December 30, 2004
Mending orphans shoes; A DL Christmas Miracle!
* Noble WF Online Student and former Broadway dancer, Diana Eden, has used DL and Appropriate Action
to help many orphans this holy-day season!
Dear Steve and Ananda
I don't know if you have been following the Shoe Goo story, but it is a
lovely one, truly appropriate for the season of giving, and all due to your
DL.
Initially I read the post from Scott Richardson about his work with the
orphans in Afghanistan, and we have been corresponding ever since.
On a chance, I googled the Shoe Goo company and wrote the company asking if
they would donate some shoe Goo to help mend the shoes of those in need.I
think the company is in Japan, but after a few emails from around the world,
the message below went out.
Thank you Bob C for your generosity and for hearing the call to action, for
organizing the sending of your product, and for your zebra sole idea !! :)
Thanks, Scott for caring about the kids. Thanks Steve for communicating good
things around the world on your website.
Love to all
Diana
------ Forwarded Message
From: "Robert F. Connelly"
To: Scott Richardson
Cc: Diana Eden
Subject: Re: Mending orphans shoes
At 06:42 PM 12/20/04, Scott Richardson wrote:
God Bless, Semper Fi - Scott Richardson/Warrior USMC
Diana Eden
Dear Scott: Today I mailed about 29 tubes of Shoe Goo from Placentia,
California. They were sent Priority Mail to APO AE, from which they will
be picked up by the military
There is a mixture of colors, approximately as follows:
Natural 7
Black 16
White 6
Just thinking, you could create a fashion for zebra striped soles.-}
Best wishes in you endeavors:-)
Cordially, BobC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert F. Connelly
International Technical Trading, Inc.
Asahi Sanbancho Plaza #211
7-1 Sanban-cho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0075, Japan
------ End of Forwarded Message
***
Noble WF Online Student Eden;
�Activity is better than inertia. Act, but with self control. If you are lazy, you cannot even sustain your own body.
The world is imprisoned in its own activity, except when actions are performed as worship of God. Therefore you must perform every action sacramentally, and be free from all attachment to results.�
- Bhagavad Gita. Chapter 3
(Translation by Swami Prabhavanda and Christopher Isherwood, Barnes & Noble, 1995)
�Ripples make waves.�
- Wholistic Fitness
In your unasked yet Appropriate Action, Student Eden, you have exemplified the gift of giving as was forwarded to you by your Noble WF Teacher, Ananda. WF is in-deed a very powerful, worldwide Vehicle of the Giving Spirit. May many more of our DL Readers learn to �read between the Direct Lines,� as have you for the numerous avenues i leave open for willing WF Warriors to engage Appropriate Action.
On behalf of your WF Teacher Ananda, as well as the worldwide WF Tribe who �sweat to the tune of a different drummer,�
i bow to you
during this
Holy-Day
week!
i bow to orphans with repaired shoes...may they Dance with Delight tingling their precious souls/soles!
well done, Noble Warrioress Eden!
merry namaste!
coach ilg
December 29, 2004
Walking On Water, Engaged AA For Thailand, Student Input on Ego and Nutrition, and Ragin' RJ!
�
Who says a mountain yogi cannot walk on water? One of my Sacred Spaces cloaked in her winter wardrobe; Las Conchas Canyon in the mystical Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. Wild trout still somehow survive long months in these near freeezing 10,000' canyon waters beneath a shield of ice. This was my first visit to Las Conchas in quite a while. i am pleased to see the young generations of rock climbers have produced a number of fine, difficult routes alongside my first ascent lines which i put up in the late eighties. It is an interesting thing to grow older. life moves faster, familiar old rocks, new streams of insights. Emotions rise. the Practice is to witness the emotions, treasure them, and...the difficult part; let them go. "Feel everything, hold on to nothing," as Yoga Teacher Blanchard says. photo of Coach taken two days ago, by Ananda.
***
ENGAGED "AA" PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT FOR ALL ACTIVE WF STUDENTS:
Noble WF Online Students...
it is time for an Engaged Practice.
as you know, my third WF Lifestyle Principle is Appropriate Action.
as you all also know, Mother Nature waved Her pinkie finger beneath the Atlantic Ocean, giving rise to a sea of human pain and suffering. thousands upon thousands have lost their precious lives. the suffering has merely begun.
instead of watching the drama of it on TV, i need you, my Devoted Online WF Tribe
to honor the Prakritic Force of Water and the gunic quality of rajas (Shiva as the Destroyer)
and engage Active Prayer for those dying of thirst in Thailand without access to drinkable water because of animal and human
corpses and bacterical pollution to do the following WF Assignment:
* Limit all personal shower time to 8 minutes.
* During these 8 minutes, bring your Awareness to Anahata Chakra
* While keeping Anahata Chakra open, feel compassion for those dying of thirst without access to water
in Thailand, India, et. al. Allow this feeling of Compassion to lather you.
* then, to rinse the lather, feel gratitude for living where you do and for all the Beings that bring water to you so conveniently, each day. rinse yourself with Gratitude.
* Know that Personal Fitness, if it is to be genuine and helpful, must be based upon an ongoing lathering of Compassion for all Beings and a daily rinsing of Gratitude for all that we have.
In the days, months, years ahead; Continue this 8-Minute Shower Of Compassion and Gratitude Assignment for as long as you TAF (WF Lingo for Think & Feel) it to be Appropriate Action for your Practice, temperament, abilities, and karmic purity. Prayers are paltry unless accompanied by Engaged Appropriate Action. Saving water, no matter where you live, saves lives of animals, millions of dollars of electricity, and helps many other Beings. Do not be greedy in your shower. WF Warriors never linger in comfort. We savor it, appreciate it, thank God for it, then without attachment to comfort, move on to our next Appropriate Action.
That is all.
I bow to your Devoted Online WF Studies...WF Warriors will Awaken the World, by one Appropriate Action linked by another...this is our humble, yet Powerful Way.
Namaste and may all Beings Know Happiness,
coach ilg
founder/Wholistic Fitness Personal Training
***
Wanna help us Awaken the World, oh Noble Fitness Warrior?
Join WF Online Studies in 2005...
we've got quite a Mission
and we need those with (genuine) Fitness Vision!
visit the Online Tribal Catalog today and sign up for Online Training!
***
"So much for feeling guilty! You guys should really warn people that
embracing Wholistic Fitness is a bit like stopping during a walk along the
beach to sit on a rock, only to realize that the rock is a WHALE that takes
you out to sea on a strange, mysterious journey that you have no time to
prepare for. Needless to say, I'm enjoying the ride.
Online WF Student Mike Singer (Teacher Sheader Clan)"
***
OH MAN!!! That letter from Semper Fi Scott in Afghanistan just kills!!! Sent chills down my spine! What a reach WF has baby...
WW
***
Coach Sheader,
Just a couple more observations�the ego that associates itself with this body is still recovering from heavy weightlifters anonymous. The younger football power lifting days of 500 pound squats, 300 pound benches, heavy cleans are still embedded there somewhere. Those years also have taken their toll on my joints and functional strength. Shoulders, elbows, back all feel the pain of ST. The knees have held out remarkably well, probably because I quit squatting heavy first. The ego had to keep benching heavy of course. My little girls, however, probably have more functional strength than I do. My point is that while I no longer am capable of or desiring to lift heavy, I think functional bodyweight exercises like dips, chins, pushups, one leg squats, and obviously yoga are most beneficial to me as well as the lighter high rep style of many of the WF techniques. It still amazes me how one can be weight strong and so functionally weak.� Anyway, notice that I said ..recovering from�
WF and HP Yoga have given me an entirely new mindset on strength and how to train this aging body and I am eagerly anticipating the yoga prop DVD.
Namaste�
Tim
***
Because I tend to overlook apparently easy and simple
experiences,� I made a point to read Coach Ilg�s
introduction before (and sometimes during) each
workout: �The real trick is to master the entire
workout from start to finish with unwavering attention
to posture and lifting tempo.�
I bought raw steak from a natural food store. I
imagined the cow when I carried the flesh to the
register. I�m telling you, when I rinsed the meat, I
could feel good energy in it. After I cooked it, I
brought it to the table and sat with my father.� I lit
a candle and explained the significance of the flame:
we are doing our best to be enlightened meat-eaters. I
placed a statue of (the trim) Buddha on one side of
the table to remind us of moderation and awareness in
eating. I placed two small elephant sculptures on the
table to remind us of the animal kingdom, in
particular their wisdom and strength, which I now must
consume to survive.
I thanked the animal that died for us to eat.
I know it is unfair that an animal should die so I
should live, but that is my decision. I want to live.
- Student Starling in an Online Report to WF Teacher Ananda
***
� You must savor the fragrance of a posture. Until you are relaxed,
you cannot savor the fragrance.� - B.K.S. Iyengar
contributed by Ananda
***
Steve,
In 1997(I believe), I read your outdoor magazine article. At the time I was a personal trainer for 9 years with decent success. I became intrigued (alright, let�s face it�I was jacked!) with your teachings. A couple of months later, I was hiking Camelback in Scottsdale and you ran past me on your way up. I got chills because I knew immediately it was you. After your run, we met down at the rest area, and you invited me to REI where you were giving a talk followed by a session at the local gym. Wow!
Many things have happened in my life since then. 3 months ago a friend of mine in Pa. (I live in Northern Ca.), sent me an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer about your book. Amazing! She had no idea who you were or that I had heard of you! I found the book, read it�I am back in the fitness industry with a stronger mindset, more wisdom, and a mentor that I am finally ready for. I began Green Tara today (I know I know It�s Monday).
�My future aspirations involve an Institute for people on the Transformational Journey at any level. My vision grows each day and I would like to thank you for providing nutrients for my growth. I am manifesting a path in my life right now that is exciting and difficult at the same time. Your program and teachings allow me to follow and achieve as I learn to lead on a larger scale.
One thing we have in common, correct me if I am wrong, we are exactly the same age�May 27, 1962. Except I believe in the slide presentation I saw you do, you said you were born under a rock?
I look forward to�everything�yet learning to enjoy the moment,
Future Warrior,
Dan Brown
Santa Rosa Ca.
*
Noble Tribal Brother From A Different Mother...
Sacred Circles can never be broken,
not even by lifetimes...
i would LOVE to see you hook up with WF Online Training someday...
would love to share the deeper dimensions of WF with you...
yep, same chronological birthday
(this time around!)...
love and keep reading DIRECT LINES!
namaste,
coach ilg
**
"...on the WF Chi Cap! As good as it looks on Anandajoy, that doesn't begin to let anyone know how great it FEELS on the head. Wow! what a fit(ness) treat! And the brim is perfect! I'm off for a weeklong family vacation in Puerto Vallarta where I will wear it to keep the Mexican sun out of my eyes!
hugs and kisses,
LP
***
Coach Counsels A Warrior Struggles To Battle Anger During Divorce
IlgBro,
Your words ring so clear.� It is however so difficult to remain concious and yet unconcious at the same time.� I have been developing to skill at bluring my vision as I move arround our little town.� trying not to turn my head when I see a car like her's , or her's go by... Its really not like me... I have practised paying attention to details for so long.��
� the only details which matter
are those which lead you Higher.
RE:
If I was a better artist or perhaps had a better grasp of my craft I should think of it as a gift... to feel so much... and in such equal measures of pain and relief.� But at times it is as though this creative fuel is merely cord upon cord of wood piled higher and higher around a house with no place in which to burn it...� until it becomes a pyre or a scaffold to be set a flame.
- {name withheld for privacy}
� wise discrimination must be found
nay,
sifted
from so many tenuous human emotions.
application of skillful means,
perhaps best accessed via conscious breathing during impulsion,
shall endlessly gift the Warrior his inner weaponry for the Ascent Higher than Anger, Bitterness, Regret, and Revenge.
do not let anyone take away your Spiritual Skills to Rise Above.
let everyone
sharpen them.
love,
ilgbro
***
Another Ragin' RJ Throws Down Some WF PushUps!
{Note; this entry is R-Rated for Chi-Inspired Language}
Ilg,
I threw down the fucking chi baby!� Stacked the Ilgarandas back to back with the Jack LaLannes!� Talk about a fucking chi hit man!� Yes, I know�I�m a crazy MOFO!!!!� Fucking people gathered around man�members, other trainers, the friggin� management�they had never seen such push up chi baby!� The doctor was so impressed he�s hiring me Monday to give all his workout buddies a �push up� workout.� He�s a guy that has done 600 regular military push ups in one workout but I dropped him to the floor in five minutes!� FUCKING WF TRIBAL CHI BABY!� Oh�so you mother fuckers think I�m a pussy huh because I�m quiet in the gym and don�t strut around like a dumb jock?!!!� Oh you think I�m weak because I don�t have bulky muscles that can�t move with function.� Oh you think I�m a pussy bike rider because I shave my legs�WELL FUCKING TRY THIS SHIT MOFOS!� Then we�ll hit the weights for a cool down!�
Fucking ragin� rj cuttin� loose baby is a beautiful if not dangerous thang baby! :o)� It was oh so go(o)d tonight dude�and Monday is going to be better!� E.E. Cummings once said, �There is some shit I will not eat.�� God Dammit when I get that feeling people think I�m a dumb ass that can�t get it on the shit is coming down because I ain�t eatin� it man!
- Rj
December 27, 2004
Our Warrior's STATS Speak For Themselves!
Devoted WF Warriors and SUNRIDERS like WW, shown above with WF and HP Yoga Certified Teacher Joy �Ananda� Kilpatrick, are trained in this Path to simply enjoy their fitness and their remarkable reversal of poor health and issues will simply fade away like a pair of overly used jeans! "Medical miracles" are commonplace in my Temple of Transpersonal Fitness...yet i rarely speak of them...it's not important. Your Practice today is what matters.
Noble Fitness Warriors,
as you know by now, i rarely speak of such sterile things as medical statistics, grams and ounces of nutritional issues, bodyweight, or anything else that dilutes the color of the FUN of WHOLISTIC FITNESS. i figure, if i can spark your SPIRIT, and train your MIND, then PHYSICAL health and extraordinary functional fitness comes along for the ride. it�s been working for 25 years for myself and thousands of others.
I will admit however, that upon hearing the frequent statistics which are sent to me, i see those sterile statistics themselves begin to dance and reflect the amazing TRANSFORMATION inherent to those who enjoy and follow the WF Path! i bow to those of you, like WW and Ananda, who trusted in my humble Path and apply their own sweat and spirit to the Work That Comes Through Me...check out THESE Stats sent to me by WW. take these to your doctor and say,"How about prescribing WF instead of pills to your next 'patient'!:
"Bro ilg,
As you recall, two years ago my Total Cholesterol was 248, Triglicerides were over 350... I was 162 lbs and needing a change.
Last year, I dropped 20 lbs from 162 at my worst to 142 and took my...
TCL down to 198,
Trig's down to 150,
HDL 50,
LDL 122,
Fasting Blood Sugar, 102
Monday I went in for the Blood tests and here are the results:
TCL 185 (down 13) Fucking Amazing!
LDL 108 (down 20) Excellent
HDL 56 (up 6) Excellent
TriGlis: 105 (down23) Excellent!
Thyroid: Normal
Fasting Blood level: 100 (down 2) Normal
Weight: 138-142 and holding just fine thank you.
WF Baby!!! WF!
WW"
****
Steve,
Is that Irving that Cycling Santa is climbing (photo; DL 12/25)? The driveway behind him on his right looks awful familiar, as does the view. A property I own is at the top of Irving on Alegria. The view of the Sandias behind Santa is almost identical to the one out my old office window on Alegria. New Mexico is a heavenly place. Enjoy your holiday.
Peace,
Steven Blondeau
Winder, GA
*Cycling Santa has forwarded his answer to you through me; �Nope. Guess again! You�re pretty close though!�
- love,
coach ilg
***
Dear Steve, It looks as though you're enjoying your holiday. Direct lines is the best. Whenever i come home the first thing i do is to go to Direct Lines. I'm looking forward to the next generation of DL. When you can i would like to talk to you about working on maybe a combined on-line with perodic calls. Please let me know when we can get started. In the meantime have a great holiday season. Love, Kendo
***
Sender Name: marilyn
Message: Reading the story of Ilg\'s journey that in some ways parralels my own brought tears and hope thank you.
I have been a competitive swimmer and outdoor enthusiasist my entire life. My first introduction to Yoga was as a teen ager while recuperating from a skiing injury. Yoga has been an integral part of my life ever since. In 1997 while climbing in the Grand Tetons I fell 750 feet down a snow field and walked out.. After the fall I completed a number of sun salutations.. I kept thinking if i keep moving I will live.. I hiked out 9 miles with a 60 pack and never looked back. Over the course of the next four months I began to lose all sensation in my left side, I had developed bell\'s palsy in my face and was walking with a bizzare lopsided gate. I finally went to see a neurosugeon. I had multiple rib fractures, herniated and bulging discs at C4,5,6,7 and L5. S1,2 and 3..
I opted not to have surgery. I was given a 50/50 chance that surgery would make any difference. I told the surgeon he could keep his fifty and I take mine and see him in a year.. I have never returned.
through swimming and Yoga I made my way back.. I was blessed at the time to have a wonderful Yoga teacher that also believed in yoga as therapy and here I am today. July 18th I entered and completed my first Sprint triathalon. 400 yard swim, 12 mile ride and 3 mile run in 2 hours and 3 miniutes.. A major accomplishment .
Did I mention I am 50 years old and had a heart attack in january 2004?
through Yoga I know my body well.I had none of the risk factors for heart problems and yet I knew at the time what was happening. One hour after arriving at the ER I was about to be sent home because nothing was indicated by the tests.. I disagreed with the doc\'s and was kept for observation. 3 hours later I had 100% blockage of my left descending artery. I now have a stent.. I am on no medication. the stuff they kept trying was causing more problems then good. In July I became a noncompliant patient. I have improved my overall health and numbers by as much as 56% with diet, excersice, meditation and Yoga.. I am truly blessed.
I started looking into personal trainers because I now want to go for an Ironman competion somewhere in the next year or so.. Ilg\'s combination and philosophy is just the journey i am looking for. thanks again.
(*editor's note; you can read about coach ilg's own paralzying spine injury in his books and how the "mountaineering accident" become his Buddha Blessing and brough WF to the aid of thousands of Healing Warriors worldwide.)
***
Compassion is a far greater and nobler thing than pity. Pity has its roots in fear and carries a sense of arrogance and condescension, sometimes even a smug feeling of �I�m glad it�s not me.� As Stephen Levine says: �When your fear touches someone�s pain it becomes pity; when your love touches someone�s pain, it becomes compassion.� To train in compassion is to know that all beings are the same and suffer in similar ways, to honor all those who suffer, and to know that you are neither separate from nor superior to anyone.
- Soygal Rinpoche
Noble Fitness Warrior Joe -
RE:
On Dec 24, 2004, at 11:05 AM, Ashlyn Bradshaw wrote:
Hi Steve, My name is Joe Hayes, I am 52 6' tall 180 pounds I'm a house painter and my job can be very phyiscal. I bought your book Total Body Trans yesterday and I'm looking foward to using it. Two weeks ago�before finding out about your book I joined a great gym here in N.Carolina to help get my body back in shape
*** you focus on getting your mind into shape.
your body will follow.
RE:
to be able to perform my job better without destoying my body all the time. I have trouble
*** it's not "trouble"...it's a spiritual Wake Up Call.
your body is only doing the best it can
given the quality of Attention you have chosen to give it these decades.
RE:
in my upper back sholders and arms,�lower back also, but feel it more in my upper back. I see a chropractor, and�get a massage often.
*** a fine start.
however, you must start start turning your Healing Eye within.
no one, a chiropractor, massage therapist, or doctor can ever do what you must ultimately do:
Take Care Of, Heal, and Cultivate Your Self.
RE:
My main concern
*** do not be concerned.
just have fun realizing you are beginning to Awaken, Noble Warrior!
and the Play is about to get really, really FUN!
you have been Gifted a precious body.
you have abused it with lack of Attention and Awareness.
Now, you are coming h(om)e...
enjoy the breath,
treasure your sweat,
live your spirit.
No One buys my book(s)
unless they are re-Membering their Warrior Within!
RE:
is that I'm commeted to working with a personal trainer for the next six weeks twice a week, and I'm wondering in the format of your book, do you think it would be ok if I continue with a standard body strength training,
*** you deserve far, far better
then anything "Standard"
standard = mediocre
i don't suggest nor do i coach nor do it enjoy anything mediocre.
i like to Dance the Higher Dance
learn the Higher Wisdom
and
surrender into Sacred Joy each day, each workout, each moment that i re-Member Who I Really Am.
i
leave
mediocrity to the sleeping masses.
RE:
I like the trainer alot, I think she is well trained for what she has to offer. I also plan to use your principles along with�the gym training, incorperating yoga at the right time.�
*** i can smell your laziness from here.
NOW is the VITAL time for yoga!
there is no "right" time to begin
save for NOW!
if your personal trainer has any shred of her genuine CHI
left in her...
then she will read my book like a starving coyote tearing through filet mignon
she will See and Feel the WF Way..
she too,
will re-Member and you and her can begin sharing the
Transformation that WF has put forth into the UniVerse for the last 25 years!
RE:
I'm a very thin boned person, I feel like I'm weak in some ways
*** you are.
so am i.
so is your PT.
who cares!?
in the development of your 'weak' areas lies the hidden gems of Transformation and
endless Joys of inner discovery!
WF is all about Balance and Wholeness baby...
so quit judging yourself and get to the Warrior Work!
RE :
but I have always had a active lifestyle. I eat well(vegan, do not drink or do drugs. I'm hoping by workin within the guidlines of your book I will be able to be painfree one day and alot more flexable than I am right know.�
I know you are a busy man, but if you have time I would love to hear from you. I think your book is the best.�� Joe����
*** Noble Joe,
Arise!
your letter to me was peppered with all sorts of misspellings, grammar errors, and this Lack Of Awareness
is precisely the cause of your physical pain and the springboard of your spiritual journey.
you need WF.
i trust you will live the programs of TBT to your fullest and contact my humble Temple
for the Online Training that you (and your personal trainer) deserve.
i bow to you in Sweat and Spirit,
coach ilg
founder/WholisticFitness.com
author/Total Body Transformation
December 25, 2004
Cycling Santa says...
Earn Those Holiday Calories by expending a few of your own!
-photo of Santa by Aananda on a cold New Mexico Christmas Day
***
For as long as space exists
And sentient beings endure,
May I too remain,
To dispel the misery of the world.
- SHANTIDEVA
***
Dearest Steve:
An epic 2005 lies in waiting. The groundwork has been laid for exponential
�transcendence beyond the boundaries of our current circumstance. I am grateful to
�share in your divine insights which link kinesthesia with meditative bliss, a manifestation
�which will revolutionize our industry, and ultimately society in general. May this holiday
�season find you and all you Love in the perfect present moment.
�
��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ���������� ���� MERRY CHRISTMAS
Lance Zein, Canada
***
Keep It Simple in 2005!
Mipham, a great Tibetan master who lived around the late 1900s, was a kind of Himalayan Leonardo da Vinci. He is said to have invented a clock, a cannon, and an airplane. But once each of them was complete, he destroyed it, saying it would only be the cause of further distraction.
Merry Fitness Christmas, Oh Noble WF Tribe!
May All Beings Enjoy Their Breath and Posture on this tremendous day of opportunity to spread deep rooted Joy and Peace! After a very long and challenging year which Gifted me greater forbearance and patience than i knew existed within my cells, it was finally time for me to visit biologic and spiritual family nested along the Rio Grande. So it came to pass, Ananda and i took only a few simple weapons of the Wholistic Fitness Way...
�...a few simple weapons of the Wholistic Fitness Way.� Skis, snowboards, snowshoes, all Tools that i use to mine ever deeper appreciation of the Lord�s exquisite Creation. As Franco Columbo, the great Sicilian bodybuilder used to say, �Why travel light, when you are strong?�
Road Warrior. during my years as a sponsored climber, i would travel the highways and backroads of Turtle Island (aka; North America). during long drives i would apply yogic internal locks such as Mula Bandha and practice Pranayamic (breath control) exercises to control my mind. this mental and energetic management was required for me to stay alive in the high mountains as well as perform at world class levels. Give me an open road and i will quiet my chattering mind. As my mind quiets, God�s Beauty dances within and without!
Red Rocks, alpenglow. Window Rock, New Mexico. Capital of the Navajo Nation. H(om)e for feeble ilg. among these mystic rocks and mystic People i have several first ascents and many podium finishes in all sorts of outdoor sports. i cherish God by cherishing my love of fitness. Abuse of the body is God abuse. Under conditioning of the body is under appreciation of God�s Gift to you; Yourself! To love God, love yourself enough to get and remain Wholistically Fit; strength, cardio, yoga, meditation, and nutrition!
Some of my Teachers. The remaining head Feline Upaguru of my family; Mr. Hobbes. Mr. Hobbes is 130 years old in estimated comparative human physiologic terms. Mr. Hobbes is a living embodiment of Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. He is nothing but Love, Chi, and Bones. i bow to Mr. Hobbes. one of my Sadhanic Kriyas (Practice Goals) is to age in my body as gracefully, as lovingly, as CHI-fully as Mr. Hobbes. He still has more energy than most kittens and he knows and follows only Loving Kindness. Merry Christmas, Mr. Hobbes! (i used to take Mr. Hobbes around Boulder, Colorado with me in the eighties in a mussette while riding my motorcycle. I also used to take him rock climbing...he�d hang out at the bottom of the cliffs waiting for me! This cat has lived a life than most humans only dream of! Action within God�s world keeps us youthful and appreciative!)
This is Bonnie, second in the Ilg Feline Lineage. At 13 human years old herself, Bonnie teaches me poise, gracefulness of movement, and forbearance. a noted �nip nose�, Bonnie remarkable EarthWalk includes dozens of epic adventures inspired by her endless curiosity that inevitably invites, �trouble.� Some highlights include a solo high desert survival because she sneaked into someone elses car! Three months later, torn by coyotes, barely 5 pounds from lack of food, and nearly dead from dehydration, she managed to escape the wilderness and someone found her, close to death on a backporch which looked a little bit like ours, except that it was thirty miles away from our home! She developed a variety of illnesses from that adventure; her Chi kept her alive. Once, trapped in a chimney in Colorado, Bonnie survived for three and half days without food or water and without the ability to even move. Covered with soot, barely alive, the person living in the home opened the damper of his fireplace to start a fire, and a barely recognizable �Bonnie� dropped out! Into the hospital she went...nearly dead, Chi keeping her alive. �Curiosity kills the cat,� is a saying only for mediocre cats, not Bonnie! Why do you think i coach so much from Chi Development? Personal fitness is not so much about muscles and �correct� eating �habits�...it�s about developing the CHI, baby!!!!!! i bow the venerable Bonnie! Merry Christmas, Bonnie!
This is my boy, Spencer Sandis Smith. i love him. he teaches me; Love and Acceptance of who we are. he is big, he is a bit fat (big boned, really...okay, fat.), and the most kind Being i have ever met. i bow to Spencer. Merry Christmas, Spencie!
Abby, the youngest on the Ilg Feline Lineage. A deeply abused kitten (all of our Animal Companions come from the Humane Society), Abby has taught me deep lessons about Skepticism, Karmic Impurity, and the Power of Love. I bow to Abby. Merry Christmas, Abby!
My mom�s 51-year old styrofoam church that is somehow still standing.
God�s 300 million year old church; Sandia Mountain, south crest. i took this shot the day before yesterday during a backcountry ski.
my mom�s manger scene...with me my whole life...i used to play with the figures until i broke one of the three wise men. guess he wasn�t so wise after all!
God�s manger. Snow, slopes, & sky; the three wise men in my bible!
mom�s 14 year old gingerbread house. another Christmas Chi Miracle somehow still standing...
God�s gingerbread house; Father Sky above, Mother Earth below, the four Directions are His four walls. His House never stands still, yet never crumbles.
Ahhh...New Mexico green chile, huevos rancheros, and Calli tea, baby! with an Ilg Supreme made from SUNRIDER HERBS, you kiddin� me?!?! it�s time to PLAY ALL DAY out in Christ�s Mass....let�s go!
the ol� coach still showing some Nordic skate skiing form at 10,700� along Sandia Crest. my once National Nordic Team fitness may not still be around, yet my enjoyment of dancing upon a white canvas of the Lord�s World is deeper than ever before!
why you should not eat yellow snow...
where the Nordic skate skiers stop, the Wholistic Fitness Warrior keeps going; upwards on snowshoes now...toward the summit...Christmas is to me, about the intensity of what yogis know as IshvaraPranidhana...Surrender to the Lord! Gotta be empty, gotta sweat, gotta BREATHE with NO MIND, gotta Surrender baby, to FEEL His Grace Flow THROUGH us! Ananda, at heart rate 200? plows through some luscious southwest powder enroute to the summit!
a little bit of bouldering on snowshoes before the summit ridge...
�Understanding can come,
Spontaneously clear
As daylight in a cave.
Stay the path.�
- j.kilpatrick
Here then, is where the spirit of Christmas sings loudest to my soul! Ananda, after over 2 hours of High Performance Yoga applied to the Snow Studio...stands atop the Sandia Crest at over 11,350�...yeah baby! Merry Christmas Ananda!
and to all...go(o)d Night!
December 21, 2004
sample template of the new WholisticFitness.com Legacy Site i and my crew are working on...
My Noble WF Sangha...
okay,
enough..
i need a bit of a moment here.
so rich, so amazingly INTO the SPIRITUAL FITNESS life are you all are...
sometimes,
i think i trained you too well!
i bow to you,
yet
after a very difficult and amazing year...i actually need to attend to my own personal family...
Ananda and i are leaving tonight to head back to my beloved Rocky Mountains...visit my biological family
in New Mexico and just breathe some non toxic air for a while as i revisit some of my favored high mountain
yogic haunts within the Sangre de Christo mountains...
you are ALL moving much Higher,
and far more Faster
than i ever moved myself...
in the spiritual journey...
to this,
i bow to my Teachers who taught to me the Brave Way of living my Truth,
solo
out front
alone...
"The soul would rather die living Her own Path
than treading in the footsteps of somebody else's..."
i will unplug now from my High Speed Internet Hookup
for a few precious days...
thank God...
keep tapping into DL however,
for i know now that i am forever Linked
to the everyday sweat and spirit
of your faithful Practice...
love,
Coach and Ananda
happy, healthy, and Herbally Powerful HolyDays to you...
OF SMOKERS AND DREAMERS
coach!,
half way thru your book getting all prepared , getting details of yoga classes and signed up gym. im doing a turnaround and your book resonated something inside of me that i cant quite explain in email.
i know everything and i would not dream of wasting your valuable time with what seems a pathetic question,� i run im healthy i look good� but i smoke and seemingly cant stop the bastards.�� help any tips ?�
or should i be a warrior and fight this thing using anger?
regards and light!
VV�� australia 5007
***
Noble Smoking Gun Warrior...
see Chapter 30 of TBT book. Read my response to the first question asked by, "Drunk Student."
also, cross reference the last page of the Green Tara Nutrition section (page 133 Hardcover).
i will have WF Certified Teacher contact you.
you are not yet mentally strong to do what is known as Tapasaya or Straightening Out An Addiction By Going Cold Turkey.
you need some more Weaponary in your spiritual quiver. we can help.
thanks for writing and just by reading TBT you will feel the immense Strength of our worldwide Sangha pulling for you...
i bow to you and your smoke...and take it easy on yourself; we are all addicted...
and if anyone says to you that they are not addicted, just ask them how often they brush their teeth with their non dominant hand or work a computer mouse with their non dominate hand! we all addicted; it just a matter of degrees and in the yogic perspective these degrees relate to our karmic impurities.
i know you will Rise Above.
love in pursuit of Wholeness and Balance,
coach ilg
**
Coach,
how Blessed am i?�
thanks also for the "night before Christmas" DL story.�
in-joyed the Love, Creativity, Wit, and Energy endlessly...
who else out there is devoting so much to their students?� and for free!!!!
oh yeah,
once again:
Perfect timing that you should feature Yoga Toes, and your new personal best on DL.
mine arrived today.� YogafuckinToes.� only had them on for 10 minutes and could feel the Pran Flowing, especially after i removed them.� Crazy, Bro.� Thanks for leading the Way.� 'course it only took me a freakin year to get a pair.� Jody ordered them for me for Christmas (it was all i asked for) and couldn't wait until Christmas to give them to me.� i did a happy dance when i opened the box.
Love, Love, Love,
to both of you,
ko
***
Dear Coach,
Please help me understand how I should
regard my dreams.
-Student S
Noble Student S:
Development of the DreamStates is sign of Higher Training Effect from
your WF Training and Appropriate Eating.
as you have felt when you were a younger child,
Dreams create an experience of nearness.
we will work within the DreamState Realms later.
within the yogin exist many cosmic worlds
and many gods.
these worlds are symbols of the areas of our consciousness.
as the mind gets subtler and subtler, one has visions of such
cosmic worlds...which is to say,
that the yogin becomes more 'astrally fit' and is able to
penetrate into these realms of spiritual consciousness through
advancing stages of meditation.
here is how i want you to re-guard your DreamStates until further
instruction:
* remember that you are no-body.
* you are the medium.
* only the Power exists.
noble young yogin;
much has happened in the past; much has happened since; and
what remains in balance is already happening as you read this.
May your Practice remain strong and true;
eat cleanly, eat innocently, eat naturally
do your pranayama as instructed and your DreamStates will
mature into a very fun and focus-able vehicle of transformation.
that is all.
your feeble coach ilg
***
Dear Coach Ilg,
I like this quote, thought you would too:
"In the beginning of one's spiritual search, it is wise to compare various
spiritual paths and teachers. But when you find the real guru destined for
you, the one whose teachings can lead you to the Divine Goal, then restless
searching should cease. A spiritually thirsty person should not go on
indefinitely drinking from a new well; rather he should go to the best well
and drink daily of its living waters." - Yogananda
Namaste, Warrior Tobe
those of you looking to find TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION in paperback at Amazon.com..
here the word from my publisher:
****
Ilg,
It's there --
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/078688732X/qid=1103648208/sr=12-1/104-1869257-3388700?v=glance&s=books
�
But you're right, it's not as easy to find as it should be.� The paperback should pop up rather than the hardcover.� I'll talk to the person here who handles these websites and have her fix.
Thanks for letting us know.� Have a wonderful holiday!
�
Mark Chait
Hyperion
December 20, 2004
"Most men focus on making money in their life.
i focus on making Enlightenment at least a possibility in others lives."
- Coach Ilg
DIRECT LINES is not going to be free for much longer...by early summer of 2005 i am closing my humble yet Powerful Temple Doors so that only Warriors willing enough to put out $1/day can have direct access to America's Indigenous Yoga; Wholistic FItness�. My own Teachers have told me; now is the time to start separating the Warriors from the Wannabes. the new WF.com is going to be huge. man, i trust you guys are not going to let this Dharma Wheel leave your life for $1/day!
what's more important? a cup of Starbucks coffee or this Noble Path Toward Enlightenment? Ron Jones, Sr., shown above during filming with Coach Ilg and producer Wayne Williams sure knows where HE will be spending his internet time: on WholisticFitness.com!
okay,
here is a holiday gift for y'all..
a private glimpse into some WF DharmaTalk with one of the few, one of the brave; a WF Online Student!
***
Noble WF Online Student Cerame gets slam dunked by coach's unique Word Choice Guru...
an actual excerpt from an online training facilitation between Coach Ilg and his student, Mike Cerame of NY...
***
Dear Coach Ilg:
��� Here is the update for my 1st week of Feathered Lizard, Meso Cycle 1:
Neti & Pranayama Meditation: Very consistent with the morning meditation.�
Noble Student Cerame -
� ATTA BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
RE:
I am starting to get the beat of the neti wash.
� yeah baby!!!!! {note to DL Readers; "neti wash" or "nasal wash" is a 'dhauti' or "cleansing" aspect that WF Online Students are taught early in their studies. equalizing the flow of energy between the nostrils is absolutely imperative to the long term health and balance and ENERGY of the human being.}
RE:
It was helpful in clearing out a lot of mucous.� I am actually starting to like it.
� oh, you trust me Warrior...
you hang with this Noble Work and you are gonna like a WHOLE lot more; just do the Practice baby!
RE:
Meditation 2: Cell phone guru(1) is a good one as on it a lot for work. It is slowly becoming a habit.
� NO!
not "habit"!
in WF we do NOT cultivate "habits"
in WF there is NO such thing as "good habit"!
why?
examine the Word: Habit.
Habit = automation
thus,
by definition, a HABIT is something mechanical, unconscious.
and,
as you know,
i am NOT training you to become unconscious!
i am training you to become MORE CONSCIOUS!
in WF we do not cultivate "habits"...what we DO cultivate is: AGOCT
or
"A Garden Of Consciousness Triggers"
to get (and eventually 'stay')
AWAKE!!!!!!
so, now i ask you
Noble Online Student Cerame;
doesn't cultivation of a Consciousness Garden
sound more fun and meaningful than just developing another 'habit'?
take the following three questions with you onto your zafu {meditation cushion}:
*who taught you the Word, "Habit"...
*why have you chosen to use the word so often without examining its definition and spiritual import?
*how many other unconscious Word Choices are you using in your life without Real-izing it?
Wholistic Fitness baby; the only personal training where, truly, your Highest Workout Is Everywhere!
including your Word Choices!
***
(1); now, ask yourself:
"Why haven't i joined WF Online Training?"
....How many Inner Workouts are you letting slide right by your spiritual advancement?
you can get an WF Online Teacher for a mere $100 damn bucks a month!?!?
what else in your life are you prioritizing above Enlightenment?
Why?
Namaste Noble Fitness Warriors!
i am very impressed and stoked that so many of you have taken me up on the benefits of yogic toe-stretching! the suppleness and the 'spread-ability' of ones toes are a clear indication of the health and well being of your organ systems and overall ease of neuromuscular tonicity. wearing toe stretchers each morning like i do as well as after hard training workouts increases the nadic fitness which means your 'chi lines' are more open thus capable of delivering recovery and rejuvenation throughout the body and mind. YogaToes are invaluable for anyone with sciatica or other low back issues.
of course, being the Warrior Athlete that is my caste, you will have to work hard to beat my record in my self created: YogaToe Wearing Challenge (see below):
here i am praying to Quan Yin and biting my nails mere minutes before shattering my own YogaToe Wearing Challenge of 6.50 hours...i established a new personal record of 7.25 hours of continued YogaToe wearing! of course, my voice is now 2 octaves higher, but what the hell, i got a new Personal Record!
my record is documented here by 2003 HP Yogic Warrioress of the Year, Melissa Kai...that is her beautiful head seen as a shadow bottom left.
see my review and other WF Warriors review as you order your own pair of YogaToes today:
http://www.yogapro.com/ts/toestretcher.html
Coach Ilg:
I see some talk of Sunrider on your website. just wondering how you would explain the benefits of Sunrider products to a fitness enthusiast. what are they going to do for me?
- Rob
Noble Fitness Warrior Rob -
"In the beginning of one's spiritual search, it is wise to compare various
spiritual paths and teachers. But when you find the real guru destined for
you, the one whose teachings can lead you to the Divine Goal, then restless
searching should cease. A spiritually thirsty person should not go on
indefinitely drinking from a new well; rather he should go to the best well
and drink daily of its living waters." - Yogananda
(submitted by Sunrider and WF Online Warrior Tobe)
i call SUNRIDER herbs, "The best nutritional experiment any fitness warrior can ever explore."
the herbs are introduced in my most recent book, TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION (Hyperion Press).
you can also learn about the herbs and Dr. Chen and his company at: SUNRIDER.COM
essentially however? the herbs will EMPOWER YOUR CHI...AMP your PRAN!
they are going to Clean you out and Vibe you UP!
getting on the herbs is an initiation into a spiritual journey...
you gotta respect the Teacher, trust in the Teacher, empty your cup...and JUMP baby!
then live the experience for YOURSELF...
you can not intellectually come to understand the tremendous life enhancing
and health producing benefits of getting onto the SUNRIDER herbs,
particularly in this day and age.
SUNRIDER is a Blessing to our struggling planet
and an absolute GIFT to any human wise enough to get on them!
they have been the "Official Nutritional Program of Wholistic Fitness" since 1983!
i trust you will at least go for the herbs for even 3 months...
then,
you will FEEL the SUNRIDER difference!
i bow to your devotion toward Higher Fitness!
coach ilg
Director/SUNRIDER Int'l
only human to compete in 5 World Championships in 4 physiologically diverse sports
****
December 19, 2004
"Coach Ilg...the Lone Ranger...you certainly are out there, alone, in the world of fitness and shaping lives and teaching, facing fearlessly any challenge and standing fast in the face of the Establishment."
- DL Reader, John Singleton
shown above;
i use Purvottanasana (East Facing Pose) to open my Heart Center (Anahata chakra) so i may continue to practice bravery in my personal training work. photo; ilg archives
***
Dear KemoSabe (Coach Ilg),
I just read your wonderfully delight little tale of Christmas Herbs - loved it!� My pantry should be stocked like yours!! Just had our first snow of the year, here in Hooterville (Indianapolis), listening to Bono and the boys sing "It's a Beautiful Day" with the Yoga Toes on (not enough covering the ground yet to strap on the cross country skis, but we're getting CLOSE!), and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Christmas Herb story. It actually made a difference, TODAY!� RIGHT NOW!� That's such a key aspect of Direct Lines and its power....Anyway, wanted to say, thanks!� I'd hoped to come up with some clever, witty appellation to attach to the heading of this note, something fitting and worthy of your esteemed place in the hearts of all of us out here, and all I could come up with was "kemosabe", from Tonto and the old "Lone Ranger" thing....At first, I was frustrated with myself, but then I thought - hey!� That's not so bad, it fits pretty good!� Tonto always meant this with the utmost respect - and he often used it after the Lone Ranger had just asked (or told) him to do something - and this is applicable with your Direct Lines and encouraging e-mails, too, as you encourage and guide all of us to do the things, walk the path, enter the light....and as for the comparison of you, Coach Ilg, to the Lone Ranger - well, you are certainly out there, alone, in the world of fitness and shaping lives and teaching, facing fearlessly any challenge and standing fast in the face of the Establishment.
Well done.� Now, I'm heading back to my snow dance!!!!
John Singleton
*
Noble DL Reader John -
your letter drew a very large smile across my face...
my dad's favorite TV show...well...
actually,
it was his favorite Radio Drama as well
back in the days before TV,
was in fact
The Lone Ranger!
i too, loved
The Lone Ranger!
dressed up like him as often as possible!
thought Tonto was the bomb, dude!
indeed, when i moved to Durango, Colorado,
at an age as tender as a pine sapling,
i engaged the spirit of the loyal Tonto
as i ran and got into all sorts of high adventure mischief among
the clinging snows of the San Juans with her frothing rivers
and dancing winds...
i wore mocassins like Tonto
i fastened a tomahawk to my waist
like Tonto
i would place an occasional ear to Mother Earth
and
just
LISTEN..................
to
the
EARTH MOTHER
like
Tonto...
i bow to your childlike bravery to write me your hymn of appreciation for DIRECT LINES...
few realize her genuinity among the predictable pandemonium inherent to cyberspace.
i bow to your sincerity of spirit
as clear to me
as the snowsprung waters of Mineral Creek
as rivieting to me
as the wriggling trout caught in the talons of Bald Eagles at Vallecito Lake...
as comforting to me
as the whispering first snows layering themselves
upon the sandstone shelves watching, guardian like, over the Animas Valley...
noble fitness warrior of the WF Way...
feeble ilg
bows
as low as his padmasana allows
to
the bravery
of
you
December 18, 2004
'twas a few nights before Santa would begin his treasured rounds...
there, at the humble h(om)e and Helm of Wholistic Fitness,
nary a being was stirring,
not even a Buddha in the zendo...
when suddenly, triggered by a night sweat, a very feeble warrior awoke with a start!
for he had a nightmare that his Give Away presents had been stolen by the Scrooge!
up and off his bed
the warrior did jump,
(so great was his plight,
he did not even pause to put on his YogaToes
as was his custom after the night!)
down the stairs he flew
and through the OM laden air
he thus leapt...
ahhhhh!!!!!!
there,
beneath 'Jack'
- his noble little Christmas Tree -
within the silent night...
remained intact
the warriors Give Away gifts!
and he, the very feeble warrior of the inner way
regained his Sacred Happiness...
for he knew in his heart, in the presents beneath Jack The Christmas Tree
lay the most important aspect of any warriors duty;
to give what he or she is able to share...
and this warrior knew the best way to have people find the Sacredness of Santa
and the KindHearted Path of which Santa was a Master...
was for them to feel good!
which is
of course
another way of saying, "feeling God!"
this is why the warrior chooses to Give the Gift of....
HERBS! Herbs like Sunbars, Calli, Fortune Delight to melt the fat away and be able
keep the energy clear and strong...!
herbs like Bella and Veros "the treasured food for the Kundalini"...the ominpotent energy of spiritual might!
HERBS! like Vitashake, Quinary, and Vitafruit to empower the CHI and regenerate all cells!
HERBS! like Energy Plus and Metablance 44 for
world class energy and recovery, Herbs! like ESE and SUNRISE that make meditation so much clearer!
oh! so many beautiful herbs for the warrior of multi disciplined workouts; both outer and inner!
there were many herbs in stock, always at hand to give to others in need of energy,clarity, and loss of bodyfat!
indeed, the
warrior now relieved
and smiling
lay his head down at the feet of the buddha...
his morning meditation but a couple of hours away...
thus he
fell fast asleep, with visions of how the herbs will help so many people
treasure the sweat of their inner spirit
and
the
Sacred Joy
of being
fit
and healthy
and
having fun,
fun
fun
in this precious life
in this precious body...
and thus to all who choose to
see their bodies as Temples of the Lord's Grace
and Vehicles of Her Dance...
to all Happy, Healthy Holidays
and to all...
go(o)d night!
December 17, 2004
The most important thing is not to get trapped in what I see everywhere in the West, a 'shopping mentality:'
shopping around from master to master, teaching to teaching, without any continuity or real, sustained
dedication to any one discipline. - Sogyal Rinpoche
the "Master Of MultiDisciplined Discipline", coach ilg, captured in footage from the HP Yoga� PROP WORKOUT DVD to be released middle to late January, 2005. photo; www.waynewilliamsstudio.com
"PowerBlocks" courtesy of www.yogapro.com
***
Coach,
Here is a great one. I was in the gym here in Afghanistan�trying some of your�workout�described in�January's�Outside Magazine.�A fellow Marine was there doing his workout; I'll describe him, he�benches over 300 lbs, squats double that,�cant run 500 feet without dying, and� I'm sure his hands havent met his feet since he was�a child, recognize him? He sees me with three yoga blocks........ and�I quote�"man those don't weigh nothin, you cant get strong with those".
I knew his ego couldnt turn down a bet from a�'weakling' like me. I bet�him he couldnt hold one between his legs and two together out in front of him for a minute (staccato technique,�extended yogi squat). He made it thirty seconds. To his credit, he picked them up�and said, "show me more". He will be joining me at the next Yoga class. Amen brother!
Thanks Coach - Semper Fi
- Scott
If Warriors have questions, comments or concerns I can be e-mailed at;
SCOTTINAGHAN@YAHOO.COM
***��
Thank you for another great month of WF. It is my
reliable physical and spiritual sanctuary.
-Online WF Student Starling
***
Dear Coach-
Thank you so much for the ski lesson.
I had so much fun.
I cannot wait to ski again.
I cannot even imagine trying to
ski without having the wonderful fitness
foundation that you and my other incredible WF
teachers have gifted me.
I truly feel the results and besides some
well trained thighs and triceps, I feel great.
See you on the slopes soon.
Student Kai
***
Dear Coach Ilg,
the picture of you on the DL (12/4) is incredible!� I know you are lean, but man --�you look shredded like a mf'er�in that picture!� More importantly,�I know how functional that ripped body is.
Inspiring. Simply inspiring!
Love,
Student MC
***
"I bow to thee,
Buddha's to BE...
Steve and Ananda
For all the Grace you share.
- Love ya,
Haku"
***
Coach Ilg
your DL of 10/3/04�now that got my heart pounding reading about your race..beautiful, awesome!
- Student Tim
***
FEELING THE CHI OF WF:
on the final climb at mile 57 on my bike coming home:
hitting Topanga steeps with that mileage in my legs; oooof!
thank GOD for SUNRIDER and WF, baby!
my mind was quiet
my spin was fast...errr, at least steady and strong!
empty of stomach, full of Pran!
RUNNING ON EMPTY BABY!
those who live the Tribal Way
standunder (understand)
the Wisdom and Beauty of the WF Way!
in sweat our truth is broken;
WF Warriors don't break a sweat as much
as we break the layer of ego.
the rest of your Truth is up to how long and/or how intense
you choose to sweat...
decades of ego building
destroyed breath by breath
sweat droplet by precious sweat droplet
during Conscious WF workouts!
nothing like WF Dharma!
i bow to you,
your ever empty coach ilg
***
Breathing In, my body is calm.
Breathing Out, i smile.
Dwelling in this present moment.
It is a wonderful moment.
- Thich Nhat Hanh
(contributed by Ananda)
***
Learn to look without imagination, to listen without distortion: that is all.
Stop attributing names and shapes to the essentially nameless and formless, realize that every mode of perception is subjective, that what is seen or heard, touched or smelt, felt or thought, expected or imagined, is in the mind and not in reality, and you will experience peace and freedom from fear.
Nisargadatta Maharaj
***
Hi Steve,
Many thanks to both you and Joy for the awesome HP Yoga classes.� I think your enthusiasm and love of fitness is absolutely contagious and I love it!!!!!���
Thank you also for the excellent upper body workout.�� (My pecs are still sore from chest flyes!!!)�� I was wondering if you could tell me the pricing of your online training and how it is billed.� (month to month?)�� I am very, very interested.....
Namaste,
Lisa, PA
***
Dearest Coaches -
A quote I recently read:
"Remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths
we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
Thanks for all you do!
Student C
December 16, 2004
*focused like the HP Yogic Warriors that they are, baby! Brad, Wes, Kelly, and some other noble HP Yoga Warriors during a HP Yoga Prop Workout at the late "Chi Cave." since you will need three of them for my new HP PROP WORKOUT DVD, i am selling these actual yoga blocks, Chi included. the regular ones are purple, the High Density ones are black and slightly larger, shown above in the grasp of HP Yoga Warrior Of The Year, Rick Berreca - 5th Yogin from the left.
(geezo, great posture, Coach! not!)
**
Hi coach,
Can you reserve me a copy of your new HP PROP WORKOUT DVD?�
I am very eager...do you have an estimated date of release?
Thanks!
Lisa
noble one -
just spoke to my producer,
with the Holidays coming up
and i leaving LA for a week,
we are estimating the middle to end of January
for the PROP WORKOUT to be ready to be shipped!
another note:
for my PROP WORKOUT DVD, you will need three Yoga Blocks.
i have already endorsed the "Power Block" on www.yogapro.com
for PROP WORKOUTS.
i do have however,
leftover from the HP Yoga Cave;
regular foam blocks that i am selling for $8/block + shipping/processing
as well as some very cool and more appropriate, black, HIGH DENSITY used Prop Blocks for $10/block +shipping/processing.
it would be very cool to have the same Yoga Blocks that were once used in the actual HP Yoga Studio...their CHI comes
complimentary! this is a DL Reader only special!
the Power Blocks at yogapro.com sell for $15/block.
thank you!
love,
coach ilg
***
coming in DL:
a sneak peak at coach's actual kitchen cupboard!
hint: herbs upcoming!
Noble Teacher,
Got the January edition of Outside magazine and
flipped almost instinctively to page 44 -- where I saw
illustrations of a guy working out with yoga blocks.
Knew at that moment that this month would have gems to
offer the great many readers out there, especially if
they check out the online weekly routine
(http://outside.away.com/outside/bodywork/200501/steve-ilg-workout.html).
Bowing, in all-ways,
Student B
��
Noble Student B -
i still have yet to see the article...i only trust the cartoons of me were better than the last time
OUTSIDE quoted me and made me into a cartoon face!
i see the Online Version did not copyright my words, "Wholistic Fitness", nor did they mention my
most recent book, TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION. Two "mandatory" things i made sure they would
do before i agreed to do the work for them for free...
this is why Original Thinker's concepts get ripped off.
oh well, when Kathy Smith or someone else with major bank behind them starts doing "Prop Workout DVDS"...
just
remember Noble Warriors,
like so many other utterly unique fitness and spiritual notions of WF..
you
heard
it
here
FIRST!
hey,
as long as my LifeWork does not get too diluted or bastardized
and
as long as it helps other people...
i'm good.
i ain't going to run around trying to sue non-Conscientious,
monetarily motivated people for using my stuff.
the Risk of putting Original Work into the Marketplace
is like the Risk of any true Love...
you
gotta
be
able
to
Let
It
GO!
may all beings be helped by the inner Work we do on ourselves..
ripples make waves,
coach ilg
December 15, 2004
For those of you who have written in about THE ILGIAD,
you can visit this link for more info:
http://www.literaturepost.com/det/audiobook/The-Ilgiad.html
head bowed,
ilg
Namaste Oh Mighty Minded and Mighty Armed Fitness Warriors!
two things today for you:
first:
make elegant your spine,
take an Ujjayi breath,
smile into an appreciative reflection of just how friggin' BLESSED
you
and i
are to be able to enjoy a healthy body
being piloted by a mind spiced with the desire for self realization.
most people are, these days, addicted to entertainment.
i have trained you toward inner-attainment...
otherwise,
you would not have bookmarked this humble spot in the oceanic web of the internet
and THAT DESIRE FOR LIBERATION ALONE,
my Noble Ones,
might just be enough to restore Sacredness to our Everyday Life!
good, now read this with your feet relaxed and your eyes drinking in this Prayer From the ancient Yogic Masters:
***
By the power and the truth of this practice:
May all beings have happiness, and the causes of happiness;
May all be free from sorrow, and the causes of sorrow;
May all never be separated from the sacred happiness which is sorrowless;
And may all live in equanimity, without too much attachment and too much aversion,
And live believing in the equality of all that lives.
***
you are doing great.
you are Shifting Higher.
now, mindfully sip some of your SUNRIDER cruelty-free herbs, and buckle up, Bucko!
because
now,
the second thing i want you do today here at WholisticFitness.com
the Website of Awakening;
is to click below for one helluva a Noble and Proven Pathway Tool
to animate the Spirit of All Prayers
with the most important component of your spiriutal life;
SWEAT, baby!!!!
prop ad 1.pdf
December 14, 2004
Dear Coach Ilg,
I've really enjoyed the content of Direct Lines, particularly the last several days! Along with cyclingnews.com and velonews.com, Direct Lines is one of those "places" I visit daily, without fail.� The caring that you demonstrate to your tribe with every posting approaches the Divine. The passion of your own practice that you share with the rest of us helps each of us see the possible, the attainable, the opening through the fence....
A grateful student of a student of a student,
John S.
***
Namaste Coach
I just wanted to send my support and best wishes to Jack Pickett on his return to training and health after his burn accident. What a guy!
Secondly, if you are responding to Scott Semper Fi Richardson, please tell him I am sending a box of shoe supplies for his children in the orphanage in Afghanistan. Your DL reaches far, yes?
Love
WF Online Student Diana
DL Competion CLOSED!!!
WF Online Student Bryan Hantman WINS!
it took Noble WF Student Bryan Hantman of Catonsville, MD only one minute
to send in his correct answer to this morning's DL Quiz (see his rapid fire email
response below). Student B takes online training under Noble WF Teacher Sheader
and is shown above in meditation during his most recent Intensive with me in LA.
Well DONE Noble Student B!!! Your $25 WF Gift Certificate is now on file at the humble Helm!
"Ilg,
Full results:
Lemond -- One
Dimitri Konyshev -- Two
Sean Kelly -- Three
Student B"
Namaste Finders Of A Genuine Warrior Path!
"I don't go out to come in second place. Second place is first place for losers."
- Yal, a pro NYC bike messenger/racer
the face of winning; Lemond at the finish line of the '89 World Road Race Championships.
the face of losing; be the first DL Reader Warrior to tell me who this is, and get a $15 WF Gift Certificate. hint; he just lost in the final sprint to Lemond from a breakaway group of three... by a tire length. Be the first to name all three and their correct podium placings and you get a $25 WF Gift Certificate!
**
"I've been broken many times, but i have never been poor."
- Minnie Yancer, a Kentucky rug weaver
external wealth of a WF Warrior; rack of dumbells and yoga mats. truly, what else do you need? morning, ilg home.
internal wealth of a WF Warrior; Gautama Buddha, the epitome of an Internal Athlete, a Winner of the 'Human Race'. evening, ilg home.
***
the quotes above were heard in a Coach Ilg Approved Dharma movie; AMERICA'S HEART AND SOUL, by filmmaker Louis Scwartzenberg. do not miss it. the film opens with a feature in Telluride, Colorado...my h(om)eland. i found this gem of a movie on my cable subscription.
May your Practice be strong and sincere today.
Take care of your inner,
then Dance the outer.
Support Wholistic Fitness...our precious little HeartPath in cyberspace.
if you have enjoyed and/or have received benefit from my DIRECT LINES forum this year, please consider a donation to help me keep my humble yet powerful Temple radiating Her amazing spirit worldwide! a percentage of your donation this holiday season will go to help my Tibetan friends and Teachers still in refuge from the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
send to:
Steve Ilg's Wholistic Fitness
5720 yolanda ave., #2
tarzana, ca 91356
or call with a visa or mc:
818 345 9027
i bow to you & Dharma Blessings to All who are brave enough to find their workouts within...
coach ilg
founder/Wholistic Fitness Personal Training since 1982
December 13, 2004
with over 75 first ascents and numerous difficult free solos on rock, ice, and high peaks,
coach ilg was one of the pioneering spirits from Boulder, Colorado's "new age gang" throughout the eighties...
a gang that included Christian Griffith (founder of Verve outdoor performance clothing, Eric Doub, Eric Goukas, Will Gadd, Cam John, et. al). "I used climbing as a testpiece for my meditation and yogic practices...i wanted my 'zafu' to be a bit more truer than some fluffy cushion surrounded by incense. i preferred to find the OM within the chant of fear in my bones and the rattle of doubt in my mind. Being afraid is healthy. Fear is good. It's mediocrity that kills."
***
Dear Steve,� I first heard of your name when I was an avid climber.� I read an article in a climbing magazine that you wrote on training specifically for rock climbing. I followed your program and my climbing abilities improved exponentially. I went from a weak 5.7 leader to a solid 5.9+ leader. Needless to say I was impressed by your knowledge. Over the years I stopped climbing much but always stayed fit biking and cross country skiing. Five years ago I started practicing yoga and fell in love with the inner�strength it gave me. Because of my family and business obligations I couldn't spend as much time with sports, but as long as I practiced yoga I could go out and enjoy�nearly the level of�participation I always had.�
Last year I was involved in a propane explosion I was burned over sixty five percent of my body. I was in a drugged induced coma for six weeks and in the hospital for a total of three months. As a result of the trauma and the extended hospital stay I lost all my muscle mass in addition�I had�a calcium deposit in my knee as well as muscle damage and tendon adhesion (mostly in my left leg). I had surgery on my left knee�three weeks ago and already have thirty five more degrees of movement in�the knee( I have one hundred thirty five degrees now). I had�tried to�get back�in shape before the surgery but always met up against limitations i.e. swelling, fatigue and other circulation problems. I am now just beginning to feel my core strength coming back and with increased mobility I think I am ready to start a training regimen. I know there will be set backs (hand surgeries etc.) but I want to ski this winter and practice yoga. I think weight training might be helpful as well. My left quad muscle won't fire enough to lock my leg however I think I can compensate with the remaining muscle in the quad. I don't know if you have any ideas but you worked once and I don't see why not again.
Thank you.
Sincerely Jack Pickett
***
Noble Warrior Jack -
let's begin...again, and again, and endlessly again.
you are h(om)e now.
my humble yet powerful Temple door swings ajar for you..
go here and complete the WF Online Training Application:
http://www.wholisticfitness.com/online_app_form.html
two-gether,
we shall Dance ever Higher...
i bow to you. you inspire ME!
the years ahead shimmer with sweat and fun filled spirit..i cannot wait!
love and Healing Light,
coach ilg
WARRIORS PREPARE!!!!!
THE HOLIDAY SUGAR/CALORIE TEST COMING UP!
Coach ilg getting ready to meet the Holiday Dragon by keeping his Practice strong externally
and even more importantly,..internally with the Official Nutritional Program of WF: SUNRIDER HERBS.
photo;waynewilliamsstudio.com
I've been ordering SUNRIDER herbs like crazy recently, making sure my Warrior's Quiver
is chock full of potent, chi filled, whole food herbs to combat the stress and calories of the holidays.
Into the Standard Warrior's Quiver should be the primary SUNRIDER HERBAL WEAPONARY as below:
Arrow Flurry #1 in the am: Ilg Supreme!!!! (Vitashake, quinary, vitafruit, into Soy Milk)
Arrow Flurry #2 during day: Regular Calli, Fortune Delight, Sunny Dew, and Action Caps (SunBars optimal for snacks)
Arrow Flurry #1 at pm: Calli and Calli Night, Sunny Dew, + Slim Caps!
Stock up now, Warriors or forever hold your fat!
A common question about Calli arises from a new SUNRIDER Herbal Warrior:
Noble New Herbal Warrior:
On Dec 11, 2004, at 10:36 PM, Ryan Freese wrote:
Dear Coach Ilg,
I am addressing you with this because I know Coach
Mackel is in Hawaii, hopefully having great
experiences. Phase 1 calls for 1-2 cups of Calli
night, but not regular Calli.
� yes, i do this so that the Cleansing aspect of SUNRIDER does not 'organically overwhelm'
new people coming into SUNRIDER. most people have decades of 'glue and goo' encrusted along the
many feet of colonic and digestive tracting which needs GENTLE yet CONSISTENT internal scrubbing and
strengthening to return suppleness and improved function (such as nutrient uptake/assimilation).
RE:
Is it acceptable to
substitute one or both glasses of regular Calli for
the Calli night.
� sure.
RE:
If I do subsitute the Calli and
drink it in the morning, how will that affect how I
take the morning dose of action caps?
� no worries.
RE:
Will that be too
much to take at the same time?
� no, yet i am glad you asked me.
RE:
Thank you for taking
the time to help me on this herbal and spiritual
journey.
� you said it, baby;
you cannot Rise Higher
if the body is Heavy and Thick
with cellular gunk!
Phase I of my Approach to the SUNRIDER herbs will get you CLEAR and LIGHT
and then, WATCH OUT for Phase 2: the JET FUEL FOR THE SOUL!
RE:
In Peace,
Ryan
� i bow to you in strength and spirit,
coach ilg
5 World Championships/4 physiologically diverse sports
director/SUNRIDER Herbs since 1982
December 12, 2004
click here for a chi hit and
take the Teaching to your zafu:
erode
the feeble one
Namaste Noble Warriors! 
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, with champagne in one hand and chocolate in the other, loudly shouting...'Wow! �What a ride!'"
- unknown
your feeble coach (aka; The Masked Telemarker") in-joying some precious Mountain Yoga with the Mohave Desert winking in the background...photo by Ananda.
***reminder for the local LA WF Warriors;
meet the new WF website producer; Wayne Williams as he signs his book;
AMERICA's VANISHING LANDSCAPES; The Western States
today at:
Hennessey + Ingalls Books
214 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Between 2-4 PM this Sunday December 12th.
see more of his work at: www.wayneswilliamsstudio.com
ww's beautiful wife sent this in:
*** A TRUE WARRIOR WRITES IN FOR HELP FROM AFGHANISTAN:
Coach,
Head bowed, right hand over heart, I say to you�"Salaam"(peace). That is a greeting from Afghanistan.
As you may remember�I am deployed�here as part of US Marine Detachment to train the Afghan National Army, in an effort to rebuild Afghanistan. As part of our efforts, on a weekly basis, we Marines volunteer to go to a refugee camp and an orphange. We go with a�medical staff from a US Army base.�Since our�medical knowledge is minimal we spend most of our time handing out treats,�repairing shoes, and playing with kids. Needless to say it provides�heartwarming balance to the grim reality of our actuall mission here. I wish to offer all WF Warriors an opportunity to participate in our rebuilding efforts. I am providing my mailing address�as an opportunity to send items, which I will deliver to the orphange and refugee camp. Nothing needs to be brand new.�Shoe Goo and Duct tape�work wonders for repairing their�shoes and shelters. If you wish to enclose pictures or letters for the Afghanies�please do, I make sure�they are aware�the gifts are from people of the United States.
SCOTT RICHARDSON
1 BDE ETT
76th INF BDE
Camp Phoenix, APO AE 09356
Salaam, God Bless, Semper Fi - Scott����
***
Dear Coach,
A couple of�cool quotes todd has been thinking about.
"As you return to the oneness, do not think of it or be in awe of it.
This is just another way of separating from it.
Simply merge into truth, and allow it to surround you"
-Lao Tzu
This reminds me of something I'd hear from you.
"There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousand truths, which
come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they
bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away"
--Henry Ward�Beecher�
(Thanks to�my� WF/HPY ears I hear more of the singing these days)�:-)
Thanks Coach, your the bomb.......
Warrior Todd from OR
**
Then there was one of my Online Students who, in his admirable yet perhaps overzealous enthusiasm to
begin his prescribed Neti (yogic nasal wash with seawater) couldn't wait to buy some sea salt, so he
used...
get this;
BAKING SODA!
needless to say, it didn't work too well.
oh my beautiful, passionate Online Students! I love each of you soooo much!
yet,
pace yourself!
WF is a lifelong journey!
upon hearing of the Baking Soda incident, WF Teacher Roche (shown above in meditation at his recent St. John's Yoga Retreat) wrote in:
"Baking Soda during NETI! great idea!� believe i try this tomorrow morning:
1) fill neti pot with vinegar
2) add heaping teaspoon of baking soda
3) fill pingala side nostril with the mixture
4) pinch off both nostrils
5) shake head vigorously
6) assume ardo mukha svanasana
7) hold until sahasrara chakra explodes open
will update all of you on my progress....:)
love,
ko"
check out Teacher Ko's website at: www.twistedsage.com
Teacher Ko has available openings for new WF Online Students at just $100/month!
visit the Tribal Catalog to sign up today!
oh, and you can get your Neti Pot at: www.yogapro.com
tell 'em, Coach Ilg sent you! they are on sale!
Baking Soda NOT included!
i bow to you in Fun and WF Focus!
love,
coach ilg
December 11, 2004
TBT in PAPERBACK just ARRIVED!
get copies autographed to your favorite Fitness Warrior (or Warrior Wannabe) TODAY! note; i will be leaving town next week, so if you want a beautiful new 'user friendly' paperback version of TBT as a holiday gift, you better git yo badarse self to the Tribal Catalog right quick and order it today!
And don't forget,
a FRESH SHIPMENT OF THE BEAUTIFULLY FUNCTIONAL and CHI FILLED; WF CYCLING/OUTDOOR SPORT JERSEYS are IN!
And...what Warrior could ever be caught without their own WF CHI CAP!...the BEST FEELING CAP on the Planet!
and lot's more at the TRIBAL CATALOG; this season, keep it in the TRIBE, baby
and TRANSMIT THE CHI!!!!!!!!
Wholistic Fitness�; World Class Personal Training for the Body, Mind, and Spirit. Since 1982.
December 10, 2004
Wholistic Fitness� Question Of The Day:
* Why the hell doesn't Deepak do intervals?
Wholistic Fitness� Excursion Of The Day:
*Student Kai and her first day skiing;
a Beginner's Ski Lesson with Coach (see below)...but first:
Wholistic Fitness� Dharma Of The Day:
*THE BOYZ OF THE HINDI HOOD...Opening Anahata Often Comes With The Force Of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva!
by Coach Ilg,ryt/uscf
i was giving BodyWork to a student the other night. about thirty minutes into the session, as my Student�s connective tissue had relaxed and her �internal sea� became fluidly conductive to pranic (Life Force) waves, i was Guided to establishing some nadic (subtle energy) 'vent' lines within her Anahata Chakra (Heart Center).
two things before i say more about chakras:
One =
i am not 'allowed' by my Teachers to speak/write publicly very often about these 'mysterious' energy centers within the subtle anatomy. i do so know, for there has been, within our WF Tribe, a palatable Upward and Inward Shift particularly among the Online Students, which as been present for the last 2.5 weeks. thus, i will speak on this Level which lies beyond our muscular and hormonal sheaths.
Two =
understand this; i was only able to access this immanent Level on my Student because of the strength and devotion of her own, solo Practice. she is a long time, devoted yogini of HP Yoga� and Wholistic Fitness� Online Studies. i have over two decades of trained EnergyWork within my cells. thus, this particular Student and i have shared the spiritual Journey together since 1999. this history between us is the gateway for knowledge. so, don't think you can just jump into private session with me and expect me to 'do stuff' with your chakras! genuine chakral work - at least as far as i know - including chakral cleansing, activation, and development requires each individual to confront and endure the barrier of fatigue; a steadfast solo Practice is required before any Teacher or healer can be of authentic guidance. those who say different are charlatans.
Three=
chakras are energy vortices within the subtle anatomy which, for lack of a more talented description, can be thought of as inner CD disks which record and store EVERYTHING you think, speak, act, and feel. Everything. and recording has been going on for far longer than most of us are even capable of imagining. that is a lot of, well, gunk. when we begin to 'open' these inner CD disks, be prepared. in fact, most Wholistic Fitness� Students start to become disenchanted with my Work with them at preciselly the pivotal time when their chakra's start opening. why? because purifying the chakras requires us to look at the 'gunk' we thought we swept under the rug. nope. it's all right there, as fresh and potent and as passionate as your most recent cussword or sadness or High. it's all right there, vibrating within these vortices. just like i trained you in acheiving a balanced and symmetrical physical body through my WF workouts, so, too, the longer you stay on this Path, i will teach you how to balance and align the most powerful, and most challenging part of your long term fitness; your Inner Self.
After the BodyWork session, my Student revealed that when i was working within her Anahata Chakra, there came an almost frightening period of time when it felt to her that, �Three kinda scary, gnarly faces came writhing forth from out of my heart.�
This description, though peculiar sounding to most, is fairly �par for the course� in my line of Service. the �three forces� within her Heart Chakra could be analyzed from both East and Western psychospiritual approaches.
My Teachers, particularly those that Gifted me with the BodyWork techniques i use, would simply smile at my student�s simile. they would simply say, �Ahhh! The Holy Trinity are dancing outward!� a very Positive Sign, they would rejoice, of upward spiritual progression! The Holy Trinity, in this case, would be Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These primiary Hindi dieties represent the forces of Creation, Sustaining, and Destruction respectively. Their Holy Dance, or the movement of said forces within the body crucible, make up the play of living or �lila�. One can of course, use other holy trinities or sacred faces according to one's own spiritual tradition. there is only one Truth, yet many Paths leading toward that Truth.
The three-headed �monster within� must eventually be battled by each of us in our own way. why do you think i was call you guys, 'Warriors'? it'll require the Warrior Within to confront and dance these forces! Often, according to yogis, these energies have accumulated over a period of lifetimes and even eons. Fact is, we cannot run away from the forces of the UniVerse (OnePoem). This High Perspective of the catabolic and anabolic energies of life is what offers the hallmark equanimity of a seasoned yogin. the daily meditations within the fabric of a yogin�s lifestyle elevates their inner Vision to be able to see the non-personal and even non-phenomenal, constituents of nature or �the outer world�, collectively known as the �gunas� or �qualities� which express themselves again in a triad;
sattva = illuminating (Brahma)
tamas = inertia (Vishnu)
rajas = dynamic (Shiva)
this is why well-trained yogis merely laugh as �their� house burns down saying, �AH! Shiva is dancing!�
this is why well-trained yogis can cry with Sacred Joy over something as simply as a smile emerging across a child face or the rising of the moon, �Ahhh...Brahma is singing!�
this is why well-trained yogis feel so touched by the preciousness of a human lifespan, �Ohhhh, thank you! Nama Vishnu! For sustaining my body and the many Blessings in my life.�
it�s all about opening Anahata Chakra and being brave enough to live and love from that �Namaste� space!
i bow to you,
coach ilg
* enough of all that 'new agey crap'!
let's go SKIING!!!!!!!!
ps; does anyone know if Deepak skis?
i know that one Noble Warrioress of our Tribe does NOW! i bring you 2003 HP Yogini Warrioress of the Year; Mellissa Kai:
that's her on the right. on the left is HP Yoga Devotee, Heather Leu! these two most amazing, giving, and devoted Warrioresses are nearly inseparable. Heather, an accomplished skier, chose to come up with us and enjoy what winter is all about; sun, snow, wind, and fun!
Warrior Ready! Student Kai has never skied before in her life. yet, she retains that impeccably vital quality required for spiritual growth and joy; a "go for it" attitude! even before i put her into skis, we practiced some tai chi exercises and skills to get her to breathe and move from her hara, or her Center. too many beginning skiers get caught up in the externals of speed and fear thus bringing fear and rigidity instead of what skiing teaches; softness and fluid rythym!
"Slope Extraction" was next on my agenda with Kai. i needed to teach her how to get out of trouble on a slope...one great way to do this is to master the slip-step and the 'ballet turn around'...shown above and below:
within 45 minutes, Kai had enough 'tools' in her new sport tool shed to progress to the...
moving carpet! this snowplay version of an escalator replaces the dreaded 'rope tows' of my childhood...thank God! ain't she just an adorable "ski bunny in the making?" i love my 'job'!
on the bunny hill, we practice the most critical fundamental move of alpine skiing; the Wedge! here, i have the Kai-ster visualizing "maintaining a pizza pie slice" as she controls her downhill speed. skiing is nothing but a 'controlled fall' down the snowy mountain slope. he who controls his fall most gracefully wins!
Warrior Down! yet, not out! Falling down is part of the learning process! Crashing is not important. Getting back up is.
Skiing Warrior Pose! Check it out! No longer is Student Kai a non-skier, afraid of slippery mountain slopes...to her, a snowy mountain is just what it truly is; just another beautiful Yoga Studio in which to enjoy God's Grace! Within 3.25 hours of my instruction with her, Student Kai rode a chairlift to the top of the slope and skied, under her OWN ability, from top to bottom without falling even...once! **
i bow to you, Noble and Fearless Student Kai!
Well done, oh Mighty Winter Warrioress!
next lesson for Kai; learning the Step-Turn.
stay tuned to DL; the Hook Up of the only Path of Personal Fitness that dials you into It ALL!!!!!!
no limits baby...not today, not this lifetime!
May you, like the inspirational Student Kai,
choose to OVERCOME your fears and your preferences
and
get FREE!!!!!!
free to SKI!!!
to SOAR
to...
DANCE your LIFE!
i bow to It All...
your feeble teacher
** interested in having Coach teach you to ski? to snowboard? snowshoe? snow-whatever??!?!
World-class instruction from a World-Class outdoor athlete...sign up for your own WF Sport Performance Camp
at the Tribal Catalog today!
December 08, 2004
Noble HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA� Sangha...
this DL is devoted to you:
*
"Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat.
My shoulder is against yours.
You will not find me in stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals:
not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your own neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables.
When you really look for me, you will see me instantly -
you will find me in the tiniest house of time.
Kabir says: "Student, tell me, what is God?
He is the breath inside the breath."
- Kabir
***
I know, Noble HP Yogins...
i miss our Beloved Cave and sharing weekly sweat and spirit with you...
fear not, however, what i have planned for our upcoming Journey together
will be magnificent for our Practice...
your feeble teacher with Noble HP Yogini Kelly and her son, Wess who used my HP Prop Workouts� (see below) to earn his Black Belt in Karate. Our Beloved Chi Cave is not going anywhere except deeper within your Highest Self.
***
Noble HP Yogini and former Front Desk Staff Karen Karmona
brings her yoga into her artwork and invites you to a reception for the artist
on Dec. 15th, from 7-10pm
abstract expressionism
art
KARMONA
at;
virtual world cafe
5853 kanan road
agoura hills, ca 91303
818 865 8602
www.virtualworldcafe.com
***
Teacher Quentin is doing fine, working with privates and readying himself for the new WholisticFitness.com coming next year. his contributions, in all his well known and well loved, "Q humor" will, as ever, appear on DL. always resilient to nail down to something regular, i am doing my best to get Q to do a weekly contribution to DL as well as my other certified WF teachers.
***
Joy modeling the new WF Chi Cap available at WholisticFitness.com click on Tribal Catalog.
Joy is still being as priceless as all-ways. on DL recently, you have seen her skiing and cycling and contributing. she is working with Online WF students and privates as well as trying to bring her amazing professionalism and poetry to my well known pandemonium of Pursuit of Anything Higher at the Wholistic Fitness� helm! For this holiday season, the karmic yogini in Joy (aka; Ananda) extends a humble yet enthusiastic invitation to see her in "The Christmas Tree Angel; A Radio Drama" by Lisa Soland. Joy, a well accomplished TV and movie star (i can hear her humble toes curl from here as i write this), will play the part of "Betty." Joy, in rehearsals, is pleased to work once again with her friend Henry Polic II (from the TV show, "Benson") as well as contributing her acting skills for the Bethel School Children during this holiday season. Please join myself for the One Show Only presentation on December 16th,2004 at 7:00pm. Free Admission. Bethel Lutheran Church & Schools, 17500 Burbank Blvd. Encino, CA 91316. for more info: 818 788-2653 or visit:
www.BethelLutheranChurchEncino.org
***
wayne williams and i are in post production with the HP Yoga; Prop Workout DVD...are you guys SURE you want a piece of this?!!?! yeeooow!!! i have never looked at myself actually DOING a Prop Workout...this shit is INTENSE!
make sure, before you get this DVD you are ready for one of the following:
a)Enlightenment or
b) a friggin heart attack!
make sure your cardio workouts are strong (see DL last week), cuz you're gonna need it to survive this DVD!
watch DL for it's release.
footage from the HP Prop Workout�, coming soon!
***
the PAPERBACK version of my book, TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION is now available!
visit www.amazon.com or other similar websites and order yours today for the holiday!
***
a new shipment of WHOLISTIC FITNESS cycling/outdoor sport Jerseys have arrived as well! get 'em QUICK, i promise these fantastic CHI SOAKED "WF Warrior Monk robes" are going to VERY FAST; sizes; S, M, L, XL.
***
stay close to DL, like every day...
otherwise you might just miss precisely what is needed for your body/mind weaponary for your ascent ever Higher!
i bow to you in strength, suppleness, and the sweat of fitness prayers...
coach ilg
founder/Wholistic Fitness�
* shot of Coach Ilg's h(om)eland near Durango, Colorado by Wayne Williams, producer of the new WholisticFitness.com supersite coming in 2005. Wayne is doing a booksigning of his stunning book, "America's Vanishing Landscapes; The Western States" in Santa Monica on December, 12. please visit; waynewilliamsstudio.com for more info
December 06, 2004
A Journey Into Stillness and Snow...
with Coach & Ananda
quotes by Rumi
i took Ananda up to LA's local "ski lifts"...the mystically veiled Mt. Baldy...
only open when the Sky Gods gift the City Of Angels with a thunder of snow...
like this morning...
(better put on some beautiful new age or yogi music for this one}
Ananda and i wish to dedicate this entry to our beautiful and most noble Online Warrioress,
Doreen Starling and to her partner and fellow WF Online Student Bryan Hantman.
we bow as deep as we can to the Beauty of You Both...may all our Students benefit vibrationally
from your songlike strength and divine demeanor throughout your High Challenge...
in-Joy...
"Sell your cleverness and purchase bewilderment." dusting of snow upon roadside pines.
"Where will you plant your grief-seeds? we need GROUND to scrape and hoe, not the sky of unspecified desire."
roadside Fan Palms and granite chunks at 3,500', 12 miles away from the 210 Freeway
"I've given up on my brain,
I've torn the cloth to shreds and thrown it away.
If you are not completely naked, wrap your beautiful robe of words around you and...SLEEP."
high fog, big tree, old school chairlift...lyrical images of being drawn toward that which is Higher than what you are able see.
"Don't be a fool! Nothing can grow until the ground is turned over and crumbled. There can be no roses and no orchard without first this that looks devasting."
pinecones suspended.
"When your love contracts in anger, the atmosphere itself feels threatening. But when you're expansive, no matter what the weather, you're in an open, windy field...
...with friends."
my brave and beautiful Warrioress Ananda, looking as she all-Ways does...
toward the Light of the Situation...and choosing, time and time again,
to live from that Lightward Way.
"Your spirit needs to follow the changes happening in the spacious place it knows about."
"You that come to birth and bring the mysteries, your voice-thunder makes us very happy. Roar, Lion of the Heart, and tear me open."
coach, free heelin' it in powder on cross country skis...where the sport began...don't forget the roots of tradition...LIVE THEM!
"Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring on the door. Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who's there."
coach arcs into another free-heeled turn...seeking the Truth of breath, movement, and nature again and again, and endlessly again...
we love you...right out loud...since 1982...Wholistic Fitness� "Your Warrior Tribe Re-Membered"
you can sing the WF song...don't wait until you're gone...live your life fully today...don't let anyone or anything dictate your time Here Now. just be brave, be elegant and the Divine Depth will Arise.
sign up for Wholistic Fitness� Online Training today...
i bow to you,
coach ilg
December 04, 2004
Dear Coach,
I did the indoor cycling training as described on the�DL (12/2/04).� It was a tough -- kick ass workout.�No wimpy attitudes�allowed!�I was able to get past the pain and drama and thoroughly enjoyed the glorious sweat and effort.� It's in the practice baby!!� My chi and attitude was amped all day.
Keep 'em coming.
Love,
Student MC
{Noble Online Student MC of NY takes training directly under Coach Ilg}
**
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at 43 years old, Coach Ilg's body demonstrates the unique effectiveness of Wholistic Fitness�; capable of World Class Fitness across the physiologic and psychologic spectrum: Strength, Ultra Endurance, Agility, Suppleness, and Mental Discipline (such as free solo climbing and maintenance of lean tissue). Coach pours forth his vast experience into each Online Training program, SUNRIDER herb guidance, and his products such as TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION book & the HIGH PERFORMANCE YOGA; Basic Strength DVD.
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visit the newly updated Tribal Catalog today!
Order more than $50 of products and get FREE SHIPPING for HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING (international orders not included)!
offer good through December 20th.
visit the Tribal Catalog at:
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"World Class Yoga by a World Class Athlete."
*photo of coach ilg by www.waynewilliamsstudio.com
December 03, 2004
Dear Steve,
Where can i find something about your Enduro-cycle? What a workout! {12/3/04, DL}.
�You're looking good.
Love, Kendo
Noble Kendo,
here two of many links, i am sure, that will hook you up with the same indoor cycle i use:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001GV1Y2/104-6660771-6474310?_encoding=UTF8
http://www.beyondmoseying.com/multisports-training-bike-enc-550.html
namaste,
coach ilg
***
Coach,
I'm very interested in your Prop Workout DVD....can you tell me a little bit more about it.��� How many props do you need, what kind of props, and are they used for the entire workout.�� Sorry I have so many questions.�� I'm really looking forward to this one.�� I have your HP Performance Yoga and I love it!
�Thanks, Dawn
Noble Warrioress Dawn -
i bow to your enthusiasm.
to get ready for the DVD's release go to
www.yogapro.com
order 3 of the Power Yoga Blocks:
http://www.yogapro.com/tradprops/foam_blocks.html
that is all you will need, the DVD will demonstrate everything else!
keep reading DL for the DVD's release.
in sweat and spirit,
coach ilg
***
Coach,
Greetings again from Afghanistan! I recently read your DL entry about Dolphins. I was highly moved, because I happened to be reading�a book called "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews. I was in fact reading the chapter�about Dolphins on that particular day. It is kind of lengthy,�but I thought you or DL readers might enjoy.
God Bless, Semper Fi - Scott/USMC
Noble Warrior Scott -
i bow to your Balanced Warrior Ways...thank you.
DL Readers, to read about The Dolphin sent in by Student Scott, click here:
�The Dolphin.pdf
Namaste,
coach ilg
***
Coach,
I�m having a difficult week. Will update you later.
- Student E
Noble Student E -
welcome the Difficulty.
"Devote yourself to Difficulty and you will be freed from it."
- coach ilg
words from my Teacher:
"Every single negative thing we have ever thought or done has ultimately arisen from our grasping at a false self, and our cherishing of that false self, making it the dearest and most important element in our lives. All those negative thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions that are the cause of our negative karma are engendered by self-grasping and self-cherishing. They are the dark, powerful magnet that attracts to us, life after life, every obstacle, every misfortune, every anguish, every disaster, and so they are the root cause of all the sufferings of samsara."
from the humble Helm,
coach ilg
�
TAKE ON
one of State Cycling Champion, Coach Ilg's favorite
Crazy Wisdom Indoor Cycling Interval Workouts...
"Sweat has a unique and peculiar ability to erode egoic excuses, thus one who is genuinely interested in spiritual growth would do well to sweat like a madman at the very least every other day, if not everyday."
-Coach Ilg. Above, WF Online Teacher Ananda shows superb cycling biomechanics as she dives deeper into her truer self during the second TT (Time Trial) segment of the following workout. How 'bout you? you got what it takes to do REAL Spiritual Working Out?
Good! Then, let's sweat our prayers, baby!
Note on this workout: Be honest with your Higher Self; if you are unwilling to drive yourself to what i call "Bardo Realm Intensities" in your own training, then WF is not be the Temple for you! This is a "Path for Finders,
not Seekers." there are plenty of other personal trainers happy to hold your hand, take your money,
and pamper your strengths. they will let you ignore your weaknesses and ego structures. Not me. Not this Path, baby!
We are a gunning for Self Realization in THIS lifetime!
here is the Warrior Weaponary you will need for this workout. Get one of these for your Home Temple. Why? My new WholisticFitness.com Supersite coming next year will treat (torture?) Members to ongoing "indoor cycling workouts" guided by the WF Teaching Staff.
Permission Granted touse headphones and your favorite kickass music for this particular workout. If you have studied the WF Scriptures you know my stance on any external form of motivation like music. You can use it like Medicine. You are not to become addicted to it. i teach Adeption, not addiction in this Path. Motivation must primarily stream from inner sources, not external ones in WF. For this workout, i had a CD mixed for me by a Hollywood DJ combining killer Rock and Roll classics mixed with Trance timed to perfection for the upcoming brutal intervals ahead.
Ready, Set, SPIN:
*begin with a 10:00 easy resistance Spin to a great high tempo song like you are riding with a tailwind along the Pacific Coast Highway. pedal cadence stays within 80-90 rpm. use the music and your pedal cadence to effect Pratyhara (drawing the mind and senses inward).
*5:00 TT (Time Trial; glue your mofo forearms on the damn handlebar, flatten you back, spin your legs at 90 rpm using a resistance that burns your thighs like battery acid baby...DO NOT get up from the Time Trial position!
*2:00 easy spin
* 3:00 TT @ 70 rpm! directly into:
* 2:00 Out of Saddle TT: RUN ON YOUR PEDALS AND SUFFER LIKE A SLED DOG as you stay low but float your butt off the saddle
* 2:00 easy spin
* 20:00 bust out of the saddle for 15 seconds and pedal as hard and as fast as you can for 15 seconds,
recover for 45 seconds then go again as hard as you can (Zone 5) for 15 seconds, recover for 45, repeat
for the next 20 minutes...let the music and breath drive the effort! just witness yourself, don't buy into the drama of the pain!
*3:00 spin high tempo, minor resistance then
*8:00 launch yourself into an out of the saddle climb with progressively heavier resistance...every 45 seconds turn the resistance up a 1/4 turn until you are standing on the pedals, pitched forward at a rpm of no less and no more than 50 rpm! climb the mountain!
* 2:00 sit up and spin your Left Leg Only @ 70 rpms
* 2:00 sit up and spin your Left Leg Only @ 70 rpms
* 1:00 of easy, quieting spin down...you, my Faithful Warrior are done!
TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes
TRAINING EFFECT: Chi Development for Self Cultivation, Self Determination, and Self Discipline.
"Destiny (daiva) is a formidable force, but human effort (paurusha) is superior to it."
- from the Yoga-Vasisththa
so, who loves you?
who gives you this stuff out of genuine care for your Highest Self?
who lives this stuff
loves this stuff
and
endlessly encourages you to look within, Noble Warrior!
you need NOTHING
no pill
no junk
no news
no gossip...
you
need
only look within
and
love what you find
work with what you find
and
share what you find
so others may benefit
from your
finding...
i bow to you,
-Coach Ilg
December 02, 2004
"Gradually, as you remain open and mindful, and use a technique to focus your mind more and more, your negativity will slowly be defused; you begin to feel well in your own skin, or, as the French say, �tre bien dans sa peau (�well in your own skin�). From this comes release and a profound ease. I think of this practice as the most effective form of therapy and self-healing."- Sogyal Rinpoche
WF Online Student Steve Orr, atop what looks to my eye if i can recall, the second pitch
of Bastille Crack in my old "office" of Eldorado Canyon, Colorado. I love Student Orr, who used to live here in the San
Fernando Valley of LA. I bow you, Noble Ambulance Warrior Orr...you are a hero to me. Noble DL Readers,
please listen to the beautiful words of Student Orr below. If ANYONE knows about being Elegant in Difficulty, it is those whose jobs it is to save lives whenever possible. Thank you Student Orr, for choosing to Study Online within our humble Temple of WF! (Student Orr takes Online WF Training under Teacher Sheader).
*
Ilg-
You're the best, bro. I really appreciate and honor you for taking the time to respond to my question. I also honor and support you in your path. It's often difficult for me to be grateful for the lessons life is teaching me, when I'm in the "middle of it." I usually bitch and moan, and can only see the lesson in hindsight.
I've been thinking a lot lately about "Elegance in Difficulty," particularly in how it applies to my professional life. I knew that when I accepted the opportunity be a Field Instructor on a busy ambulance, I would learn a lot personally and professionally. It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn and to practice principles. Those simple phrases "Elegance in difficulty" and "don't buy into the drama," which I practice in the yoga studio can be practiced anytime, anywhere. Thank you for the inspiration and guidance. You absolutely measure up to what you preach.
Love, Student Orr
December 01, 2004
Coach,
The following quote was part of my Thanksgiving Week horoscope:
"The basic difference between an ordinary person and a warrior," wrote
Carlos Castaneda, "is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while
an ordinary person takes everything as a blessing or a curse."
*Stellar WF Online Student Steve Mackel reports on another Podium performance for the
WF Tribe! Trust me, as Student Mackel alludes to in his sign off salutation below,
the STRENGTH of YOUR Practice is what helps ALL of us who choose to Study this
humble, yet POWERFUL Path of WF!
It has been a while since I've been able to crack into the top three in a
race but T-Day has always been good to me. I started out my "earn the
bird" with the "Run for the Hungry 5k" on Foothill Blvd in La Canada.
First, I brought canned food for the local food bank then got to the
starting line. Brandon was next to me ready to beat me for the first time.
He's been training hard. This course was tough. The first 1.25 was uphill,
then a quick rolling section to the turn around, back through the rollers
and downhill to the finish. I jumped on heels of an AG Ironman triathlete
I train with, just focusing on staying with him. We hit the first mile at
7:00. He was bummed but I thought it was a pretty good first mile
considering the incline. We hit the turn around a little over 11:00, so
sub 20:00 wasn't looking realistic. He started to push ahead and create a
gap. I had to go to the "warrior chi reserve" to fight through the second
mile. When I crested the final hill I kicked it in for the downhill to the
finish. I passed some runners and was only passed by one person. I hit the
finish line in 20:25 good enough for 3rd in my AG. Brandon was never able
to catch me and finished 5 seconds behind me. It is always good to know
that there is the WF "warrior chi reserve" to tap into when needed plus it
keeps those young guns guessing.
Thanks to the Tribe for keeping the Warrior Chi Flowing,
NWSM
"You can't live a full life and sleep in."
- coach ilg
WF Online Student Mike Cerame of NY, �...attempting a yogi squat during a hike in the beautiful cold Long Island air!� It feels so good to be out in nature. Ai- shonada (Korean for -- oh, it feels so good!)�
{Ilg coaching hint; yogi squat works best with your heels facing uphill, not downhill!}
Dearest Coach,
�I took an Ashtanga Yoga class with Stacy at {a nearby yoga studio} tonight. I enjoyed it. It is not like HP yoga, but I appreciate having someone to help�me with my�postures. It will help improve my HP practice for sure. Stacy read the following from "The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali" before and after the class and I thought you would appreciate it:
"....it is not merely philosophy that Pantanjali is about to expound, but rather direct instruction on how to practice Yoga. Mere philosophy will not satisfy us. We cannot reach the goal by mere words alone.� Without practice, nothing can be achieved."
�
With love & chi,
Student MC
***
Okay, after yesterday�s CHI FILLED FULL PAGE shot of me in the LA Times, my email box has been stuffed with requests for reprints and particularly of the photo of what my teammate Ron Jones called, �An AWESOME shot of a herb-eatin� ragin mofo ilgbro!�
so, how do you get a copy of your "feeble coach in full flying color"?
contact:
Ralph Drew
Latimes Archives Dept
213 473-2520
800 528-4637 x32520
ralph.drew@latimes.com
in regard to:
Los Angeles Times - Tuesday November 30, 2004
Joined at the toe clip
Eight years ago four cyclists who were complete strangers put themselves
through a 508-mile introduction in the Southern California outback. Their
cramp crucible united them in a brotherhood of pain -- and came within a few
minutes of winning the race. This time, reports Roy M. Wallack, he's out to
prove he won't mess it up for the crew.
By Roy M. Wallack
Home Edition; Outdoors; Pt F; Pg 4; Features Desk
to view the article without seeing the killer full page Coach Ilg flying in full color,
alert DL Reader, Anne Sasso sent this:
�Ilgman,
Here's the link for those of us without access to a print version.
http://www.latimes.com/features/outdoors/la-os-furnace30nov30,0,5674331.story?coll=la-home-outdoors
Love ya,
Anne�
*
sorry Tribe, yet i am only a humble mountain yoga teacher...i have no marketing dept or PR person, so please follow through on the above if you wish. otherwise, stay tuned to DL for more info. i would love to get a Training Poster made of that incredible picture...i will work on that.
*
Dude,
Great job man!� Really nice piece.� I enjoyed reading and remembering the pain!� Great photos too�any chance of getting some from Allan?� I would agree to not publish them anywhere if he wanted�just for personal use in my home.� AWESOME Ilg photos�viscious ilgbro man�a herb eating ragin� mofo!� Eight years?�hopefully less.
Cheers,
Ron
- Ron Jones Congratulates Roy on Yesterday�s LA Times Article on the 508
***
�It�s been two weeks since I have been on the Sunrider herbs and Ilg�s nutrition/cardio/strength/meditation I have lost about 5 pounds and energy levels have gone up!
Thank you for your assistance and wisdom.
Brandon�
Brandon is a TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION fan and new SUNRIDER under Steve Mackel of Pasadena, CA. Hey, the WF + SR System works, all we gotta do is share the Path and have fun watching people SHIFT, baby!
***
another reason to eat Dolphin Safe tuna...(or not eat fish at all)?
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Reuters) - A pod of dolphins circled protectively round a group of New Zealand swimmers to fend off an attack by a great white shark, media reported on Tuesday.
Lifesavers Rob Howes, his 15-year-old daughter Niccy, Karina Cooper and Helen Slade were swimming 100 metres (300 feet) off Ocean Beach near Whangarei on New Zealand's North Island when the dolphins herded them - apparently to protect them from a shark. Dolphins are known to attack sharks to protect their own young.
"They started to herd us up, they pushed all four of us together by doing tight circles around us," Howes told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA). Howes tried to drift away from the group, but two of the bigger dolphins herded him back just as he spotted a three-meter (nine foot) great white shark swimming towards the group. "I just recoiled. It was only about 2 meters (6 feet) away from me, the water was crystal clear and it was as clear as the nose on my face," Howes said. "They had corralled us up to protect us," he said.
The lifesavers spent the next 40 minutes surrounded by the dolphins before they could safely swim back to shore.
Environment group Orca Research said dolphins attacked sharks to protect themselves and their young, so their actions in protecting the lifesavers was understandable. "They could have sensed the danger to the swimmers and taken action to protect them," Orca's Ingrid Visser told NZPA.
- sent in by WF Teacher Hatsuiku Sheader
speaking of Teacher Sheader,
do you know that it is that time of the year to place your orders with Teacher Sheader for the best WF-approved CHI FILLED HOLIDAY CARDS?:
Hey all,
Don't forget! Holiday Cards and Gifts from New World Celtic Designs! Artist Linda Sheader.
www.nwceltic.com
**
coming up next in DL:
rabid responses to Coach Ilg�s �Hunting� article!