02/08/2025
first draft first book no working title yet
share and ask people to attribute the share or writing to Pregong but this content is Progong is progong
s it ok? This would be about 5% of the book and of course illustrations. An essential aspect of PROGONG is its adaptability. It can be practiced anywhere—on a mountaintop (while yodeling, perhaps?), in a bathtub (with rubber duckies as your witnesses?), even while waiting in line at the DMV (because, let's face it, you'll be there a while). No fancy equipment is required. Just you, your body, and maybe a rogue squirrel or two (they make excellent spotters, though their union rates are exorbitant). The only overriding rule? Don't intentionally inflict pain...unless, of course, you happen to be a ma*****st or a sadist and it's, you know, part of your practice. We're not here to kink-shame. As the great yogi, Bikram Choudhury, once said (before everyone realized he was a bit of a…well, never mind), “It’s hot in here!” And if you're into that, more power to you. Contemporary athletics? Classes, teams, conflicts, injuries…it's like a soap opera, but with more sweat and less dramatic lighting. And they often do the same thing over and over. Like hamsters on a wheel, but with shin splints. As the immortal philosopher, Yogi Berra, wisely observed, "It's déjà vu all over again." If you get hurt doing PROGONG, figure out what you did wrong and don't do it again. Unless you enjoy pain. In which case, maybe see a professional. Or, you know, don't. Your call. "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Haruki Murakami said that. We're just trying to minimize both. PROGONG is not strength training. It's more like interpretive dance, but without the leotards (unless you're into that sort of thing). Think less "gym bro" and more "zen master meets breakdancer." It includes martial arts, but also, like, interpretive mime and possibly some interpretive cooking, if you're feeling adventurous. Just don't confuse it with, say, competitive thumb wrestling. That's a whole different ballgame. Our bodies are energy vessels as flexible as our imaginations allow. Don't overlook the chance to exploit your movement opportunities and the training of your body. "The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness." Sakyong Mipham said that. We aim for a little of both. Don't worry if people stare. Just tell them it's physical therapy. From your very own doctor. Who may or may not exist. If the staring gets creepy, close your eyes. Pretend you're meditating. Or napping. Whatever works. "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." Ram Dass. Maybe you'll hear them go away. Before you start PROGONG, scope out the area. Spiders? Check. Uneven ground? Check. Random rocks, stones, lizards, and dates? Double-check. Bring a cloth. Wipe stuff down. You don't want to accidentally do PROGONG on a family of ants. "Be present in all things and thankful for all things." Maya Angelou. Except maybe ants. PROGONG is for everyone. Old, young, bendy, not-so-bendy. Use whatever helps. Chairs, crutches, wheelchairs, props, fences, light poles, fire hydrants...if it's stable and it helps you move, go for it. Think of it as your personal PROGONG support system. "Yoga is a light, once lit, will never dim. The more you practice, the brighter the flame." B.K.S. Iyengar. We're going for a bonfire here. As you get into PROGONG, you'll figure out what works for you. At first, I'll give you some ideas. But remember, they might look like other moves, but they're way more nuanced. Like a fine wine, but for your muscles. "Inhale the future, exhale the past." Some unknown sage. We're just trying to get you to inhale and exhale without pulling a muscle. PROGONG takes about two hours a day. One hour first thing in the morning. The other hour? Sprinkle it throughout your day. Sitting at the computer? Do some PROGONG. Waiting for the bus? Do some PROGONG. Brushing your teeth? Okay, maybe not then. But you get the idea. And walk 20-30 minutes a day. Unless you're already walking during your PROGONG. Then, you know, do whatever you want. "Just breathe." Everyone. The more you practice, the better you'll feel. Don't get discouraged. As they say, practice is the theme of life, not money for your time. We'll get into that more later, but for now, find peace and remember… Namaste. Okay, Aquarius, your cosmic dance card is officially punched. Now go forth and PROGONG! The ... here you're welcome to get opinions from others. This WIP is not secret this nor proprietary. Love to get your strongest reaction to these thoug strongesthts.
Is this PROGONG thing okay? I mean, it's about 5% of the book, and yes, there will be illustrations (no, not stick figures).
So, PROGONG—what’s the deal? It’s adaptable. You can do it anywhere. Mountaintop? Sure, yodel away. Bathtub? Yep, rubber duckies included. DMV line? Why not, you’ve got time. No fancy gear needed. Just you, your body, and maybe a squirrel (though their union fees are outrageous). Rule #1: No intentional pain...unless that’s your thing. No judgment. As Bikram Choudhury once said (before, you know, that), “It’s hot in here!” If you’re into it, go for it.
PROGONG isn’t strength training. It’s more “zen master meets breakdancer,” less “gym bro with protein powder.” Think martial arts, interpretive mime, maybe interpretive cooking? Just avoid thumb wrestling. That’s its own sport.
Got stares? Tell them it’s physical therapy. Your doctor said so. If it gets weird, close your eyes and “meditate.” Bonus: you won’t see them judging.
Before starting, check for spiders, rocks, or ants. Ant families don’t want to join your workout. Trust me.
PROGONG is for everyone—young, old, bendy, or not-so-bendy. Use chairs, poles, or fire hydrants. Whatever works. Just breathe, move, and maybe avoid brushing your teeth mid-session. Namaste. Go PROGONG your heart out!
