Tip#377: Appreciate the Little Things Like Air – G20 Toronto Pt.7 – Red Planet

When something you take for granted every day is taken away from you it can shift your awareness profoundly as to how much you truly need it. This happened many times during my G20 riot police experience back on June 27, 2010 here in Toronto. See part 1: tip#369

In continuing my story from part 6, I was in the police bus already parked inside the detention centre for about an hour. There was no air circulating and the body heat of about 24 other detainees had started to raise the temperature and fog up the windows in my compartment. We were still in handcuffs and soaking wet from the cold rain earlier.

The man across the aisle started to express how he couldn't breathe and I could see the pain on his face. Soon I was having trouble breathing as well. Guys started to bang on the windows for any one outside to give us air. Over time I began to suffocate and initiated my own cries for help. We all cried out for air about 1/2 dozen times hoping the police within the detention centre would help us.

I was slowly passing out as finally an officer opened a small area from the back of our compartment that let some air in. It was so minute and yet I could feel that life affirming oxygen slowly enter my lungs. Air never felt sweeter.

Red Planet 2000

The science fiction movie Red Planet features many life threatening challenges to a group of stranded astronauts on the planet Mars. There is a scene where astronaut Gallagher (Val Kilmer) is the first of 2 other men whose oxygen tank nears empty. He slowly suffocates and you see the tense horror on the others as they watch him suffer.

One by one they each run out of air when Gallagher is the first to collapse to the ground gasping. This is what I felt in the enclosed police bus as the oxygen depleted. Thankfully, as in the movie, we eventually received air.

Fully Conscious

Since that police bus experience I have become fully conscious of any breeze I feel on my face. I deeply appreciate the feel of a fan blowing air in my direction. I am grateful for the oxygen I feel filling my lungs. This is the silver lining of the challenge I experienced.

When something essential is suddenly taken away from you, you receive the gift of awareness of appreciation. See these challenges as a way of helping you acknowledge the little things in life that are passing you by. Breathe in every moment because there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.

Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#376: Passion, Purpose & People – Tucker: The Man and His Dream

I have many passions that include movies, writing this blog and delicious foods. I also love taking photos and videos that document moments that can be shared with the world. I believe that identifying and living your passions can lead to recognizing your higher purpose in your life and career.

Tony Hsieh In Toronto

Recently I went to see Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com give a presentation here in Toronto hosted by Ramsay Breakfast. Much like what Hsieh says in his book, Delivering Happiness, he shared key ingredients for a successful business which include instilling passion and a higher purpose within every single area of your work culture. For more see tip#374

The event itself had everything I loved including a beautiful venue, inspiring people and great food. Loved the scrambled eggs and bacon! I also had the pleasure of meeting Bob Ramsay the host of Ramsay Breakfast located in the stunning venue of The Grand Banking Hall inside One King West. I loved taking photos of this event and then share online on Facebook. See photos: Click here

I later emailed a thank you to Mr. Ramsay and mentioned that I loved the scrambled eggs. He responded that he loved the eggs too! This is a prime example about how expressing something you love can connect you with others. I believe this is the highest purpose of passion.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream 1988

The movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream is based on the true story of automobile entrepreneur Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges) who had a passion for inventing. The film focuses on his resilient, optimistic spirit for creating a safer car adding the innovative idea of seat belts.

Despite many adversities such as bad press and interference by the Big Three auto companies the movie shows how Tucker's passion and purpose for creating "the car of tomorrow" garnered unwavering support from his family, mechanic team and other key individuals. In the end, even after he loses his company, Tucker is shown still enthusiastic about inventing something new and exciting.

Share Your Passion

Identifying your passion and sharing it with others can lead you onto an exciting journey. Knowing and expressing your passion can connect you with like-minded people. Living your passion can ultimately reveal the higher purpose for what your mission in life is all about.

Your journey may be a bumpy road but at least your passion and purpose will magnetize supportive relationships. Do your best to stay passionate, enthusiastic and optimistic no matter what comes your way!

Read more about passion:
Tip#197: The Power of Your Passions

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#375: Facing Frightening Images – G20 Toronto Pt.6 – Children of Men

There is so much to share about my G20 riot police experience that I am compelled to continue this series of articles so people can learn what really happened on Sunday night June 27th in Toronto.

As I wrote in tip#373 I was bonding with 2 other detainees in the police bus parked outside the detention centre. After about an hour and still soaking wet and in handcuffs we finally drove inside. My fellow detainees began to gasp at what they were seeing through the left side windows. Since the police had taken away my prescription glasses I had to ask the photographer next to me what everyone was seeing.

He asked if I'd seen the movie Children of Men and I said yes. He said that's what he was seeing. There were people in cages like dogs in a dog pound just like in the movie. I could hear them yelling, some crying to be released and some were pleading for water. I wonder if it was a blessing not to clearly see these people suffering in what sounded like a horrific sight.

Children of Men 2006

The movie Children of Men is a dark vision of the year 2027 where women have become infertile. There are no children any where in the world. Illegal immigrants are shown detained in cages throughout the film. It is a disturbing vision of the future and yet there is hope when a man named Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is asked to help the first pregnant woman in decades.

There is a scene where soldiers and insurgents suddenly stop fighting when they hear the baby crying. For a moment there is a profound peace as Theo escorts the mother and child through both factions in deep awe of this tiny, precious baby.

Hope

I hope this scene mirrors positive results for the ongoing G20 protests of the police actions towards civilians that weekend in Toronto. I hope there is a profound peace that manifests especially for 100's of other non-protesters like myself that experienced unnecessary pain and suffering at the Queen and Spadina standoff. For now I am discovering the value of the darkness I witnessed through writing these blog articles and sharing my story.

We all witness frightening images at one time or another. They can affect us deeply and shake us up. And then there are times we see beautiful images that lift our spirits. There is value in both and it's up to us to find that value for ourselves.

Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#374: Create Your Own Universe – Tony Hsieh's Delivering Happiness - Inception

Life can sometimes appear unbearable and impossible to deal with. And yet this can all change once you believe you have the innate ability to make big changes for the better.

As mentioned in tip#372 I've experienced multiple challenges this year both in my life and career. What is helping me stay positive and resilient is the mindset of envisioning the world I want instead of the one currently in front of me. I am BELIEVING in a better world for myself.

Delivering Happiness

One book that's been inspiring me to confidently move forward is Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. He is the CEO of Zappos, North America’s number one online shoe store. We had actually met back in December 2008 after seeing Tony on The Oprah Show and touring his head office in Las Vegas. See my blog articles on Zappos: tip#205, tip#213, tip#214, tip#238, tip#261, tip#376

Tony's book outlines his success stories with founding Zappos and how he built and sold a company for $265 million dollars just out of college. He also shares ingenious entrepreneurial stories while in college and as a youth. Tony continually shares that is it PASSION and building supportive RELATIONSHIPS that are primary keys to success and happiness. Above all the key to envision, create and believe in your own universe must be part of your mindset.

Inception 2010

The movie Inception is an incredible and astonishing movie that deeply explores what it is to envision and create your own world. The story is about a man named Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) who has the ability to enter the dream of others and implant or discover important thoughts within the subconscious. It is a powerful film that will motivate you to think of new possibilities in your own life.

There is a stunning scene where Ariadne (Ellen Page) has joined Cobb within his subconscious world in Paris. There she begins to envision her own world and literally alters the city and landscapes all around them. Despite Cobb telling her not to do this she pushes forward to create the world she wants to have.

Alter Your Mindset

Ariadne's willful attitude and the proactive attitude I'm learning about Tony Hsieh reminds me of the mindset I’ve already been training myself to embody for several years now. And that mindset begins with envisioning, creating and believing in the life and career I want. It doesn't matter if what I want isn't here yet what matters is that I am enjoying the journey there with my passion for writing this Movies That Motivate blog and celebrating my supportive and loving relationships everyday.

Your world right now may not be as fulfilling or satisfying as you may desire. Just remember that you have the ability to alter your current situations by ENVISIONING the future you want. BELIEVE in this new reality and then take the steps to CREATE it one small piece at a time. Do this and you too will have an incredible and astonishing life!

"Envision, create and believe in your own universe, and the universe will form around you."
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, CEO, Zappos

MORE TIPS ABOUT ZAPPOS:
Tip#205: Follow Your Passion No Matter What - Zappos
Tip#213: Zappos Inspires, Part 1 - Office Space
Tip#214: Zappos Inspires, Part 2 – Patch Adams
Tip#238: The Importance of Team Spirit - Zappos – Watchmen
Tip#261: Synchronicity Stories – Zappos & Twitter – I Heart Huckabees
Tip#376: Passion, Purpose & People – Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#373: Finding Support In Difficult Times – G20 Toronto Pt.5 – The Shawshank Redemption

On Sunday, July 11, 2010 I was watching the news that Spain had won the world cup and fans were celebrating on top of a Toronto streetcar. It was a joyful sight and yet I wondered if the police would try and stop this public event blocking the streets like they did at the G20 standoff at Queen St. and Spadina Ave.

I thought back 2 weekends ago when I was boxed-in by riot police at the intersection of Queen and Spadina on route to my way home (see tip#369). I thought about how I was detained in the freezing rain stripped of my belongings. I was then transferred to a police bus where my plastic zip-tie handcuffs were replaced with metal handcuffs. Soaking wet, I was still grateful to be somewhere dry.

Without my prescription glasses (removed by the police) everything in the bus was a blur. I was directed to the back compartment of the bus that sat about 20 to 24 bodies. I sat next to a budding journalist and photographer who was also documenting the Queen Spadina event like me. On the other side of the aisle was a man who remained quiet.

We were on the police bus for over 2 hours and wondered why we were just sitting outside the detention centre. At one point the man across the aisle was in serious pain from his handcuffs being too tight. He was also suffering from anxiety. I looked him straight in the eyes and told him to hang on. He looked back at me and I could tell he really appreciated my supportive words. We didn't even know each other's name.

The Shawshank Redemption 1994

The movie The Shawshank Redemption is about the perseverance and resilience of an innocent man named Andy (Tim Robbins) held in prison for many years. His survival was the result, in part, by the supportive relationships he forged. One of those friendships was with Red (Morgan Freeman) the man everyone could go to when they needed something.

Andy and Red were fully aware of their situation and only over time realized the deep value of having each others support and friendship to overcome the harshness of prison. Fate had brought them together and they gave each other the will to hang on and keep living.

Someone Somewhere

Overcoming difficult situations in life is accomplished with a positive, resilient mindset. The other key factor is having supportive relationships. Whenever you find yourself caught in a challenge that seems overwhelming remember that there will always be someone somewhere that could help.

When you feel trapped in life remember to take a breath and look around you. There will always be someone, perhaps sitting right next to you, that could offer a helping hand. And who knows? Maybe you could be that helpful person for someone else in need.

Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#372: The Positives of Being Stripped of Belongings – G20 Toronto Pt.4 – Peaceful Warrior

For those of you following my adventures on this blog know that this year I have been vastly stripped down to the core of my business, finances and lifestyle. Due, in part, to the recession hitting in the fall of 2008, my business has been in a state of re-evaluation and I've had to declutter and let go of many belongings in order to move to a much smaller home back in May (see tip#352).

My experience with the G20 standoff at Queen and Spadina in Toronto took me even further. Like 100's of non-protesters detained by police that evening I was stripped of my backpack, camera, wallet, prescription glasses and even my shoelaces. I thought to myself that there must be some higher purpose for this ongoing and radical emptying I keep experiencing.

Peaceful Warrior 2006

The movie Peaceful Warrior is filled with many profound insights on emptying your mind of clutter in order to move forward in life. A college gymnast named Dan (Scott Mechlowicz) seeks wisdom to be an Olympic champion through an enigmatic gas station attendant he calls Socrates (Nick Nolte). To his surprise, Dan doesn't expect his training to include the need to let go of so much in his life in order to make his dreams come true.

There is one scene where Dan and Socrates face muggers demanding their wallets. Though they both hand them over, Socrates continues to offer everything they've got until they're both stripped to their underwear. Dan is confused and angry for having to follow this painful learning path but later understands that it is a metaphor for what he has to strip away in order to make room for a more empowering mindset.

This movie, in turn, was a mirror for what's been happening to me these past few months. I've been drastically letting go of internal and external baggage in order to achieve my bigger goals. There is no coincidence to all that I'm going through. I have to just trust that everything, including my G20 experience, is for a higher purpose. In the end ALL my belongings were returned safely to me within a few hours of detainment.

Making Room

If you feel you are being stripped of belongings, finances or other possessions, look for a higher purpose that's in play. Focus on the possibility that something positive is percolating. Trust that you are making room for something you've been TRULY WANTING to enter into your life.

Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#371: Persevere No Matter What – G20 Toronto Pt.3 - Titanic

Persevere: To maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; to continue steadfastly

Through the power of social media I've been connecting with other non-protesters who were detained by G20 riot police at Queen and Spadina Toronto on June 27th via Facebook groups. Several of them were of the 100's detained in the freezing rain for 3 to 4 hours. I was stunned to see the CP24 TV news coverage to witness their suffering and how difficult it must have been to persevere in the heavy rains.

See CP24 footage part 1 (go to time 3:30): Click here
See CP24 footage part 2: Click here

I was part of the first wave of detainees so I was in the freezing rain for about an hour before being placed in the shelter of a police bus. However it was still an extreme challenge to be standing in the cold rain handcuffed behind my back and no shelter. I was shivering uncontrollably in my short sleeve shirt and shorts.

Thankfully the officer holding onto me obliged my request to put a plastic bag, that was on the ground, over my head. The bag helped but I still had to persevere through this freezing rain so I focused inwardly and remembered to breathe and stay calm. I kept telling myself that everything would be okay and that I would get through this challenge.

Titanic 1997

A movie that celebrates perseverance is Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack and Kate Winslet as Rose. Together they do everything they can to move forward despite every challenge they faced after the Titanic is struck by an iceberg and slowly sinks.

They each tap into inner strengths they may not have known they had. They learn to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. And as they are finally floating in the freezing waters after the Titanic sinks Jack makes Rose promise him to not give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. And she does. She pushes on, survives and lives and long, fulfilling life.

Your Amazing Potential

Some situations you face in life can feel hopeless. They can feel like an endless cold rain. Do your best to maintain a positive mindset and tell yourself that you can get through your challenge. Believe you have strength within you that will help you overcome any obstacle you face.

Challenges are there to bring out the best in yourself. Let the pain, fear and negative feelings you feel be the signal you are about to discover your amazing potential!

Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010

Tip#370: Trust Your Collision Courses In Life – G20 Toronto Pt.2 – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

"Sometimes we're on a collision course, and we just don't know it. Whether it's by accident or by design, there's not a thing we can do about it."
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

After posting my video on YouTube of the G20 riot police boxing me in and other non-protesters at Queen Spadina, it received many positive and negative comments. Some said that it was our fault for being there or not heeding the police warnings. In reality there was no way out once you were in the area.

What the world needs to know is that even if our group left that area there was a SECOND regiment of riot police slowly surrounding the onlookers and innocent bystanders. It was a double set of what is known as "kettling", a police tactic to contain protesters and prevent them from leaving the area for several hours.

You can see the 2 sets of kettling at Queen Spadina area in this aerial video: Click here

So whatever circumstances and choices I made prior led me to all I experienced on Sunday evening. It was the same for 100's of others who reportedly were just walking their dog, coming home from dinner at a restaurant or going to a friend's place to watch a soccer game. They were all detained in the cold rain for over 3 hours. We were all on a collision course with something that would shake up our lives.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2008

There is a fantastic sequence in the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button about collision courses. In this scene Benjamin (Brad Pitt) is narrating a chain of events unfolding in a day in Paris France. A girl's shoelace breaks, a delivery truck blocks a taxi, a man forgets to set his alarm clock are all factors that led to the character Daisy (Cate Blanchett) being hit by a taxi that crushed her leg. She was a dancer.

Being at Queen and Spadina was my collision course with fate. Days later I was second guessing all my decisions that led me to my confrontation and detainment with riot police. I finally accepted that I was meant to be where I was supposed to be. I am trusting that the silver lining or bigger picture of why will reveal itself in time.

If you've experienced a traumatic situation and have been second guessing your decisions that led you there do your best to be kind to yourself. Trust that you were on this path for a higher reason. Switch on your optimistic mindset and look for the silver lining. Believe that there is PURPOSE in why that specific day unfolded for you.

Believe that all your collision courses you experience have a gift hidden within. There can be a powerful purpose revealed in all challenges only if you choose to focus on the possibilities.

See my video of being boxed-in by G20 Police: Click here
Read my G20 Toronto Experience:
Part 1: Click here
Part 2: Click here
Part 3: Click here
Part 4: Click here
Part 5: Click here
Part 6: Click here
Part 7: Click here
Part 8: Click here
Part 9: Click here
Part 10: Click here
Part 11: Click here
Part 12: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Social Media Wingman Services
Helping you shine online: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2010