FOMO or Just Taking the Road Less Traveled ~ by Cynthia Land LMP, RYT

 Many who come to a yoga practice have heard a teacher make reference to something called the 8 limbs of yoga. Many of you have come expressly to practice one of those limbs, asana (limb 3, the physical postures of yoga).   Perhaps you have an interest in dhyana (meditation, limb 7) or pranayama (breathing exercises, limb 4) but you haven’t asked for these things specifically, they are an interesting by-product of a class.  If your teacher is steeped in the 8 limbs, you may begin hearing about and become fascinated with the rest of the limbs. 

Pratyahara, limb 5, invites us to turn our awareness inward.  Take your eyes off the iPhone, put down the fork, stop talking, turn off the music and just become quiet and completely disengage from everything.  This will be nearly impossible for some of us, especially if you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out).

     We live in a society that pushes us to have and do more.  In fact, we are often told via advertisements that we are empty and we must fill our lives with a myriad of wonderful products and experiences, take a cruise, buy a new car, and check out the shoe sale on Zappos!  Who can pass up the latest and greatest new thing?  No one wants to be left behind. 

     And yet we struggle with the burden of all these THINGS in our lives.  We can barely manage all the events we have scheduled, all the running hither and yon, taking the kids to yet another soccer practice and picking up groceries for the week.  We long to shut things off but just can’t figure out how.  So, just as we started, we must slowly begin to remove things from the schedule. 

     However, this notion of pratyahara (withdrawing the senses) may seem frightening, who really wants to shut down their senses?  They’re kind of handy.  Yet, all day we’re bombarded with sounds, smells, sights and some tastes we’d really rather forget.  Let’s take a look at this limb in a slightly different perspective.

     In the book, The Yoga of Discipline by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda the author says; “the whole purpose of hatha yoga is to draw the attention inward.” Simply by stepping onto the mat, we have already started the journey.  And just like many yoga postures, we go slowly.  Maybe take just a minute to start. 

     Go into a darkened room and sit, quietly, no distractions.  Your mind will probably seem loud but you will learn to divert the attention IN to the body and begin directing your thoughts.  Pratyahara doesn’t necessarily mean shut OFF, it means go INWARD.  Start to listen inward, feel inward and see inward.  You might be surprised at what you start to learn about yourself.  You might learn you don’t like going hither and yon as much as you thought.  You might learn that you don’t need as much as you thought and that you can live with a lot less and the things that you do have will have much more meaning and usefulness to you. 

     

After some time, maybe a LOT of time, you’ll start to crave this thing called pratyahara.  You’ll be able to go out into the world, engage when you need and then disengage when you need to and recharge.  That’s the beauty of the 8 limbs of yoga, there’s something there for you all along with path of this thing we call life.  Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

Media: How Do You Take Yours? ~ by Cynthia Land

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Hong Kong Kung Fu has fascinated me ever since my father/family was stationed in Manila in the early 1980’s. I remember being both mesmerized and amused by a female actress handily beating on men in a roadside cafe scrap.  Fast forward a few years later when a co-worker introduced me to the work of Jackie Chan. This combination of choreographed martial arts and humor just hit my brain in a new and delicious way. Of course the movies weren’t all humor but the Kung Fu was what epically drew me back like a tide on a beach.  I made forays into Hong Kong directors such as John Woo and found I didn’t have the same love for his movies because the level of violence was so high I couldn’t manage it. The funny Kung Fu of Jackie Chan was obviously slap stick and I could compartmentalize it into humor but the outright anger and revenge of Woo and his contemporaries was hard to take. 

As a yogi, I'm hardwired against violence for the sake of violence.  However, I don't seem to be against a good wack up the side of the head in order to get someone's attention.  Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is a master class in a good wack for comedic effect. Here's what I'm talking about. Kung Fu Hustle scene I will state that I was not a fan of the Ax Men massacre scene.  I know he had to go over the top, but that did reach my limit.  One of Chow's other movies, CJ7 (2008) is a howl.  Check it out.  Here

Yoga teaches cultivation of inner stillness.  Martial arts also has a long tradition of teaching inner stillness.  Many Kung Fu movies show the young acolyte made to head to some far away mountain cave to meditate for some impossible amount of time.  I'm seriously over exaggerating here but, after said impossible amount of time they perform as in this scene cut from a Jackie Chan/Jet Li film from 2008 called The Forbidden Kingdom. Here's the deleted scene. Overall a

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pretty crap film but I enjoyed the fight scenes.  Which brings me to another amazing Chinese director, Yimou Zhang, who made Hero which came out in 2002. It has what is quite possibly the best martial arts sequence ever made, between Jet Li and Tony Leung.  I know you might not think of there being silence in a fight but I think there is a lot of meditative space in this sequence.  Decide for yourself.  

Now if we take these physical forms and move them into the mind we can see how we wrangle with ourselves in messy ways.  We wack ourselves with imaginary shoes, slam ourselves against imaginary walls and bang our heads into imaginary tables, probably to no effect.  And there's no laugh track.  Yoga invites us to study and practice the Eight Limbs and delve into ideas such as contentment and self study so that we feel less inclined to engage in acts of violence against ourselves and others.  Just like any of the martial arts, these take daily, sometimes hourly practice and are never truly mastered.  Something is always left to learn.  

I have often heard the phrase, "garbage in garbage out."  This comes to mind when I get into phases of watching TV shows I probably shouldn't.  I am unapologetically a  child of the 70's/80's.  I grew up on Laugh In, Bonanza, Gun Smoke & The Rockford Files.  So when a remake of Hawaii 5-0 came out in 2010, you know I was going to watch it.  Alex

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O'Laughlin isn't hard on the eyes either.  However when the producers kept upping the violence ante, I finally stopped watching.  I just couldn't reconcile their use of torture scenes as entertainment.  They just didn't seem in any way necessary to the progression of their plot lines.  This also became true for shows such as The Blacklist (and I love James Spader) and Breaking Bad.  

Now I pick my TV shows a little more carefully.  Some would say; "Why watch TV at all? It's all trash."  I love stories.  I love media.  I read. I watch movies. I watch TV.  I just have to take care in the use of media.  If garbage is going in, then I can't be surprised if my mind is troubled.  I watch the barest amount of news, just to make sure I haven't missed something truly critical and then I move on to something more pertinent to my immediate life or something more entertaining.  

You may be surprised to read that I've been watching Killing

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Eve.  It's the story of two women, one an MI-5 agent and the other an assassin who have become entangled with one another.  I'm deeply intrigued by the psychology of the two women.  Each is obsessed with the other in ways that defy understanding.  The violence, while intense, is almost an afterthought.  I also enjoy watching books made into TV shows.  I'm watching The Discovery of Witches and Good Omens.  Both have Sci-Fi and historical fiction elements, ticking two of my interest boxes.  My choices must leave me feeling something but, what I'm feeling should not be dread. 

You Deserve a Massage! ~ by Cynthia Land, LMT

In the 1990's, my little home-town of Bremerton, WA didn't have many massage spas like it does today. In fact, I didn't know too many people who got massages. My parents certainly didn't get them. I came from a family were there wasn't much hugging or snuggling so comforting touch was kind of an anomaly. Somehow I came across friends who were enlightened about such things and they convinced me that my nagging upper back pain could be alleviated by simply getting a therapeutic massage.  

I laugh at myself today because the person who showed up for that 30-minute appointment in the early '90s was a scared, doe-eyed innocent. The only experience I'd had with anything resembling massage was the play kids did in elementary school where we drew designs on each other's backs when we should have been paying attention to the teacher. This massage was held after-hours at a Curves-like establishment in a room carved out of the center of the space. I was too scared to take off all my clothes so I left my bra and panties on. The very capable massage therapist did a terrific job working around my shyness and supplied great relief to my back pain. I was hooked!  

I stayed with that therapist, following her from venue to venue, for years. When you find someone who understands your body and can alleviate your pain, you stick with them! I can't believe I waited as long as I did to seek massage. I have since had dozens of treatments from dozens of therapists and have honed in on what type of massage works for me. A decade after that first massage I became a massage therapist myself and now help others find relief from chronic and acute pain. However, sometimes we can't get in to our therapist and we need relief now. Aspirin and muscle relaxers are fine as far as it goes, but here are a few ways you can take care of those aching muscles yourself.

Topicals:

Acute issues - Tiger Balm and Arnica oil

This works best if you use it directly after whatever strenuous activity you've been doing. I found it worked wonders after a day of downhill skiing, but it could work after a day in the garden or after a long day helping a friend move. I'd come home from skiing, pop in the shower and directly after toweling off, set the towel on the floor with the container of Tiger Balm and arnica oil and mix a little of both in my hands and then massage my legs.  This isn't just a lay the concoction on my skin procedure, I really get into the tissue and rub the muscles. Probably about three minutes per leg. The Tiger Balm has menthol and camphor in it which opens the pores and increases circulation, helping to move along any lactic acid build up in the muscles. The arnica reduces any inflammation or bruising. A winning combination.

Chronic issues - CBD creams or oils

I use this on arthritic joints and sore muscles. I've had good results with making my own cannabis creams by combining organic coconut oil with CBD oils. In states that allow the purchase of such oils, you can ask the bud tenders about percent of CBD oil to percent of coconut oil. Some places even sell the pre-made creams or topicals. The creams are super easy to make and you can add essential oils to make them smell good and add more therapeutic benefits. If you live in a state where marijuana is not yet legal, I understand aspercreme is a good substitute.

Self-assisted massage:

Foam roller

These are an excellent tool for getting at places you can't get at yourself. Many physical therapists are known to torture their patients with them. One can buy them in different densities depending on your preference so they're not quite so tortuous. Here's a series of videos from the Mayo Clinic on how to use one.  https://youtu.be/QUszqQf51zY  I use my foam roller almost daily to help relieve tension in my upper back. The roller will almost always gloriously help adjust my spine. Not as often, but just as good, I will use the roller on my calves, thighs, and glutes which can be excellent for working out areas that are prone to spasms.

Tennis ball/Lacrosse ball

As the foam roller is broad the tennis ball is specific. I use it for knots in the upper back, hips, and calves. Just be sure to avoid contact with bony structures such as shoulder blades or you may have bruising. You can lay down on them or use them as you stand against a wall. I know people who have them in their cars and sit on them while driving. I have a fallen arch on my left foot and will use a Lacrosse ball on the bottom of my foot while standing to roll out any aches and stiffness. It does wonders!

As a massage therapist, I recommend getting a massage once a month but if you can't do that or you need something in between treatments, use the above to get your through to the next session. You've only got one body. Take good care of it!

Juggling Life ~ by cover model and body builder, Scott Nova

     In Pennsylvania, next to the Monongahela River sat a small coal mining town that barely had 3 stop lights. Masontown; where I first picked up a weight in a weight room. I wish I could say it was from then on that I lifted weights, but sadly it wasn’t.
     I stayed skinny, bullied, and within a small circle of friends for a long period after that. But I was always drawn to the Adonis type

bodybuilders and wanted to train and look like that. I didn’t set foot back in a weight room again until around 2007 when I went to the fire academy and realized I was seriously undersized to do that job. I worked hard and ate everything in sight, and at first paid that off in small gains here and there. It wasn’t until I met Lesley, that things really changed for me in so many ways.
     Up until then, I ate anything in sight. But most of that is the wrong stuff to eat to pack on muscle. So, I hired the coach she was using for her bikini competitions and he took my physique to the next level when coupled with Lesley’s amazing meals.
     I had dated Miss Pittsburgh while in college, and she got me interested in modeling. She introduced me to a few folks in Pittsburgh but I kept hearing that I was too skinny, and that was the story of my modeling career until many years later. I had done some semi-serious events locally in Columbus, OH, but didn’t make a dime. In 2010 I was introduced to the romance cover industry while RT was in Columbus. I couldn’t make it to that event but went to RT-LA the following year and haven’t turned back.
     

My first cover came out in 2012, and almost 300 later, I'm still going strong. I’ve watched some of the most respected publishers fall, and the rise of Amazon as the primary source for getting your books out there. I always knew I wanted to approach modeling, specifically cover modeling, as a business. I monetized it very quickly, not too many models were getting paid all around the process of shoot, cover, promo. There weren’t hundreds of signings across the globe like there are now, either. In my short 9 year career so far, the landscape has changed tremendously.
     My career was at a nice stride in 2013-2015. Released scores of covers, many on sets of books for many authors. My largest to date is an 8 cover set that 4 authors did together, titled, The Son’s of Dusty Walker. I was on a 4’x8’ sticky on the wall at RT-Dallas in full color, as they say, and so I was very happy with my modeling side-hustle. Sadly, in 2016 it took a real fall because the MC genre became very popular and my look just didn’t fit that. The floppy hair, heavily tattooed look was in and moving like a freight train. I started promoting myself to the larger authors that maybe didn’t have control over their covers, but distributed their own marketing and promotional items. I starred in several live-action trailers for a half dozen large name authors. I did some professional voice work and even shot some of my own trailers.
     I never stopped going to RT, as I found I was well received there

and with the sheer volume of folks attending, I was almost always guaranteed to land 3-5 covers. I frequent Lori Foster's events in Cincinnati, OH. She puts on an amazing event and it's like seeing so many old friends. This past year in Reno, NV, RT called it quits. I was sad. RT was where I got my big breaks and made some very lasting friends. Hell, I even ended up on ABC Nightline, thanks to RT-Vegas, being interviewed at the outside bar area. I gotta say, that’s probably the absolute highlight of my career so far, and I doubt I’ll surpass it, for a skinny kid from Masontown, PA that just truly enjoys being a father, husband, and weight-lifter.
     I also have to attribute so much of my enjoyment for traveling to cover modeling as well. Up until I traveled for this industry, I hadn’t gone much outside of Pittsburgh, Columbus, and an occasional trip to Ocean City, Maryland. Now, thanks to traveling with Lesley and for shoots, I’ve seen Miami several times, Dallas, Vegas twice, Reno, Denver, Chicago several times, New Orleans, Atlanta, the mountains of Maryland, Seattle twice, San Antonio, and my next home, the mountains of Western North Carolina. And I have SO much left to see in JUST this country. And I’ve stayed in some of the nicest hotels as well.
      The reason I started this off by talking about where I started my weight lifting journey is that without the weights I’d never had a chance to be a model. Cover modeling is so many things for sure, but the one thing that is constant is that you have to have some sort of physique. Maybe not that of a shredded bodybuilder or Adonis type figure, but something that would be able to wrap the eyes and fantasies of the readers around the book.
     I don’t intend to model for another decade. I have a plan for my end game, but it takes time to develop. I am always thinking, shifting, and learning from either my mistakes or others' mentorships. I hope that I leave a nice legacy in this industry, as it's been good to me in so many ways. 

     

It's been amazing to share covers with my gorgeous wife. We’ve both taken the journey of fitness together, as well as parenthood. She’s helped me with decisions in this industry and allowed me to go on these trips and become Scott Nova, and take the hundreds of photos with my fans and authors alike. When Lori Foster or Christine Feehan get their phone out to get a selfie with this kid from podunk western PA, I’m genuinely smiling. I couldn’t be happier.
     I’ve got big plans coming, big things in this industry. I can’t say what they are, but it won't be with me in front of or behind a camera, and I’ll leave it at that. I will say, it will be debuted, when it's ready, in a VERY big way.
     I’m going to wrap up now and bid you adieu and thank you for your interest enough to finish this article. I hope it wasn’t too painful to read as I am certainly no writer or English language giant. But, before I go, I want to say thanks to some very important people to me in this industry. Certainly, being in this thing for almost 10 years now, I can’t name everyone. But there are but a few: 

     Cindy Walker – thank you! From the bottom of my heart thank you for spending a LOT of time on the phone with me explaining JUST what in the heck this wacky cover modeling industry was/is.
     Kim Killion and the WHOLE Hot Damn Designs crew – thank you. Your willingness to take a chance on me in 2011 for a shoot is what got me moving. It let me see the business side of it and I’ll forever be thankful.
     Sheila English – what can I say...you’ve introduced me to more people in this industry than I feel I could ever have met on my own. And you’re an awesome director and writer. Thank you!
     Jo Carol – thank you! I’m grateful that you always fought for the models, and always thought to include me in so many events and signings.
     My Mom and Dad – Thank you! My mom actually drove me down to Pittsburgh for my first ever casting call.
     Lesley – my gorgeous wife, thank you! You kept the fort held down at home so many times while I was traveling and shooting. You were never jealous and never stopped thinking that I could get back in shape when I’d get lazy lol. I love you!
     Authors – THANK YOU!!!! Thank you all so very much from the bottom of my heart, because without any of you willing to put me on your piece of property, your art, your work, I’d not be a cover model.

Thank you!
     Scott Nova