Being Honest With Yourself

"Thus I urge you to go on to your greatness if you believe it is in you. Think deeply and separate what you wish from what you are prepared to do." Percy Cerutty
Think seriously about whether or not you are willing to commit yourself totally to what you say you want. Too many people go after their goals lacking the resolve and dedication required to achieve them. Truly commit or forget about it.

No Pretensions

The following is from an old To Run is to Live post but I believe it is worth repeating. I thought of publishing this again as I watched on television the other day some grotesquely tattooed competitors engaging in their respective sports. Cerutty  always taught that our involvement in athletics was in part, a way of expressing who we are. Being natural and having no pretensions were a few of the characteristics of an athlete. The true athlete recognizes that he accomplishes more than just training his body each day as he does his workouts.


Looking Into the Heart Mind and Soul of a Running Warrior

Standing alone, I am what others see and hear,
Without pretension,
Having no need to effect a look or manner by adopting vain extraneous appearances.
I exude a quiet confidence derived from a life that is disciplined, yet open and welcoming to new challenges.
I view my physical training as an opportunity to grow and be fulfilled in all aspects of  life.
This training is as vital to me as my relationships and my vocation,it makes me complete.
I feel no need to explain or prove the validity of the way I have chosen.

The merit of one's life can be measured in part by his disposition and how he treats others,
Yet one's words and actions often betray what he espouses.
My running and training burn away my weaknesses and faults, but the fire must be kindled each day.

Life can be hard and filled with uncertainties that overwhelm the unprepared,

For many, the joy in this life is thus lost.

The way I live,though strange to most,
Provides a peace and comfort that cannot be measured and is not tangible,
But it is the path I've chosen and it's worth is validated each day of my life.

Great News!

It's funny how things happen. After decades of only being able to get Percy Cerutty's  quintessential work on training and life---Athletics: How to Become a Champion, this book is now available through Amazon. In the past this classic could only be obtained by paying exorbitant prices on Ebay. The book is a must have for anyone looking to excel in Athletics. Below is the link to Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Athletics-become-champion-Classic-Revival/dp/148264326X/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403535219&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=coaches+cerutty++wooden

Lest We Forgot

"A Stotan is one who hardens, strengthens, toughens and beautifies the body by consistent habits and regular exercises, which are consciously and irrevocably made part of the life plan of the individual, as well as consciously determining that the mind will be cultivated upon such abstractions as purity, beauty and logic. Erudition, in as complete a degree as possible shall be the lifelong aim: Truth, in relation to all aspects of life, the unending search.

Stotans will, by virtue of their philosophy, be nature lovers, with a respect and appreciation of all evolved or created things. They will appreciate the sanctity of creative effort both in themselves and in others. They will strive to understand the significance implied by reality, will be able to discern the real from the spurious, and see no anomaly in nudity, either in body or mind. But neither will they cast pearls before swine."

The above was written by Percy Cerutty. As I said before, I have written much on the Stotan philosophy in my blog--To Run is To Live---It is not my intention to be repetitive but there are some bedrock principles that must be known.
Toughening of the body and mind, an understanding of the necessity of living close to nature and the recognition that learning is a lifelong process, are the main tenets of Stotanism. To a lesser degree, you could also add anti-materialism and simplicity to the list. With each passing year, modern civilization has become more advanced and complicated while its people have become increasingly frustrated and unhappy. There is a way that is challenging, fulfilling and satisfying, it's called Stotanism.

Coming Soon

Sometime in the next few weeks I will be starting a new blog, yes, another one. It will deal exclusively with Stotanism and all things related to it. Those familiar with  www.torunistolive.blogspot.com realize that there are dozens of articles pertaining to Stotanism and Percy Cerutty. It is not my desire to repeat what has been already written but there is a need to relate and apply the Stotan ideals to these modern times.
After a time away from blogging to train and study, I return refreshed and invigorated.I see a need, hopefully, to inspire and inform those who are looking to improve the way they view and live their lives, all from a Stotan perspective.
Will it be geared to the athlete? Of course it will! I say this because as Cerutty said, in so many words, athleticism is as vital to life as eating and breathing.
As an aside,the graphics and appearance of the title page will be changed from the way it now is.
The address:  www.livingthestotanlife.blogspot.com