This book illuminates the value of therapy. The story was captivating. And profound. It dissects death, loss, love, purpose…deep shit
In retrospect, I was depressed in college. Everyday i would wake up and think, “i just have to get the day so i can watch TV at night”. I hated my life.
The most powerful truths are the ones we come to on our own. Therapists should lead people to the truth. Same with teachers and mentors.
Happiness = Reality - Expectations
Anger is the tip of the iceberg. When a person gets angry, dissect the deeper emotions at play.
Humans need touch
Alot of great sex happens in problematic relationships
No problem can be solved from the level of consciousness that created it (Einstein)
Resistance is a therapist’s friend. Don’t fight it - follow it.
When you waste time, remember your mortality. You will die soon. Remember that next time you scroll through social media.
Is there anything that makes us feel more vulnerable than asking someone, Do you like me?
Husband learns of wife’s terminal cancer. First words: “Jesus, I love you so much.” People facing loss don’t want sympathy.
KG is a philosopher, not just a ball player. I highly recommend this book.
I admire and miss Kobe, as does KG.
KG hung out with ball boys. They were psyched to meet an idol. They were full of positive energy. Stay humble.
Art transcends culture, politics, age. I climb with all humans. Elitists misses out on positive energy. Climbing friends come and go. Injuries, burnout, depression, finances, sickness, age, parenting ….humans fall into these traps. Psych is precious. Never pass up psych.
I’m uncomfortable writing “KG hung out with ball boys”. I’ve allowed society to link men with molestation in my mind. Disappointing.
Silence. Less is more.
Young KG had a “crew” to protect him. NBA KG was alone. He describes sitting alone to write this book. I read this passage in King’s Canyon before a solo night session. I was scared. This passage locked me in. Moments alone are opportunities to learn oneself. Meditate. Be alone. You and your conscious.
KG’s mom was anti-basketball. My parents are anti-climbing, anti-my-wife, anti-my-kid, anti-my-career, anti-me.
KG respects his mother, but ultimately follows his heart. I follow my heart.
The big 3 was a counter to double teaming. Drop the ego. Swing the ball to the 3rd playmaker. Defenses will struggle.
Anytime you’re Black, you got to stand up for other people. Cause Black people know what discrimination is like. And if you’re in a position of power, you got to always stand up against discrimination. I’m never gonna sit back and let discrimination happen on my watch. (Charles Barkley)
KG experienced what he calls a “cosmic coincidence” in Chicago. He’s watching Jordan + Pippen ballin at a local gym. For reasons unknown, he gets called by a random security guard to play. Isaiah Thomas happens to bear witness. He tells KG he’s NBA material. KG drops his college hoop dreams. He sets his sights on the NBA draft.
Priorities. He’s got a game against Jordan the next day. Friend is in the hospital. Stays up all night. He didn’t give a fuck about sleep before a big game. Simultaneously loyal and tough. I wanna be like KG!
KG’s around the clock grind in Chicago is insane. Consistency. Grind. Living and breathing basketball. I wanna be like KG!
Malik Sealy…..
Like me, he was about to mess up the matrix. (KG regarding AI)
NBA/NFL + NCAA treat black youth as cash cows. The One-and-done rule is financially motivated.
Basketball players are artists. They should have artistic freedom.
Colleges should compensate athletes.
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was Kaepernick before Kaepernick
KG doesn’t touch a ball after retirement. He gave The Game everything. No “what ifs”. It was both rewarding and painful. He doesn’t miss it.
I’d like to stop climbing on those terms.
KG unlocked meditative states without any formal teaching. He learned to separate himself from pain. Enlightenment via trauma.