[JediNickD] World 3 Level 6: "Don't Give in to Hate"

[JediNickD]

Welcome back for another episode of The Exciting Adventures of JediNickD! It was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away that I joined this site and started my first challenge.. World 1 was my first extended stay.  I took a hiatus from NF and came back with a new direction for my goals where I warped to World 2, which I defeated in a Boss Fight slaying some mighty big goals.  On to World 3 to continue to level up my life!

 

 

Challenge Lesson "Don't Give in to Hate":

From Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (emphasis mine):
 

Yoda: Stopped they must be; on this all depends. Only a fully trained Jedi Knight, with the Force as his ally, will conquer Vader and his Emperor. If you end your training now - if you choose the quick and easy path as Vader did - you will become an agent of evil.
Obi-Wan: Patience.
Luke: And sacrifice Han and Leia?
Yoda: If you honor what they fight for? Yes.
Obi-Wan: If you choose to face Vader, you will do it alone. I cannot interfere.
Luke: I understand. R2? Fire up the converters.
Obi-Wan: Luke! Don't give in to hate. That leads to the Dark Side.
Yoda: Strong is Vader. Mind what you have learned. Save you it can.
Luke: I will. And I'll return, I promise.

 

  
It is my personal opinion that "hate" is a strong word.  I believe that to be true.  If you say you dislike something, then you are conveying just your interest level in it.  If you say you hate something, then you are conveying much more.  You are saying that you will not tolerate it either.  You are drawing a clear line in the sand.  For Jedi in Star Wars, that line is like the edge of the Dark Side.  Drawing it divides you from the Light Side.  The only way back is to cross it removing your hate. There is a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr relating to this thinking which I use often:

 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness.  Only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate.  Only love can do that." 

 

To remove hate, you must show love, compassion, caring, thoughtfulness, and understanding.  This is exactly what Luke does to defeat the Emperor, turning Darth Vader back to the light side to defend his son.  The best way to show love, compassion, caring, thoughtfulness, and understanding is to learn about the other side. 
 
In the real world, hate is caused by ignorance.  If you do not know and understand something which you dislike, then your dislike of it can turn to hate when you are forced to tolerate it.  Your dislike boils and boils as you are continually subjected to it making you more and more uncomfortable for reasons that you just do not understand.  When you see something for what it is, know it and understand it, then even if you dislike it, you learn to tolerate it, to manage it, to avoid it. 
 
I hated rap music when I was young.  I didn't get the attraction or connection people had to it.  I didn't understand the lyrics.  I didn't understand the meaning and motives behind the music.  It confused me and made me uncomfortable to listen to it.  After growing up, learning about different cultures, meeting people who like rap music, listening to the words and understanding their meanings, I can say that there is rap music I like and listen to and rap music I dislike and avoid, but no rap music I hate.  Educating yourself in other cultures is a powerful ally in the real world.
 
When I feel anger towards something, when I find I dislike something and wish not to tolerate it, I respond by getting to know and understand it.  I define questions and seek answers instead boundaries and conflict.  Hate leads to the Dark Side.  Knowledge leads to the Light Side.

Side note: I'm almost through the World 1 lessons. Level 18 was the last one I didn't write a strong lesson on, so after that one, I'll be visiting new quotes and lessons.  I feel that there is not strong material to pull from The Force Awakens or Rogue One for Jedi lessons (since no Jedi speak in either movie), but there is still useful lessons to write about, which unlike the original and prequel trilogies, has hardly been written about anywhere.  After The Last Jedi hits theaters, I'll probably wait a couple challenges before I delve into the lessons to give readers time to view and digest.  No need to spoil anything, right?

 

My Main Quest and Mission:

My mission is to be the best Jedi I can be. My main quest is always to enhance my overall health, fitness, and knowledge to be prepared for whatever challenges life could throw at me. As a Jedi, I need to be able to help people, whether that is a life threatening situation or just a charitable one. There is no boss level in Jedi training, there is only tomorrow.

 

World 3 Level 6 Challenge:

FITNESS:

• Cardio: Speed and Stamina - 500 min total, 120 weekly. 

  DEX +1, STA +2
   

• Exercise: Lifting and Bodyweight - 300 min total, 80 weekly. 

  STR +1
   

• Flexibility: Stretching and Physical Therapy - 400 min total, 100 weekly. 

  STR +1, DEX +1
   

• Karate: Training and Practice - 600 min total, 150 weekly. 
  STR +1, DEX +1, STA +1
   

DIET:

• Weight Control - Lose 1 lb by end of challenge. Never weigh more than 155.4 lbs. Complete measurements before or during Week 1 and again during or after Week 4.  Watch portions and make healthy choices for 24 of 28 days.  Track "fasting" after dinner nightly.  I'm looking to continue to cut down on snacking and desserts after dinner.  I need to ensure I have a calorie deficit or I won't continue to lose weight.
  CON +2
   

LIFE:

• Get Stuff Done - Complete (or dedicate at least one hour to) 210 Tasks or Projects, with at least 55 each week, from any of the following areas (minimum for challenge):
  Toastmasters Communication Practice (6), Toastmasters Leadership Practice (8), Toastmasters Speech and Training Development (8), Mentoring (6), Charity Work (2), Jedi Training (8), Self Preservation (16), Reading (16), Church Work (14), Job Work (10), Business Projects (8), Dishes (18), Laundry (18), Cleaning/Dusting/Vacuuming (18), Other Chores (18), Yard Work (8), Animal Care (24), Home Renovation (4), Auto Maintenance (4), Family Activities (8), Adventuring (6).   
  WIS +2, CHA +2

 

INCENTIVES!  Working hard for CASH!  ($183 carried over)

REWARD 1:  For each week I complete 60 or more tasks, I will put aside $10 to spend how I see fit.  I only beat 60 once last challenge, so this will be tough to earn.
CONSEQUENCE 1:  For any week where I complete less than 55 tasks, I will give up $10 of saved cash.

 

REWARD 2:  $5 for each Business Project hour.  NEED TO GET MY EXTRA-LIFE PROJECT RUNNING!

CONSQUENCE 2: Lose $10 for each week without a Business Project hour.

 

REWARD 3:  $1 for each hour working on Jedi Training lessons.
CONSQUENCE 3: Lose $5 for each week without working on a Jedi Training lesson.

 

REWARD 4: $1 for each night of fasting after dinner.  Fruits and veggies allowed in small quantities, but no dessert or snacking.   

CONSQUENCE 4: Lose $5 for each day without fasting.  Lose $5 for eating more than 2 slices of pizza in any meal.

 

REWARD 5: $1 for each day with a small, healthy lunch. 

CONSQUENCE:  Lose $5 for each day without a small, healthy lunch.

BONUSES: 

• $5 for each Home Renovation and Auto Maintenance task.
• $5 for 10 or more sprints in one workout.  (once a week only)
• $5 for running more than 3.5 miles in a workout.
• $5 for running below an 8 minute mile.  (once a week only)
• $10 for running below a 7 minute mile.  (once a week only)
• $5 for running 3 miles in less than 30 minutes.  (once a week only)

 

PUNISHMENT:

• Lose $10 each day with weight above 155.4 lbs.  TIME FOR SERIOUS BUSINESS!

 

[WhiteGhost]

 

Red 6 standing by

[JediNickD]

PORKINS!

 

Weight is down to 152.0 lbs this morning.  Woot! Woot!

[JediNickD]

151.8 lbs this morning! 

 

Week 1 plans:  This weekend, we have a friend's baby's birthday party, Karate class, and a Karate Swordsman Workshop.  I think the family will aim for Karate class on Monday and Thursday.  Toastmasters Tuesday evening and Wednesday at lunch.  Thursday is Org Day for my work, which means some outdoor games that afternoon.  Then next weekend is Comic Con!  Should be a fun week. 

[Jonesy]

I like your incentive plan!

 

How long do you fast?

[JediNickD]

19 hours ago, Jonesy said:

I like your incentive plan!

 

How long do you fast?

 

Just after dinner right now which is about 13 hours, but I'm looking to skip breakfast every other day soon to make it 18 hours, then switch the table to skip dinner instead.

[Jonesy]

1 hour ago, JediNickD said:

 

Just after dinner right now which is about 13 hours, but I'm looking to skip breakfast every other day soon to make it 18 hours, then switch the table to skip dinner instead.

 

What does fasting do for you? I've not read much about fasting so I'm curious. 

[JediNickD]

2 hours ago, Jonesy said:

 

What does fasting do for you? I've not read much about fasting so I'm curious. 

 

The goal is to get my body on a proper calorie consumption schedule for a calorie deficit to lose weight.  If I'm not burning, then I shouldn't be consuming.  I've been working on portion control and snacking instead of eating big meals, which has helped a lot, but I found that sometimes I just do not have to eat. 

[Jonesy]

Interesting. Do you get hungry during those fasting times or have you been doing it for some time that your body has gotten used to it?

I know that since I did my whole30 my appetite has decreased significantly and I realized I'v unconsciously started fasting some days.

[JediNickD]

I get hungry some times, but for the most part I'm good. 

[WhiteGhost]

It took me many decades to realize that feeling hunger is not necessarily a bad thing

[JediNickD]

Surprisingly, I made it through the weekend at 153.0 lbs.  With a trip to Golden Corral, I thought I was doomed.  Not that the food is great, but it is plentiful, and I like to get a little of everything.  And I can't walk out of there without having some fried chicken.  I can successfully avoid the desserts though.  Starting with a salad helps. 

 

Sunday, I started off the challenge with an adventure.  My wife and I took a blade workshop where we sliced things with katana swords.  It was awesome.  I have pictures and video on my phone, which I can upload and share. 

 

This morning I was stiff and sore in the back.  Lots of physical therapy and a little exercise.

[WhiteGhost]

That blade workout sounds awesome. Doing it togwther with the wife is just epic!

 

Congratulations on getting out of Golden Corral without completely stuffing yourself silly. No small feat, that

[Jonesy]

I'm trying to picture what a sword workshop is. So like IRL fruit ninja? 

[JediNickD]

20 hours ago, Jonesy said:

I'm trying to picture what a sword workshop is. So like IRL fruit ninja? 

 

YES!  But with stationary water bottle and woven grass rugs.  It was awesome learning proper slashing technique which was actually an ancient style never used in combat but excellent for teaching fundamentals.  I am seriously interested in getting into swordplay.  The instructors and a couple of the black belts were fantastic.  It'll be a couple years before I am confident in my coordination and abilities to get into a class (and commit time and money to it).

[JediNickD]

152.0 lbs this morning.  Karate last night was double kicks, turn back kicks, and jumping kicks.  My legs are sore, so this morning, I only did a bit of cardio on the stationary recumbent bike after a long physical therapy.  Feeling better already.  Tomorrow will be a running day.  Likely Thursday too, before another karate class leaving Friday and Saturday to recover before my Belt Test.  I'm moving up to Senior Green Belt.  I should test for Blue Belt in November, so schedule-wise, it is good that we will be home for Thanksgiving to be available for the test.

 

Toastmasters tonight practicing my Humorous speech.  I'll record it and hopefully share.  My initial speech went really well, but I changed a bit to shorten and make it easier to follow.  And while writing this post, I just figured out how to squeeze in a funny joke I thought of this past weekend... crap.  That's what I get for listening to comedian standup and podcasts.

[WhiteGhost]

3 hours ago, JediNickD said:

 I'm moving up to Senior Green Belt.  I should test for Blue Belt in November

That seems like some pretty fast belt progressions. Hope you do well on your tests

[JediNickD]

10 minutes ago, WhiteGhost said:

That seems like some pretty fast belt progressions. Hope you do well on your tests

 

I've hit the point where each rank starts to take twice as long.  I had been advancing every other month, but getting to Blue is going to be 4 months, and Red may be 6 months.

[WhiteGhost]

Back when I was doing Karate, we usually moved up a belt every 4-6 months. On the other hand, we only had a limited number of belts. iirc, it was White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown and Black. I only ever got as far as Green.

[JediNickD]

152.2 lbs.  30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes stretching and physical therapy. 

 

Toastmasters humorous speech last night went well.  I needed my notes less than I expected.  And I got some good belly laughs from a few.  My evaluation gave me a few tips to improve it.  I have to adjust my time though.  I was 9 seconds over.  I need to drop 30 seconds to ensure I don't go over at the Area contest tonight. 

[JediNickD]

I have two huge victories to boast about. 

 

Last night, at the Toastmasters Area Contest, I placed 1st in the Humorous Speech Contest!  My first 1st place finish in any contest outside of the club.  And I was against hilarious competition.  The Division Contest is Oct 14th, last day of this challenge and the same day as my 5k Quarry Run.  Should be a great day and I seriously hope I can do both.  It may be tough to be on time to the contest though. 

 

Then, this morning, I weighed 149.8 lbs!  Under 150 lbs for the first time since Freshman year of college.  My high school graduating weight was 145 lbs, so that is the next giant milestone.  I don't think I'll aim at my high school freshman weight of 120 lbs, but I'm not tall and I don't plan on being bulky, so it may not be out of the question.  Quick and coordinated is my overall goal, weight loss is a byproduct of pursuing that goal while also being a contributing sub-goal.  I've always been compact and powerful, which age and weight have not effected, but my speed and my ability to train to be fast has aged.  My back just can't take the tough training I have done in the past to be fast and agile.  I'm not going to worry about it, because I know that if I need to sprint, it is there, I can be fast.  About a month ago, I ran a mile below 7 minutes.  Through martial arts and physical therapy, I can sustain the speed I still have by improving my quickness and balance.  Losing the extra weight will only have added benefits to my goal.

[WhiteGhost]

That's awesome. The weight loss goal is nice, but the Toastmasters 1st place is especially exciting because that takes skill and talent on top of the hard work and dedication. Way to go!

[Jonesy]

3 hours ago, JediNickD said:

I have two huge victories to boast about.

 

 

Those are great victories! 

[JediNickD]

Holy carp, I did a lot of Karate yesterday, with three workouts (morning details work, noon cardio work, and evening class).  My belt test on Sunday, I am ready for. 

 

150.4 lbs this morning.  I resisted my wife's temptations of cheese curls and nutter butters.  Tough work.

 

Comic Con tomorrow.  I'm still debating my cosplay.  GI Joe or Jedi.  so much excite

[Jonesy]

2 hours ago, JediNickD said:

Comic Con tomorrow.  I'm still debating my cosplay.  GI Joe or Jedi.  so much excite

 

GI Jedi?