20181213 NO SAVERS TODAY

:(

29181212 SAVERS for WEDNESDAY

SILENCE

Was silent for 60 seconds

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I,Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
2. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
3. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
4. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.

VISUALIZATION

THUMB UP!

EXERCISE

Did full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

Will do more tomorrow.

20181211 SAVERS for TUESDAY, 1st DAY OF NEW VISUALIZATION & GOAL

SILENCE

Tried to silence brain for 60 seconds.  Not easily done.

AFFIRMATIONS

Today I begin a new (for now) affirmation.

1. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
2. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
3. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
4. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
5. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
6. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
7. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
8. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.
9. I, Ken Taylor, am a loving human being.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

I am concerned about possibly becoming a crotchety old man.  To avoid that, I now visualize the following while driving in traffic, and while communicating with others:

If I am tempted to flip some driver off, I will change the signal to a THUMB UP, no matter what the reason is.

So my visualization is:

THUMB UP!

Visualized THUMB UP for 60 seconds.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine for Tuesday:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says that history scholars once believed that agriculture sprang up in one part of the world and spread throughout.  But no.... evidence shows that agriculture developed independently in each major area and spread locally.  The actual crops grown and animals domesticated were different in each area.  People grew tired of randomly finding good things to eat, so they began cultivating crops (e.g., earlier, they found gourds under the brush; later, they began planting pumpkins)

By 999 AD, the whole planet was agricultural.

All of the above seems quite reasonable to me.

Since the "Agricultural Revolution" took place independently but relatively simultaneously, it makes me wonder if there wasn't an overall evolutionary path that Earth beings were following during the transition from "hunter/gatherers" to "agriculturalists."

The Levant:  Geographic and cultural region consisting of eathern Mediterranean between Anatolia and Egypt.  The historical region of Syria.  The definitions I read do not mention Cyprus, but they do include parts of Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt.

20181210 SAVERS for MONDAY LAST DAY OF WT LOSS GOAL PERIOD 175

SAVERS

SILENCE

Tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, cotninue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Well, I didn’t make it.  I’m at 180.6 this morning.

My new visualization for the next 7 days is:

175 by 12/17

EXERCISE

Did my full, quick 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. Inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

I’m waiting for the Chinese Consulate (Los Angeles) to open, and I forgot to bring a book.

So I’ll read CNN’s 5 things for today. 60 seconds

20181209 SAVERS for SUNDAY in SAN CLEMENTE

SILENCE

Did it for 60 seconds.  TRIED it.  Again.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

I have misgivings about my weight loss.  But I'm here in San Clemente with Lisa, et al, and I have to modify my routine.  I don't HAVE to.  But I do.  It's family, it's Sunday, and the phrase that bounces around in my brain is:  "I am not called upon to adhere so exactly and precisely to my routine that I can't enjoy myself by eating other foods while I'm here wiih my family."

I am the one who calls.  Today, I have a different message for myself, slightly altered from the normal routine I've been following. 

There are plenty of reasons to be upset, or negative.

But I need to focus on the reasons to be happy, and positive, at least to the point of balancing them all.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine for a Sunday, except for the inversion table stretches.

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. back stretch over the edge of the bed
6. squats 30
7. push-ups 30

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read for 60 seconds + in the ENSIGN magazine, randomly selected from L & R's coffee table.

I randomly opened the magazine to an article, written by a man living in Idaho.  He described how it was growing up.  He somehow developed some strange habits, which doctors later diagnosed as 

1.  obsessive/compulsive disorder

and

2.  Tourette's syndrome

His descriptions of how he and his family became aware of these childhood quirks (?) were eerily similar to what I experienced.  Of course, it was not exactly the same.

In Vienna, we had a huge villa to live in, and there were stairs everywhere, it seemed.  My bedroom was situated such that the best stairway to go down to breakfast on schoolday mornings was the back stairway, used for the "help."  Barbara, our maid, used this stairway too.

I recall going down the stairs, and ending the descent on my right food, but wanting to give "equal time" to my left foot.  So I'd back up a few steps, and switch so that the last step would be my left foot.

I did not go all the way back up the stairway & give it a "full" equal time ..... only the last few steps.

I'm guessing that the incident with the ornamental brass ball which I took out and put back several times, was an indication of this same syndrome I experienced.

When I was faced with removing it, and planning to put it back when I returned, but FORGETTING to put it back on my way back up the stairs, and with my father finding it, and asking me in a scolding voice, "Did you remove the brass ball?" (I denied having done it, but he replied "Sure you did,"  and he was more interested in what I had planned to do with it, to which I had no reply.),

........, when all that was "done," I look back and wonder....... was that obsessive/compulsive behavior?

I don't think I ever had Tourette's Syndrome.  I didn't make strange noises.  I was keenly aware of the derision I received from my siblings and some friends at school.  I was in control enough to not cause myself any undue problems.

But what a mess I was!

20181208 SAVERS for SQUAT SATURDAY

I woke a bit later, and decided to put another loaf of bread into the bread maker.  And now I'm back in my room doing my routine.

SILENCE

I was able to set alarm for 1 min 10 sec, and I covered my ears with my pillows, and tried to silence my brain.  I imagined a washing machine agitator whirling around and around inside my skull, pushing out all thoughts.  It didn't work 100%, but it was good.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says the people of earth transitioned

FROM:  hunter/gatherer modes of survival

TO:  agriculture/domistication modes of survival

This means that by 10K BC, we began the transition to how we survive today:

WHEN                            WHERE                                       WHAT

*  Began 9.5 - 8.5 BC      in Turkey, Iran, the Levant

* 9K BC                                                                                wheat, goats

* 8K BC                                                                                peas, lentils

* 5K BC                                                                                olive trees

* 4K BC                                                                                horses

"later"                                                                                     camels, cashew nuts

* By 3.5K BC                "main wave of domestication was over"

* Today, 90% of the calories we consume come from a handful of plants that were domesticated

between 10K BC and 3.5K BC:                                            wheat, rice, corn potatoes, millet, barley

I'll likely not remember the above, but it's interesting to think about how our caloric intake has evolved.

Again, the author makes hay with calling it "the biggest fraud" that has occurred, etc.

Writing:  Human condition - self-discipline

As I lay in bed this morning, I thought about my routine, and how I am a slave to it, in a way.  I spoke to CG about it, and said how perplexing it is to be a human and to continuously vascillate between a) being a free & natural man, and b) being a disciplined and goal-oriented man.

I don't have an answer, unless it is that I am continuing to do a measure of BOTH approaches:

a)  I will continue to do my routine first thing every morning

and

b)  I will let the rest of the day flow by naturally (for the most part)

I make plans, but I'm ready in case I decide to change them.  My routine does not change.

And now, I'll research how to soak one toe.

20181207 SKIPPED SAVERS TODAY

I felt almost no motivation to do my routine and/or SAVERS today.

So I didn't.

Later, in conversation with GM, I mentioned taking a "day off."  He replied with the stats of a study he read earlier today (imagine that!) that said:

a.  If you have a habitual routine, and you miss 1 day doing it, you're only 5% likely to not continue doing it the next day.

b.  If you have a habitual routine, and you miss 2 days doing it, you're 45% likely to not continue doing it the 3rd day.

c.  It quickly reaches 95% likely to not continue the routine.

I wonder what the reverse stats would be:  if you do a routine 1 day, how likely is it you'll do it the next?  and if you do it 2 days, how likely is it you'll do it the 3rd?  etc.

Qui sait?

20181206 SAVERS for THURSDAY

SILENCE

Did it, or TRIED to do it, for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankles/wrists circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  Today, began PART TWO:  THE AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION.

He says that approx. 10K years ago (i.e., 8K BC), Sapiens had populated ALL the planet's continents, and survived by hunting & gathering.

But then for some reason, about 10K years ago, Sapiens began focusing on just a few plants and animals, and cultivating their growth and productivity.  (E.g., certain animals such as sheep, and certain plants such as fruits & grains,)

This was the beginning of the Agricultural Revolution.

I'm wondering if this began simultaneously on all the continents, or if Sapiens developed the techniques, and then taught it to fellow Sapiens.

Hopefully Harari will answer this question.

20181205 SAVERS for WEDNESDAY HUMP DAY

SILENCE

Tried & tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.  It's not easy.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Although I am still visualizing my weight to be 175 by 12/10, I only have 5 more days until 12/10, and since I weigh approx. 181, that's 6 pounds in 5 days.  That's probably not doable, and probably not healthy.

So, my goal is to get as close to 175 as I can by 12/10.

as close to 175 as possible by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine.  Thinking about adding 5x2 reps to it all, beginning next year.

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

So the new reps would read 70, except for the inversion table.  I'd increase minutes to 2-min sets, and do 3 sets for a month, so see how it goes.  Eventually, I'd increase it to 5 2-min sets.  Or maybe 3 3-min sets.

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  The author says that humans are largely responsible for 3 Waves of Extinction, and all 3 coincide with the arrival and/or the technological advances of humans.

He sobs that people today are largely unaware of their role in the 3rd Wave of Extinction (now on-going), but if they were, they might take more and greater steps to stop it.

I STILL question the validity of his position that it's tragic.  Yes, species have died out.  And yes, just because they've died out for so long does not mean that it's okay.  I get that.

But how am I to live a happy life today, knowing that my fellow humans have participated/are participating in such extinctive processes?  I must find a way.

And I sure do wish we could focus on THAT, and get rid of the buffoon in the White House, who is currently impeding our consciousness raising.  His is SO BAD for the planet.

GET RID OF HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20181204 SAVERS for TUESDAY

SILENCE

Tried to do it for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my 30 day routine, cut back on rest periods

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says that the mass extinctions caused by the arrival and occupation of Sapiens in islands of all of the Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, along with the Mediterranean Sea, began in about 1500 BC.  

A noted & famous (Darwin) exception are the Galapagos Islands, which remained untouched until the 19th Century, and which are home to giant tortoises, which showed no fear of humans.

Well, there you have it.  We humans are culpable of the extinction of massive amounts of species, of all sizes, over the last 50K years.  And I'm guessing that Harari will add toward the end of his book, that we're still at it, and that something should be done to stop & maybe reverse this tragic sequence of events.

I'm not so sure.  Stay tuned, KO.  (KO = Ken's Opinion)

20181203 SAVERS for MONDAY

SILENCE

Quiet brain for 60 seconds

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Today's weight:  180.6

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. finger/toe stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says that history shows that almost immediately after humans set foot on/in a new island/territory/continent, the large (and some small) animals vanished.  His examples include Madagascar and other similar places that, prior to the arrival of humans, were home to giant sloths, armadillos and lemurs.

He calls it sad and tragic.  I don't know if he's right to say that.  He's the expert.  He says that extinction of species is man's fault, and he's likely right.  But then I ask, "what's the purpose of man?"

I'm guessing Harari would say that if it's either or (re. extinction), the large beasts were here first, and so better man become extinct.  Or he might say that man should have stayed put in Africa where he'd have done far less damage to the planet.  Or he might say that somehow the large beasts should have won the battle of extinction.

Why didn't those beasts evolve into a self-preserving, or even superior species?  With an evolved, developed brain, they'd have easily defeated puny humans.

But our planet and its residents evolved the way we did.  And so I see no reason to heap upon me the pseudo-guilt that Harari seeks to place on my shoulders.

Or does he?  Read on.

20181202 SAVERS for SUNDAY

SILENCE

Tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.  It's not easy to do.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my SUNDAY full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 30
7. push-ups 30

Easily done.... maybe I should consider moving up to 35/70 soon.

so it would be

1. ankle/wrist circles 35 each way,   70
2. toe/finger stretches 70
3. bicycle crunches 2 sets of 35,  70
4. shoulder rolls 35 each way,  70
5. inversion table 2 2-min sets
6. squats 35
7. push-ups 35

And on non-Sunday days, M, W, F:  pushups  2 sets of 35, and T, T, S:  squats 2 sets of 35

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS, by Yuval Noah Harari.  He hammers home the culpability of Sapiens involving the mass extinctions of MANY species, mostly the large furry mammals over the time span between the Cognitive Revolution (70K years ago) and the Agricultural Revolution (12K years ago).

During the intervening 58K years, the planet went from 200 species of mammals over 50 kg, to 100.  Homo Sapiens are also responsible for the extinction of other human species (Neanderthals, etc.)

As much as Harari seems to "like" painting Sapiens as "bad boys" of the planet, I do not think that this was necessarily a bad evolutionary path for us to take.  The main reason, as I see it right now, is that the "cognitive revolution" does not necessarily include an awareness of the "big picture" of the evolutionary path we were on.

I can't imagine a hunter or a band saying, "we will wipe out the XXXXX."  I can't accept that they were THAT evil, or THAT aware.

I suppose this should be concerning to me, since it IS what happened, and it necessarily affects things as they now stand (or don't) on the planet.

I sure do hope that soaking my left big toe in a solution of 1/2 applie cider vinegar and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide is having the long term effect of killing the fungus in my toenail.

But viewed another way..... the soaking of the toe ritual is a large part of the motivation I need to begin & continue my daily routine (SAVERS).  So even if it doesn't work on the fungus, I am better off for at least trying to make it work.

Life is f*****, but it's also gratifying in some ways.

20181201 SAVERS for SATURDAY

SILENCE

I quieted my mind for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

180.2.  DAMN!

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day exercises

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  The author says that the huge mammals (and their accompanying ticks, etc.) of the Americas vanished between 9K and 12K BC.  The evidence is in the fossilized bones and fecal matter they've found.

The author has several names for the digestive residue:  scat, dung balls, faeces, coprolite, fossilized turds.  Apparently the most telling evidence are the bones and shit (a term he does NOT use) left behind by earlier continental camels, along with the sloths of Cuba and Hispanola.

He has a way with words, this Yuval!

20181130 SAVERS for FRIDAY, END of NOVEMBER

SILENCE

Tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine today:

1. ankles/wrists circles 60
2. toes/fingers stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

DONE!  YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  The author says that the settling of the Americas was hardly bloodless.  We now know that there were huge animals roaming the continents, until Sapiens arrived 14K (12,000 BC) years ago.  Within 2K years from then (by 10,000 BC), the fauna of the Americas had changed significantly and dramatically.  Until then, Harari says, the fauna of the Americas were an "experiment in evolution" since they were left alone.

20181129 SAVERS for THURSDAY

SILENCE

Was silent as I could be for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

181.6 today

EXERCISE

Did full 30 day squat routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60+10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.

He says that between 12K BC and 10K BC, Siberians "streamed" into the North & South American continents.  I suppose that evidence points to this movement, and Harari calls it the fastest occupation of new lands by any species.  Sapiens used their superior intellect (is that the right word?) to make it all the way to the southernmost tip of South America.

He used the words "open pampas" to describe the lands in Argentina.  Pampas means "fertile South American lowlands" - Argentine provinces, all of Uruguay, and parts of Southern Brazil.

OK.

20181128 SAVERS for WEDNESDAY

SILENCE

Silenced my brain/mind/esprit for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day push-up routine for a Wednesday

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.

The author continues his version of how Sapien Humans expanded into the frozen regions of Northeastern Siberia.  They apparently didn't mind the cold, since they were able to survive on the meat of the animals they killed, and on the furs and warmth provided by them after the kill.

They didn't know they were "discovering" the new world when they arrived in Alaska.  The author says that around 14K years ago (12K BCE), there was global warming, so the "pathway" to Alaska & the new world gradually became easier.

Sounds reasonable to me, but again, qui sait?

20181127 SAVERS for TUESDAY SQUAT DAY

SILENCE

I silenced my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine for Tuesdays Squat day

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

Done!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says that no human species had until then (16K years ago) ventured into frozen regions.  But Sapiens did; they were smart enough to devise advanced (for the time) methods of dressing for the cold, and of hunting in the cold.  I.e., they began using their brains to plan and reach their intended outcomes.

I noted that the paragraphs I will read tomorrow begin with a question I think Harari should have attempted to answer MUCH earlier in this book.  Perhaps I will find out why he waited until now as I continue reading.

The question:  WHY DID THEY BOTHER?  (I.e., leaving warmer climates for much harsher frozen regions)

20181126 SAVERS for MONDAY (RESUMING AFTER 4 DAY T-DAY BREAK)

SILENCE

Silenced my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

 VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

Push-ups were not all that hard to do, considering I'd taken 4 days off for Thanksgiving family trip to Brian Head.

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  The author says that the "invasion" of Australia by Sapiens (45K years ago) was by boat, and was the first significant event to occur on the planet in which Sapiens "destroyed" the pristine ecology of untouched by man Australia.

The 2nd was the arrival of Sapiens on foot in the North American continent, by way of the Bearing Strait land that "appeared" due to loser ocean levels of the time (16K years ago, in 14K BCE).  It was still cold and dark during winter, so they had to learn how to survive more difficult conditions than their ancestors had to deal with in sailing to Australia.

All of the above makes sense to me.

20181121 SAVERS MISSED for WEDNESDAY

Up late, drove to San Clemente last night; up early, drove to Cedar City/Brian Head Resort; left at 5:30 AM... Drove a LOT, played with kids.

Too tired to do routine today.

Day off.

Will resume tomorrow morning.

20181120 SAVERS for TUESDAY SQUAT DAY

SILENCE

Silenced my brain, or tried to, for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue to lose weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue to lose weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue to lose weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue to lose weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue to lose weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

We shall see what the scale says this morning.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning.

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

Done!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari

The author postulates a 3rd explanation for the extinction of megafauna in Australia:  climate change.  He says that COMBINED with the arrival of humans (who brought fire and hunting to the land), climate change 45K years ago was also a cause of the extinction of marsupial lions, diprotodons, and many other species.

He also readily admits that without concrete evidence, we cannot be sure what the actual causes were.  However, he does not hold back:  Humans sent the ecosystem into the abyss.

Wow.  How dehumanizing.  He's judging his ancestors without concrete evidence.  He could at least have mentioned the obvious fact that those humans did not know the extent of devastation they were causing.

And I will add that perhaps this is acceptable:  humans have a right to be here, too.

Who knows?  I certainly don't.

20181119 SAVERS for MONDAY

SILENCE

Tried just now with ears plugged.  For 60 seconds.  Not easy.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari,

The author offers as a 2nd explanation for _______ (what was it again?  the destruction of the Australian megafauna & the Sapiens footprint?)  is that when Sapiens first arrived in Australia, they had already mastered fire-agriculture.

This meant that they could burn large areas of land, turn them into grasslands, and more easily attract animal life to them to kill and eat (versus going out and hunting them through almost impassable thick growth).

This also meant that the animals' diets would change.  Koala bears eat only eucalyptus, and eucalyptus is less susceptible to burning, and so the Koala/eucalyptus part of the chain survived.

20181118 SAVERS for SUNDAY LULU'S BIRTHDAY

Lisa's 36 today!!!  Amazing!!!

SILENCE

Tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full SUNDAY 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. squats 30
6. push-ups 30

Feeling good about incremental improvements in body health through exercise.

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.  He says there are 3 ways in which (and 3 reasons for which) humans could have caused the extinction of the huge mammals in Australia:

1.  2-legged beings had been hunting large beasts in Afro-Asia for 450K years, so they knew how to subdue larger dumber beasts.

2.  Australian beasts (notably the Diprotodon which was the largest mammal to ever roam the planet) had never seen a 2-legged animal such as a human; to it, the human likely looked nonthreatening, and so it was taken by surprise when the human attacked & killed it.

3.  (to come)

Harari's tone is critical of humans who are, in fact responsible for killing off species.  It's easy to place the blame on humans for that, and for thousands of other injustices.  But still, I'm sensing that he's taken this tone too easily.  He hasn't looked at the WHY of this evolutionary murder of species.  Not that it would be justified.  But let's at least acknowledge that, for example, the diprotodon could have simply been done on the planet.  Perhaps in some cosmic sense, it was "done."

We need to be careful not to ascribe the thoughts & feelings of today's environmental (including megafauna) protectionism to large megafauna beasts in Australia 45K years ago.

************

Re my weight loss.... I'm not so sure I like my body this thin.  Maybe I'm just not used to it yet.

20181117 SAVERS for SATURDAY SQUAT DAY

SILENCE

Tried it again - with ears muffled it's easier - 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Today (since I only had 2 meals yesterday, and the 2nd was at 2pm), I've been fasting from 3pm yesterday until this morning when I eat breakfast, so that will be approx.15 or 16 hours.

I'm feeling hungry and looking forward to breakfast.  I also expect to break 180 again - we shall see.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine today:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  The author, Yuval Noah Harari, says that Homo Sapiens were ecological serial killers.  Wherever they went, animals went extinct.  He then asks how Sapiens, with such "stone age" tools, could be responsible for the extinction of an entire species.

The answer, he says, lies in 3 "nicely-fitting" explanations.  Will read about them tomorrow.

**********

I'd like to write about my High School reunion in Beaconsfield.  I was a misfit back then:

1.  American (during Vietnam)

2.  Mormon

3.  Gay

So when I went back there after 50 years, we had a lunch.  The "group" was comprised of grads from both 1968 and 1969.  When I arrived there were several 69 grads already seated, and only a few 68s were there, so I took the "next available seat" at the long lunch table.

Across from me were Ian Howarth and a female from 68.  When Naisbitt came in, he "lured" them away from that table to the 2nd table so they could talk.  But by then I was already talking to some of the 69s, and I though it would be mixed.  But no.

ALL the 68s migrated to the other table.  And I was too polite to move away from the folks I was talking to.  So I stayed where I was.  I therefore missed all the 68 conversation, which I felt bad about.  I consider now what it would have been like had I moved to the 68 table.  I'm guessing I'd have been left out of most of the conversation, largely because I was still a misfit.

Still American, still Gay, and not Mormon, but carrying the smaller baggage of being ex-Mormon.

It seems that I can't get over the hurdle of social barriers that I have generally allowed to block me.  They're real at the time.  But in retrospect, they're illusions of my own making.  I know that.  But they still block me from being part of a group, and of having a good time.

Once in a while, during my life, I've ignored the "barriers" and jumped in.

Still and all, I haven't changed much since High School.

*sigh*

20181116 SAVERS for FRIDAY

SILENCE

Tried to silence brain for 60 seconds

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.

The author says that evidence shows that Sapiens are responsible for significant changes in the megafauna of both Australia and of anywhere else Sapiens colonized new lands.

He loves the term megafauna.

An interesting further observation is that during "natural" extinctions in pre-Sapiens times, the terrestrial AND oceanic megafauna were affected.  But during the Sapien-footprint extinctions, only the terrestrial megafauna were affected, thus offering further proof that it was the Sapiens who did it.

HA!

And what of the evolution of the planet as a home for evolving humans?  The good that did actually come of this process has not yet been mentioned in this book.  I'll keep reading.

20181115 SAVERS for THURSDAY (MONTH) HUMP DAY IDES OF NOVEMBER

SILENCE

Tried it again for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

We'll see how much I weight this morning, after linner with Dr. P yesterday, when I had Mel's Diner's meat loaf dinner.  At least it had some vegetables & mashed potatoes along the side.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

:)

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS, by Yuval Noah Harari

The author says that the warming and cooling periods have been "cycling" through the history of our planet since it was born.  The last ice age (ice ages come and go about every 100,000 years) began about 75K years ago and ended about 40K years ago, and had "twin peaks" at 70k years ago, and at 45K years ago.

Australia's diprotodon survived the first peak (70K years ago), but was gone after the second peak (45K years ago).  Why?

The author suggests that it's hard to believe the animals disappeared at the precise time when Sapiens arrived in Australia.

The evidence is circumstantial, but somehow seems likely to prove the case.  I concur, although no one is looking to lowly moi for opinions. 

20181114 SAVERS for WEDNESDAY HUMP DAY

SILENCE

Tried to silence my brain for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine for today

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

YAY!!!!!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.

The author explains that roughly 45K years ago, the climate in Australia changed.  Some suggest that the extinction of so many marsupials in Australia could possibly be "blamed" on weather changes.  But then he says that the earth's climate is in a state of constant change, and therefore it's not likely that weather changes alone could have caused such a major extinction of Australian "megafauna."  He's about to lay the blame on Sapiens invasion.

*sigh*

It's quite comforting, in a way, to know that our generation is not the only one which has the likely blame for the annihilation and/or irreparable damage to our planet and its flora & fauna.  It does not absolve us, but if such were going on 45K years ago, then perhaps it's in our nature to be & do so.

It still does not absolve us of the responsibility of what we Sapiens do today.

20181113 SAVERS for TUESDAY SQUAT DAY

SILENCE

Was silent as I could be for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari.

The author discusses the arrival of Sapiens on the Australian continent, and what he found.  He says that besides the birds and reptiles, all animals were marsupials, and they were much bigger than today's marsupials.  Hence the author's statement that Sapiens changed Australia permanently and significantly with his many "footprints."

I'd be guessing if I stated when the author thinks the first Sapiens landed in Australia, but it was sometime after 60K years ago, I think.

Today is another work day (chez Pruitt).  I hope I'm right that I need to leave here at 7:30, arrive at 9:00, and get him to the doctor by 10.  That's what I'm planning on.

Other than that, I'm starting a new day, having done my routine, and I'm happy about that.

Happiness.  I don't let other people determine if I'm happy or not.

I'm NOT happy all the time.

I AM happy in general, and when I decide to be consciously.

20181112 SAVERS on VETERAN'S DAY OBSERVED

SILENCE

Tried it again today for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

I'm hoping I've broken 180 again today.

EXERCISE

Today was SO VERY DIFFICULT to get motivated.  So I just PLOWED through each exercise, and I DID 'EM!!

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

YAY!!!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari

The author says that there were 3 major migrations in our history, and the first was when Afro-Asian Sapiens arrived in Australia for the first time.  (The 2nd was Columbus arriving in North America, and the 3rd was Apollo arriving on the mood.)  They were the first large mammal to inhabit the as-of-then untouched land mass of Australia, and they changed it forever.

The author almost "laments" this development as a devastation since Australia was damaged irreparably by the Sapiens.

As this has been a work of speculation up to this point in the book. I now speculate that the author will be significantly better prepared to back up his explanations with actual facts.

Yes, I'm suspicious, even a bit cynical about the "likely conclusions" he is making.  But I'm open to considering his opinions, as they are based on much more research than I have done (which is next to none, and that's being generous. HA!).

In short, I'm looking forward to more reliable conclusions.

20181111 SAVERS on SUNDAY VETERAN'S DAY

SILENCE

It was hard to do without covering my ears, but it was early enough so that there was little outside sound.  I'd like to incorporate actual meditation into this portion of SAVERS for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Yesterday I "broke" 180.  Wonder what I'll weigh this morning:  _______

EXERCISE

Did my Sunday full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 30
7. push-ups 30

Done!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS by Yuval Noah Harari

The author says that evidence is scarce for the theory that Afro-Asian Sapiens became sea-faring colonizers (and made it all the way to Australia) since we have yet to discover the vessels they'd have to have used, and/or the seaside villages that likely dotted the coastlines.  He says that such coastline evidence is likely buried under 100 meters of ocean, due to the rising sea levels over that time to this.

He is discussing the likely explorative activities of Sapiens who lived 45K years ago.

I think I'm getting better and better at recalling the 60 seconds I've just read, and then writing about it here.

20181110 SAVERS for SATURDAY & HUMP DAY of my 175 by 12/10 plan

SILENCE

I silenced my brain for 60 seconds - or at least TRIED to.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

shortly after I got up & had a bm, I weighed 180.6.  Will weigh again after my exercises.

BROKE 180!!!!!!!!!!  

179.6

Apparently, doing my exercises netted 1 less pound.  I'd never have guessed that would be the case.
Anyway, YAY!!!!!!!!!

EXERCISE

Although I didn't feel much like doing my routine this morning (due to possible cold/allergies/fires/poor air quality)..... I did one exercise at a time, saying over and over "just do the next one."  I finally did do them all!

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. finger/toe stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  Author Yuval Noah Harari discusses how Sapiens of Asia might have reached Australia:  he says they figured out how to build ocean vessels & to navigate them to other islands and eventually Australia.

So now we have African/Asian Sapiens colonizing Australia.

And now we have crazy times on our planet; I say that because of the Trump/political situation of today, which has "arrived" after aeons of evolution from "colonizing" new lands to coping with crazy politicians.

20181109 SAVERS for FRIDAY

SILENCE

Tried it again today for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, KEn Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

Nicht schlecht!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.

The author, Yuval Noah Harari, in the next chapter called "The Flood" begins to explore the geography & relative isolation each land mass experienced over the last 1,000,000 years or so.  He states that sapiens were largely confined to the African/Asian land mass until the "Cognitive Revolution."  Until then, they ventured only short distances.  E.g., 850K years ago, Flores (an island in Indonesia) was colonized by Sapiens.  

The Sapiens-uninhabited land masses (NA, SA, Australia) therefore developed along very different paths when compared to the African/Asian development.  When Sapiens eventually conquered the "sea barrier," they put an end to that isolation.

What do I think about all that?  Well, it's interesting.

20181108 SAVERS for THURSDAY SQUAT DAY

SILENCE

Tried again for 60 seconds, and also tried to meditate on the meaning of my life.  Pffffft!

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did full 30 day routine

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS

Author Yuval Noah Harari, again states in another way that we don't know much about the foragers, and then "concludes" that they must have done SOMEthing since they were there.  When we discover in modern days an untouched and pristine sector of the earth, we must also know that foragers of 30K years ago were there before us.

How he knows this, I do not know.  But he promises to discuss how the foragers "completely reshaped our ecology."  Hmmmmm

Since so many of my friends & acquaintances have read and liked this book, I will give it more time, possibly to the end.  60 seconds a day is not much when there are 450 pages to read.  But I have noticed that I embrace the concepts better, and remember them more readily, for having read only 2 or 3 paragraphs a day.  The ideas have come up in conversation with Dr. Pruitt, and possibly with David Timpson and son Joe.

I was gratified to talk to son Joe this morning & to be so much on the same page with him regarding politics, religion and family matters (specifically the funeral of Kent Ellertson, my former father-in-law).  Life is generally good for me, in spite of not knowing what the purpose of it is.

The love I have for family & a few friends cannot be destroyed by anyone.

20181107 SAVERS for WEDNESDAY, DAY AFTER MID-TERM ELECTION

SILENCE

Tried for 60 seconds.  "Blended" my thoughts out.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

YAY!

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  

The author, Yuval Noah Harari, again takes to speculation about what might have happened during the long "curtain" period over the foragers' pre-Agricultural Revolution times (30K to about 5K? years ago).  He asserts that IF there were musicians, artists, philosophers, religious people, etc.... we know nothing of how they practiced, or even IF they practiced their art, etc.  Their bones do not reveal it.

But if a band of Sapiens "invaded" a territory of Neanderthals in "Europe," there is no record of how things went.  We only know that they must have invaded, and eventually conquered.

I suppose that Harari must give space to speculating about how things went 30K years ago.  But he's taking a long time to do so.

Trop de details speculatifs!

20181106 SAVERS FOR ELECTION DAY

SILENCE

Tried for 60 seconds

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

We shall see:

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60+10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  Author Yuval Noah Harari, discusses war & violence that likely occurred among foragers.  Evidence found (in Europe & Middle East) shows that large numbers of people had been tortured/physically assaulted, and buried together (12K years ago).

So what are we to make of that?  I suppose it's that bands of people are now known to have existed, and that these peoples were both war-like and peaceful.  They only leave "battle scars" to teach us how they lived.  The peaceful people, who HAD to also exist, did not leave much to prove to us that they were peaceful.

************

Summary of my talk with David:

1.  The mine deal is still "optimistic" in his mind, but there is likely no large sums of money coming his way (& therefore none in mine) for several months.

2.  We have a relationship of love that is impervious to lack of money, or political developments.  That was really important to talk about.  It flies in the face of my oft-repeated phrase "fuck this life."  Maybe now I'll say it a few fewer times.

3.  Toenail fungus:  He says Apple Cider Vinegar + hydrogen peroxide is VERY GOOD as a solution for ridding my nail of the fungus.  Also suggested an alternative to soaking in a "pool" - use a sponge soaked in it, and wrap a rubber medical glove ("toe condom") around it to wear all day.  When not treating, use open toed shoes & keep nail in the dry air of the day, including sunshine.

I can re-use the solution several times - no need to throw it out.

4.  Told him about Gamofite "lawsuit" and how I wished I could write a check to Scott & Ken Salzman to clear up the stolen funds.  David was sympathetic & understanding.  But we both know that .... UNTIL the deal kicks in, we're still dealing with limited funds.  *sigh*

20181105 SAVERS for MONDAY

I haven't changed all the clocks, to go back to PST, so it's an hour earlier than I thought.

More time to rest.

SILENCE

Tried it for 60 seconds.  Not that successful, but I'll keep on tryin'

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
5. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Earlier, weight was 183.6.  What will it be after my shower, but before breakfast?

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60 (was a struggle today, but did it!  YAY!)

READING, WRITING

Missed 2 days on Saturday & Sunday, so I'm reading 180 seconds today.

SAPIENS author, Yuval Noah Harari, discusses the nature of war (and crime) in Sapiens societies 30K years ago.  Foragers likely fought each other over territory and food, but the evidence of such battles is only loosely conclusive:  they could have not sustained bone trauma, and still have been fighting and dying in battles (soft tissue trauma); other bone trauma might have been due to accident.  We just don't know for sure.

They "surveyed" pre-agricultural sapiens remains in NW America, Australia, and the Danube valley.  All 3 based their findings on 400 skeletons from times immediately preceding the Agricultural Revolution.  Harari concludes that there COULD have been war, but there also COULD have been famine & starvation due to natural disasters/weather changes, etc.

We just don't know.  But it's interesting to speculate.

20181104 SAVERS FOR SUNDAY

SILENCE

Did it for 60 seconds.  Tried to, that is.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Due to eating meals here in San Clemente that are not as healthy, I have gained a bit of weight; today's weighing:  185.4

The kids gave me a kitkat bar which I tried to "ration" over a few days, but this morning I "inhaled" the 2nd half.

I'll do better during the coming week.

EXERCISE

Did my fully 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. can't do inversion table away from home
6. squats 30
7. push-ups 30

READING, WRITING

(none today)

20181103 SAVERS for SATURDAY chez ASHTON

SILENCE

Tried to do it in bed, in Caleb's room  Mildly successful since it was dark & quiet already.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

Wonder what my weight will be this morning, chez Ashton?

__________________________ pounds.  Forgot to weigh myself.  oh well.

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day rtounine chez Ashton:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. finger/toe stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. (can't do inversion table here)
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

(need to find a book here chez Ashton)

I had brought Og Mandino's THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD, so I'll read a bit in that:

Read 60 seconds

Then Cub started crying.  But Rodney came to the rescue, and now I'm alone again.  Writing.

I read the 60 seconds in TGSITW, but it was random reading.  So I suppose there is a message in what I read:  It was about the transition of one generation to the next (of salesmen).  Reading the book brings back memories of when I first read it on my mission (with Elder (Donald) Barber), for a month, and thereafter we succeeded in finding and baptizing Sister Rodriguez.

Enough for now.

20181102 SAVERS for FRIDAY

SILENCE

Tried for 60 seconds.  More "quieter" than "silence."

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine:

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  The author, Yuval Noah Harari, includes 2 pictures of "artwork" done 1) by foragers of 30K years and 2) handprints of foragers of 9K years ago.

1) my first impression on looking at the art was that it depicted the last moments when a large animal killed a person.  Various other marks could be the animal's penis and the man's penis.  The animal has a bird face, and their is a bird on a pole nearby.  Next thought:  the man dies and flies away to "the next life."  In that case, birds symbolize transition into the next life, and large animals, the end of this life.

Suddenly tired.  Glad I did my routine already.

20181101 SAVERS FOR THURSDAY

SILENCE

Tried for 60 seconds.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine, although I was quite tempted NOT to today, for whatever reasons.

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. finger/toe stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. squats 60

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  The author Yuval Noah Harari, says the children buried 30K years ago were likely the children of a leader, and that they died an early death.  But it's only a theory.  Whatever the explanation, it shows that the people then believed in honoring others at their deaths, which could mean they believed in life after death.

WHO KNOWS??  I'm a bit skeptical about the obvious speculation that goes on in anthropology.

20181031 SAVERS for HUMPDAY HALLOWEEN WEDNESDAY

SILENCE

Was silent for 60 seconds while trying to clear my thoughts.  Not an easy thing.

AFFIRMATIONS

1. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
2. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
3. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.
4. I, Ken Taylor, continue losing weight through daily exercise and eating healthy food.

Also, said aloud for 60 seconds.

VISUALIZATION

175 by 12/10

EXERCISE

Did my full 30 day routine this morning

1. ankle/wrist circles 60
2. toe/finger stretches 60 + 10
3. bicycle crunches 60
4. shoulder rolls 60
5. inversion table 3 1-min sets
6. push-ups 60

Although I got approx 6 hours of sleep last night, I'm feeling sleepy now.  Maybe I can nap for a bit in a bit.

READING, WRITING

Read 60 seconds in SAPIENS.  The author, Yuval Noah Harari, launches into a discussion about the findings of ancient burial grounds (places) in Russia; apparently they've found the tombs of foragers who lived 30K years ago, and who buried their dead with strings of ivory & animal tooth beads.

(I am so very sleepy now.  I'm going to stop and take a nap.)

(close enough)