Above the Plain

This reflection begins with being misled by an AI-generated supplement ad and expands into a broader critique of modern society’s habit of manufacturing deficiencies and selling solutions. It explores themes of authenticity, tribal identity, and personal responsibility, arguing that many of our perceived problems stem from disengagement from a visceral, embodied life. Rather than outsourcing health and identity to systems, the piece calls for ruthless self-honesty, conscious lifestyle choices, and reclaiming individual sovereignty. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The pursuit of excellence means showing up again and again in commitment, in consistency, in nailing the fundamentals, in being there even when you don’t feel like it, in getting really close, in caring deeply, in drifting and falling off the path and then coming back on the path, and reconnecting and caring deeply and showing up throughout it all. And that starts to look a lot like love. Love is the outcome of a process. And that process is defined above. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Where are you suppressing growth? What life habits/patterns are your chief limiters? How badly do you want to live? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

You are seeking something which is here — right here — inside yourself. You are not seeking something which is alien to you, but rather your own inmost nature, your essence.Paul Brunton, Discover YourselfThoughts for the Week:* Visualize and imagine what you desire to experience. * Success: You feel good not because the world is right, but your world is right because you feel good.* We must erase first. Then, we write with clear wisdom. (Picture yourself erasing a mental blackboard).* Self-Awareness: We must see our feelings as they actually are, not as we assume they are.* Identification: We lose our thoughts in these things in an attempt to feel secure:* Person / Place / Career / Hobby / Personal Viewpoints* We want to cling to something that seems permanent. * Identification with excitement is always followed by an unhappy reaction.* It is strange how human beings seldom inspect the ideas which produce the kind of life they have.* The products of our processes.* You are not your collected self-descriptions… when a memorized image of yourself does not interfere with right now, right now is peace and liberty. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve found this to be one of, if not the, key elements of longevity. Life is full of transitions. Beginning, progressing, achieving, becoming, and then ending.This episode dives into what that may look like, as well as how it can be planned for and navigated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Listen to this while moving, creating energy, or while focused and alert. Absorption depends on optimal environmental conditions.As a runner, if I’m not doing my long runs or lacking motivation, I need to sign up for races or find a training group that fills that need. If I’m not doing my hill work or speed training, I need to hire a coach, sign up for shorter races, or find a group that is doing the type of training I am avoiding. You are closer to success than it often seems. Spend time in reflection and journal what comes to mind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Becoming the best version of you is what the world desires. It is what your family desires, it is what the group/work/social environments desire, even though they may not consciously know it. Thus, it is your (my) responsibility to define who that person is, what they are capable of, and start living life that way… NOW. Change is always now. There is no ideal time to be the best. Attitude is your friend. Inaction is your foe. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The attitude of the beginner is one of freshness, wonder, hope, and possibility. Dreams die when our spirit hardens. Remain interested in all things and see how your experience changes. Create time and space for the experience to flourish.Set personal boundaries.Harness the power of the destination, or deadline, to achieve results. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Musings on the source of our successes in life. What feelings did you attach to them? Have you experimented with changing your mindset or viewpoint on something that is not going well? Do you cling to the negative or do you seek to overcome it? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Your purpose, your aim, and your consciousness define the path you take. We all need to re-center and re-frame, no matter how far or devoted we are to the path. Books help. Coaches help. Quotes help. Journaling is paramount.What we quantify, we can improve. Journal. Write. Think. Let it flow. Address what needs to be addressed and then move on.Onward and upward. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

People do not value what is easily come by. Therefore the simple solution is not the one employed. “Setting yourself a voluntary aim and compelling yourself to achieve it, creates magnetism and the ability to do. Magnetism is acquired only through conscious labor and intentional suffering, through doing small things voluntarily.”G.I. GurdjieffCutting down a tree, splitting, and stacking firewood is a natural (and necessary for survival in many climates) process for heating.Walking is a way to traverse vast distances in any terrain. Hunting is a way to feed and clothe yourself. The process of harvesting and processing is simple, yet not easy. Losing weight and achieving your optimal size is a natural process of reversing the practices which made you overweight. It is not addition but subtraction. It is harder to add than it is to take away. Simple isn’t easy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

When I talk about lifestyle, fitness and holistic training, I speak from an angle of inclusivity. It is very rare for any one activity to check all the boxes necessary to build a complete, or as close to complete, human being as possible. Therefore multiple modalities should be included in your approach to lifestyle fitness training. Thus balance is the goal. It is not necessary to become an expert in each area only to become competent in each area/modality. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Know what you want. Sincerely want. Keep this at the forefront of your mind. The most important thing you can master is overcoming the (limitations of) mind. You are that which you most sincerely want to be. Therefore, you must consciously choose your ideal, and know where you want to arrive. As a coach and trainer the most influential role I play is one that is unseen and unknown. It is also the reason I keep my client load very manageable. The mental energy that is transferred during our sessions, as well as in all forms of communication, including thought transmission, is by far the biggest accelerator of a clients goal/dream attainment. Thoughts are things. Energy is continually transferred. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Enjoy a preview of my latest creative project. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The acceptance of the end automatically, wills the means of realization. You must state and believe, and affirm the wish fulfilled. Here you are living as your future self, imprinting your subconscious mind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Guided, intuitive training sessions are the ultimate elevator. Move well, feel good, have a great day. The results, however, are dependent on what the trainee does on their own. Can they overcome the mind? Can they find solutions to make the thing happen? Can they self-prioritize? Leonard Lang: Doing something today is vital. I want to emphasize the importance of finding something to do now, even if it seems to stray a bit from the central work you must do. Momentum is critical. Remember Newton’s First and Second Laws of Motion? Objects at rest tend to stay at rest and those in motion tend to stay in motion. The same, at least metaphorically, applies to most of us. Once we get stuck, many of us tend to stay stuck and find it hard to get going again, especially on a long-range plan. Most of us, once we get moving, tend to keep moving until some large “object” stops us. We need to keep moving. We need to keep up an inner sense of momentum and actual movement. That can only happen if you have steps to take on a regular basis, whether it’s daily or weekly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Longevity is a product. Lifestyle is the driver. Therefore one must design and live a lifestyle that delivers them into the future as the person they’ve always been. Prioritization is essential. Mileage management is essential. Choosing the optimal, minimal is also essential. Treat your work as performance.Prioritize daily movement with a focus on building strength.Eat to enhance your desired outcome. Sleep to recover and rejuvenate.JakeLawrence.Net505.715.9316 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Coaching. The one aspect that society deems unnecessary for adults. But why? Why are we so eager to allow the ego to stop our growth? Truth is we are all meant for more. For the collective to heal, the individual must first heal. It starts with one. One always leads to more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

When you stop fighting, you start flowing. This episode dives fairly deep into the cause for action. We often are quick to assign a label to how we feel or except a label diagnosis for a behavior that has become repetitive in our lives. In this episode, I attempt to help rationalize feelings. What rises in your life or what becomes normal or consistent maybe just an opportunity for you to experience something new. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The feeling is the secret. “To impress the subconscious with the desirable state, you must assume the feeling that would be yours had you already realized your wish. In defining your objective, you must be concerned only with the objective itself.” “It is easier to ascribe your feeling to events in the world than to admit that the conditions of the world reflect your feeling.” “You are already that which you want to be, and your refusal to believe this is the only reason you do not see it… we find only that which we are.” — Neville Goddard This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The art of doing is the secret elixir of life. Time is an illusion. Choice is a cancer. Self-realization opens up your avenue of expression. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Individuation. Self actualization. Self realization.Individuation is the way. The process of going within to solve the major questions in your life. Your unique lifestyle is already within you. You must awaken it and release it upon the world. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

To explain that which is simple can sometimes be almost impossible, yet if we can understand, even one simple thing in depth, we’ll have greatly expanded our capacity for comprehending the nature of the universe and of life itself. The pessimistic position of cynical skepticism, stems from fear, while the more optimistic manner of accepting information arises from self-confidence. Either style works, and each has its pros and cons. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Whether exercising to be a better ____, or training for an objective/event/outcome. It is a daily process of being the best version of yourself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Persist in your efforts. Resist giving in to distraction, discouragement, or disorder. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Privatization. Deluded living. Outcomes and expectations. Commitments. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

What you persist in you become. Choose wisely. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

A dive into the all powerful element of mindset. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

It is only after you’ve gone deep enough, hard enough, and long enough, that you will experience the elixir of physical effort. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Unless you give complete and utter devotion to the endeavor you are wasting your time. Life is presented, and thus lived in separateness. Outcomes are offered in exchange for time, and resources. Prescriptions are employed. Yet, unless what is prescribed is passive (financial investment, maintenance activities, etc.), what is obtained from the action is at best average. One must ask himself if average (in anything) is ever worth it. This honest reflection highlights the brevity of existence. Society propagates the conversation of should and should not, right and wrong, avoidance of risk and acceptance of fear, as reason to turtle up and hide. The more you listen the deeper you are conditioned until finally your existence fits neatly in a box of entertainment (TV, internet, stimulants, depressants, etc.). Avoidance of risk and acceptance of fear. The way out begins with awareness. Your views on existence and its potential can be traced to specific societal origins: parents, school, entertainment, relatives, religion, etc. Perception is learned and lived for so long that aberrations (in behavior) are self-judged as shameful. This ownership of an external ideal is toxic, and unnecessary. Be aware of what you claim to be, what group you identify with, what opinions you accept as truth, what beliefs you stand by, and confront them head on. It is not so hard to do. To live as an individual requires risk. It requires surpassing the suffocating stagnation of fear. To live as an individual requires trust. Trust that life exists in symbiosis. Life takes life, life creates life, life sustains life. Safety is an illusion. By embracing difficulty you callous your mind and body in preparation for future challenges. Frequency is dependent on your level of devotion to the endeavor. Devotion is paramount. Repetition is the mother of all things, good and bad. Repetition fosters consistency, good and bad. The things we repeat consistently, without resistance or significant hesitation deserve our attention. It is here that clarity is found. If it doesn’t happen in the very instant you entertain the idea it will not happen. The problem-solution for tomorrow remains a problem for the present.Seriousness is for the rare human being. It requires a high degree of individuation, and right-participation in society. Understanding your past to correct your present. Participating in society as an individual, while embracing life with an expectation of excellence. As an individual you are given the opportunity to perform at the highest possible attainable level in this lifetime. This is only accessible above and beyond the plane of competition. If you can begin to understand what that means your life will begin to move in an entirely different trajectory. The unknown awaits your devotion. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Do it anyway. Life is and always will be in the way. Life begins and ends with Nutrition. Prepare. Breakdown. Build. Perfect Amino: bodyhealth.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

The disciplined way of doing something is itself the enlightenment. If the reward is not immediate, the action is not worth it! If you are going to do it now, then you must be rewarded now! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Movement is energy. Energy is life. Stay basic. Keep consistent. Place the bar a little further each week to continue to build. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Investment in self is maximum utilization of time and resources. Cultivating your ideal image results from a succession of right choices. Cut the contemplation and maximize who you are in every facet of your existence. How you do anything is how you do everything. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

“… look within. All you need you have. Use it. Behave as best you know, do what you think you should. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; you can always correct them, only intentions matter. The shape things take is not within your power; the motives of your actions are.” —Nisargadatta Maharaj This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Life is energy. Position yourself with those that build you up, especially in areas of your life you are actively seeking improvement. I want interested humans in my life to keep things interesting! Do you want to feast or are you ok with famine? Let’s get after it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Balance. Leisure & work. What you value most may hinder your self development. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Life is mental. Pain is a great teacher. Learn to control your emotions and feelings to overcome the barriers to change and progress that arise from pain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Life is lived in a single day. Every single day you live your life. Some days have more free space, some less. Whatever space you have to personalize your existence must be utilized. What interests you sans social media, public opinion, outsiders perspectives, etc.? Who are you and what do you want to make of your existence? Make the space for your personal freedom to flow… and grow. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

You are closer than you may think you are to the person you desire to be. Your intentions are valid, but easy to forget. Commitments to others… jobs, family, community often take precedent over yourself. We are taught this from a very early age. Society needs you to feel an overarching obligation to it. You must train yourself to be your best advocate. Make time for to improve yourself. Make room for growth. Start with a minimum amount and watch it grow over time. Improvement is powerful. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

A brief discussion on mindset. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Momentum. The product of doing the thing that must be done on a consistent basis. The result of consistent effort/focus can be massive if paired with persistence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Are you ever “ready?” Preparation builds the body and mind for a specific demand. You stress it to stress it. If the training is minimal the demand you can place on it should be moderated. This is the key to continuing to have experiences, being receptive to the moment, and embracing the unknown. We have the ability to adapt, pivot, and endure. This ability begs for us to utilize it. In this brief episode I touch on the conversations that arise during an event/test and how to manage them from a solution centered mindset. Onward and upward. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

High intensity training. How much effort and concentration can you put into each set of each exercise? How skilled are you at the application of that exercise? HIT prioritizes the optimal minimal, with the goal of building muscle (size and strength), not endurance, or aerobic efficiency. Know what your goals are and seek the path that makes the most sense for you to achieve your goals. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Time is repetition. It could be a month, a year, a decade. What is required is persistence in obtaining skill in an area of genuine interest. It is clear that results come from our ability to adapt to an applied stress. The intention and focus we give, our ability to go further, deeper, harder, is dependent on our skill (of movement) and honesty of can’t/won’t when we cease the set/effort. Remember, your desire, paired with your lack, becomes a target for marketers, sales people, influencers, etc. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Brief discussion on resources (energy, time, etc.) and their function in regards to High Intensity Training and Aerobic Efficiency training. Both require you to “feel good” during your training sessions to make improvements, endure challenges, and achieve your goals. Work + Rest = Training This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

You can enter into any state you wish. Preparation is paramount to seriousness. Seriousness is paramount to success/achievement. You place the value on the things you do in this life. You. Consumption has fooled society into thinking they are involved in a successful process. They are not. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

Simple isn’t easy. Simple is essential. Persistence in the simple, affords complexity in conclusion. Build a broad, solid foundation of which to carry a lifetime. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

We repeat. Sometimes aware, intentional, or forced. Most of the time out of habit or craving. Repetition producers behavior. Behavior defines your present. What will you do today (intentionally) to influence tomorrow? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe

In training and in life you have to stay on top of your nutrition and hydration. The importance cannot be overstated. Associate how you feel with what you’ve consumed. Reflect, journal, assess your behaviors on a consistent basis. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abovetheplain.substack.com/subscribe