I had done a lot of crawling training before. It's fantastic exercise. I only did 4 main crawls; the Alligator, side ways, the Caterpillar and the bear but never down steps. So i was looking forward to trying something new.
I heard a couple of the guys here had done it and said it was one of the hardest exercises they have ever done. This made me curious.
We reached the top of the steps and caught our breath before entering the cave. Just walking up the steps themselves is exercise and it's also very humid here to. On entering the small cave we were greeted with 8 statues of the 8 immortals and pillows on the floor so as to kneel before the statues. I sat in a traditional Japanese kneeling pose and Tom in a cross legged position. It was so calm and peaceful in the cave. I felt my breathing slow and my heart drop about 10 beats. My mind was clear and relaxed; this is truly a wonderful place to visit.
After meditating for a while we climbed to the top of the mountain and took in the amazing view of the far reaching landscape of which included the Academy.
Loved the views.
The longest journey starts with the first step.
"i will be a better Human Being, i will be a better Human Being"
About half way, just before the longest and steepest part of the crawl, a group of Chinese tourists came by and started taking photos and talking to us. I think it was a girls school. They must have thought "what are these crazy white boys doing". One of the teachers could speak a little English and was inquiring to what we were doing. We explained that this is traditional Shaolin training. He seemed interested. The girls seemed struck. I felt like David Beckham. They were taking photos, filming us and giggling every 5 seconds. I suppose we are a slightly unusual sight as we were English, crawling, had are tops off and Tom is covered in tattoos. It was real funny experience and gave us an fortuitous opportunity to rest.
It was hard going all the way, especially as I had cut my hand about half way and loss about 50% of water from my body from sweating. We finished in about 30-40min, felt awesome and had some food which was simply some nuts.
Tom and I agreed to train later in the day. It had everything, deadlifts, burpees, skipping, pull ups, press ups, sprints, bag beat and a lot more. Bag beat is lying a punch bag on the floor getting on top of it UFC style and beating it none stop for 45sec. I just pretend that the bag is someone who has tried to steal my steak. I suggest everyone try this as it is great fun. Remember you have to go all out psycho on the bag, otherwise there is no point. My veins had popped up, and adrenaline pumping after that session I was on cloud nine. Ori saw me and said I looked pumped I replied "it's the chi flowing."
It was 8pm and I finished the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It was given to me for the trip from my work colleague Ken. It is a cool book, very easy to read and sums up and explains everything nicely. It is a spiritual/motivational type book. I would recommend.
The Four Agreements is a very simple book to read and understand. Don Miguel uses the knowledge and principles of the Toltecs; a ancient group of of scientists, artists and spiritualists to help people of today survive modern age.
Basically, four precepts are put forward in which the reader should try to implement into daily life.
These are:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Words
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
3. Don't Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best
The author explains each one in such a simple way that you can immediately put the words into action or well at least try. Everything takes practice including the agreements.
What i really liked about the book is it's simplicity and straight forward approach. You can easily read this book over and over again and each time it will enforce what has already been learned.
Sleep by 9.
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