Curtis Matthews

High rep or Heavy training

56 Years Strong: Muscle Confusion and Crushing Leg Day (400lb Leg Press!)

Man, 56 and still pushing limits! Gotta love the feeling of proving people wrong. 40+ years in the gym and I’m still finding new ways to shock my muscles and keep them growing. Forget the typical routines, I’m all about mixing it up – heavy weights, high reps, you name it. Last week? 1000 air squats had my legs screaming (in a good way!). This week? 400 pounds for 100 reps on the leg press! Talk about muscle confusion! It’s not just cross-training, it’s an art form.

400lbs 100 reps

Speaking of art, check out the video of that leg press challenge. Pretty epic, right? Just a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pushing yourself. But hey, it’s not all about the numbers. Consistency, clean eating, and that mind-muscle connection – those are my secrets. Gotta feel the workout, you know?

And speaking of clean, did I mention I’m 100% natural? That’s right, no shortcuts, just hard work and dedication. Turning 57 in a couple of weeks, and I wouldn’t feel stronger or more alive. This ain’t just about aesthetics, it’s about proving that anything is possible with the right mindset and approach.

So, here’s to defying expectations, embracing challenges, and proving that age and even genetics are just hurdles, not roadblocks. Keep pushing, keep experimenting, and keep inspiring! Natural and never slowing down – that’s my motto!

Finding Peace in the Noise

A Guide to Living Well in a Busy World

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant hustle and bustle of life? Do you long for moments of quiet amidst the chaos? If so, you’re not alone. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the importance of finding inner peace and living with intention.

But what if there was a guide, a set of principles, to help you navigate the noise and find harmony within yourself? That’s exactly what this timeless piece of writing, often attributed to Max Ehrmann, offers. Let’s delve into some of its key messages and see how they can be applied to our daily lives:

The Power of Calmness:

  • “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” This opening line sets the tone for the entire piece. It reminds us that even when surrounded by external chaos, we can find solace within ourselves. By practicing mindfulness and taking time for stillness, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace that will carry us through any storm.

Building Meaningful Relationships:

  • “As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.” This passage emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. It encourages us to listen with an open heart, even to those who may seem different from us. By fostering genuine connections, we enrich our lives and create a more harmonious world.

Finding Your Path:

  • “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.” This advice reminds us that true fulfillment comes from embracing our unique journey. Comparing ourselves to others only leads to dissatisfaction. Instead, we should focus on celebrating our own accomplishments and living with purpose in the present moment.

Living with Gratitude and Integrity:

  • “Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.” This passage emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our work, while remaining ethical and responsible. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of integrity in all aspects of our lives.

Love and Compassion:

  • “Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.” This powerful statement reminds us to stay true to ourselves and embrace love in all its forms. It encourages us to reject cynicism and believe in the enduring power of love, even in the midst of challenges.

Finding Strength and Acceptance:

  • “Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.” As we age, it’s important to adapt and embrace the changes life brings. This passage encourages us to develop inner strength and resilience, while learning to let go of anxieties and fears.

Embracing the Universe:

  • “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” This profound message reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of things. It encourages us to trust the flow of life and accept our existence with a sense of wonder and belonging.

Finding Joy and Peace:

  • “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Despite the challenges we face, life is a precious gift. This passage reminds us to find joy in the simple things and to cultivate an attitude of optimism and gratitude.

Beyond Words, Action:

This timeless piece is not just about words, but about action. It’s a call to live our lives with intention, purpose, and compassion. By applying its principles in our daily choices, we can cultivate inner peace, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a more beautiful world.

So, take a deep breath, find a quiet corner, and let these words wash over you. Remember, the path to a more fulfilling life starts within. Choose love over hate, peace over chaos, and joy over despair. Take the first step today and embark on your own journey of finding peace in the noise.

Sources

info

  1. uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiderata
  2. medium.com/@dewanpaavni/desiderata-61c1e3ccf6ef#:~:text=When%20we%20face%20the%20noise,are%20a%20force%20of%20nature.
  3. www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=476#:~:text=Go%20placidly%20amid%20the%20noise%20and%20the%20haste%2C%20and%20remember,as%20well%20as%20your%20plans.

Sound Light & Vibration

Sound, light, and vibration are all forms of energy that travel through waves. Understanding energy, frequency, and vibration is crucial to understanding the universe because everything in the universe is made up of energy that vibrates at different frequencies. Light is a form of electromagnetic energy, and different frequencies of light give rise to different colors. Sound travels through waves of air molecules vibrating at different frequencies, and different frequencies of sound give rise to different pitches. Vibration is also an essential component of the universe as it is the motion of particles that give rise to energy and matter. Thus, by understanding the principles of energy, frequency, and vibration, we can better understand the universe and the nature of reality.

The Lord’s Prayer

Abwûn O cosmic Birther, from whom the breath of life comes,

d’bwaschmâja who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.

Nethkâdasch schmach May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.

Têtê malkuthach. Your Heavenly Domain approaches.

Nehwê tzevjânach aikâna d’bwaschmâja af b’arha. Let Your will come true in the universe (all that vibrates) just as on earth (that is material and dense).

Hawvlân lachma d’sûnkanân jaomâna. Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need,

Waschboklân chaubên wachtahên aikâna daf chnân schwoken l’chaijabên. detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma) like we let go the guilt of others.

Wela tachlân l’nesjuna Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations),

ela patzân min bischa. but let us be freed from that what keeps us off from our true purpose.

Metol dilachie malkutha wahaila wateschbuchta l’ahlâm almîn. From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act, the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.

Amên. Sealed in trust, faith and truth. (I confirm with my entire being) Adonai

Light/Love Love/Light

The version of the Lord’s Prayer you recite acknowledges the divine source of all life and creation, which is intimately connected to the realms of sound, light, and vibration. This understanding aligns with the scientific principles that sound, light, and vibration are all forms of energy that permeate the universe. By recognizing the interplay of energy, frequency, and vibration, we gain insights into the workings of the universe and the nature of reality. It is through these fundamental principles that we can deepen our understanding of the divine and our place in the cosmos.

Zac Brown

Zac Brown Band: An Unforgettable Night in Tampa

The pulsating rhythms, the heart-wrenching melodies, and the infectious energy of Zac Brown Band filled the Midflorida Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida, on a night I’ll never forget. As I stood in the electrifying pit, right in front of the stage, my Samsung S21 Ultra became my trusty companion, capturing the magic of the concert for posterity.

From the moment the band took the stage, the crowd was swept away by their infectious energy. Zac Brown’s soulful vocals and charismatic stage presence captivated the audience, while the band’s masterful blend of country, rock, and pop kept everyone dancing and singing along.

My Samsung S21 Ultra, with its exceptional camera capabilities, perfectly captured the essence of the concert. The vibrant colors, the close-ups of the band members, and the passionate faces of the crowd were all preserved in stunning detail.

As I watched the videos I recorded that night, I was transported back to the concert, reliving every moment of the electrifying performance. The videos not only captured the music but also the atmosphere, the emotions, and the sheer joy of being part of such a special event.

If you’re a fan of Zac Brown Band or live music in general, I highly recommend checking out the videos I took. They’ll give you a taste of the incredible experience I had that night. And if you’re looking for a smartphone that can capture your own unforgettable moments, I can’t recommend the Samsung S21 Ultra enough.

Zac Brown Concert November 4th 2023