Month: June 2020

“Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction for possible improvement; and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”—George Santayana

Recently, I have had numerous conversations with my 14-year-old about “cancel culture”. He brings it up. He is very astute, and he gets it. Unfortunately, much of society does not—or they do, but they are afraid to admit it.

Changing what ails our society requires growth. Growth requires progress. Progress requires leaving the past behind and moving forward.

Some are resistant to change. Heck, there are many who are downright defiant. Such people need a figurative kick in the ass. Most, however, are trying. Many are trying hard but are being stymied by the weight of shame being piled on them by the “woke” cancel culture. Unfortunately, we are so busy punishing people and defending our past selves that we are becoming more divided and united. We are judging and hating when it is love only that can save us.

The above quote is often paraphrased as those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it (or some variant). We must never dwell on our past with regret. Rather, we should be looking back only for the lessons we have learned along the way. It is easy to want to change our past (individually or collectively), however, no matter how painful the past, it is what has brought us to this moment. It is what has prepared us for what is next. I don’t believe we can change anything in the past without dramatically shifting what follows. In fiction, this is often depicted as “rifts in the timeline”. Personally, I am who I am today because of the “stuff” that happened in my past. My responsibility is not to erase my past but to control my present and my future. My responsibility is to grow. Our responsibility is to grow.

In the same work¹, Santayana also wrote that “fanaticism consists of redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim.” I think a lot of well-meaning people have forgotten their aim. This, sadly, is causing many to dig in their heels and resist change—rather than promote change. We have forgotten the aim, which is to grow together in unity. Unity has been the purpose of this nation since its foundation. It is in the name of these United States of America. Have we made mistakes along the way? You bet we have—big-time mistakes. So, what do we do with these mistakes? They cannot be erased, ignored, or justified. They cannot be cancelled. Instead, they have to be acknowledged and taught.

Ignorance is, quite simply a lack of information or knowledge. Cancel culture would prefer that “ignorance be bliss”. A responsible response to the pain our neighbors are feeling is to address the source. Rather than erase history, we have to teach it—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Remembering need not be celebrating. Masking pain does not fix the cause. It is easier to do so, but it is not healing. If we want to heal. We have to confront our ignorance.

If I am to be judged by my past, then I must bear every -ism society has to label me. I would hope, however, that I can be judged differently today and will be judged more favorably tomorrow. If not, I have failed.

Let’s remember the aim: to love your neighbor as yourself.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

¹George Santayana. The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress (Vol. I, Reason in Common Sense).

I saw a comment recently regarding Collectivism and Individualism. I am no expert on philosophy or politics. I am a physiologist, after all. I would argue that neither Collectivism nor Individualism is superior. Indeed, both have their limitations.  I do tend to favor individualism, however, because I personally don’t believe that Collectivism has the capacity to better society. In my opinion, Collectivism perpetuates divisiveness and serves those in power above the group. Collectivism, while it proposes to serve the whole, in reality serves the majority alone, i.e., it serves those with the power to determine what is “best for the group”. I will leave it to the experts to more adequately define these opposing views. Instead, I would propose what I would call “Universalism”.

The problems with our society are not political or economic. Our problems are Spiritual—they are a tragedy in the commons. Individualism and Collectivism, in the purest sense, are not Spiritual—they don’t consider that there is something greater than self (or, in the case of Collectivism, the collective). Universalism, rather, seeks a greater good—beyond self and beyond group. Universalism is diversity in its purest sense. It recognizes individual differences and the uniqueness of Purpose. It recognizes the interconnectedness among all things.

The comments that prompted these thoughts centered on COVID-19 and the necessity for the individual to suffer “minor inconvenience… in order to protect their neighbors.” I get this, but it is a question of who gets to impose what and what is imposed. COVID-19 is a great example for the call for Universalism over Individualism or Collectivism. The “Collective”, in my frank opinion, has done a poor job of regulating. Decisions have tended to be political. The individual, on the other hand, has also contributed to the spread of the virus by demanding his/her “rights”. As one who leans toward libertarian, I tend to think it the right of the individual to decide what is best for him/herself—provided he/she consider the welfare of others. Universalism, I propose, considers the individual and the whole of the Universe.

Universalism can be summed up quite simply as “love your neighbor as yourself”.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“The problems in our society will not be corrected by taking sides. They will be fixed by standing at the lines of division and extending hands to both friend and enemy. Therein is ‘revolution’.”

I shared the above recently with friends. I am not one to take sides on the many polarizing issues that are dividing us. I have strong opinions, as those who know me best (or perhaps those who think they know me) will attest, and sometimes I can come off as rigid and, possibly, divisive. So, when I might appear silent on a matter, I sometimes worry that I might appear apathetic or worse, cowardice. I don’t want that to be the case.

We are becoming increasingly divisive, and it is tearing apart the fabric of our communities and our nation. We seem to be looking for ways to pull apart rather than pull together. Even the concept of “diversity” has been highjacked to represent division instead of unity. We want to label everyone according to distinct lines of division—there can be only “us” and “them”. We have a Spiritual problem.

As science is increasingly demonstrating the greater unity in our nature—e.g., quantum physics—religion is increasingly dividing. The Kingdom of God is perceived among Christians as “you are either in or out” rather than the invitation of humankind into the unity of what may be called the “Trinity”. I am learning that the calling of my faith is not to “enter the Kingdom” but rather to “be the Kingdom”. I am learning that salvation is not to be on the right side of the dividing line. Rather, it is to join the Force that pulses though all of Creation. It is to realize the individual purpose in the greater Universal Purpose. It is to recognize that we all have our role to play—no one greater or less than the next. I believe this is why the bible speaks so often of the body of Christ.

This Spiritual revolution is not a political revolution or a religious revolution. It is a revolution to change humanity. It is not a battle to be fought against sides. It is battle within to sacrifice self for the sake of others—to lose our self-centeredness and become other-centered.

We cannot correct the mistakes of the past. Repentance does not erase the sin. Forgiveness does not demand that we forget one’s past. Change merely requires that we leave the past—the old self—behind and grow forward.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

A couple times, now, an article from T-Nation¹ by Chris Colucci, “The Case Against Trap Training” caught my attention. Fortunately, we live in an age where we read beyond the headlines (note the sarcasm), because the article makes a good point—for the population to which it is intended, that is, bodybuilders. By no means, is Mr. Colucci suggesting that the traps (i.e., the trapezius muscle) be ignored. He is merely suggesting the for a balanced physique, lifters—i.e., bodybuilders—need not spend an exorbitant amount of time training the traps. After all, a balanced lifter performing high-volume training will likely be hitting the traps with a range of exercises. This is for bodybuilders, but what about the rest of us—specifically, those who want a more athletic build or are lifting more for “quality of life”? Should we train our traps? I would argue, yes.

One of the most distinguishing features in an athletic build is a strong neck and traps. I have jokingly remarked before that if I ever needed anyone to have my back, I was looking for the guy with a thick neck and cauliflower ears—not the guy with an Instagram six-pack. Years ago, when my friend Larry and I came up with our “rules” we included the neck as the most important muscle to train—followed by the forearms and calves—because they are the muscles that are always most visible. Clothing, after all, can mask a good physique, as well as a bad. Of course, this is meant humorously, as training should be founded on the “basic five” (squat, deadlift, bench, row, and overhead press), but I am of the mindset that a weak neck is indicative of a weak body. If one wants to look like they lift weights, they should consider training the traps and neck.
Beyond aesthetics, trap training is important in the digital age. Our over-dependence on electronics is giving is a forward-head posture that is as unhealthy as it is unattractive. Proper trap work can help counter this.

Strength training should be purposeful. As such, we want the most bang-for-the-buck in exercise selection. I used to be a shrugger. I am reformed. The shrug has benefits for the upper traps, but do little for the middle and lower traps. (We tend to think “Hulk” when we think traps, but the trapezius is actually a three-part muscle.) Now, certainly, these sections of the traps are hit during most back work (e.g., rows, pullups, chin-ups, etc. for middle and lower) and shoulder work (upper traps). For the beginner/intermediate lifter, however, this may be the weakest link in performing bigger lifts. Bringing them up early in the lifting career can thus prevent injury and allow one to lift more weight in the “basic five”.

Preferable to excessive shrugging are lifts that better emphasis the functions of the trapezius (and rhomboid) muscles. The traps act on the scapula in elevation (i.e., shrugging), of course, and in retraction (squeezing the shoulder blades together), depression, and rotation. As such, as I like to extend the “core” to include the spiral line (the double helix of muscle and fascia that loops from the skull to the feet and back), the trapezius are an extension to this stability. Several “better” exercises for the traps are included in the aforementioned article (e.g., face pulls with a pause, hang cleans, snatch-grip high pulls, wide-grip deadlifts, Kroc rows, and neutral-grip shrugs with dumbbells or a trap bar). Some of this might not be quite “beginner” lifts or included in the average recreational lifter’s program. Face pulls², however, are an excellent choice. Focus on technique and controlled movement and emphasis the pause at the peak of contraction. Focus on higher repetitions rather than excessive weight. Of late, I have preferred a 40-30-20-10 scheme, which has worked for growth as well as muscle endurance. The key is to properly activate the muscles and provide an adequate fatigue stimulus. Another new favorite is the overhead front raise (gripping a plate with the hands parallel and slowly raising the plate overhead). The weight need not be great. I was first introduced to these with the suggestion of doing a set up to 100 repetitions. I have preferred the 40-30-20-10 approach with a weight progression with each set.

In addition to the “finisher” exercises, focus on engaging the traps in all your strong lifts and pulls. This of the traps as part of the core. Give the upper extremity a strong brace on which to move. Do these things and the traps will grow.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

¹https://www.t-nation.com/training/case-against-trap-training?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article3413&fbclid=IwAR3NhhVD_nwLUZltn0INY6e0NfZWOsTJyFhH2sxcO5D1AxhrExCGCEzZ7gs

²https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIq5CB9JfKE

Most are far past being athletes and also don’t consider ourselves bodybuilders. Our goals are somewhere in between. Some train like the extremes, however, rather than train somewhere along the continuum, most simply go through the motions of training. Without proper goals there cannot be proper specificity. Goals are certainly individualized, so it should be obvious that training should be individualized. Unfortunately, there are a plethora of “best programs” from which to choose. Sets, repetitions, and volume schemes can be confusing, but there is more to effective training than just following a program. For example….

Proximity to fatigue. So, your program calls or 3 x 10 (sets x repetitions) or 5 x 5 or 10 x 3 or…. Are you training hard enough? Sure, you are progressing over time, but is it a meaningful progression? In other words, are your overloading enough to see optimal progress? Are you training too hard? (Before you start asking yourself if you are “overtraining”, realize that overtraining is very rare in the non-athlete population. It is more likely that you are undertraining.) In the days of HIT, “momentary muscular failure” and “forced repetitions” were buzz words. Today, you are more likely to hear phrases such as “repetitions in reserve” or RIR. The controversy over RIR will likely be ongoing. What is certain though is that “working sets” (i.e., those that will be effective at stimulating growth and increases in strength) should be between 3 and 0 RIR. Much more than 4 RIR and one is just going through the motions (unless the exerciser is warming up). Ideally, effective training will vary the proximity to fatigue across the training cycle to optimize recoverable volumes and adaptation.

Repetition speed. Fast? Slow? Pause? Compensatory acceleration training? Eccentric? Concentric? Quasi-isometric? There are many options for the timing of the lift. None is essentially better or worse than another. Varying the timing of the movement across the training cycle will have its benefits. When and How depend on the goals. In general, speed/explosive training is for athletes and slow (“time-under-tension”) is for hypertrophy. It is always important to be in control of the movement. Never just “throw the weights around”—especially during the eccentric/lowering phase. Motor unit recruitment and neural coding are factors of specificity (the body system make specific adaptations to imposed demands). Athletes are often more concerned with the rate of force development than with muscle hypertrophy. Body builders, on the other hand, have little concern for the weight lifted or the strength adaptation the exercise produces, as long as the muscle gets bigger. Of course, strength will facilitate muscle hypertrophy and visa versa, but most of us lift weights to get stronger and to look like we lift weights. Include pauses in your movements from time to time (e.g., try “pause squats” in which you pause for 2-3 seconds following the descent before ascending explosively). Try some quasi-isometric training (e.g., Darden’s 30-10-30) for a boost of hypertrophy in under-developed muscle groups. Try compensatory acceleration training (CAT) for a boost in strength. Go slow or go fast as it suits your goals. Just make sure that your training is goal specific and is overloading the muscle physiology.

Mind-muscle connection. Athletic training is movement-specific, whereas hypertrophy training is muscle-specific. If you want a muscle to grow, you have to “feel” it as you train. You have to experience a sense of fatigue and soreness. You have to feel the muscle contract. If the you are training for speed and power the focus has to be on the movement—on the technique—and on lifting more weight. Athletic training generally involves fewer repetition and greater intensity (weight) and physique training generally involves less weight and a greater focus on “time-under-tension” (higher repetitions, slower movements, and less rest between sets).

Don’t just go to the gym and “lift” weights. Don’t just do your 8-12 repetitions for 1-3 sets and move one. Lift with purpose. Lift with a goal and a plan.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

“Whoever fights ceaselessly against his own selfishness, and strives to supplant it with all-embracing love, is a saint, whether he live in a cottage or in the midst of riches and influence; or whether he preaches or remains obscure.”–James Allen

I think we are losing sight of just what social justice means in the United States of America—perhaps globally. The Oxford Reference¹ suggests that social justice is “the objective of creating a fair and equal society in which each individual matters, their rights are recognized and protected, and decisions are made in ways that are fair and honest.”

Social justice is not self-righteousness. Rather, it is the quite opposite. It is an understanding that we are all human. We are all susceptible to the same human flaws and mistakes. Social justice is not a self-perception of what is right or wrong. It is love thy neighbor/love your enemy at the very core.

Social justice is not “us” versus “them”. Social justice does not seek to divide. Instead, social justice seeks to unify. It is the understanding that all of humanity has a voice and a purpose.

We, as a nation, increasingly seek to label and divide under the guise of “diversity” and “social justice”. In doing so, we become increasingly self-centered rather than other-centered. We focus on “getting what is mine” rather than on “giving what is yours”.

Perhaps social justice requires we exercise the Quaker practice of creating space for the soul to speak. Rather than thinking we know what is best for others, perhaps we can step back and let them reveal what is best for them.

Social justice is about celebrating differences as they relate to our sameness. It is not a political issue. It is not an economic issue. It is a Spiritual problem that is fueled by both religion and secularism. It is a challenge to grow and to move forward—to not look back except to learn from the past. Social justice is not about making people equal. Rather, it is about understanding our oneness amidst our uniqueness of purpose.

I am not there in my personal Spiritual growth, but I hope I am moving in the right direction. Sadly, it feels like swimming against the current. I appreciate the patience in those around me who allow my soul the space to speak. I appreciate those who teach me to be other-centered.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

¹https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100515279

I commented to a friend recently: “We choose to create dividing lines across even the most petty of differences. My faith used to be focused on the physical return of Jesus. Now, I see that it has to be a Spiritual return of Jesus–of unconditional love for one’s neighbor (i.e., love even your enemy). If we are to love our enemy, how can we divide ourselves over the least of things?” Associated with the Apocalyptic return of Christ is the Antichrist. In addition to an end-time focus in my faith, I grew up with the series of Omen movies. Biblical and Hollywood interpretation paints a likely false image of the Antichrist.

As my faith shifts from Physical to Spiritual, so does my view of the Antichrist. As I watch the current events unfold, it is hard not to see that the Antichrist is upon us. It is not an evil boy or world leader. It is revealed in the contest of our hearts.

I watched the video of Rob Bell’s Everything is Spiritual (2) again on Sunday. I was struck by its newness—as if this were a third Everything is Spiritual by the controversial pastor. I realized that the newness was instead a factor of my own Spiritual evolution. He made a statement in the video I found timely (although recorded in 2016). He suggested that “racism is the failure to bond with another of similar essence and substance…. It is going in the opposite direction the universe has been going for 13 billion years.” The Universe, we see, is moving ever toward greater complexity and greater unity. Our interconnectedness is becoming increasingly evident. The Kingdom of God can be described as the “expanding reality of the Divine” (Rob Bell). Accordingly, we are moving toward the bonding of people of similar essence and substance—a Spiritual “return” of Christ “who holds all things together” (Colossians 1:17). Thus, if the Christ unifies—moves us toward a new humanity, the Antichrist divides.

Never has society been so divisive. We are literally taking sides on the most petty of things. I would contend that the Antichrist is present among us. It is not a person or a group. Instead, it is a lack of the Spiritual (the belief that there is something greater than self—that each has his/her role to play). It is self-centeredness rather than other-centeredness. It is “us” versus “them” rather than collectively “us”. It is the absence of love.

The return of Christ is not a discussion for Sunday School. It is not a matter of religion. Instead, it is a matter of humanity. Call it a question of heaven or hell.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

[As I conclude this, in a very timely and affirming way, “Get Together” by the Youngbloods came up on my Pandora station.]

Quite frequently, an article pops up on social media from popular fitness magazines touting the “(insert number) reasons why you aren’t making gains”. They are usually the same information just in new package form or they put a little twist on it by changing the body part. Well, here is my list of reasons why you aren’t making gains at the gym:

You aren’t going to the gym. Simple as that. If you are working out, of course, you are going to be making gains. If you are going to the gym and not seeing physical improvements, you might need to go more often, or the following reasons are at play. We often think that three one-hour sessions at the gym a week are going to have dramatic effect on transforming our physique, and they might if you are Mike Mentzer doing an honest HIT workout that leaves you in puddles (I was weaned on the Nautilus HIT principles in the late ‘70s and can attest to their effectiveness). Chances are, though, that you need to step up the frequency at the gym. Remember the “overload principle”? In order for a body system to adapt, it has to be stressed to a level greater than that to which it is accustomed—i.e., you must train harder. Over-training is far less of a problem than under-training for the average person.

You aren’t training hard enough. So, you are going to the gym more frequently than occasionally. Are you training hard enough when you are there or are you simply going through the motions? If you are not including “progressive” when talking overload, you are not progressing. “Hard” isn’t necessarily “leaves you in puddles”. It is simple enough stimulus to feel a level of muscle “pump”, fatigue, and mind-muscle connection (that feeling of the muscles having been worked). Training harder may involve better exercise selection (e.g., hitting the squat rack instead of the leg extension machine), more weight (i.e., progressive overload), or more volume (e.g., sets and/or repetitions). Harder might also entail spreading a greater volume (weight x repetitions x sets) over a greater frequency. The muscle that experiences recoverable fatigue should be experiencing growth.

You are expecting progress to come too quickly. So, you are hitting the gym hard and frequent, but you still aren’t progressing? How are you gauging progress? Don’t buy into the “30-day transformation” myth. Progress takes time, as well as effort. Bodies are not changed over nights or days—or even weeks. Progress takes months. Don’t expect sustainable fat loss at rates greater than 1-2 pounds per week (especially after the initial drop). Don’t expect to gain more than 0.5 pounds of muscle a week (much likely less as we age). For most, a pound or two of solid muscle gains a month is outstanding. Strength should be going up, but progress will slow after the initial gains are made. Careful planning and periodization will be required for the intermediate and advanced lifter to see progress.

You are changing programs too often. The notion of “muscle confusion” is a myth. Variety may actually be your downfall. Sure, varying the “workout of the day” may keep it interesting—and it might work for fat loss and muscle endurance—but strength gains require technical practice as well as overload. Keep to the basics. Maintain the same lifts for at least a month and allow them to progress. I prefer to stick with the most basic variations of the “big 5”—the squat, deadlift, bench, row, and overhead press. Sets, repetitions, and volume schemes might change, but the exercises vary little. Save the WOD approach for your HIIRT workouts that supplement your muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance training.

You aren’t recovering properly. Assuming that you have your program and your effort dialed in, if you still aren’t making gains, it may be that you have a poor recovery strategy. Training is the stimulus for growth, but the adaptation requires rest and proper nutrition. If you aren’t getting adequate sleep and proper nutrition, the best training program is going to be rendered less successful. You must establish a regular sleep pattern—ideally, 7-8 hours. If you can’t get that, “sleep faster” (Arnold Schwartzenegger). Eat to perform. Don’t diet. Instead eat a healthy diet of quality proteins and fats and carbs to fuel your exercise. Cut the garbage foods. (You can enjoy the pleasure foods in limited quantity but be smart about it.) Practice recovery modalities, such as stretching, foam rolling, massage, chiropractic, etc., but, most importantly, sleep and eat.

It is possible to make gains in the gym at any age. Genetics and age will have some effects, but don’t let them be excuses for your lack of success. Find the program that suits you and execute it. Do the work, and progress will come.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

Craft beers have made us beer drinkers used to fuller taste than the big-brewery beers. Unfortunately, the drive to out-hop the competition, the calories in beer have crept up significantly. We have move well-beyond the argument of “tastes great/less filling” over Miller Lite.

A couple of years ago, I realized that my body fat had increased beyond comfort. It was time to lose some body fat. My ever-supportive wife arrived home from the grocery store with a six-pack of Michelob Ultra (95 kcal; 4.2% ABV). One sip, and I knew—“I can’t do this.” I had favored beers like Amstel Light (95 kcal; 3.5% ABV) and Labatt Blue Light (92 kcal; 4.0% ABV) in the past, but, after years in Michigan and Oregon, my palate had changed.

We began to explore the calories in beer. I soon made the observation that the calories equated to the %ABV. I discovered that (as a rule-of-thumb) for each %ABV in a 12-ounce beer there are approximately 30 kcal (40 kcal in a pint). As we explored further, we found that our “sweet spot” fell somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5% ABV (135-165 kcal per 12-oz). Anything less lacked flavor. Anything more the calories grew less appealing. We began to hunt for those perfect beers.

Along came “sessionable” beers. (Well, technically, session beers have been around for quite some time.) Though the current definition may be arguable, a session beer is one that is 3-4% ABV (maybe as high as 5%). Until recently these were rare—or rarely good. As more and more quality session beers began to appear, carbohydrates began to enter into the equation. Michelob Ultra, Amstel Light, and Labatt Blue Light, for example, have 2.6, 2.4, and 5 g, respectively. MIller Lite has 3.2 g.

Craft brewers are not ones to disappoint (at least they try not to). Rather recently, session IPAs have begun to appear—hoppy but without the calories. At the top of my list has been Lagunita’s DayTime IPA (referred to as a “fractional” IPA; 4.65% ABV) and Founder’s All Day IPA (4.7% ABV). DayTime falls in the sweet spot and it has reduced carbohydrates (3 g) and only 98 kcal. All Day IPA has 147 kcal (12 g of carbs)—deviating slightly from my 30-kcal rule-of-thumb.

Recently, Deschutes Brewery’s Wowza! Lo-Cal Hazy Pale Ale (tapping into both the low-carb and hazy craze) appeared as “Men’s Health Certified”, which caught my wife’s eye (end sense of humor). This beer comes in at 4% ABV and 100 kcal (4 g carbs). It’s not bad. I little light on the mouth feel but reasonably good tasting.

We all have different palates. Thankfully, there are increasingly more options for those of us who enjoy “great taste” but want to keep calories for food. Undoubtedly, the choices will continue to grow as brewers tap into this new market. The Full Pint¹ suggest a few. (I will have to try Firestone Walker’s Fly Jack at 96 kcal, 4.0% ABV, and 5 carbs.)

So, we beer-snobs who want to lose the beer-gut have options. Enjoy (in moderation)!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

¹https://thefullpint.com/beer-reviews/6-low-calorie-ipas-blind-tested-reviewed/

Amidst the recent protests, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posed the question in a video¹: “Where is our leader?” The video was shared on social media with the suggestion that Mr. Johnson was acting like he was running for President. Later, I say a post that suggested he was running third in a poll of who people wanted for POTUS. Personally, he would have my vote.

Dwayne Johnson is not a politician. He is an actor/athlete. He is a celebrity. He has no political experience. He has never formally shared his political views. He does, however, have a personality that commands respect. He has a calming demeanor. He has a unifying voice. He has what I would look for in the top political office in this United States—the capacity to lead.

In his video, it is easy to conclude that he is speaking of Donald Trump when he asks, “where is our leader?” To some extent, he is calling out the President. Closer attention, however, reveals that he is calling upon all of us to be leaders. I found the brief message inspiring.

America needs a leader who can comfort and inspire. Our nation needs a leader who all nations and peoples can look to with respect and hope. It is well and good that the President get results, but, when it comes at the cost of unity and trust, results are shallow. We need a leader who will bring out the leader in all of us.

Where a leader lacks experience, he/she surrounds him/herself with qualified advisors. Leaders listen and take advice. The role of the leader is not to command a following. The role of the leader is to bring out the strengths of those he is commissioned to lead.

We are a nation of blame rather than responsibility. We are not where we are because of one leader. We are where we are as a nation because we have lost our sense of personal responsibility and service to others. We have relegated the leadership of our lives to others. It is time to take back our leadership.

Be your best today; be better tomorrow.

Carpe momento!

¹https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9FFUOelOI8