Chances are, somewhere along your life path you too received the well intended, likely stern reminder, “You, are not the center of the universe!”
For most of us this “for your own good,” message came an authority figure, perhaps even our loving parents.
As you’ve grown you may even have felt the need to share this wisdom with others who don’t yet see the world as clearly as you do now. For, from this higher perspective this does look to be sound wisdom that only experience can fully grok.
What if this is wrong? What if you and your parents, and your teachers and anyone who has ever believed this to true is as wrong as wrong can be?
What if you are the center of the universe?
What if “all of it” in some very tangible way does actually depend on you?
What if you’re not simply involved but a catalyst… ?
Allow me to explain…
.
Until Next Week…
Stay Strong,
Shawn
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| Meet The Author, Shawn | |
 | Known as "The Fitness Philosopher," for his deep, clear approach to the cutting through the fitness conundrum, Shawn is a 20+ year veteran in the field of Lifestyle Fitness and Peak Performance. Author of several best-selling book, with one of the most photographed physiques in history, Shawn, with his brother, Bill Phillips (Body for LIFE) catapulted EAS sports nutrition into the world leader and Muscle Media magazine and the documentary movie, Body of Work. He created the first computerized training system in PowerBuilding and the popular Variable Split System for Muscle Mass. Now, in his 40's, a husband and father of two young children, Shawn is passionate about helping busy, high-achieving "men in the middle" enjoy vibrant, energized, amazing, Full Strength lives! He has recently created the World’s 1st and only true premium nutrition shake for men, Full Strength — clinically proven to build muscle, burn fat and boost energy. His most recent book, Strength for LIFE is the "how to" guide to a Lifestyle of Fitness Freedom. |
23. March 2009 at 11:49 am
Dear Shawn, This makes a lot of sense to me and comes at a great time. I’m coming face to face with the fact that the changes I’m making in my life are having an impact on those around me. Odd thought — and a bit intimidating for someone like me who prefers the shadows. As I grow stronger, as I gratefully accept every new day to create a beautiful home for my family, I understand this principle of “u” — cause — more and more. Thank you so much for another thought-provoking video-essay. It’s a wonderful way to start my week. Gratefully, Micky
25. March 2009 at 3:52 pm
Hey Shawn,
Richard Brown here. I am the guy that had the heart attack at 38 that Bill did a video on. Any way, just wanted to say this post on the Center of the Universe was great. The message is clear and concise and very relevant to today’s time. Very eloquently illustrated. Thanks for all you do.
Richard
25. March 2009 at 4:04 pm
Shawn,
I really was inspired by this weeks message! I believe that the “shift” going on right now in the United States, needs to be seen as an opportunity to live life in a different way; and man did you sum up that thought! It is my hope that America’s sense of “entitlement” fades into the past and that more and more people courageously move forward and see their individual strengths, and start from within!
Thank you for Full Strength & Thank You for your weekly messages! I start my day with Chocolate and end it with Vanilla!!
Keep doing what you do!!
Please visit us when you are in LA!
Tony
http://www.EliteAdventureTours.com
http://www.LA-Escape.com
25. March 2009 at 4:06 pm
Shawn, this is a point well taken. I’ve always been in tune with your teachings and I can totally relate to this video. Job well done.
I’m also into Eckhart Tolle as well (and I know you are too) and you could keep drawing to include the World because as mentioned in A New Earth, the cause must benefit the World, not just one team, one tribe, or one nation.
I know that as the USA grows stronger, the rest of the World will benefit. As they say in South Africa, “when America sneezes, the whole world has a cold.”
Bless you!
25. March 2009 at 4:07 pm
Shawn, As a Christian, I am taught to put God first, others second, and me third. My actions and decisions are what puts God and others before me. Therefore, my behavior and choices make me core to what happens. I have not ever thought of myself as the center of the universe so you have provoked thought. Perhaps since my choices put me at the core, then I am at the center. I don’t feel that it makes us self-centered but focused on making the right decisions. I do know that America desperately needs each of us to be our best. Without that, American will continue to decline. If American can’t take care of herself, then she can’t help the world. That is a burden on everyone’s shoulders.
25. March 2009 at 4:19 pm
Shawn; Of all you SSM’s, which BTW have been getting more and more thought provoking, this one is the most empowering to me. I realized with my, just past, 44th birthday that based upon family history, if I remain on my current course, I have fewer days ahead than behind. I started doing research and re-found you and your site (EAS generated a lot of thought and your brother inspired me too but not as you have). I’ve decided that I will make the changes I need to, to have better days ahead. I may not have full control over how many I have but I sure as heck can make them the best yet. If people start to realize that life begins from within and all you do affects another in some form or fashion we will all be a stronger people. To expand on your U-S-A theme, by sronger people I mean human race. It starts in my soul and my body and I can spread it to my friends and they can spread it and so on, ad so on. Thank You Shawn for all you do and the person you are. Your Full Strength is the perfect example of much you believe in a healthy life for all.
25. March 2009 at 4:32 pm
Shawn your last article on what if you were the center of the universe was delightful. As I watched in anticipation as the scribe scrawled out the letters “USA” and I heard your voice take the narcissism out of this phrase and put my obligation to be strong smack dab in the middle of it I laughed in delight. This “mission” we each have is doable and delightful not only for ourselves but for our loved ones, country and …. all the way out to the outer reaches of the universe.
Thanks for your awesome words yet again…they inspire greatness and strength for life.
25. March 2009 at 4:37 pm
Yes Shawn. Thankyou. Thats such an important reminder. I am absolutely responsible for the choices I make. I choose how I respond to circumstances. I create my reality. I am grounded in a humility that I am part of an awesome life process that is so much bigger than me. But my choices are my responsibilty. After hearing you this week, I was reminded to live powerfully so as to make a powerful difference in the world. Much appreciation, Ian
25. March 2009 at 4:37 pm
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for the great video. It’s a great reminder that everyone is important – we are all part of the larger universe, but important individually too.
Steve
25. March 2009 at 4:51 pm
Shawn – Powerful comments at a time that calls for action. As a leader in the Army, we have to act to seize the initiative daily to provide leadership to grow our Army strong. We know we have to set the example by being a strong U every day.
In doing so, most senior leaders understand that the young Soldiers now will be our leaders of tomorrow. We must be genuine in our approach to teach them to be adaptive, disciplined and proud. Our teams all begin with strong U’s and I know that when my battalion is strong it leads to a strong USA.
Keep up the great work and Inspiration.
Lead with Courage!
Army Strong!
Brian C. Cook
LTC, US Army
25. March 2009 at 4:52 pm
Shawn
Thank you for such a simple yet profound way of looking at the truth that we ALL are the center of our own universe and we ALL have effect on each other either good or bad its our choice. The world is in a mess like NEVER before and it has alot to do with the fact that way too many people have decided to ignore absolute truth and live like they dont NEED God or HIS absolute truth. God spoke the universe into existance. He mad man out of dust of earth and put life in them. He gave us a life manual to live by. I think there is no one else that would KNOW BETTER How we are suppose to live and interact with each other. He made it so we are ALL connected one way or another. We are ALL part of the universe and world that He made for us. If we or our leaders choose to violate his life manual then we ALL end up paying for someone elses bad decision. Nobody gets away with making bad choices or doing bad things. We ALL are effected by what others do. NO one man can change the world BUT they sure can make a difference as long as what they do to make changes are good NOT bad according to absolute truth in the life manual from the one who made us.
25. March 2009 at 5:08 pm
Dear Shawn, In my opinion, the idea that I AM, in fact, the center of the universe is a much more powerful belief than the opposite. I fully intend to take ownership of and begin living from this belief as of this very moment. I hope all of your readers will follow suit. Thank you for this beautiful message. Warmly, Jina Henry, Golden, CO
25. March 2009 at 5:40 pm
I am the center of my universe. My life’s destiny is to enter into some other very important centers in order to build Church. My life is God-centered and I take Scripture seriously when He calls me to give drink and food to the hungry and care for the sick, the elderly, and the imprisoned. Matthew 25;35. The other Scripture that sails my boat is John 5:30, “Of myself I can do nothing.” All my talent comes from the Creator, He guides me in my purpose and destiny. I have been fortunate enough to have some profound relationships and influence others with His gifts. We have now established a spiritual Church relationship in Him, that’s my destiny and purpose. To God be the glory, in Him I have strength, peace, joy, and love to share. Thanks for being a part of His circle of influence.
25. March 2009 at 5:55 pm
I think this video illustrates what is happening in America as a whole. We are falling short physically as a Nation. If we are losing the physical fitness battle there is no way we can be at our best doing other things to becoming a better Country. Being Healthy keeps you energized, alert, and more productive.
25. March 2009 at 5:59 pm
Shawn,
Recently I have reminded people around me that, “It’s not always about you.” Part of the cause of our current situation is the selfishness people have bought into. They wanted their big houses, their big cars, their big families, their big toys. Now even those of us who did without those things pay the price, just like those who put us all where we are now.
Though your message may seem to some to be in stark contrast to my own, they are actually two parts of the same message. I say that we must learn to think of others and of the consequences of our actions. You say that we must learn to take personal responsibility for the same. To step up and be the best we can be. Not simply to have the most for ourselves alone. Because none of us are actually alone. For better or for worse, we are all affected by those around us, just as we affect others.
So each of us is indeed the center of the universe. The choice to be made is whether we will be a black hole, consuming everything around us until even the light is gone — or a shining sun, spreading light and hope from our own core of inner strength. Strength for LIFE, as you say.
Thank you for your inspirational and thoughtful messages. I pass them on to all who care enough to pay attention.
Peace.
John
25. March 2009 at 5:59 pm
Hello Shawn,
Sometimes the simplest message is the most thought provoking. Thanks for helping me re center my focus and work from the inside out. As Kennedy said, Ask not what your country can do for you…. I wonder if the Romans so long ago missed this message and what the world would look like if they would have gotten it. Gotta run – I have my own portion of the world to impact and it needs to be now!
best
Hal
25. March 2009 at 6:11 pm
Shawn, I loved the USA demonstration! How many times have I been in that senerio … if only SOMEONE would get the ball rolling, we could ….
However, I scrolled down to the BOYS and MEN chart … ha, are you dreamin’? I wish men fit the catagory you gave them. I think the boys catagory needs to include the men – I see no difference. Sorry, just my thoughts. Pam
PS. nice abs
25. March 2009 at 6:23 pm
My employer of 17 years informed me that my position would be contracted out in a company restructuring…do to the recession.
I informed myself, that I would take this as an opportunity to challenge myself, to go without the overpriced Venti Americano, to go without much of the needless crap, to get involved with the kids rather than provide easy entertainment for them.
I informed myself that I would follow a dedicated journal of success for the first time in my 38 years, and that I would reach out for help with accountability….because I won’t accept failure, this is important now….I understand the recession and the present time fully.
I don’t know if I’m center of the universe, but I will be center of my universe. I got to be… no one else is going to do it for me.
I’m a fan Shawn, keep up the good work.
25. March 2009 at 6:36 pm
Thank you Shawn for another thought provoking message. I recently read another book that talked about each person being their own “god” of their body. Each person has control of what goes in and what they do to their body. Each person is the “supreme being” for their particular universe called their body. I’m the only one who has total control of what I do (or don’t do) with my body. It’s so basic, but so huge when you think about it. Thanks for another reminder!
25. March 2009 at 6:39 pm
Once again, another great post Shawn. Way to represent the “I”, the “We” and the “All of Us” perspectives.
25. March 2009 at 8:11 pm
Hey Shawn!
I just want to say that I appreciate your ideas and comments on Start Strong Mondays. Not only they help one to have physical strength, but strength inside and outside. Thanks again!
25. March 2009 at 8:20 pm
Dear Shawn,
Bless you for sharing this insight. If we each lived out of our center – wherein God dwells, to instruct us – how different life would be all around us. I must care for and nurture my own life so that strength of heart and strength of character can flow out to others. I want to faithfully choose LIFE!
25. March 2009 at 8:50 pm
Shawn, that was really cool. That is a great way to look at our own individual resposibility. It is only from a position of stregth that we are able to help another.
25. March 2009 at 9:10 pm
Dear Shawn,
What an opportunity and responsibility in being the center of
the universe! To strenthen and energize ourselves and our world.
This is such a super time to live!
All the BEST!
Your friend,
Larry
25. March 2009 at 9:29 pm
This is a great illustration of helping yourself so that you can take care of someone else, like putting the oxygen mask on yourself before the other person.
Thanks