Then and Now
I had not intended to take a self-portrait this evening; however, as I pulled out my flashes and umbrellas in preparation to take some photos of my friend Shilpa tomorrow, I thought: Why not.
However, even deeper than that, I wanted to witness the change from more than a year ago, give myself a pat on the back, and thank those who have been behind me.
At the beginning of each Zen Super Boot Camp, we make mention of good things that are going on, struggles that we are having, or whatever seems appropriate. Yesterday, Tuesday night, I spoke up and made mention that I had made it to the half-way point of my goal, which was to lose 100 pounds, or about 45.5 Kg, within one year. I received a round of applause. I’ve done this in 5 months, almost to the day. Just a few days earlier than 5 months, actually. 
So far, I’ve lost 52 pounds, 23.6 Kg. A laudable accomplishment, I think.
Though I am the one doing the work of walking each morning, making good food choices, etc, I cannot give enough credit to the group at the ZSBC. What a great group of individuals. We have a great time each week, share our stories, our struggles, and then we have a spirited workout where we sweat, sweat, and laugh.
There’s something magical, it seems, about martial arts. There are so many intangibles, especially when the art is taught along with the philosophy, as it is done at The Peaceful Dragon. With each new part of a form that I learn, with each time that I’m able to do something new, or able to hold a position for even 5 seconds more than I could last week, my confidence soars.
So, about the portrait, I feel that in the second one I am much more confident, comfortable, and, for lack of a better word, balanced.
Life has brought me a lot of changes in the past 2 years. A lot. Some of you know of what I speak, others do not; however, I can honestly say that at this point in my life, I am seriously enjoying it and it has a little to do with the weight loss, but I have a completely different mindset. I feel much better about me. There are lots of internal changes going on.
I’ll probably make another then and now post some 25 pounds from now and then, finally, in April of next year, after I celebrate 100!
Note: Although the photo says February 2009, I was the same size, perhaps a bit larger, in April of 2010.
Funny thing: I changed my Facebook photo to the new photo and got post on my wall saying that the new photo was AWESOME. Cool!
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13 Responses to “That which cannot be seen”
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Inspiration comes from all places. You may think I work hard but you are really an inspiration. Keep up the amazing work!!!
Thanks, Robert. And yes, you do work hard and it inspires me, too. I see lots of hard work, dedication, and commitment at TPD and I guess that it just rubs off!
That is a great accomplishment, Paul! Wow, over 50 lbs in 5 months?!! Amazing! I’m really impressed.
You look leaner and meaner (the latter in a good way) in the new portrait. Younger too.
Well, you’ve definitely inspired me. I only need to lose about 10 lbs, but I’m finding it hard to make the good lifestyle choices. Maybe I need to take up Tai Chi…
Thanks, Eric: I’ve really drank of the Kool-Aid and am buying into the mantra that I can do anything that I believe that I can do. I hear that a lot at TPD. Go for the Tai Chi, man! You’ll not regret it. As a minimum you’ll feel that you have better balance, flexibility, and peacefulness. Who couldn’t use all that?
You look more centered and at peace in your new photo. Know what I mean?
Yes, I do. Lots has changed to make that happen.
I do believe the healthy spirit makes for a healthy body. Your accomplishments are something to be proud of and they are also inspiring to those who witness them. Balance is probably a pretty good word so stick with it. Support groups, like minded people, are essential to our growth, without them we can find ourselves stagnant or even moving backwards. For me your body language is what displays the change. The second one is about confidence, no walls, while the first one seems to be defensive, as if you’re putting up a wall.
Paul, a wonderful achievement thus far and I’m sure you’ll accomplish that final goal. Congratulations, you have every right to be proud! There has definitely been a marked change in the person in these photos, a change that is noticeably for the good.
Looking good and younger keep up the work and inspire others.
Paul – great photo! This is an awesome testament to the “warrior” of soul that you have become.
Pretty incredible! The best I ever did was 30kg in little over a year. That was about 16 years ago, and in the meantime I have gained about 40kg. Paul, you are definitely an inspiration
The second shot is just great! Photographically speaking. Seems as if you grew not only as a person, but also as a photographer, while de-growing your body… Let’s see how it looks in a year!
That is an incredible achievement! Well done!