"I Feel You"

I feel you.

You ever "just know"? As in, no words, no reasons, no factual data to confirm nor deny yet you just know?
Knowing without knowing.

The Tao Te Ching speaks on relativity:
"We know beauty because there is ugly
We know good because there is evil
Being and not being
Having and not having
Create each other."

The bible calls it faith:

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for
and assurance about what we do not see."

Even the movie Avatar –You’ve never watched the movie Avatar? Really? Wow. I mean my Grandma's seen it and she’s 96 – anyways, there is a part in the movie where they use the phrase "I see you" which refers not to a physical sight but one of spiritual insight, or seeing the spirit of someone, the light that shine from within.

Confidence in what we do not see... Knowing without knowing... “Seeing”… Hmmm.

Knowing without knowing. You know? (Hehe).
It’s a crazy thing to feel someone. Like feel someone.
It’s one of the rarest of emotions. And I’m not talking just physically either, deeper. Though I am acknowledging it’s physical as well.
It’s not a sum of attributes or a combination of admirable qualities. It’s bigger than any resume could describe.
To feel them before you see them. To know before you know.

There’s this concept I’ve been meditating on for the last little while: Surrender.
It’s crazy how freeing it truly is. I’ve also meditated on another subject quite heavily for the last year: putting your whole self in.
Lots of times we give ourselves options ‘just in case’ to make sure that we don’t get hurt, that we don’t loose what we have or can have by going all in. Sometimes we know we need to go all in, we want to go all in, we’re destined to go all in but there’s a part in all of us that yearns to control our lives, control our futures and control our feelings. And to an extent we can. And then there’s that other piece which we cannot.
That piece where we simply “know without knowing”. That piece that we feel before we see. That piece that creates something within us that cannot be replicated by anything else but demands our all in order to ever truly realize it’s full potential to make us wholer. Yes I said wholer. It’s a word that describes being whole alone and finding that which makes your whole even more whole. Wholer. Now that you understand that back to the ‘point’.
The redemption found in risking everything and the pain that comes along with it, as was once said, isn’t the pain itself. Or the suffering. It’s in what or rather who we become on the journey and more so that on the other side of that pain awaiting us is a joy unknown. A joy that can only be found on the other side of that pain.
And there in lies the redemption.
The pleasure that can only exist after the pain of that journey.
The pleasure that can only “be” after the passage to the other side.
Relativity.
Dope.

So back to the title “I feel you”.
Translation --> I know without knowing. I feel without thought. I understand without explanation. I dig without a shovel. It’s effort not work. It’s simple not easy. I know because relativity makes it so. I know because I just know.
Why? Cause even before I see you I feel you. No proof. Just faith.

So when we know, just know, we need to go. Just go. No questions, no pause for understanding. Just go.
Surrender yourself in order to experience unexplainable freedom.
Go in. All in. No noise. No other option.
Why?
Cause you feel it.
M


http://www.MarkSparks.com

F@*k "Critics"!

Hi, I'm a "Critic". Huh?!
How is that a job title? How does one person become an expert in the art of "critic"? Do they walk around practicing? Do they just decide one day that there sour attitude should be shared with other on the hopes of enlightening folks? I mean really. What's next "Professional back seat driver designations? Jeesh.

Look, I'm all for constructive criticism but c'mon your job title says it all... You're a "critic" for goodness sakes. I mean that's not a job, that's something you do - generally when you're an asshole with just enough courage to "critique" people who actually have the

grapefruits to do shit.

Sorry 'bout the language, I'm a little heated.... Why you ask?
Well I've got a friend who happened to pour much of his creative and financial energy into an amazing project and I open the paper to read a professional asshole, oops, I mean "Critic" proceed to brutalize an amazing piece of work. I wish that were it. I've got a client who is making tremendous strides at changing her life, her habits and in turn the shape of her body. Amazing right?! Wrong says the "Critic" with words such as 'well she can't keep it off' or 'what do you mean workout at least 5 days per week? That's not realistic for you.' No critic. Who happens to be wildly out of shape and out of control in the discipline department. Just thought I'd throw that in.
If I wasn't a gentleman, and I didn't read all my writing to my 102 year old Grandma I'd call "Critics" by the name they are known for where I grew up. Use your imagination.

Listen to me - if you have critics, either professional or the growing population of amateur one's remember one thing: they are liers. They are not telling you something is bad/impossible/cannot be done etc because that is the truth, they are telling you that because deep down they are jealous of the power that you have in saying something is going to get done and then doing it. They are jealous of the freedom which you earned in turning discipline and hard work into your comrades. They are angry that they choose to believe that they cannot accomplish greatness and that your striving for greatness only goes to further magnify their mediocrity. So don't believe their lies. And don't be angry with them, in fact love them for it is a hard place to know you want to change, need to change and yet doing nothing.
In fact next time you come upon a critic just smile cause it means you are on the right track to somewhere good. I mean who has ever heard of a critic showing up at a dude's sentencing hearing? Or the concert of an artist who sells a whopping 5 seats? Or... Well you get the point. So love the critic, the person of course. And if you feel their criticism seeping through your shield of faith and humility then feel free to let them know that you are quite willing to plug their lie hole with a righteous dose of truth fist.
Figuratively speaking of course.
Or not.

Cheers to all y'all who are walking your journey, working towards what you desire & deserve and enjoying the trip.
Now it's Saturday night. I've got to go find something to do.
Bless.
M.

http://www.MarkSparksWrites.blogspot.com
http://www.MarkSparks.com

Inspired And Reminded, Dream Attaining Is Simple...Just Not Easy.

Funny how much there is to learn when we are paying attention. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be in Toronto to see the soft opening of Woody Harrelson's play "Bullet For Adolph" starring Ronie Rowe and a bunch of other extremely talented actors - Side note, if you are in Toronto you need to see it - while the night before I was fortunate enough to take in the Premier of "Textuality" Starring Jason Lewis, Carly Pope & Liam Card. Another funny movie, like "Hey dude, if you weren't so big I'd make a joke about how loud your laughing all the time" funny - Side note, It releases on Friday at AMC theatre's nation wide and you need to see it.
I was fortunate to be accompanied to both events by the intelligent, beautiful, funny Ms... Well, that's not so much your business but I was blessed most by the company I was with.
There was an after party for both events and I was able to meet some real cool cats, many of which had done a whole lot more in their industry that they'd ever let you know if you didn't know. I'm talking Oscar nominee's, retired at 40, Sex and the city, just flew in on my plane yes I said my plane in a matter of fact type of way from some island which I've never heard of type Cats. Heavy. And yet, each of them carried themselves with a humility that was both refreshing and surprising. Not that fake "I suck and I know I suck" crap that people spit. But real humility. As in "yeah I work hard and am great at what I do but that's just what I do and not who I am" type humility.
Dope.

I had a conversation with a couple of them about how they got to where they are going (lesson I've learned - when you meet someone who is further along on a path you'd like to explore it's wise to ask Why and then shut up and listen) and there was some awesome theoretical & practical advice shared with me (Book coming soon. Yes my book. Jeesh.) Everyone had a different definition of success but the one common denominator was this: Passion. Preparation. Perseverance. To make it mathematical:

Hunger + Humility + Faith = Results (i.e Making The "Impossible" Possible.)

That's it. Yes there is work involved but it's simpler than you think. In fact, someone just shared with me her amazing journey of weight loss (Yo Go Girl!) and... Well that's for another post.
For now, remember Stay hungry. Stay humble. Work Faithfully.
Dream attaining is that Simple... Just not easy.
M.

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http://www.marksparks.com/

April 17th, I'm Headed home...Conference Time

Sunday April 17th from 2:30pm – 4pm
At Vagabondo (32 Front Street, Toronto)
Host of the Mens’ Room And Former Calvin Klein Man of Steel
Mark Sparks
will be joining an amazingly talented cast for
Youzus Toronto Spring Workshop.
Check Out The Website For More Details
(www.coachingatyouzus.com)
Limited Seating Available
$20
Email For Tickets & To Reserve Your Spot!
Mark@MarkSparks.com
coaching@youzus.com

About Mark…

Mark Sparks is an accomplished athlete, a Conditioning Specialist of 10 years and the owner of S.P.A.R.K.S Conditioning
(Speed. Power. Adaptability. Refinement. Kinesiology. Satisfaction)

Mark received a theoretical knowledge that included time in College studying fitness and health, certifications as a personal trainer, group trainer and a Neuro linguistics practitioner and a practical background that includes years of training, national rankings, a national championship, provincial awards and recovery from two catastrophic injuries – injuries which as he was told would end his athletic pursuits for good.
As an athlete and a former Calvin Klein “Man of Steel” he has learned what it takes to create the body you desire and deserve.

“It’s quite simply really – people just seem to enjoy making it complicated…
I keep to the 3P’s: Passion. Preparation. Perseverance.”

With his unique approach to fitness that utilizes your body weight, complex movements and enjoying your journey He will teach you how you can simply create the body you desire and deserve and in the process create habits to help you create the life you deserve.

Sunday April 17th from 2:30pm – 4pm at Vagabondo
(32 Front Street, Toronto)

In His workshop you’ll learn:
1. The 3 P’s to success in and out of the weight room.
2. The importance of goal setting and goal management
3. Why Focus, Frequency & Intensity will be your greatest allies in attaining your goals – fitness and otherwise.
4. How to carve the body you desire & deserve even when a gym isn’t available – by using your body!
5. How vital it is to seek and find great help en route to greatness.

Email Mark@MarkSparks.com For tickets.

“Part of my purpose is to help you achieve yours. And that starts within you. I’m looking forward to helping you create the body you desire and deserve and I look forward to being a navigator along your journey.”

Mark Sparks

Poem - Cruel Fate©

What a cruel game
Fate plays with my mind
For it continues to give me glimpses
Of the happiness that is to be mine
Yet like a coy lover
She continues to hide from me
Beckoning me to pursue her
With my all
And freely
But what manner of freedom is this
For it is her embrace that imprisons me
Yet it is that same embrace
That I yearn for almost desperately
That moment where
She'll unlock me from my cell
That moment when
She'll release me from her spell
Even now I smell
Her sweet perfume
And it melts the ice upon my heart
Like the warm sun in June
But my freedom is made bitter
By my impending doom
For I cannot be
The ambitious version of me
When I be
Next to she
For she softens my edges
Which are rough
In fact
She is quite simply
More than enough
She quenches the fire
That fuel my desire
The ambition
Which fuels my mission
For when I'm with she
I desire to be
Nobody but
The me there with She.
Alas I cannot stay
But my heart beacons me not to leave
And I wish I could hide it
But it now dwells upon my sleeve
And as I walk away
It wills me to stay
But I am "strong"
So I go anyways
Yet as the years pass
This emotion leaves me not
And even as I grow
As I go
Whole I am not
But what am I to do
When even when I choose
It seems it's not meant to be
For she doesn't seem to...
To...
To Love me...
What a cruel game
Fate plays with my mind
For it continues to give me glimpses
Of the happiness that is to be mine
And though I am coy in loving her
I do love indeed
But I need
More than a word here or there
Or the occasional deed
To help courage me to go
Where I have not gone before
Especially when on this path
I've already taken a blow
I've already been beaten
I've already suffered a great deal
On this unknown path of love
"Nonetheless" I say,
I will
Go to the ends of the earth
Or any where within
To gain the prize I seek
Her heart
Which I must win
But can I get in?
Or again be let in?
Or again let her in?
I mean, after the transgressions?
After the sins?...
What a cruel game
Fate plays with my mind
For it continues to give me glimpses
Of the happiness that is to be mine
...
Yet I don't mind
So continue on I will
Until Love has flowed abundantly
And given me my fill
Yet I know once I taste her sweet taste
Again upon my lips
My thirst will never be satisfied
Believe when I tell you this
So the cruelty which I speak about
Lies in the fact that I
Cannot get enough of her
Even if I try
Yet she is no longer mine
The guardian of her heart is no longer me
Perhaps one day
Perhaps I'll again possess that key...
Maybe.
What a cruel game
Fate plays with my mind
For it continues to give me glimpses
Of the happiness that is to be mine.

www.MarkSparks.com

"Building Life One Bottle At A Time" - A Lesson From An Unlikely Teacher.

Today I spoke with this woman. She was looking in recycling bins by my house. I asked if she'd mind telling me what she was looking for. She said liquor/beer bottles. After a brief conversation She shared She's gone through some real rough ish. I asked her why is She walking round collecting bottles from recycling bins. She said to make some doe. I again asked her why? She said she's got to do something to get going and right now this is it. I told her to wait & I'd be back. I went & grabbed some stuff & gave it to her. We shared a smile & we went on our separate paths. No fan fair, no big deal, no you should feel sorry for me. Just a thank you and then back to work she went. I know cause I watched her continue to probe recycling bins.

She doesn't realize that she just had a huge impact on my life. Why? A lesson in the power of a decision & how they always belong to us no matter the circumstance. A lesson in the power of persistence in the face of adversity. A lesson that failure is only permanent if you accept it as such.

She has decided that regardless of what she's been dealt she is going to make life on her terms, that she wasn't going to stay where she was at and that she was going to get to where she was going or die in the process. She decided to rebuild her life one bottle at a time.
Thank you Ma'am for the reminder to decide Thank you for the reminder to persist.

Thank you for the reminder that the answer to this question 'What Excuse Do I Really Have?' is none.

"I will persist until I succeed. I will never consider defeat and I will remove from my vocabuary such words and phrases as quit, cannot, unable , impossible, out of the question, improbable, failure, unworkable, hopeless, and retreat.; for they are the words of fools. I will avoid despair but if this disease of the mind should infect me then I will work on in despair.
I will toil and I will endure. I will ignore the obstacles at my feet and keep mine eyes on the goals above my head, for I know that where dry desert ends, green grass grows.
I will persist until I succeed."

Bless,
Mark Sparks
www.MarkSparks.com

Poem - Beats From My Past

I have family that raised me
Family that is still alive
That were once owned by slaves
And who lived the shackled life
Shackled lives
And in shacks for life.
So what does that mean
That I should hate the current manifestation
Of the person or people
Who's skin is the representation
Of the pain & mutilation
Of the people of my past?
Or should I let go
Of the anger
From the past
Which burns
In my present
Which threatens to
Burn up my future
Even if
It's the anger that I'm lured to
Cause anger is easy to hold to
Cause it's simple to spew hate
And takes no thought to make hurt
But to love isn't as easy
Cause to love requires change
And change takes work
And change requires risk
Which also leads to hurt
And I never know
Is the pain worth
The change worth
The reward
Worth going for
Or should I revert to the past
And look again at my past?
My great grandfather
Was beaten 'til he was bruised black
But since he was already black
They just kept beating
And though his skin was bruised
His heart kept beating
And he held his head high with pride
But they repeatedly beat him
Tried to beat out his love
Tried to beat out his pride
But what left him first
Was the beating of his heart
But his will?
They could never touch
And though
His heart physically gave up
Spiritually his heart never let up
So now it beats within me
In beats with I
So though your words
And your rules
Beat upon me
Your ways
Your hate
Won't beat within me
And you will
Nor will I
Ever beat me
Cause I will win
For the drum of defeat
Is not in me
So the beat of defeat
Beats not in me
So I choose to change to be
The best version of me
With the love of my ancestors
Beating in me
Cause the blood from their veins
Beats within me
So the pain
That comes from change
Far under weighs the reward
That makes change
And my dreams
Worth going for.