of these ways is in the tempering of one's ego."</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-31494" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="il">Yes</span>, Of Course...</b></span></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-46" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>You want to be able to protect yourself from external threats, however...</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the biggest threats <span class="il">and</span> conflicts come from within ourselves. Your training should help you address these struggles as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, your training should help you create a better overall Life.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>~Ethics</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Confidence</b></i></div><div><i><b>~</b></i><b><i>Resilience</i></b></div><div><b><i>~Leadership</i></b></div><div><i><b>~Health & Fitness</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Relationships & Community</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Communication Skills</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Healing</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Self Agency</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Longevity</b></i></div><div><i><b>~Strategies for Success that can be translated into all things</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>True training in being a martial artist, a Protector, a PeaceWalker, should profoundly touch every aspect of your Life in a positive way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like we say at the academy...</div><div><br /></div><div>Train your...</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Body like a soldier.</i></div><div><i>Mind like a general.</i></div><div><i>Mouth like a diplomat.</i></div><div><i>Heart like a protector.</i></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-98454" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Bottom Line...</b></span></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-33" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Here's the deal. I'm not much of an ambulance chaser. I don't like using scare tactics, even though they typically work. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will say this though...</div><div><br /></div><div>When's the best time to start training?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ten years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>When's the second best time to begin your training?</div><div><br /></div><div>Today! Now!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to put your seatbelt on before you need it! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-42173" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Training for Life</b></span></div><div id="m_-6643442006788729278text-37" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested in a simple, effective way to help you live a better Life by become a better Protector... A PeaceWalker.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to develop the confidence <span class="il">and</span> leadership skills to protect yourself <span class="il">and</span> those you love from not just physical threats, <span class="il">but</span> the spectrum of conflicts that life often throws at you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Discover an approach that allows you to lead your life's purpose with greater conviction... More clarity, confidence, agency <span class="il">and</span> power.</div><div><br /></div><div>The PeaceWalker Evolution Training Retreat is your speed pass to Greater Personal Protection, Conflict Management <span class="il">and</span> Leadership skills.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your Life can change almost overnight when you have the right Operating System!</div><div><br /></div><div>There are only 6 spots left available.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS IN TWO WEEKS - NOVEMBER 1st</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the details here:</div><div><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DYYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aUHQaHiJRWt46C-2BILuhafxPauSWyzxMwiOMh0TUudxoPFQYJtMaZr9or0pvbiUy-2FBJUAj-2B33-2BlFnymo6E9vCh8TBOwOx9rnO9Dry1AyOOop0CpUFB9CHsJRS-2BpXH8T-2FfhFOiqzQgYanqC-2FutGt7uYr2e0mgwinn-2BrauXoHi-2Fqb8fR4owv5pT4P8VgHIsRN2glsLusmSxbunqXSXLrPvNXtVPhbRBB5oWDkt127wt8aVI5uyxZFeXsXmCqqM1X93K6FS83EUutPHW8xn9QMg1uO0b-2F28NFSqOLErYFRyE1urVs2P2f78-2B-2BcmXGBCNa3y9fn0mAGkP-2Bqw7eMkG7KaGgIw-3D-3DBrZR_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkMXJ9oA-2BBb4gaMu1czGzA8WQKHo5jH3itoeCqDGClnTXxT-2BWpSh1F8vHeEt-2B7im2QTJ68VyJSRreI7gGCHisK-2BH8Yyw9FC3iIe3fP0-2FQNtTLyukIDMhi0tIaBP3naQ-2FmNg-2BKh9Nw2jfJBFIxul-2BfNCmil2arvJ4Db7vimTNHkifpHiAcYoLG9m7QJKpi66MSZ4-3D&source=gmail&ust=1701798901114000&usg=AOvVaw3wgMx65-iZU4yf9MJ0BONc" href="https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=YYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aUHQaHiJRWt46C-2BILuhafxPauSWyzxMwiOMh0TUudxoPFQYJtMaZr9or0pvbiUy-2FBJUAj-2B33-2BlFnymo6E9vCh8TBOwOx9rnO9Dry1AyOOop0CpUFB9CHsJRS-2BpXH8T-2FfhFOiqzQgYanqC-2FutGt7uYr2e0mgwinn-2BrauXoHi-2Fqb8fR4owv5pT4P8VgHIsRN2glsLusmSxbunqXSXLrPvNXtVPhbRBB5oWDkt127wt8aVI5uyxZFeXsXmCqqM1X93K6FS83EUutPHW8xn9QMg1uO0b-2F28NFSqOLErYFRyE1urVs2P2f78-2B-2BcmXGBCNa3y9fn0mAGkP-2Bqw7eMkG7KaGgIw-3D-3DBrZR_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkMXJ9oA-2BBb4gaMu1czGzA8WQKHo5jH3itoeCqDGClnTXxT-2BWpSh1F8vHeEt-2B7im2QTJ68VyJSRreI7gGCHisK-2BH8Yyw9FC3iIe3fP0-2FQNtTLyukIDMhi0tIaBP3naQ-2FmNg-2BKh9Nw2jfJBFIxul-2BfNCmil2arvJ4Db7vimTNHkifpHiAcYoLG9m7QJKpi66MSZ4-3D" id="m_-6643442006788729278link-8476-299" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://peacewalker.net/2024-<wbr></wbr>training-retreat</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reach out if you have any questions.</div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-47050545115711163082023-12-04T10:13:00.000-08:002023-12-04T10:13:21.255-08:00Provider or Protector?!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mx-JLSCIrf5bYH7QANEWM5gONJ_wYZ_pPd7L7bMT8DUXOhIHip7ixeArAX958Qa1mvaVun9ygLlH_5Fh-S-no9DD3hzH8cT6vg-hUe9548_uRGKbqRoBCjwkDsYPIBaH1q1cwKHVwWCuWifb6Htyn7pHDRJFLfybrHhZz-UO2ba4JfJsMt-C-JY0yjs/s300/bring-home-the-bacon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="264" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Mx-JLSCIrf5bYH7QANEWM5gONJ_wYZ_pPd7L7bMT8DUXOhIHip7ixeArAX958Qa1mvaVun9ygLlH_5Fh-S-no9DD3hzH8cT6vg-hUe9548_uRGKbqRoBCjwkDsYPIBaH1q1cwKHVwWCuWifb6Htyn7pHDRJFLfybrHhZz-UO2ba4JfJsMt-C-JY0yjs/w352-h400/bring-home-the-bacon.gif" width="352" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm sitting here by my fireplace, paying my bills, nibbling on my lunch (Amy's organic bean burrito), sipping on a Trilogy kombucha</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">writing to you (of course).</span></p><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>All from the comfort of home. Which reminds me of a text I got this morning from a community member.</div><div><br /></div><div>They asked:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Where does my identity as a "provider" fit in? As a man, father, ex-husband <span class="il">and</span> husband, I've got this need to provide... Is that separate from being a protector or part of it?"</b></i></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My Answer...</b></span></div><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"Being a Provider IS being a Protector. They are one in the same. Providing food, shelter <span class="il">and</span> a healthy home is an essential part of being a protector of yourself <span class="il">and</span> family."</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="il">Yes</span>, all of this PeaceWalker Protector stuff is not just about a collection of techniques to physically protect yourself. It's not just an approach to negotiate, de-escalate, influence <span class="il">and</span> lead. It's not just a strategy to manage conflict more effectively... or a quick <span class="il">and</span> simple way of getting in <span class="il">and</span> staying in shape physically, mentally <span class="il">and</span> emotionally...</div><div><br /></div><div>It needs to be all of that <span class="il">and</span> more! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gotta Cover All Your Bases!</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Body</u> </b>- Getting <span class="il">and</span> staying healthy <span class="il">and</span> fit.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Mindset</u></b> - Have a healthy perspective that helps you to succeed.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Relationships</u></b> - w/Yourself, your family, friends, co-workers, students, etc. <span class="il">AND</span> your relationship with God, Creator, Universe, Bigger Picture, Nature... call IT what you will. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Income</u> </b>- How you financially support yourself <span class="il">and</span> family.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You have to be working on all of those things because being a good Provider is simply another facet of being a Protector. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you <span class="il">and</span> your family aren't provided for they are vulnerable. So, in order to be a Protector. you must be able to be a good provider. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean that you have to be independently wealthy, live in a mansion, <span class="il">and</span> give your kids every material possession their little hearts desire. You can live a humble <span class="il">and</span> simple life working a normal everyday job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, it boils down to your perspective <span class="il">and</span> choices. I know a lot of people who don't live high on the hog so to speak, they live simple quite lives, not making a ton of money, <span class="il">but</span> they save, spend <span class="il">and</span> invest what resources they do have wisely... <span class="il">And</span> like so much of this path, they are consistent <span class="il">and</span> steady. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I Know It Can Be Difficult...</b></span></div><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-19" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Getting your mind around how all of this fits together is tough for a lot of people:</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~ Physical self defense</i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~Communication & leadership skills</i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~ Healthy, sustainable workout <span class="il">and</span> nutrition routine</i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i>~ Earning living in a way that is fulfilling & pays the bills</i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">These things sound very unrelated, <span class="il">but</span> I'm here to tell you they're NOT! </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="il">And</span> those who don't see their connection are missing out on a safer, healthier, happier more successful Life.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Learn the Operating System that will give you the clarity, confidence <span class="il">and</span> courage to deal with the conflicts inside <span class="il">and</span> around you more effectively. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Here's a good start...</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My free home study course:</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">HERE'S WHAT SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY:</div><blockquote><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div></blockquote><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>"Incredible training, lots of tools to work on... My family will benefit from me continuing to train in this program."</b></i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">~Dr. William Smoot M.D.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Husband, Father, Son, Army Combat Medic Vet, ER Doc & Great Guy!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Recent Certified Level 1 PeaceWalker Mentor</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><i>"Biggest lesson: to stay powerful <span class="il">and</span> ready for any situation."</i></b></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">~Jennifer Franson</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">iCI Nation founder, Krav Maga black belt & Recently Certified Level 1 PeaceWalker Mentor</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div></div><div id="m_-2970015618827475074text-21022" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; padding-top: 10px;"><div>Keep going,</div><div><b><i>~Craig</i></b></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-62782611918767189792023-11-27T04:00:00.001-08:002023-11-27T04:00:00.137-08:00Yes, But... Does Your Training Do THIS?!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCXZaQ71ZXZAWX0W71tTYBDnWw5ehXclp92x2Aycpjdj9pTKXOvx4NaOVq5WC9srAP8LahAetVz55Xvc0kcw6YToa5MPhLPnTRxCaysnFfaiuM5908WV5oPnC0kZy06Mj4KQW-T8QBDIQzitbe0JUyAiouCurhrSPKvOLfmiX8sstjAV4JpIoL1OaQm0/s490/Surround%20Yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="490" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCXZaQ71ZXZAWX0W71tTYBDnWw5ehXclp92x2Aycpjdj9pTKXOvx4NaOVq5WC9srAP8LahAetVz55Xvc0kcw6YToa5MPhLPnTRxCaysnFfaiuM5908WV5oPnC0kZy06Mj4KQW-T8QBDIQzitbe0JUyAiouCurhrSPKvOLfmiX8sstjAV4JpIoL1OaQm0/w400-h370/Surround%20Yourself.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div id="m_-4322387743647555760text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>You've heard my rants about the limitations of techniques and that self defense training should be more than just punching, kicking, choking and shooting right?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, here's a question for you...</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4322387743647555760text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Does Your Training Do THIS?!</b></span></div><div id="m_-4322387743647555760text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to your self defense training, ask yourself if you can you apply the principles you're learning to these areas of your Life:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Your Body</i></b></div><div><b><i>Your Mindset</i></b></div><div><b><i>Your Relationships</i></b></div><div><b><i>Your Income</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>At first glance you may think that at least two of these things are not really related to self defense training at all... </div><div><br /></div><div>But look closer and you'll find that they are ALL inter-related. </div><div><br /></div><div>How you live your Life IS how you defend yourself! </div><div><br /></div><div>If your training is turning into everyone you see into the 'enemy' or someone you have to beat, you may want to reconsider what your training is focusing on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Being tough on the mats, yet a delta bravo isn't going to win you any friends or allies. What's it's going to do is create more conflict and violence in your life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Training to be bulletproof at the expense of destroying your body isn't going to help you accomplish what you set out to do either. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having the resources to pay your bills, put food in your (and your kids) belly and keep a roof over your head as also essential self defense skills. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Connecting the Dots...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are countless books on swordsmanship, but only one <i>Book of Five Rings</i> by Miyamoto Musashi. </div><div><br /></div><div>This book is so widely known not because it's about swords, rather it is still popular because it is about strategies that can be applied to life, business, relationships and defense (it can actually be applied to a bunch more, but you get the drift).</div><div><br /></div><div>How you apply these PeaceWalker principles to your<i> Body, Mind, Relationships</i> and how you <i>earn a living </i>has everything to do with your ability to protect yourself, your loved ones and everyone else around you. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Examine the way you train more deeply and see if the principles you are training are not only teaching you the obvious, but see if they point to something even more profound. </div><div><br /></div><div>If they do, than you are on the right track. If they don't, then consider another teacher and/or approach. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4322387743647555760text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Yes...</b></span></div><div id="m_-4322387743647555760text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>The Operating System you use to handle conflict in your relationships, your career, your Life does make all of the difference.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Is yours working?!<div><br /></div><div>Could things be better?!</div><div><br /></div><div>What problems do you face?!</div><div><br /></div><div>How's your health and fitness? Your mindset? Your relationships? Your job?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do the same problems seem to keep coming up over and over again?</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you'd like less stress, more certainty in your Life?</div><div><br /></div><div>Possibly you are still searching for a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and those you love? </div><div><br /></div><div>But you want to learn more than just 'survival' skills. You want to learn how to thrive!?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you yearn for a way to lead your life's purpose with greater conviction? To live with more clarity, confidence, agency and power? </div><div><br /></div><div>If you do, then you may consider joining us in the next Evolution Training Retreat. It's your speed pass to Personal Protection, Leadership & Development. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your Life can change almost overnight when you download the right Operating System!</div><div><br /></div><div>The next step is to join me in my free home study course here: <a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep going,</div><div>~Craig</div><div><br /></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-58791831508918340122023-11-20T16:00:00.001-08:002023-11-20T16:00:00.152-08:00Could You Ever Forgive That!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuc_xqxLx3Ehj1tqwA_m62nUWYC-LGwrdqMespJGDTe2Pg5SHqMwuI_2VQOB3p9oRU8xYg8E1qjYVDTfCMOTM1YRce_rZmPKYskYQnOBm8pkVDbBZOrrl0G1lChyphenhyphenUIEfbDOTJ5AARhIcyOrDE3noCIuAkgD1-6Dgn7zKwY7VyvfXhfjLz5AgeTEXT3pM/s600/Charlie%20Brown%20Thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuc_xqxLx3Ehj1tqwA_m62nUWYC-LGwrdqMespJGDTe2Pg5SHqMwuI_2VQOB3p9oRU8xYg8E1qjYVDTfCMOTM1YRce_rZmPKYskYQnOBm8pkVDbBZOrrl0G1lChyphenhyphenUIEfbDOTJ5AARhIcyOrDE3noCIuAkgD1-6Dgn7zKwY7VyvfXhfjLz5AgeTEXT3pM/w400-h155/Charlie%20Brown%20Thanksgiving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> It's only a couple days before Thanksgiving, (my favorite family holiday BTW). </p><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-2"><div> </div><div>I hope you are preparing to spend some time w/your family and friends to celebrate everything you are grateful for. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a full weekend of family gatherings ahead of me...</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I have so much to be thankful for. Every year I appreciate my friends and family a little more. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know it sounds a little corny, but I find my heart overflowing with gratitude from the love and beauty that I have been blessed with in my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>...And that gratitude extends to YOU as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to let you know how grateful I am for YOU being part of this community and my life. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="il">Thank</span> you!</div><div><br /></div><div>I appreciate sharing a part of this journey together with you. No matter how large or small, it makes a difference. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wish you and yours the best of things and hope that you are celebrating what you are grateful for. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-91164" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>A PeaceWalker Challenge...</i></b></span></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-7"><div></div></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-99603"><div>Gratefulness and forgiveness go hand in hand. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Here's a PeaceWalker Challenge for you this week:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Think about someone who hurt or wronged you in some way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Go on, do it right now! </div><div><br /></div><div>Think of that person who you trusted, and they let you down. Think of that special someone who broke your heart... Or that co-worker who threw you under the bus at last years meeting (I know you haven't forgot!). Maybe a family member, friend, husband, wife, boy or girlfriend. It could be one of your kids or neighbors. Sometimes it's our mom or dad, teacher, cousin.. </div><div><br /></div><div>Heck, someone you don't know at all. The dude who cut you off or took your parking space. </div><div><br /></div><div>It could be someone who isn't even around any more. They may have even passed away. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of who...</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I want you to forgive them for what they did to you and let it go. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do it! Right now! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you hold on and bury that stuff inside of you, it will begin to rot and stink. It will effect your love towards the people who didn't wrong you. </div><div><br /></div><div>It effects us in ways we can't see. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is no gratefulness without forgiveness. Just like there is no Peace without forgiveness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember holding on to that hurt and anger is an anchor that limits you from experiencing joy and peace in your life. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's baggage that you can't afford! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">An Unlikely Relationship...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After hearing this story, you may open up to embrace forgiveness in a whole new way: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Matt Swatzell, a firefighter/EMT, fell asleep at the wheel when he was driving home from a 24-hour shift at his station in Dacula, Georgia.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>He was tired like hell, and it was only a few miles before his home that he realized he fell asleep and crashed into a car, killing Erik Fitzgerald’s wife June and their unborn baby.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>At Matt’s sentencing, he pleaded for leniency. Fitzgerald declined to pursue the maximum sentence against Matt. In the end, he got off lightly as the judge ordered him to pay a fine and do community service.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>A decade later, the two have remained friends and began meeting for coffee and conversation. The unlikely friendship between them is proof that a little forgiveness can go a long way.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-13078" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>This Is Why...</b></span></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-8"><div><br /></div>The whole idea of becoming a better Protector is to live a better life. It to be able to protect those we love. It's to feel more confident and courageous, to love more. To be more open. To take more (healthy) risks. To have more Peace inside of you so you can inspire more Peace around you.<div><br /></div><div>Remember what Dr. Humphrey said in the last couple lines of his Warrior's Creed:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Whenever I come home everyone's GLAD that I'm there! </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It's a better life!<br /></i><div><br /></div></div></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-17161" style="font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Purpose of My Mission... </b></span></div><div id="m_-3396014018798747233text-19"><div><br /></div><div>My purpose and mission of helping people live healthier, happier, safer, more powerful lives can only be fully realized if we work together. </div><div><br /></div><div>You and I must lead from the front to inspire others to live lives as Protectors... As PeaceWalkers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The more people we inspire to live as Jack Hoban calls Ethical Protectors, the safe we ALL are! </div><div><br /></div><div>That's why I teach. That's why I put together my free Six Day Defense program. It'll give you the basic framework to do more than just defend yourself (although you'll develop that too!), it's designed to give you the framework to a whole new way of living your life. A powerful way of dealing with conflict inside of, and around you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out: <a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Going,</div><div>~Craig</div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-14040594485400797732023-11-13T04:00:00.001-08:002023-11-13T04:00:00.152-08:00What's Your Operating System!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7cZe53OiiOOAw_kfarbZ1EOG0ptZfi0p-HScu9m1bi2bPGko0aTRT3d9MscNfSJsWYGtoqNEF4Rj4FfYuSVzjDkgatpf102d6NoAGvAGfTqSu2ltxqAGXIBdib544a4_eCRboucjH60pk5-2Bn7vaZpwfQq-DTA8maIk3IzpWZhVTJmgmzTsGNO26fY/s652/OPerating-Systems-list.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="652" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7cZe53OiiOOAw_kfarbZ1EOG0ptZfi0p-HScu9m1bi2bPGko0aTRT3d9MscNfSJsWYGtoqNEF4Rj4FfYuSVzjDkgatpf102d6NoAGvAGfTqSu2ltxqAGXIBdib544a4_eCRboucjH60pk5-2Bn7vaZpwfQq-DTA8maIk3IzpWZhVTJmgmzTsGNO26fY/w400-h185/OPerating-Systems-list.png" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><div id="m_-8601284777538520209text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In today's world of Flakebook, the google machine and youtube university, we have more information available to us than ever before. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can literally see millions upon millions of techniques in anything you can imagine (and several things you can't). </div><div><br /></div><div>So, with all of this information available you'd think that people would be better off in every category that vexes us. </div><div><br /></div><div>You'd believe that we have better relationships, live healthier, happier, safer lives. Yet the masses seem to be just as dumb, lazy, incompetent and miserable as ever! </div><div><br /></div><div>Why?!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have an overload of information, we're light on knowledge and starving for wisdom and real connection.<br /><br /></div><div>We seem to be getting more anxious, lonely, irritably complacent, lazy, and despondent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>Because, even with all of this information floating around out there, most folks use their same ineffective Operating System.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even when we're given the answers to all of the questions we have, we fail to see the deeper connection, the deeper formula of things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most people haven't downloaded an effective Operating System. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-8601284777538520209text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Operating System?!</b></span></div><div id="m_-8601284777538520209text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Yes, the system that you use to run your Life. The software that runs your hardware so to speak.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone is so intrigued with techniques, accessories... You know, the shiny stuff!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the formula behind the answers that really matters. It's the perspective of how you figured things out. How you go about lookin at the problem in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>What Operating System are you running on?</div><div><br /></div><div>What's your Why? How do you process things? How do you see yourself, your relationships, your career, the world in which you Live?</div><div><br /></div><div>What is your Operating System that everything runs off from?</div><div><br /></div><div>With the right Operating System you're entire experience changes. Your confidence increases. Your effectiveness sky rockets. Your LIFE Changes!</div><div><br /></div><div>You begin to see the interconnectedness of not just self defense and conflict, but of all aspects of your Life. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-8601284777538520209text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Speaking of Self Defense...</b></span></div><div id="m_-8601284777538520209text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Let's say you want to learn how to protect yourself, so you watch some self defense videos on youtube. Great! Which ones are you going to watch!? The most popular? The most viewed? The flashiest? The most violent or cool looking? The ones that seem effective to you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's say you even find a friend and practice them for a bit. Maybe you get good at them. Meaning you can mimic what you're seeing on the video. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you do this to several techniques, so now you have a random collection of (possibly) disjointed techniques that you believe are suitable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even with all that work you are still going to lack the Operating System behind those techniques. </div><div><br /></div><div>You lack the formula that will give you the answers that you haven't even run up against yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>You haven't hardwired the Operating System that will give you a framework to being able to figure out how to navigate issues on the fly. A blueprint that allows you to improvise in an effective way when it comes to dealing with conflict and violence inside and around you.</div><div><br /></div><div>First you have to <b>LEARN a</b> Framework. Then you have to <b>LIVE</b> that framework. Once you do that, then dig deeper to <b>LEVERAGE</b> that Operating System to help you in every area of your Life. Finally take that Operating System and <b>LEAD</b> others to this PeaceWalker Path too. Living it first then keep clarifying the skills and frameworks that are necessary to Live this PeaceWalker Lifestyle! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">This Came Up...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend several people were wondering what the difference was between this PeaceWalker LIVE camp and the Evolution Retreat (that we had earlier this year).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It goes something like this:</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Evolution Program is a certification course / retreat. You go to that to get the PeaceWalker Operating System Hardwired into you! It's a step by step course giving you the complete basic system to self defense, leadership and personal development.<div><br /></div><div>Whereas...</div><div><br /></div><div>PeaceWalker LIVE Conference is about connecting with the community and learning from one another (in a weekend camp) Although, I introduce the basic PeaceWalker framework it's not a course. It's not meant to be. This event is about community and sharing, it's about learning how the community members Live and Leverage these PeaceWalker Skills in their world. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">It Makes a Difference...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>What Operating System are you using to protect yourself and the people you care about. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Operating System you use to handle conflict in your relationships, your career, your Life makes all the difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is it working?</div><div><br /></div><div>Could things be better for you?!</div><div><br /></div><div>What problems do you face?!</div><div><br /></div><div>How's your health and fitness? Your mindset? Your relationships? Your job?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do the same problems seem to keep happening?</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you are afraid of things that haven't occured yet, but could.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you still searching for a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and those you love? </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you yearn for a way to lead your life's purpose with greater conviction? To live with more clarity, confidence, agency and power? </div><div><br /></div><div>If you do, then you may consider joining us in the next Evolution Training Retreat. It's your speed pass to Personal Protection, Leadership and Development. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your Life can change almost overnight when you download the right Operating System!</div><div><br /></div><div>Join me in the next step with my free home study course Six Day Defense: <a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Going,</div><div>~Craig</div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-22598811901490124772023-11-06T04:00:00.001-08:002023-11-06T04:00:00.147-08:00Krav Maga Doesn't Win Wars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSR8TNnwcZ9Z9FizsrTonTh3GyuavjW2qQwoXLaoikB2X9uGBaJ31vR_fLTRb_xhR8OYZxhai2sSCxFUIZs8NhVE3Vlucn6TIDL_1dN4Ws18h9q0Rv8MTKAnBWACOXdfxSJ9lRT05rfg3Y1VUiAP8nxHbjrsb5SOxwgS351kzIACpksof1JMzg4ygZ-s/s2560/Krav%20Training%20Beach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2560" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSR8TNnwcZ9Z9FizsrTonTh3GyuavjW2qQwoXLaoikB2X9uGBaJ31vR_fLTRb_xhR8OYZxhai2sSCxFUIZs8NhVE3Vlucn6TIDL_1dN4Ws18h9q0Rv8MTKAnBWACOXdfxSJ9lRT05rfg3Y1VUiAP8nxHbjrsb5SOxwgS351kzIACpksof1JMzg4ygZ-s/w400-h258/Krav%20Training%20Beach.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm getting caught up in the news... Mainly the Israel / Gaza situation.</span></p><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>I'm no authority about what is happening there. However, I may have a little insight because of my travels there and the friends and collogues that I stay in contact with who live there. </div><div><br /></div><div>The situation continues and I believe it will for some time. Lives in jeopardy on all sides... Innocent and otherwise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another war...</div><div><br /></div><div>This situation brings my mind to the Ukrainian / Russian conflict that is still raging...</div><div><br /></div><div>It's obvious that peace would be better, but just like our own lives conflict happens in many forms. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Krav Maga Doesn't Win Wars...</b></span></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div>I remember one time when I was in Israel training one of the Krav instructors was asked about the difference between civilian and military Krav Maga. <div><br /></div><div>The instructor couldn't hold back a smirk as he said, </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"There's no difference really, same principles just different application... Krav Maga doesn't win wars."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>It's true...</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Krav Maga doesn't win all conflicts in your own life either. It's one tool in your utility belt. One facet of your Operating System. An important one, but by far not the only one. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Tragic Thing Is This...</b></span></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Most people who train in Krav Maga (or any martial art) don't work on the the other skills necessary to really protect themselves (and others).</div><div><br /></div><div>Most don't have an effective Operating System or the other skills to be as effective as they could be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we all have a natural proclivity to be a protect, however the problem is two fold:</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>#1 - We were born protectors, however we don't always protect the right things.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>#2 - Most don't develop the well rounded skillset needed to effectively manage conflict inside of us and, of course with others.</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-45538" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Real Goal is This...</b></span></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-91" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>If you can prevent conflict from occurring in the first place that's typically preferable...</div><div><br /></div><div>You must have the ability to do <b><i>most good / least harm. </i></b>This means you will have to have the proper Operating System and Skills necessary to meet the person (or group) where they are at. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once you do that, then you have a chance at taking things where they need to go in order to effectively deal with the wide spectrum of human conflict. </div><div><br /></div><div>Simply learning to punch, kick and shoot won't be enough... </div><div><br /></div><div>You'll need more, much more!</div><div><br /></div><div>And you'll have to train in ways you weren't even considering. Sometimes in some very counter intuitive ways.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-75784" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Making the Simple Easy!?</b></span></div><div id="m_-3544361438430384360text-88" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If you are interested in this simple yet effective way to having this type of peace of mind. If you want the confidence that you can protect yourself (and those you love) from the threats that life throws at you. Well then, here's an opportunity for you.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">An approach that allows you to lead your life's purpose with greater conviction... More clarity, confidence, agency and power.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Join me in my free home study course to learn how to better protect yourself and your loved ones from common threats we see today: <br /><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Keep going,</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">~Craig</span></span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-46836438728198672922023-10-30T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-30T04:00:00.153-07:00A Halloween Stabbing!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXpNLkuhEyVXzeoOT92ra7np3rQxiJr6iUzTwuAwT2MVGLfMAeuZUvfr5LoTlqx9WSusa0MbiR6u4OkvJKUdbf4r-jBkwK2KDe38snH5xplE_exCv_B10rbDtAjKDLYzJPzvrZgKhUyfhAlg-XQUy75gHCgP9j5D-bhz7fqEE18KBQFFGSnyVrVPasKQ/s960/Lucy%20stabbing%20Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="960" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXpNLkuhEyVXzeoOT92ra7np3rQxiJr6iUzTwuAwT2MVGLfMAeuZUvfr5LoTlqx9WSusa0MbiR6u4OkvJKUdbf4r-jBkwK2KDe38snH5xplE_exCv_B10rbDtAjKDLYzJPzvrZgKhUyfhAlg-XQUy75gHCgP9j5D-bhz7fqEE18KBQFFGSnyVrVPasKQ/w400-h306/Lucy%20stabbing%20Pumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What'd ya think I meant?!</span></p><div id="m_-6375786361012376587text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>HAPPY <span class="il">HALLOWEEN</span>!!</div><div><br /></div><div>You and I both know there are plenty of things in the world to be afraid of, but for tonight, I hope you enjoy the magic of the holiday with your loved ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we train to protect against the things that go 'bump in the night... But don't lose sight of WHY we train in the first place! </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't let an ominous mindset and training focus turn you into the very thing you are training to protect yourself and others against! </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea of training is to defend against the dark arts! =)</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of...</div><div><br /></div><div>I recorded a special <span class="il">Halloween</span> Podcast Episode for you. Here's the link to listen to it... If You Dare! =)</div><div><br /></div><div><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DYYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aj-2FCOuLnNW-2FU7yoEpTTseHEEeYFfxa1ia8RtQMWNcAIK1oq24Pbzlnw8q6WkochswXDI8Z13tdNDqkgzsHIsH1xy02WT6y7gy3s-2BX4Vs5IN83sUWJjLlM8-2FZpTjql1E2nQ-2FcNSm5zaasN2wnSZWJ0DKmeAlZx4E3xyEdoxxLlgfcTS9Y9ys92wD0k0fHUxMzvmCIEx4GNKc3my2m9sOt1oz2eCAa1OwwcsPBzZq13l3N59Izf-2F4fygeVXKmYWC3G4R-2Fo-2F-2Bbp16q-2F-2B5wIXyh1tn8PcEVes1SU7kObHNwIgZ28Roo92bwTsduqNCPlrMxzFdY6edLNt8aiKsaOj3j2RBirEeRRsfPyjGM167Zz575A-3Db4dq_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkNuxc46OuU5lo5lUzOkxbZZiewfbZnsgi6GeTGOqGadkVwjnMTSi-2FdExG9S3EG5sxAtKhBsaBFQ-2BcYfiQHuL-2FPRBku11eebXUcLFe-2BZ3DRr3MaHyJ9TjDYItJQUjsHV877qSkAWW-2FDAZ3lQxZ4rtCc0p80ffVE1afLlfzIEjTYCbw88f0TsPPkDTZD-2FZ-2FZvCpQ-3D&source=gmail&ust=1697477108588000&usg=AOvVaw205Hq6gmCpEeUkEklJNy0p" href="https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=YYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aj-2FCOuLnNW-2FU7yoEpTTseHEEeYFfxa1ia8RtQMWNcAIK1oq24Pbzlnw8q6WkochswXDI8Z13tdNDqkgzsHIsH1xy02WT6y7gy3s-2BX4Vs5IN83sUWJjLlM8-2FZpTjql1E2nQ-2FcNSm5zaasN2wnSZWJ0DKmeAlZx4E3xyEdoxxLlgfcTS9Y9ys92wD0k0fHUxMzvmCIEx4GNKc3my2m9sOt1oz2eCAa1OwwcsPBzZq13l3N59Izf-2F4fygeVXKmYWC3G4R-2Fo-2F-2Bbp16q-2F-2B5wIXyh1tn8PcEVes1SU7kObHNwIgZ28Roo92bwTsduqNCPlrMxzFdY6edLNt8aiKsaOj3j2RBirEeRRsfPyjGM167Zz575A-3Db4dq_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkNuxc46OuU5lo5lUzOkxbZZiewfbZnsgi6GeTGOqGadkVwjnMTSi-2FdExG9S3EG5sxAtKhBsaBFQ-2BcYfiQHuL-2FPRBku11eebXUcLFe-2BZ3DRr3MaHyJ9TjDYItJQUjsHV877qSkAWW-2FDAZ3lQxZ4rtCc0p80ffVE1afLlfzIEjTYCbw88f0TsPPkDTZD-2FZ-2FZvCpQ-3D" id="m_-6375786361012376587link-1959-50" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://anchor.fm/craig-gray1/<wbr></wbr>episodes/122-The-Great-<wbr></wbr>Pumpkin-e1pq7rg</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6375786361012376587text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Spirits of the Dead</b></span><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Edgar Allen Poe </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Published 1829)</span></div></div><div id="m_-6375786361012376587text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Thy soul shall find itself alone</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>'Mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone --</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Not one, of all the crowd, to pry</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Into thine hour of secrecy:</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Be silent in that solitude</b></i></div><div><i><b> Which is not loneliness -- for then</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>The spirits of the dead who stood</b></i></div><div><i><b> In life before thee are again</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>In death around thee -- and their will</b></i></div><div><i><b>Shall then overshadow thee: be still.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>For the night -- tho' clear -- shall frown --</b></i></div><div><i><b>And the stars shall look not down,</b></i></div><div><i><b>From their high thrones in the Heaven,</b></i></div><div><i><b>With light like Hope to mortals given --</b></i></div><div><i><b>But their red orbs, without beam,</b></i></div><div><i><b>To thy weariness shall seem</b></i></div><div><i><b>As a burning and a fever</b></i></div><div><i><b>Which would cling to thee for ever :</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>Now are thoughts thou shalt not banish --</b></i><div><i><b>Now are visions ne'er to vanish --</b></i></div><div><i><b>From thy spirit shall they pass</b></i></div><div><i><b>No more -- like dew-drop from the grass:</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>The breeze -- the breath of God -- is still --</b></i></div><div><i><b>And the mist upon the hill</b></i></div><div><i><b>Shadowy -- shadowy -- yet unbroken,</b></i></div><div><i><b>Is a symbol and a token --</b></i></div><div><i><b>How it hangs upon the trees,</b></i></div><div><i><b>A mystery of mysteries! </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>by Edgar Allan Poe</i></div><div><i>(published 1829)</i></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6375786361012376587text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Happy Trick or Treating! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6375786361012376587text-21022" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; padding-top: 10px;"><div>Keep going,</div><div><b><i>Craig</i></b></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-45218937073492008592023-10-23T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-23T04:00:00.140-07:00Rocktober!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAtXUJRS7HP4E37A2bde6QjbjXLte7JFInMjC2pjvygax2TXZBJM44l-a8GO7RwIbBEo5fh0ecaLu7NkFL-o4GwxL_qiXv3L7ULRy3D3eSpo28TDNlVd0z2c9XhC5PsNI9PpJN_TIDXLpjqH630cOGhw4yOFJhfyuxDtP0DCdiDWqhgceNYDpd67NTHQ/s4032/PeaceWalker%20LIVE%202023%20Group-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAtXUJRS7HP4E37A2bde6QjbjXLte7JFInMjC2pjvygax2TXZBJM44l-a8GO7RwIbBEo5fh0ecaLu7NkFL-o4GwxL_qiXv3L7ULRy3D3eSpo28TDNlVd0z2c9XhC5PsNI9PpJN_TIDXLpjqH630cOGhw4yOFJhfyuxDtP0DCdiDWqhgceNYDpd67NTHQ/w400-h300/PeaceWalker%20LIVE%202023%20Group-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Holy cow!! What a fantastic weekend!! What weekend?! The last weekend of September and the first weekend of October!</span></p><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>We had our first annual PeaceWalker LIVE Camp and it was off the hook! </div><div><br /></div><div>We had about 30 people attend through out the three day weekend event. </div><div><br /></div><div>15 instructors did some fantastic breakout sessions too! </div><div><br /></div><div>As a matter of fact, this camp put the spotlight on our own PeaceWalker / Krav Community! </div><div><br /></div><div>I began by laying the groundwork on what is this PeaceWalker Path is and how it all ties in together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I handed several breakout sessions to our community member instructors. We also did some adventure challenges. A ropes course, trust fall and other team building activates. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can check out all the pics on our instagram page here: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn%3DYYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aAJTWOSF4ZWePHHDcnrh2m3ULWi01Nrz2FMWBZH868J8fHLNhlZhPbzBA40k4aGD-2BnOOO9ZARK5fDAMOJMcvjoEc4jaZ6d93wdPSB9DLdzgxQDzThOQTK09onGdb2a82AwDKrj60NQd6SPGMmHQEkQjfPh6EWkI1eNao0aOA1xMWcAJ5Ys5e68jG7rEr55D-2FbBwYOgnBuOPxz2s6d9-2FOCskcsmHPSgICn-2FBmUlDtp9IPrZf4dszvWLoSis7q6HisKyUudKjZ-2BwRadprt-2F9oirR3APN-2FsGH4Sv-2FDxXfd-2BstjvA0VeVEQSBc3zXVi2T1cJIKJ7hrqgkyjfcYSxD48pnJA-3D-3DoeYr_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkOKBFwxnciEYVhoqul8gWbHGhce6d04KDyWir7UHJxB-2FY0nErG-2BfgTkJSLp6zUC1wPNVwiwiFYYxZCzFdLRCYlpxEzatpqZkiM4M0Uszy-2Bi3H4n73717UahiRnnM7kfXj6aQ80SH-2B6rikFqyQLH5FKPcPBI6C-2BUwyj4HDjYp9g5ud2hwppsCGFO-2BzJJhIKyKm4-3D&source=gmail&ust=1697475896374000&usg=AOvVaw2wwPCeHdgaaSyqJTS6XDcP" href="https://u4664126.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=YYhWUghoqPlCyADslZ6vLDSgMMlZ5mDwiN-2BGHyxVfWXBX71DMUll36zRexllcK1aAJTWOSF4ZWePHHDcnrh2m3ULWi01Nrz2FMWBZH868J8fHLNhlZhPbzBA40k4aGD-2BnOOO9ZARK5fDAMOJMcvjoEc4jaZ6d93wdPSB9DLdzgxQDzThOQTK09onGdb2a82AwDKrj60NQd6SPGMmHQEkQjfPh6EWkI1eNao0aOA1xMWcAJ5Ys5e68jG7rEr55D-2FbBwYOgnBuOPxz2s6d9-2FOCskcsmHPSgICn-2FBmUlDtp9IPrZf4dszvWLoSis7q6HisKyUudKjZ-2BwRadprt-2F9oirR3APN-2FsGH4Sv-2FDxXfd-2BstjvA0VeVEQSBc3zXVi2T1cJIKJ7hrqgkyjfcYSxD48pnJA-3D-3DoeYr_8v1oiglDsxoz3ESReAizyh1184frxmpnEP5BOYhkKkOKBFwxnciEYVhoqul8gWbHGhce6d04KDyWir7UHJxB-2FY0nErG-2BfgTkJSLp6zUC1wPNVwiwiFYYxZCzFdLRCYlpxEzatpqZkiM4M0Uszy-2Bi3H4n73717UahiRnnM7kfXj6aQ80SH-2B6rikFqyQLH5FKPcPBI6C-2BUwyj4HDjYp9g5ud2hwppsCGFO-2BzJJhIKyKm4-3D" id="m_-6340924230900510522link-5814-241" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/<wbr></wbr>peacewalkerlife/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wait a Minute... All of Them?!</b></span></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>We had an impressive crew of participants and instructors: Accomplished martial artists, police, teachers, counselors, nurses, doctors, EMT's, professors, pastors, military...</div><div><br /></div><div>All Protectors!</div><div><br /></div><div>All PeaceWalkers!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you made it! </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, plan on coming next years! </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522image-85" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgxEJM0U68E9zXGGLNcLSo1QCiQ0UzQEjG_TcuoOL0n5_vIazUpdAXaemaHepZNs_YR-CH4kM2PQgRNotz7aWIU_DISvzERGfk8sexEikNxAYu9Lz5mwwKDzaSHRiKpmAxwxuY6Hal3b4Yr4uYsqYds6kAR6rMigse6IKGy-Fs-Z-Ir_jbHe7cx0l3K3_20mCITjeMUlI-eurm2Fu35wx8u8v8n=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; max-width: 500px; outline: 0px; width: 498.667px;" tabindex="0" /></a></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522image-84292" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; padding-top: 20px;"><a><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiEffqw-MiYQmz1JIE4fX52YZDArw7uMCO8SFd0XN5cqrdj-_-WCRKshfXfpJmJGR25ht4GYrBGu3yjv3Orw0F2Qa8eH_TDa6jG6MSLHw1O82dx1bgyNYu0mwycpPWZP3o3quBqm5JSlJafRfc0fwG4EfwFLFVs-FniHxLIQMbB0LeF0tbuUAum4olLtkx9VHb8HCbgnTy16U4pKNXpFyn63w=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; max-width: 500px; outline: 0px; width: 498.667px;" tabindex="0" /></a></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Learn, Live, Leverage, Lead</b></span></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522image-100" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; padding-top: 30px; text-align: center;"><a><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjrVWumnynY7W4yqAHBW4ybKKWwlNJKMVMIZIeZPPkuQkTcYdt3WUV2wV5nWfxAYGgOPCciPKEDAkWxCwu8ErAzI_V-Au5uyFIw05wxnfqHsIYW9a_vSLh0POdWreEyHpZ_hpnhiqMfqZM8sBp29A6UOzqzJ4RacSjnWkuKIsbgIQznTloaPfMq3RTel2JxFPyE7wyuLh9wn_KpGG2DlQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; max-width: 500px; outline: 0px; width: 299px;" tabindex="0" width="299" /></a></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Someone was wondering what the difference was between this camp and the Evolution Retreat that we had earlier this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well...</div><div><br /></div><div>Evolution is a certification course / retreat. You go to that to get the PeaceWalker Operating System Hardwired into you! It's a step by step course giving you the complete basic system to self defense, leadership and personal development.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whereas...</div><div><br /></div><div>PeaceWalker LIVE Conference is about connecting with the community and learning from one another (in a weekend camp). It is held outdoors (w/pavilions). Although I introduce the basic PeaceWalker framework it's not a course. This event is about community and sharing. We have breakout sessions, train, and do adventure team building challenges, then we cook out and have a grand ole' time!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a really cool experience! </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to get and stay connected to this PeaceWalker path in order to get the operating system for a safer, more powerful Life and the tools of sustainment to Keep Going!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a Lifestyle, not just a bunch of techniques!</div><div><br /></div><div>More on this later...</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope your Rocktober is off to a good start!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6340924230900510522text-21022" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; padding-top: 10px;"><div>Keep going,</div><div><b><i>~Craig</i></b></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-74593456021593213882023-10-16T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-16T04:00:00.150-07:00Look For the Helpers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YEMVQcpp4dXeovudmv-gEYKKL9XigT7WN6ftWI4goFsVL5RW_Q7oght4h0_wS_MzfR_irEjd0xctwd5AsRcFbQIKyTqCfzZwuXdY2cjrq6_tWk37W2p1DNfYMVTRhh71-6pf-8ekq5mq0yn5OGLdAvgf-s0AGfTBqHGIXjTBIddl5DcMWgr8IHXPqmM/s3000/FEAR-OF-DARK-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YEMVQcpp4dXeovudmv-gEYKKL9XigT7WN6ftWI4goFsVL5RW_Q7oght4h0_wS_MzfR_irEjd0xctwd5AsRcFbQIKyTqCfzZwuXdY2cjrq6_tWk37W2p1DNfYMVTRhh71-6pf-8ekq5mq0yn5OGLdAvgf-s0AGfTBqHGIXjTBIddl5DcMWgr8IHXPqmM/s320/FEAR-OF-DARK-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p>All of this talk about the war in Israel and war can get overwhelming. The endless news reports and social media sharing. The graphic images and discussions about violence, killing, rape and torture. The talk between family and friends about what's happening in the Middle East. All of this can affect our kids. </span><p></p><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Our children sometimes over hear these discussions and see the graphic images and begin to become fearful. </div><div><br /></div><div>When they see adults get upset they pick up on that too. </div><div><br /></div><div>They may be direct about it.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>"Mom/Dad all this talk about terrorism, violence and war is making me feel uneasy and anxious."</i></div><div> </div><div>But more than likely, their feelings may not be expressed directly or clearly. This anxiety and fear becomes displaced. It's seemingly ambiguous sometimes. </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The War on Fear</b></span></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Remember your kids look to you on how to deal with things. They are relying on you for a sense of safety and security. </div><div><br /></div>Here's some basic tips on How To Talk To Your Children About Conflict & War:<div><br /><div><i><b>~ Find out what they know and how they feel... </b>Listen to them.</i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>~ Keep the discussion calm and age-appropriate.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>~ Spread compassion, not stigma.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Conflict can often bring with it prejudice and discrimination, whether against a people or country. Even if a conflict is happening in a distant country, it can fuel discrimination on your doorstep. Check that your children are not experiencing or contributing to bullying. If they have been called names or bullied at school, encourage them to tell you or an adult whom they trust.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>~Close the conversation on a positive note. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i><b>~ Continue to check in w/them, </b>see how they're doing, let them know you're there. </i></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>~ Limit the of news they consume </i></b>(social & traditional media and your conversations about it as well!)</div><div><br /></div><div>AND...</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Focus on the Helpers!</b></span></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Rogers (you know from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood) said that...</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”</b></i></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-12075" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Becoming a Better Helper...</b></span></div><div id="m_-4026963749493863694text-58" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If you are interested in a simple yet effective system to help you become a better Protector... </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">If you want the confidence that you can protect yourself and those you love from more than just physical threats. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">...Then, here's an opportunity for you.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Discover an approach that allows you to lead your life's purpose with greater conviction... More clarity, confidence, agency and power.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Join me in my free home study course where I will show you a simple approach to protecting yourself (and your loved ones) and leading a healthier, happier, more powerful life. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Keep going,</span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">~Craig</span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-12432125855065278892023-10-09T10:04:00.001-07:002023-10-15T10:11:25.952-07:00The Shock of a Surprise Attack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGIwzNvfpPI7nk88SRO2h7SVqWh_pEVIzFNrhi1yjuwIHYOeFaKXZJM5umr9uAjk-NsP5p4GZcBPxxMP4wOVMtMwVRW_GPHKS4Jj2L_StVhDkDntZSr7GxJJX7h91zgBPy4vyxyy22iPZJlVvd6BwleuxKKTXkUtoMfJ8eG8-U4xYBisnKfYaTxHdJcg/s480/Israel%20Declares%20War%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGIwzNvfpPI7nk88SRO2h7SVqWh_pEVIzFNrhi1yjuwIHYOeFaKXZJM5umr9uAjk-NsP5p4GZcBPxxMP4wOVMtMwVRW_GPHKS4Jj2L_StVhDkDntZSr7GxJJX7h91zgBPy4vyxyy22iPZJlVvd6BwleuxKKTXkUtoMfJ8eG8-U4xYBisnKfYaTxHdJcg/w400-h300/Israel%20Declares%20War%202023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I was out in New Jersey when I heard that Israel was under surprise attack by Hamas, a terrorist organization controlling the Gaza Strip. Then to make matters worse Hezbollah,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> (the terrorist group largely controlling Lebanon), </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">also staged an attack. </span></p><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>These surprise attacks came at an especially vulnerable time, as the Israel celebrated Sukkot a seven days holiday that commemorates how the Jewish people were sheltered and protected on their long journey from Egypt to Israel — as well as celebrating the abundance of the annual harvest.</div><div><br /></div><div>The casualties continue to mount and, I predict, will continue to over the next several days / weeks ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div>After hearing all of this, I immediately thought of my Israeli friends and collogues who live there. Some are in the army, or other protective services position (or their kids are), where others are (very) concerned citizens. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every one of them that I contacted so far is alive and well for the moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to everyone there. I Hope that they are able to do what's necessary to re-establish safety and peace. I fear that it's going to get uglier yet, before this is through... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Surprise Attacks Don't Only Happen in War!</b></span></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Being taken off your guard is not only devastating in war, it can happen in your own life as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>This could take the form of a...</div><div><br /></div><div>Violent physical attack on your person...or one of your loved ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Getting hacked and having your data stolen from criminals who steal your money and identity (like what happened to all of those casinos in Las Vegas last week).</div><div><br /></div><div>This <i>'Surprise Attack' </i>could be your significant other saying they want a divorce (like what has happened to several of my friends recently).</div><div><br /></div><div>...or unexpectedly getting laid off or fired from your job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, these events I talk about may not be as impactful as a war, but they still can be devestating to your life and life of your loved ones. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Bottom Line Is...</b></span></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-19" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>Being taken off guard and finding yourself under attack when you are vulnerable and are least expecting it, is not only stressful, but can be critical to your Life and the lives of your loved ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>No, you can't be totally prepared for everything, sometimes you will be sacked and taken off guard by things you weren't anticipating. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, learn how to <b><i>be</i> <i>prepared</i></b> w/o becoming callous or paranoid... </div><div><br /></div><div>But also, <b><i>have</i> </b><i><b>confidence</b> </i>in your resilience and your ability to improvise, adapt and overcome any situation life throws at you.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Have hope</b> </i>that people can change for the better, even if you have to 'do what's necessary' to protect yourself and others from them now and above all...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Have faith</i></b> that even when bad things happen, God has your back in ways you may not be able to imagine yet.</div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-80863" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Join Me in an Evolution... </b></span></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-80863" style="background-color: white; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Go to </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com " target="_blank">https://sixdaydefense.com </a>for my free home study course on how to protect yourself and your loved ones better. Plant the seeds of becoming a PeaceWalker!</span></span></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-80863" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep going,</span></span></div><div id="m_-6354403787529089299text-80863" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~Craig</span></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455411305065777677.post-18368182742059351922023-10-02T04:00:00.001-07:002023-10-02T04:00:00.157-07:00Patience?!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6UVJtEAidtcn2hVw5Rn9dDNBBOrNgnpzgNz0CF3OL8Tub2jzEVj_hADMiDhmnNBhzWV20sUMp9aQHHLS7m9ZsUvLyDLh80U8VncFnBlzF84eII8p2O3C1M77z86JCx3N8jVkORhYA1xAbKxnnlpovIvb53FAxanPJPDcdT9VqMrH6XkQ62cXgofwcDY/s1200/Patience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6UVJtEAidtcn2hVw5Rn9dDNBBOrNgnpzgNz0CF3OL8Tub2jzEVj_hADMiDhmnNBhzWV20sUMp9aQHHLS7m9ZsUvLyDLh80U8VncFnBlzF84eII8p2O3C1M77z86JCx3N8jVkORhYA1xAbKxnnlpovIvb53FAxanPJPDcdT9VqMrH6XkQ62cXgofwcDY/w400-h210/Patience.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Patience.</span></p><div id="m_1289655276620598203text-2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>A word that we heard as kids. A word we still hear, but haven't grown to like any better. </div><div><br /></div><div>For most adults, it's a just a word. In our instant gratification worlds patience is something we rarely really feel the full weight of, but it still has influence over us. </div><div><br /></div><div>A buddy of mine is in the process of losing 40 pounds he's doing it the right way. He's lost about 27 so far and has another 13 to go. He's shedding about 2 to 3 pounds per week, so that means he'll be at his diet for another couple months. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a (relatively) slow, methodical, day in and day out process. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a choice he makes every day, every meal, every snack. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's the same for folks who walk into my local Krav Maga Academy. Learning takes patience, because it takes time. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to learn to enjoy the process, because it IS a process. </div><div><br /></div><div>The same holds true for learning anything. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOWEVER...</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Just because time is passing doesn't mean you're improving.</div><div><br /></div><div>Compare these two students:</div><div><br /></div><div>Both have been training for 1 year, however one goes to class 3x per week, whereas the other only goes 1x per week and often misses at least one class per month. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the end of the year, the first student has gone to 156 ish classes (52 x 3). The second student has only gone to about 40 classes (1 x per week (52) - minus one class per month (12 ).</div><div><br /></div><div>That's a HUGE difference!</div><div><br /></div><div>We could also go into how much each student practices on their own, outside of class. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, yes, of course you have to cross reference this with natural aptitude or past experience for whatever the endeavor is.</div><div><br /></div><div>But years put in, doesn't usually reflect skill. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been 'playing' guitar since I was 13, but to say I've been playing for 40 years wouldn't be accurate. More to the point I probably worked at it for 8 years and spent the last 38 repeating those first eight.</div><div><br /></div><div>My playing has drastically diminished over the years because I haven't been dedicated to it for decades. </div><div><br /></div><div>I see this in martial artists too. </div><div><br /></div><div>They say, "I've been training for 10 years."</div><div><br /></div><div>In reality they have two years of training 5 times over! =)</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's not even get into how martial arts training isn't always teaching you functional skills to protect yourself in the types of situations you would normally run into in an encounter.(That's a story for another day!) </div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div><div id="m_1289655276620598203text-13078" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Protecting Yourself...</b></span></div><div id="m_1289655276620598203text-8" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to protecting yourself. You've heard me say that you were already born a Protector...</div><div><br /></div><div>HOWEVER...</div><div><br /></div><div>It does take some time to be more clear, confident and more effective at it. </div><div><br /></div><div>You have to find an approach that resonates with you. Then stay the course and enjoy the journey!<br /><br /></div><div>It's easy to get distracted, discouraged or waylaid.</div><div><br /></div><div>You have to be very mindful and deliberate about your training, especially if your training is ongoing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless...</div><div><br /></div><div>Have Patience and...</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Going! </div><div><br /></div></div><div id="m_1289655276620598203text-17161" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; padding-top: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Is There a Shortcut!?</b></span></div><div id="m_1289655276620598203text-19" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As I said, you have to have patience, however there is a faster way to get there. It deals with how and what you train.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm talking about a faster way to gain more confidence in conflict. To increase your ability to protect yourself. To become a better leader and live a better life.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">These are the skills most people seek out when they want to learn self defense. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's not bad joining a martial arts class. As a matter of fact, I'd recommend it...</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />UNFORTUNATELY...</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It takes most people several years of training a few times per week to develop the skills they were hoping for. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">And the fact of the matter is that most people simply don't stay the course. Most drop out because they lose interest before they gain the skills. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">They get discouraged, distracted. or life simply gets in the way. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Other commitments and responsibilities take the front seat over training.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So, this is why I put together a program to get you where you want to go faster. </div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's my free home study course. Get it here:</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://sixdaydefense.com/">https://sixdaydefense.com/</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Keep Going,</span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">~Craig</span></div></div>Craig Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06361124891506214318noreply@blogger.com0