Attack Life, Not Others

This brief episode prompted Steve Mittman to question if the length of the show really matters as long as there is something inspiring, thought provoking, energizing, or informative. In other words: quantity vs quality — what is more important for you? Do you need both? He suggests it depends on what your priorities are — and just another reason to determine goals and priorities in the first place. Do you agree with Steve’s thoughts? Or do you have a different take on quantity vs quality? Let us know in the comments, via social media, or on the side where it says Reach Out here.

Last week, Tim Hawk talked about some of the amazing benefits of meditating. In this episode, he takes us through a very simple guided breath meditation that anyone can do — anywhere, anytime.

You don't need to be a Buddhist monk sitting for hours in lotus position to meditate. A simple breathing meditation is something you can do — anywhere, anytime — and it’s free! It's scientifically proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional and physical health, lengthen one's attention span, reduce memory loss, generate kindness and compassion, fight addictions, improve sleep, control pain, lower blood pressure, enhance self-awareness, and so many other great things. In this episode, Tim Hawk talks about some amazing benefits of meditating. Next week, he'll take us through a very simple guided breath meditation that anyone can do.

If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted — you’re not alone. Symptoms associated with emotional exhaustion include: irritability, frustration, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, lack of focus, brain fog, and feeling disconnected from others. And those are just some signs! Actual physical issues include: headaches, muscle aches and tension, stomach pain, sleep problems, and more. So what do you do? Tim and Steve share a few suggestions on this episode, and will continue over the next few weeks with special guests we’ll be having on the show.

Last year in January, we suggested letting go of the new year’s resolution mentality. A few months ago, we recommended finding accountability partners to help achieve goals, identify weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths. In this episode, Steve Mittman talks about using an external force to get you where you want to be, and how it’s actually a Law of Nature:

“There is something profoundly satisfying about sharing a meal. Eating together, breaking bread together, is one of the oldest and most fundamentally unifying of human experiences.” — Barbara Coloroso All of us at the Attack Life, Not Others podcast and Hoover Karate Academy wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year! If you’re a regular listener of our show, you’ll know we are big proponents of positive rituals and traditions. Sharing a meal is a tradition that builds relationships. It brings families closer and contributes to their well-being. At work, eating together encourages cooperation between colleagues. In this episode, Tim shares a dinner discussion his family recently had: How has this past year made a difference in your life? What have you learned? Let us know in the comments.

When it comes to mind, body, and spirit, some find it hardest to strengthen and maintain their spirit (especially now). Chris Butynskyi suggests ways to build spirituality. He explains why faith doesn’t have to compete with intellect, nor does it need to clash with reason or science. “To philosophize is to learn to die.” — Michel de Montaigne

Master Tim Hawk joins Sensei Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman. For every action there is a reaction — the ripple effect as we’ve been saying. It’s the description of karma. In a very profound way, Tim Hawk shares his insightful explanation of karma with us. Karma /ˈkärmə/ noun — destiny or fate, following as effect from cause “Realize that everything connects to everything else.” — Leonardo Da Vinci Whether we describe it through physics, or refer to it as the Golden Rule from the Bible, karma is a natural law of the universe. We should take responsibility and be mindful with our actions — because they always have consequences. “Contrary to popular misconception, karma has nothing to do with punishment and reward. It exists as part of our holographic universe’s binary or dualistic operating system only to teach us responsibility for our creations — and all things we experience are our creations.” — Sol Luckman “Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.” — Elbert Hubbard

Next week we have Master Tim Hawk on the show. Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman explain who he is, their relationship, why he'll be on our podcast, how it came to be, and what you'll get by listening to him. Also on this episode: Freezing is fight-or-flight on hold. You’re neither fighting nor fleeing. Realize you’re not necessarily safe, you’re just prolonging what needs to be done. And by not acting or deciding (freezing), circumstances may be chosen for you — because time does not stand still. As we continue discussing the ripple effect, imagine it as a "blanket" that transcends space and time, affecting everyone and everything. Our goal is to constantly position ourselves so that we both create and receive positive ripples. When we're gone, those ripples continue. What you do for others stays behind.

Our special guest on this show is Tony Grigoli. A few episodes ago we talked about how if you don't like the results you're getting — the “ripple” so to speak — that you might consider jumping into a different pond. In Tony's situation, he literally crossed the pond to the United States to create a better life for his family. Listen to Tony's story. No matter how bad things may appear with COVID, politics, and social unrest, Americans still live in the greatest country on earth. There’s a reason people risk everything to come to the US. Life is all about decisions. Decisions can be frightening, and the choices we make have consequences. Tony took charge and made many decisions, practicing what we call CEE. We often talk about adversity, consistency, courage, and fear. Hear all of those applied in real life.

Just like COVID-19 is spread one person at a time — like a ripple effect, we can spread hope and positivity — one by one by one. Tim and Steve are joined by Len DiNote to talk about what his son, Matt, is doing. More than ever before, we all need to make the good come about. Matt the Travelin' Hat is doing it his way. Find your way. Put a purpose behind your intention. You'll find commitment — as excuses will be eliminated. Our brains are hardwired to connect — to be selfless, not selfish.

Coach Aaron Cerrone returns, and Tim and Steve pick up from last week’s show where they talked about every action having a reaction. Ripple effect /ˈripəl ə fekt/ noun — the continuing and spreading results of an event or action This episode is a reminder to choose wisely who and what you spend your time around — because they will affect you. You, in turn, will affect others — whether you realize it or not.

For every action there is a reaction. Regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, everything has a ripple effect. Don't look for someone else or something else to put you in a better mood The way you think, the words you speak, and the actions you take all affect others Negative energy turns into anger, and anger drains you of your lifeforce and vitality

Life is always changing. In fact, the only thing constant — is that things will change. Changes affect everyone, and we all deal with them differently. Tim Speiss joins Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman on this episode. Most things in life are outside of our control Dealing with changes is a skill that can be improved Self-defense is not just about defending our physical bodies What changes have been hard for you to deal with? What changes in your life have turned out to be for the better in hindsight? Let us know.

Whatever you’re going through — no matter how big or small — it’s just a moment in time. It is up to you how you decide to handle it. Fight back in your own way. This episode is a simple reminder of a couple age-old adages: This too shall pass When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

Aaron Cerrone is the owner and head instructor of Mid America Martial Arts in Omaha, NE. He started his martial arts journey with Sensei Hoover while in 6th grade— roughly 35 years ago. This episode reunites Tim and his former student, Aaron, to discover the profound and long-term impact they had on each other.

Tim briefly recaps the last couple episodes based around Cobra Kai — leading to two thoughts he shares: “We learn from the things we suffer.” — Aesop “Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today.” — Lorenzo Snow

As we continue to discuss Cobra Kai, Steve’s topic is the motto of the show’s dojo: “Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy!” Is there anything wrong with that? In The Karate Kid — the answer would be yes — considering that sentiment came into play in the tournament at the end of the movie. But life is not a tournament. Steve presents that the real answer to that question lies in the context of any situation and the intent behind why one would “deploy” the concept of “Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy.”

Tim and Steve discuss Cobra Kai — the very popular TV series based on The Karate Kid films. Tim brings up philosophies of two martial arts movie icons — Mr Miyagi and Bruce Lee. Incidentally, it was on this date — October 1st — back in 1893 that Yip Man was born. It was while training under Yip Man and in Wing Chun, that Bruce Lee's philosophy began developing. When punching water, Bruce noticed that no matter how hard he struck, the water did not suffer damage. The nature of water is to flow and adapt to its surroundings. Lee decided he wanted to "be like water." Water can be soft and it can reshape itself; but it can also be very powerful when faced with resistance. People need a balance of both to live life to the fullest. When in an adversarial situation, take the path of least resistance and "flow" with it Life is hard and it's not fair — learn when and how to work against resistance in order to grow “Wax on, wax off.” — Mr Miyagi “Be water, my friend.” — Bruce Lee Who are YOU more like — and why —

We frequently talk about the importance of good choices and quality rituals. If you’re like most people, you're finding that being consistent with these practices is taking more effort these days during the pandemic. With martial arts, you'll often hear Tim speak about the benefits of training in a dojo or gym — as opposed to on your own. The energy is contagious, motivating, and reciprocal. Also, the people you train with become your accountability partners. Having an accountability partner (or partners) might be the boost you need to achieve consistency with important things. Accountability partners: Help each other achieve goals, identify weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths Develop discipline and improve self-awareness Find accountability partners in all areas of your life. As they say: There’s strength in numbers. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller