[JediNickD] Level 16: "Don't Give in to Hate"

[JediNickD]

From Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back:
 
 

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 said 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. 
 
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. 
 
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.
 

Now, the Challenge! 

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.   

 

I started on Monday, but I wasn't able to put my post together until today.  I'm keeping it similar as last challenge with a couple upgrades.
 
My main quest with attribute points is below:

• FITNESS: Build STA +2 and DEX +1 by Running, Sprinting, Hiking, Biking, Rowing, Rollerblading, or Training (HIIT or Sports) for 20 minutes or more, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday preferred).

For side quests, I swapped out distance in favor of sprinting repititions.  I enjoy it so much more and I have no 5k to train for, just some love handles to keep down.

• FITNESS: Build STR +2 and DEX +1 by completing 400 minutes of Sports Training* in 12 sessions and meeting at least 90 % of my fitness side quest goals. 

I've increased the difficulty of most the fitness side quest goals.  Let's see if I can rock another 100%.

• DIET: Build CON +2 by eating "Healthy Meals"** 22 times or more, eating Snack Food 10 times or less, drinking 290 fl oz of Dr Pepper or less, taking care of my skin and lips by applying moisturizer 80 times or more (twice daily), brushing (twice daily) and flossing (once daily) 120 times or more. 

Looking to make some small strides here.

• LIFE: Build WIS +3 and CHA +4 by completing two Toastmaster Speeches , participating in Table Topics thrice and Meeting Roles four times, and completing two lessons from the IJRS Personal 101 Manual in Jedi Training. 

I'll be an Area Governor for Toastmasters starting July 1st branching out to assist clubs outside the ones I belong to.  I'll be sprinkling goals in for the job in the next few challenges.

 
* - Training or playing Basketball, Soccer, Rugby, Football, Hockey, Swimming, or Racquet Ball
** - "Healthy Meals" means no grease, minimal fat and calories, mostly veggies, meat, and fruit, while avoiding starches. Breakfast is not included in count.

 

SIDE QUEST CHALLENGE GOALS

• FITNESS
  • Barbells
    • Deadlift = 200 lbs, 30 reps
    • Back Squat = 220 lbs, 30 reps
    • Incline Bench = lbs, 30 reps
    • Decline Bench = lbs, 30 reps
    • Bench Press = 210 lbs, 30 reps
    • Overhead Press = 0 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 90 lbs, 90 reps
  • Dumbells
    • Bench Press = lbs, 30 reps
    • Fly = lbs, 30 reps
    • Overhead Press = lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = lbs, 30 reps
    • Row = lbs, 30 reps
    • Side Raise = lbs, 30 reps
    • Goblet Squat = 95 lbs, 30 reps
    • Tricep Ext = lbs, 30 reps
  • Bodyweight Exercises
    • Leg Press = 1220 lbs, 120 reps
    • Leg Ext = 200 lbs, 120 reps
    • Pull Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Chin Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Hammer Pull Up = lbs, 60 reps
    • Dip = lbs, 120 reps
    • Dive Bomber = lbs, 100 reps
    • Push Up = lbs, 400 reps
  • Abdominal Exercises
    • Crunch = lbs, 600 reps
    • Bicycle Crunch = lbs, 600 reps
    • Oblique Twist = lbs, 600 reps
    • Rollout Wheel = lbs, 400 reps
    • Reverse Situp = lbs, 400 reps
  • Cardio
    • Sprinting Distance = meters, 30 reps
    • 3 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
    • 2 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
    • 1 mile Jog = min, 1 reps
    • Sports Training = 400 min, 12
• DIET
  • Diet
    • Skin and Lip Care = 40 qty
    • Dr Pepper = 290 fl oz
    • Healthy Meals = 22 qty
    • Snack Food = 10 servings
    • Brush & Floss = 120 qty
• LIFE
  • Family
  • NF Community
    • Challenge Thread = 6 qty
    • Battle Log = 40 qty
    • Epic Quest = 6 qty
  • Toastmasters
    • Manual Lessons = 2 qty
    • Officer / Governor = 800 min
    • Mentoring / Coach = 500 min
    • Meeting Roles = 4 qty
    • Table Topics = 3 qty
  • Jedi
    • IJRS Personal 101 = 2 qty
    • Jedi Reading = 500 min
  • Geocaching
    • Caching = 6 qty
    • Stashing = 1 qty

[Lexi Cal]

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.

 

Now THAT is some solid wisdom, Jedi Master. This clumsy Padawan will observe your progress to learn a thing or two

[Spark]

I had never heard of IJRS before! That's some fascinating stuff, and so is this challenge. You can do it!

[JediNickD]

The IJRS is the Institute for Jedi Realist Studies (http://instituteforjedirealiststudies.org/). I've been studying there for quite some time now. I really enjoy the lessons, exercises, and instructor interaction.

[JediNickD]

The first week went by pretty fast.  I got some stuff done, but hardly made a dent.  Next week, I'll be on travel for work.  It'll be difficult to make strides in the weight room without a weight room, so I'll focus on body weight and cardio like I did during my last challenge during travel.  Week 4 is vacation week, so I'll have to make some solid ground in Week 3, 5 and 6.

[Lexi Cal]

Contingency plans are a must. I hadn't thought to come up with a plan B. Actually, I launched myself in the challenge without looking at my calendar.

Now... where is it?

[rowan]

Greetings, Jedi! Looks like you're into some pretty cool stuff here - I respect the IJRS so much, I'd love to hear more about what you get up to there!  What kind of stuff did you get up to this last week?

 

Subbed and exited to see your progress!

[JediNickD]

Greetings, Jedi! Looks like you're into some pretty cool stuff here - I respect the IJRS so much, I'd love to hear more about what you get up to there!  What kind of stuff did you get up to this last week?

 

Subbed and exited to see your progress!

Sorry to disappoint you with zero posts in almost a month! I'm such a slacker! As I've said before, posting here is not a priority for me.

I've learned a lot about meditation and communication through the IJRS course work. Most course work encourages self-reflection with discussion of experiences which is very theaputic and enlightening. Anyone interested in living the Jedi way needs to check it out. Anyone interested in learning about philosophy, religion, meditation, and communication from a new perspective should check it out too!

[JediNickD]

Now, an update! I've been progressing nicely. Last week, I set a new PR in the Leg Press at 1220 lbs! I was very proud of myself to get 5 reps with proper form. When going for a new PR in the leg press, I usually only get 3 reps, typically shortening the first and last of a set of 5 reps, because I just don't want to drop it.

I've got some catch up to do on my IJRS lessons. I finished the reading and worked on the homework, but I need to complete them and post them. Shouldn't be too difficult. I might get them done today.

I have a speech left (scheduled for tomorrow), a role left, and a table topics speech left. I have two meetings this week, so hopefully I knock them out.

I'm on vacation starting Friday afternoon, so I have to get my gym workout stuff done this week. I won't be able to go to the YMCA over the weekend or come back Monday to finish anything out. I have a plan in place, I just need to get up early enough to have time. I'm considering an alarm at 5:00am...

[Spark]

So glad to see you back!

 

And that leg press is a Holy Crap number. =D

[JediNickD]

Got my Jedi exercises done.  My goals are almost all complete.  Just have a little work left in Sports Training, plus maintaining my Health goals through Monday.

 

I'm already thinking about next challenge!

[Elder]

Help!

 

We need Rangers to jump in on the last part of the mini-challenge!

 

We're killing murderous, bourbon swilling imps via pullups and burpees (modifications allowed for fitness level and injuries).

 

Check it out here. And contribute your kill stats here!

 

Bring friends!

[JediNickD]

Thanks for trying to get me involved, Elder!  I wish I could have helped out, but I went on vacation that afternoon.  I plan to get into the mini challenges next challenge. 

[JediNickD]

END OF CHALLENGE PROGRESS

• FITNESS
  • Barbells
    • Deadlift = 210 lbs, 45 reps
    • Back Squat = 220 lbs, 30 reps
    • Incline Bench = 140 lbs, 40 reps
    • Decline Bench = 140 lbs, 40 reps
    • Bench Press = 210 lbs, 37 reps
    • Overhead Press = 70 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 95 lbs, 90 reps
  • Dumbells
    • Bench Press = 45 lbs, 45 reps
    • Fly = 45 lbs, 45 reps
    • Overhead Press = 45 lbs, 30 reps
    • Standing Curl = 45 lbs, 30 reps
    • Row = 45 lbs, 30 reps
    • Side Raise = 20 lbs, 30 reps
    • Goblet Squat = 95 lbs, 55 reps
    • Tricep Ext = 50 lbs, 30 reps
  • Bodyweight Exercises
    • Leg Press = 1220 lbs, 150 reps
    • Leg Ext = 200 lbs, 145 reps
    • Pull Up = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Chin Up = 0 lbs, 61 reps
    • Hammer Pull Up = 0 lbs, 60 reps
    • Dip = 0 lbs, 130 reps
    • Dive Bomber = 0 lbs, 120 reps
    • Push Up = 0 lbs, 460 reps
  • Abdominal Exercises
    • Crunch = 0 lbs, 750 reps
    • Bicycle Crunch = 0 lbs, 850 reps
    • Leg Lift = 0 lbs, 30 reps
    • Side Leg Lift = 0 lbs, 50 reps
    • Oblique Twist = 0 lbs, 750 reps
    • Rollout Wheel = 0 lbs, 400 reps
    • Reverse Situp = 0 lbs, 405 reps
  • Cardio
    • Sprinting Distance = 0 meters, 30 reps
    • 3 mile Jog = 0 min, 1 reps
    • 2 mile Jog = 0 min, 1 reps
    • 1 mile Jog = 0 min, 1 reps
    • HIIT = 40 min, 2 reps
    • Sports Training = 430 min, 12
    • Hike = 9 miles, 3 reps
    • Bike = 12 miles, 2 reps
    • Rowing = 12090 meters, 4 reps
• DIET
  • Diet
    • Skin and Lip Care = 43 qty
    • Dr Pepper = 281 fl oz
    • Healthy Meals = 22 qty
    • Snack Food = 1840 calories = 9 servings
    • Brush & Floss = 120 qty
• LIFE
  • Family
  • NF Community
    • Challenge Thread = 6 qty
    • Battle Log = 38 qty
    • Epic Quest = 6 qty
  • Toastmasters
    • Manual Lessons = 2 qty
    • Officer / Governor = 1845 min
    • Mentoring / Coach = 525 min
    • Meeting Roles = 5 qty
    • Table Topics = 4 qty
  • Jedi
    • IJRS Personal 101 = 2 qty
    • Jedi Reading = 720 min
  • Geocaching
    • Caching = 14 qty
    • Stashing = 2 qty

[JediNickD]

Time for Grades!

I know it's a little late, but I was on vacation all last week with posting here the last thing on my mind.  To re-iterate my mission, I am training 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.

 

My main quest with attribute points in ORANGE and grades in RED is below:

• FITNESS: Build STA +2 and DEX +1 by Running, Sprinting, Hiking, Biking, Rowing, Rollerblading, or Training (HIIT or Sports) for 20 minutes or more, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday preferred).  A

I did it all with a little room to spare.  I need to increase the intensity and sweat more. 

• FITNESS: Build STR +2 and DEX +1 by completing 400 minutes of Sports Training* in 12 sessions and meeting at least 90 % of my fitness side quest goals. A

100 % of my fitness goals and plenty of sports. 

• DIET: Build CON +2 by eating "Healthy Meals"** 22 times or more, eating Snack Food 10 times or less, drinking 290 fl oz of Dr Pepper or less, taking care of my skin and lips by applying moisturizer 80 times or more (twice daily), brushing (twice daily) and flossing (once daily) 120 times or more. A

Strides were made in what I eat, but I'm still not shedding the love handles.  I think I really need to count the calories again. 

• LIFE: Build WIS +3 and CHA +4 by completing two Toastmaster Speeches, participating in Table Topics thrice and Meeting Roles four times, and completing two lessons from the IJRS Personal 101 Manual in Jedi Training. A

I surprised myself completing this one.  In the last week, I thought I had given myself too many tasks to finish and not enough Toastmasters meetings to do it in, but I was able to pick up some extra slack and get it done.