Full Impact Tattoo
Hi, it's Mike Sorg, the behind the scenes of Fishing Without Bait. Today, I took a little trip down to Black Star Tattoo in Belle Vernon, PA, and had quite an enriching experience. Jim was there to get a new tattoo, a vibrant symbol of full-impact mindfulness. Here’s a bit of what unfolded while Jim chatted with Jake Steele, the tattoo artist crafting his new ink.
Foundations of Mindfulness in Ink: As Jim settled into the artist's chair, the buzz of the tattoo machine in the background, he likened the process to building something significant – starting with a solid foundation. "It's like stacking blocks," Jim described, "You have to have a solid base to reach the sky." This philosophy resonates deeply with the concept of full-impact mindfulness – starting with awareness and building upon it to reach new heights in personal development.
A Journey into the World of Tattoos: Reflecting on his relatively recent foray into tattoos, Jim shared how his initial experience was a revelation – he loved them more than he anticipated. The conversation steered towards personal growth and self-acceptance. Jim mentioned, "Earlier in life, I didn’t have the confidence. I was too caught up in comparing myself to others and their perceptions of me. But now, I focus on pleasing myself and making sure I'm not disturbing anyone else's peace."
Symbols That Speak: The piece that Jake was working on wasn’t just any tattoo; it represented the full-impact mindfulness logo, a concept that has been percolating in Jim’s mind for years. It’s about engaging actively with life, stepping outside comfort zones, and living without regrets. "I chose this design because it's colorful and it stands out. It reflects our philosophy at Namaste Holistic Counseling," Jim explained.
The Reaction at Work: Curious, I asked Jim about the anticipated reactions at his workplace. He had already informed a few colleagues about his new tattoo and sensed their excitement, although he acknowledged that they might not share his exploratory mindset. This led to a broader discussion on living actively versus passively waiting for life to happen.
Philosophy in Action: Jake chimed in, emphasizing the difference between saying and doing. He stressed the importance of being a 'doer' in life, stating, "I choose to wake up and start doing until I go to bed." His philosophy is straightforward yet profound – making active choices rather than playing the victim or waiting for life to change on its own.
Fear, Courage, and the Middle Path: Our talk also touched on fear and courage. "Fear is the primal emotion," Jim noted, "but everything you want is on the other side of fear." Jake added that dealing with fear doesn't mean eliminating it but understanding and managing it. They both agreed that a balance of fear and courage is essential, advocating for a moderate approach to life to avoid extremes.
Thoughts on Simplicity and Success: As our conversation wound down, Jake shared personal insights on finding satisfaction in simple achievements, like a well-spent Sunday doing chores and taking a drive to clear his mind. "At that moment, I felt successful," Jake reflected, highlighting the importance of appreciating small victories and understanding the difference between wants and needs.
Today wasn't just about getting a tattoo; it was about illustrating life philosophies and embracing the choices that define us. Whether it's through a piece of art inked on the skin or the daily decisions we make, life is about participating fully and mindfully. Here’s to more ink, more insights, and no regrets.
