Mahler's Monday Morning Motivator # 86 - The Symphony of a Thousand

[Mahler]

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 86 – Symphony of A Thousand

Good morning, guys.
I spent the weekend working my a$$ off around the house. Saturday found me spending about 9 hours getting the yard in shape for the winter. And yes, I did lawnmower HIIT, perhaps for one of the last times this season. Sunday was spent indoors remodeling the living room. I am a fair carpenter and crown molding was the order of the day. With such a busy weekend, I had little time to ponder a subject for this week’s Motivator, so I started looking through some of the things I have written in the past. Anyone who knows me, knows that I save just about everything, so I have a computer memory and backup drive filled with my ramblings. I came across a post I did back in 2003 when I reached the momentous number of one thousand posts at Men’s Health. As I read it, I thought that it explained a little about me, my inner workings and my philosophy. These are some things that some of the newer members may not know about and so I present it for your consideration.

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THE SYMPHONY OF A THOUSAND
My namesake, Gustav Mahler, said “a symphony must be like the world.” Upon writing his 8th Symphony he took it a step farther. About it he said, “imagine that the universe burst into song; the suns and planets spinning in their orbits, singing.” To accomplish this he used an enormous orchestra, organ, multiple adult choirs, children’s chorus, 8 soloists and brass ensembles. At it’s premier it received a 35 minute standing ovation and soon was named, “The Symphony of a Thousand” due to the number of people required to perform it. This is my 1,000th post, my symphony of a thousand, and how feeble it seems in comparison to others who have reached this milestone. But here it is, for what it is worth.

RITUAL
The darkness outside envelopes the world as I roll over, look at the clock and it is just before 4:30 AM. I can’t remember the last time I heard what my alarm sounds like. I always seem to wake up just a few minutes before it’s set to go off. I reach over, shut it off and get up. Still in darkness, I peep out the window. A light dusting of snow has fallen overnight. It’s cold and it would be so easy to just get back in that warm bed with my wife at my side. But quietly I get ready. I put on my “sweats. “ Funny, I think! That’s what they used to be called: “sweats.” Now they are usually referred to as “fleece wear” because so few actually wear them to sweat in. More often than not, they have become the wardrobe of choice for the out of shape. They hide a lot. I know, because I have hidden there myself. I go downstairs to the kitchen, turn on a light above the sink and take a bottle of water from the fridge. Then it’s down the cellar steps to be greeted by Mrs. Boffin, the cat that rules the better part of our home. Her needs come first and she is given food and water as well as a cleaning of her litter box. She follows me around as I get my weights and equipment set up and then nestles on the carpet to watch this strange man. The news is on the TV or perhaps I put a CD in the stereo. I hop on a stationary cycle and pedal for a while, then do stretches and calisthenics. As I go down to touch the floor with my palms, I smile. I don’t know many guys my age who can even touch their toes and a few who can’t see them. Now, the moment of truth, I walk over to the little table I have in the corner with my books and workout log. Almost reverently, I turn the page of my log and fill in today’s date. I glance at my program, take a deep breath and know it’s time to begin. Stepping into the squat rack, I duck under the bar, shoulder it and lift it off the pins. The bar is cold, even through my sweatshirt. I step away from the pins, position my feet and my symphony begins.

This is my ritual. This, like other aspects of my life, instills faith. I have faith in God, which needs no explanation. My love of music gives me faith that there is still beauty and order in this troubled world. My ritual . . . . . gives me faith in myself. It is a faith that has been nurtured and inspired by so many others. You know who you are and many of you are reading this message right now. As you read this, in the back of your mind, hear me saying, “thank you.” Yes, thank you, for your encouragement, for your wisdom, for your humor, for your friendship. On this forum I have come to realize that, were I isolated on a mountaintop, I would not be alone. There are others out there, beginning their symphonies, their rituals each and every day. A symphony of thousands who make the same journey and make me so grateful and proud just for their very being.

And, as I wipe the sweat from my forehead and drag myself up the steps to hit the shower, I catch my breath; I feel the fatigue; I feel the aches and the soreness.
And I feel………….
Alive!

“Fate made us Friends, Iron made us Brothers”

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Have a great week.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

[eastcoastsurfer]

Very motivating. Thanks!

[OldGuy]

I remember this one. And it's timing hits home.

Thanks, John.

[TrainingGirl]

I really love that one Mahler. You always get my week off to good start [img]smile.gif[/img]

[RacerBill]

Once again, you have taken a Monday morning when I have no enthusiasm for anything, and turned it around. I'm smiling now.

Thanks for the lift.

[Terry Monk]

That's like reading poetry. Smooth and brilliant. Thanks for bringing back an oldie but certainly a goodie.

[Marykaa]

It is nice to know a little more about you since I'm new here. Thanks for Re-posting : )

[billyray]

I was thinking about a rest week. Now... not so sure. Thanks, John, for your eloquence.

[Ian Kay]

That's a sweet one. Thanks, as always.

[RedLefty]

If JP's site tracked this sort of thing, I have a feeling that this thread would look as follows:

Original Post: 10/17/05, 7:11 a.m. by Mahler
Replies: 8 replies prior to 4:00 p.m.
Viewed: 637 views prior to 4:00 p.m.

Just wanted you to know that there are lots more of us out there who read the MMMM, take strength from it, and move on without posting.

Sincerely,

The peanut gallery

[JoshDunn]

Very touching.

Always enjoy the monday morning motivators (although i have to read them on tuesday morning).

JOSH

[duff beer]

Well, I was gonna sit on my ass and drink tonight, but maybe I'll work out first...thanks for the motivation.

[ichbinba]

Awesome and inspiring. I didn't post on this forum for quite a long time after I joined and after the crap with MH board, but I remember you posting that back then. Like left over chili, it's even better the second time!

Bill

[Faol]

Great write, Mahler. From those of us who are fairly new to the boards, thanks for the repost.

[FlyinM]

Jeeze, if I only could drag my sorry ass out of bed at 4:30 a.m. Dammit John, thanks for making me feel like a slacker.....again. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Jean-Paul]

Mahler... Didja happen to notice your new title?

[Marykaa]

Hey.. great title for Mahler JP!

[Mahler]

Originally posted by Jean-Paul:
Mahler... Didja happen to notice your new title?

I had not noticed, my friend, but I am honored. I hope to continue to live up to that title.

Mahler