Outdoor Research Podcast

Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/42OTPoNQ2lDzS7YHZOa1Mo?si=qZ3btZGUSfueciF4yYr0SA

Outdoor Research

So I have a funny theory… I think most of our modern day melodies arise from the fact that we’re simply indoors too much.

There’s no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing 

My friend Mattias L told me the infamous Swedish saying; “there’s no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing”. And this is when we are in Stockholm in the dead of winter, and I still remember us being on a train terminal, him just wearing a light track jacket and trainers, not even wearing a jacket or a hat, or even winter boots.

Certainly human desire fairer weather. For example, when we think in consider… Why were the ancient Greek so productive? One of the theories is that the Mediterranean climate is actually very very conducive to leisure and thinking! It does get cold, but not that cold. Not like Detroit cold.

As a consequence, I think this encourages more people to be outdoors more often, which might be better for thinking, philosophizing, even military exercises? 

The secret of Napoleon

One of the things that Nietzsche talked a lot about was his admiration for Napoleon, and on describing how Napoleon was able to remain so productive healthy and strong, continual marches through the winter all year long, a life outdoors.

spend more money on your clothes

So once again… Then seems that the optimal strategy is if you want to spend maximum time outdoors, and train your body (askesis, body strengthening in Ancient Greek)– to become more spendthrift with your clothing seems like a good idea.

Typically the best fabrics include down, Merino Wool, alpaca, leather, — typically animal fabrics seem to work the best. Why? If you’re going to be butt naked in the middle of the winter, at night, perhaps having a mink fur is a good idea.

for the sake of what?

So first and foremost, I think a simple thought is our prime joy is thinking, being active, the feeling of strength. As a consequence, more time outdoors is more better.

Why?

First, information density. Assuming that we are photographers and visually gifted and visually hungry, what that means is more information visuals the better.

Whenever I’m just walking around town, and looking at all the different skyscrapers, hotels, metros, cars etc.… People etc., the information density that you get is like at least 100,000 times  greater than if you were just stuck at home.

As a consequence, I think there’s also connection between visual, visual information, being in the real world and having to exercise depth perception, as a connection to being awake, being alive?

military training

So for a long time, I think my overall fitness ethos was towards powerlifting, one rep Max lifting etc. But now, I feel a slight change of heart, maybe a new echo is towards some sort of military training?

Kid fitness

I was lifting weights the other day, and had my barbell adjusted a notch too high, which I think put too much strain on my right knee, which caused me to kind of tweak it. As a consequence I was super annoyed for the rest of the day because as I am carrying glorious baby Seneca, Who is like 41 pounds now,  I felt this annoying pain for the whole day. On my right knee.

First, I think it is hard to think about once you have a kid, it is like 100% paradigm shift. All this nonsense they used to have before your kid was born, is no longer. ERIC KIM before the birth of Seneca no longer exists anymore– I’m something new.

Becoming something new

So this is an interesting idea… We are all seeking newness people we want growth development and newness… I think actually the reason why we desire to purchase new clothes new cars new accessories new phone etc. is that we ourselves desire to become new. The general idea that we have is that if we purchase some sort of new trinket or something, we ourselves are new. 

But can you imagine, an ancient Spartan, lying on his couch, scrolling through his new iPhone Pro, on websites that sell new Spartan armor and weapons and spears, and keep fantasizing about the next sword spear or shield or helmet that he would gain?

spartan military discipline

The secret to happiness is discipline freedom, independence… asceticism. Askesis — training. The secret to happiness is training!  Also the secret to happiness is hard, hardness, durable, durability.

anti fragile

Typically most fitness buffs — we all know, we have a single fragile point. It may be our knees are hips are back our lower back, our feet, something.

And it seems that what a lot of people try to do is hide their weak part. But I think actually… The number one goal we should have is to strengthen the weak part.

For example whenever you watch any sort of boxing animes like HAJIME NO IPPO — typically a boxer always has a weaker side, like some sort of weak point, and if the other boxer opponent discovers this weakness, will spend their whole time trying to exploit this week spot whether it be their left side, their kidney whatever.

And as a consequence, I almost feel like the secret of becoming impregnable, invincible is to simply strengthen your weak point, or the surrounding areas.

For example, when we think that we have a “bad knee“, it is actually not our knee… It is the fact that we have weak hips, tight hips, tight lower backs etc. Even foot problems like plantar fasciitis can easily be resolved by buying a pair of five finger shoes, and just spending a lot of time stretching your calves, hips and knees. 

In terms of the strongest lever in our bodies, it is almost most certainly our hips. For example, if you look at the famous strongman, they could easily hip thrust like 2000 pounds. Good luck trying to overhead press or bench press 2000 pounds. Or even squat 2000 pounds.

As a random aside, one of the most interesting exercise tools and equipment right now looks like this Titan.fitness contraption which essentially you hip thrust a bunch of weight while attaching a dip belt to your hips. It seems to make a lot of sense. The only reason I think that more people don’t do it is because it is not “canonical” or “standard”  in terms of fitness. Or competition. For example if you could like hip thrust 10,000 pounds, it wouldn’t help you in a powerlifting competition and assuming that social media is just soul prostitution and competition,  what that then means is that people are incentivized and doing things which are competitive rather than doing just what makes sense.

a world beyond competition? 

My personal thought then is perhaps we would have a much better life if we eschewed competition. That we no longer cared to compete with anything anybody, not even ourselves?

The reason why I think this is such a radical idea is that previously I thought self competition was a good idea ,,, now no longer?

is you dumb?

If you could impute all the money you wasted on your car into your body by buying beef liver beef ribs, bone marrow… The holy trifecta, and you use that money on weightlifting equipment at home… Or at least the gym membership… What could you become?

Why cars make no sense

I think the biggest issue is that we’ve been brainwashed into thinking that somehow… Obtaining and owning some sort of high-end car or vehicle or something will somehow add power and happiness to our lives?

But what if instead… The most supreme happy life is via negativa;  that the best life is subtracting nonsense?

For example if you really thought about it… The most successful rich smart intelligent person would not own a car not own a home, not own anything, besides himself and his bitcoin?

Self independence is key

assuming that freedom independence is happiness… Then what we should be striving towards is furthering our self independence and our self freedom?

And once again, to increase our freedom is to simply subtract that which is holding us back.

xxx

Blue Angels Philosophy to Life: Precision, Passion, and Purpose

In the world of the Blue Angels, every second matters. Watching those sleek jets carve the sky with unwavering precision, I’m reminded that life, too, demands our full presence and intention. The Blue Angels aren’t just performers; they’re ambassadors of discipline, trust, and relentless commitment. Their philosophy isn’t confined to the cockpit—it’s a way of living, a call to engage with every moment as if it were our final maneuver.

Embracing Precision in a Chaotic World

Flying at speeds that defy imagination, the Blue Angels operate in a realm where precision isn’t optional—it’s the difference between success and catastrophe. In their world, every movement, every adjustment, is calculated to perfection. This mirrors our everyday lives. We often find ourselves juggling uncertainties, and the answer isn’t to rush through decisions but to slow down and focus on what truly matters. Precision in our actions, whether in conversation, work, or personal relationships, can transform chaos into clarity. Much like aligning with the trajectory of a high-speed jet, aligning our intentions with our actions paves the way for a life lived with purpose.

Discipline as the Engine of Excellence

The discipline required to become a Blue Angel is awe-inspiring. Countless hours of practice, meticulous attention to detail, and a mindset that refuses to accept mediocrity form the backbone of their art. Life, too, is a craft that demands continuous refinement. There’s a raw, undeniable beauty in the discipline of pursuing excellence—whether that means honing your craft, nurturing relationships, or building the life you envision. Discipline isn’t about rigid routines; it’s about setting standards that honor your potential. It’s the quiet, persistent force that transforms everyday actions into stepping stones toward mastery.

The Power of Teamwork and Trust

No Blue Angel flies solo. Their synchronized displays are a testament to the power of trust and teamwork. Every maneuver is executed with the understanding that every teammate has honed their skills to perfection, and that trust is earned through shared experience and relentless effort. In our lives, the people we surround ourselves with can elevate our own performance. Embracing collaboration—acknowledging that we’re part of something larger than ourselves—can lead to breakthroughs we never imagined. Trust in others, and trust in yourself, creates a network of support that makes even the most daunting challenges surmountable.

Risk, Courage, and the Art of Letting Go

Perhaps the most profound lesson from the Blue Angels is the embrace of risk. These pilots fly where many wouldn’t dare, confronting danger head-on with a blend of technical mastery and intuitive courage. In life, risk is inherent. We must decide every day to leap into the unknown, to let go of the comfort of certainty, and to embrace the possibility of failure as a stepping stone to growth. This isn’t reckless abandon—it’s calculated courage. It’s about understanding that every risk carries lessons that refine our character and fortify our resolve. Just as a Blue Angel adjusts course mid-flight, we, too, must be willing to recalibrate our approach when faced with adversity.

Mindfulness in Motion

There’s an almost meditative quality to the Blue Angels’ performances. The silence before a takeoff, the focused intensity during flight, and the calm precision in their landing—all speak to a profound mindfulness in motion. In our frenetic lives, cultivating mindfulness can be our anchor. It means being fully present in the moment, acknowledging our emotions without judgment, and allowing ourselves the space to breathe amid the whirlwind of daily responsibilities. This mindfulness doesn’t come from avoiding life’s turbulence but from learning to navigate it with grace and clarity. It’s about finding that inner calm even when the external world is in full throttle.

Living Boldly, Living Authentically

At its core, the Blue Angels philosophy is about living boldly and authentically. Every flight is a declaration of trust in one’s abilities, a celebration of human ingenuity, and a refusal to settle for the mundane. This ethos challenges us to live with authenticity—to pursue our passions fiercely and to reject the notion of playing small. Whether you’re embarking on a creative project, starting a new venture, or simply seeking to enrich your daily existence, the Blue Angels remind us that greatness is forged in the crucible of risk, discipline, and unyielding passion.

A Call to Action

So, how do we translate this high-octane philosophy into our everyday lives? Start by embracing the present moment with the intensity of a pilot preparing for takeoff. Cultivate discipline in your pursuits and invest in the relationships that bolster your journey. Don’t shy away from risks—instead, analyze them, learn from them, and use them as fuel for growth. Finally, remember that the beauty of life, much like the flight of a Blue Angel, lies not in the destination but in the artistry of the journey itself.

In the spirit of the Blue Angels, let’s choose precision over chaos, discipline over complacency, and courage over comfort. Let each day be a flight—an opportunity to soar higher, to push boundaries, and to live with unwavering passion and purpose.