I arrived back from Crete last Friday feeling refreshed and ready to rock on with 2012. The two weeks I spent with Zoe was awesome. Great company, great food and stunning conversations. I was really excited whilst I was there, I got back in touch with my spiritual side again MASSIVELY. I started meditating every morning which was great and got back in touch with the whole attitude of gratitude thing.

The amazing thing about getting back in touch with the universe and the energy it provides is how things start to happen. The synchronicity that has already occurred daily has astounded me. Even before I got back to the UK, I met a director I worked with on a feature film in 2003 at Athens airport. We sat next to each other on the plane and are now going to be working together again. He has been working on exactly the kind of stuff that I want to be working on, brilliant!

I’m writing this blog, because I wanted to share some really simple practical things that have already made a HUGE difference since being back. It might possibly inspire you to do at least one or just consider it. 

As soon as I wake up in the morning I now meditate. I listen to this video twice. It lasts just under 20 minutes. All to do with activating the pineal gland and all that fun stuff. If you don't know what the gland is, I recommend researching it yourself.

Just by the simple fact of starting the day peacefully and relaxed makes a huge difference to how I’ve faced things. It takes time and discipline to sit there and quite your mind. I’m getting there, step by step. I still have chatter in my mind, but just accept it, say thanks and let it move on. I’ve been listening to a lot of David Wilcock’s stuff recently, he’s awesome, look him up if you’re into consciousness sand spirituality. I highly recommend his new book  The Source Field Investigations, it’s mind blowing.

After meditating, I go downstairs and have a a cup of hot water (a ritual I have learned from my lady). Then I watch this video.

If you want to get connected to feeling grateful for what you have this very second in your life, then this is the one to watch. It’s awesome. Watching it this morning promoted me to write this blog. I thought, if it helps just one person change the way they behave (for the better) then GREAT, my work is done.

Yesterday I posted the gratitude video on Facebook and got a text from a mate saying “it was wonderful and just what I needed right now”. You never know how posting somthing YOU value will help others. Do more of it please.

Watching the video, I found myself getting a little teary with the gratefulness bubbling up. I’m not normally a soppy git. I’m an Essex boy remember. Geezers don’t do that sort of thing, right! We are double ‘ard bastards ;) 

The word THANK YOU is coming out my mouth at least 50 times a day now and probably the same amount in the head.  It’s amazing how you feel. I highly recommend it. Saying THANK YOU a bit more than usual about things, to more people, feels great. Things start to come your way. It's so cool!

WATER - I saw a stunning documentary on water whilst in Crete. The consequences for humanity are so HUGE (in a good way) you should ALL see it. If you have kids you MUST see it. The crux of it is this..... Water has memory. That's all I'll say for now. Get in touch with me if you want to know more.

When was the last time you were TRULY grateful and felt it in your entire being? 

Peace

The Geezer with Gratitude 

Based upon the reaction from last weeks blog, I've decided to do a weekly one every Thursday. Thank you to everyone who commented and shared it round. (If you missed it you can read it here http://bit.ly/sgvveV) 

The events that took place in the last blog have really shaken me. I mentioned about the argument I had with myself. Since then, I've had World War III in my head. It hasn't been pleasant. Really it hasn't.

I've been questioning my whole life. Why I'm here, what the purpose of it all is. I've been upset A LOT. I've chosen to be alone for most of the time, soul searching, asking question after question. 

When I look at how human beings (in general) treat each other, it's made me feel sick to the pit of my soul. There's been a war raging inside. Then I looked at how I'd treated others in the past and it hasn't been pleasent. Not that I'm a bad person or nasty, that's not my way.

It's been more about what I haven't done or could have done. Even just a simple smile to someone I knew wasn't in a good place and I chose not to smile. Just because I didn't want them to think I was a weirdo (or something worse). That time when I could have helped someone cross the road and I chose not to because I was "in a rush" (bullshit). Simple stuff, that can make a huge difference. My stomach has been in knots all week. Such a strange feeling.

My profession, as a comedy actor and also the professional training stuff I do, what's the point in that? REALLY? How is that helping society? how is that truly helping YOU and other human beings? I've been asking myself. 

 I went to an Oyster Club event that Tanya Rennick runs last week. The guest speaker was Camila Batmanghelidjh who run's Kids Company. Now here is a lady making a REAL difference. The company is taking 3,500 kids YES... THREE AND A HALF THOUUUUUUSAND kids to the Oval cricket ground for Christmas day. These kids have suffered dearly at the hands of their parents. They've been physically, mentally or sexually abused. I tell you something, the parents need a load of love and care themselves. 

What a mission, what a purpose, what a way to make a HUGE difference to so many lives. I would LOVE to be there on Christmas day helping out, unfortunately I'm not even in the country. It's such a great cause that I'm committing right now, to giving one day a month next year to help these children in any way I can, It doesn't matter what I do.

Would you be willing to give one of the most precious things you have to this cause.... your time?

I used to believe the saying "charity starts at home". I don't any more. I now believe  "gratitude starts at home". I don't go through what those kids go through. I have a roof over my head, food in my tummy and a warm place to sleep.... EVERY SINGLE DAY.

As for being a comedy actor and the professional training stuff, I've realised that it's EXACTLY what I'm meant to do. I'm very lucky that I do something I love that comes naturally to me. The majority of people out there aren't happy day to day and are just existing. 

It's time for me to get out there a make a real tangible difference to the future generations of this planet. Right now, am I making a REAL difference to other's lives? Yes, on a very small level, can I play bigger? HELL YEAH, will I?........ I am already, just by writing this blog (blogging scares me by the way).

I have no clue if any of this makes sense. If it triggers off something positive in just one of you, then great.

All I ask, is that you question right now, how much of a difference you make to others lives. This may sound like a bit of a worthy blog...

"Oooooo look at him preaching about making a difference"

What I do know for sure, is that many of you have so much more to give and you could give, right now. You're just choosing not to for whatever reason. Someone out there needs you. They need your smile, your warmth, your love. 

Can you share just a little bit with them?

image from guardian.co.uk

The death of Gary Speed really shocked me to the core. I was driving back from a meeting and heard the news on Talk Sport as I was stuck in traffic.

The first thing I did was look in my rear view mirror at myself in complete disbelief. My jaw dropped and a shiver went through me. Like many of us, we still can't understand why he did it and may never know. My heart goes out to his whole family especially his wife and kids. It really hit home to me how precious life is.

Many see it as a waste of a life. I'd rather look back at the legacy he has left for all of us. At such a tender age of 42, he will always be remembered as a great footballer and an amazing human being. That is a very special thing. His energy and passion will live on, especially in those Welsh boys he managed. 

I've had one overriding thought since he left us and it's this....

"his passing is proof that no matter how well we think we know someone, no matter how close we are to them, we can NEVER be 100% sure how they are feeling or what they are thinking"

This thought has been playing on my mind 24/7 since Sunday. 

I want you to think about how you treat other people on a day to day basis. How do you interact with them? Do you smile at strangers? Do you do things for others just because you can?

That person may be going through the toughest time and you'd never know. All it takes is an act of kindness. YOU might be the person that saves their life that day or gives them hope that things will work out. 

I went to meet a mate for a drink last night. On my way back to Gants Hill tube station, I exited the barriers and continued walking straight ahead. Normally there is a solitary beggar on the right hand side asking for money or just sitting there with a cup.

There was a beggar there this time, a lady, with a polystyrene cup in front of her. She looked at me as I walked past and said, "spare any change please?"

I walked past and said "sorry love" and continued. After about taking 6 steps I started to have a full blown argument with myself (in my head). It went something like this.

Me: "What the fuck are you doing?"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Me: "Are you really going to walk past her and do nothing. Imagine how many people walk past her and don't even acknowledge her existence let alone help her out in some way."

Me: "I'm not giving her money to spend on drugs" (an assumption I made)

Me: "She's not a beggar you fuckwit, she's a HUMAN BEING you tosser. How do you think she feels right now. Think about Gary Speed Steve. Know one had any idea what was truly going on in his head. You have NO clue what's going on in hers! When do you think the last time she ate was."

Me: "Dunno"

Me: "When was the last time you ate?"

Me: "Point made" 

(At this point I was really thinking about Gary and the dark place he must have been in to take his own life. Maybe I could do something that would make a difference in her life, even if only small)

Me: "So what you going to do"

Me: "Turn round, go up to her and ask is she's hungry"

Me: "You know the answer to that you prick"

Me: "I know, I know"

Me: "So fucking STOP, turn round and go up to another HUMAN BEING and ask what she wants to eat"

So I did. I went up to her and asked her "if she was hungry" and of course she said yes. I then asked her if there was anything she didn't eat? I found this amusing, as I would expect someone in "her" situation (not that I truly new what it was) to eat anything. She relied "just nothing with lettuce". I liked her reply, it made me chuckle. I said give me 10-15 minutes. 

I'm convinced she thought I wasn't coming back. I went to a local Greek place that does really lovely food. I ordered the lady a mixed chicken and lamb shish (pieces of meat) kebab with tomato, cucumber and a piece of pitta bread.

Whilst waiting I thought to myself....

If i was ever in that situation, how would I want to be treated? If someone in my family or a close friend was ever in that place, how would I want others to treat them? The answer, was EXACTLY like this - with humility, love and kindness.

The look on her face when I rocked up with this little banquet was an absolute picture. She was about to eat. TO EAT! Something I take for granted all the time. How about you?

I'm not sharing this story with you because I want your praise, your adoration or whatever. I honestly don't give a shit what you think about me. It's none of my business.  

I just hope that by reading this little story you truly consider how you treat your fellow man and women day to day. We really don't know how people are feeling or what they're thinking and YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE to someone. 

Show people you care, let them hear it, BE it!

When was the last time you ate?

The morning after the day before.

Yesterday was a stunning day (for the most part). I'm currently in Crete at the moment. I now split my time between here and London due to my beautiful lady being from here.

We took a 2 hour drive through some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. The sea was never ending, the winding roads were too. We arrived at the bungee jump around one o'clockish. The strange thing was for me, was at the time and in the week previous, I never felt nervous about it, at all. Well at least I didn't think so. After the event, I realised this was a great lesson in learning how I deal with fear.

So, we got there and I went to go over to the bridge and looked down the gorge. It was a VERY long way down and yet and didn't really feel much emotion. There were a couple of guys about to jump just as we got there. I sat on the rocks and watched them jump. "I'm cool with that", I said to myself. I must have said that phrase about 4,780,367 times in my head in space between watching those guys and getting on the platform to jump. If I was self aware enough, that should have set alarm bells ringing, alas it didn't. I later found out that the guys running the show and my girlfriend could see the fear in my eyes, as clear as King fucking Kong flying down the through the gorge on a magic carpet firing nuclear missiles at us.

We were then told that there was going to be around 10 people ahead of us (there were two of us jumping, me and another guy who was with us). So this gave me plenty of time to keep watching LOADS of people jumping. I kept looking down the gorge and watching them jump over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. I can now 100% state, this wasn’t the most intelligent thing I’ve ever done. I would’ve been much better to sit and have a coffee, watch one jump and then just jump myself. 

Looking back, it's very obvious now that this was NOT a good way to prepare for a jump, in my case. The more time that went on the more I was "trying" and yes I mean "trying" to convince myself that it was all rose petals and butterflies. When actually, it was more like Satan cooking me on a skewer in the burning pits of hell rubbing a Habanero pepper on my fucking nuts. I'm a big believer that "trying" doesn't exist. Do it or don't!

Anyway about an hour in, I was about to shit my pants, literally. At no point did I go, "Steve, you are nervous as hell, fearful like a mother fucker, just show it, feel it, let it out and talk it through". Instead I internalised it all and put on what I believed to be a "brave face". So, I went for a crap. A tell tale sign that I was extremely fearful should have been that I was finished within 0.26 seconds. I looked around for loo roll and of course there wasn't any. Fucking great! I'm now going to have to go out there with my "brave face" smelling of shit in the searing heat! “Oh look there’s Shit Boy coming to jump and pebble dash the gorge”. Luckily I creeped the toilet door open and it was by the sink.. SAVED. I'm now a real man again going to confidently jump off a bridge 138 metres down with poo NOT actually running down my leg.

It got to the stage, where a young guy of 14 was on the platform about to jump. He couldn't do it, he was too scared. I immediately said to the guy next to me, "it takes a lot of courage to come all that way and say no". Little did I think I would be doing the same thing in a bit and actually not believing that statement at all myself. Then one of the bungee guys needed someone to step in his place and my mate with me immediately jumped in. Now he was SOOOOO nervous, all week. On the bridge he couldn't even move his feet at one point and yet he went for it. His jump was amazing! I hesitated after 2 bloody hours of waiting, another sign. After the fact, I realsied that feeling fear and letting it out is much more healthy than internaisling it and letting it eat you away. As for all emotions. We all know that the more you keep them in the worse it is for your body.

Another guy jumped before me, who was also nervous as hell, shaking like a bloody leaf the whole time. It was at this time i thought, uhoh I need a crap again but I told myself "man up you week git and just do it". 

SHOWTIME! I was up next. They got me all harnessed up and on the platform. I crept to the edge and like a the biggest numpty on the planet I looked down (as I had been for that last 2 hours..... cock!). He then did the good old countdown. I was ready to jump on "1" but you jump after 3 when they shout "bungee". It came to that moment and as I was leaning back to spring forward and “bungee” came, I froze. I couldn't jump. I stood there like a pleb. So he talked to me for a minute or so and as more time went on, I felt more and more like I didn't want to do it. I then realised that I wasn't ready and made the decision to step down.

I have to say, in those moments after being on that platform, I've never chosen to feel more ashamed, frustrated and weak than I did then. I couldn't look at anyone in the eye. Ironically, I wanted to through myself of the bloody bridge. I was hurting big time. One of my instant thoughts was, "what is my girlfriend going to think". She did it last year. One of the other things I was thinking was “FUCK ME, I've not go to go back to Facebook and post something. What will everyone one think of me”  Its not in my nature to lie and bullshit, so I've decided to blog about it and share it.

I was very surprised at how much I was concerned with other opinions as those of you who know me, know that I don't normally give shit what others think. A lesson learnt is this: Don’t tell the world you’re about to do something until its actually done and you have proof. BIG LESSON. Especially on Facebook, when the whole world, his wife and the CIA are watching. I did know however that writing a blog and sharing this with others may just help one person, somewhere on the planet and also at the same time help me to get over my "shit".

On the way back in the car, my girlfriend suggested I do some EFT (emotional freedom therapy) and tap on what I was feeling. It was resistant at first and then thought, I really don't want to feel weak and disappointed, so I obliged and tapped on it. Its a great process and within 20 minutes or so I was laughing a little about the whole bungee jump. 

One of the big realisations I have now is that when the stakes get high and I start doing the emotion of "fear" I lock it down and keep it inside. Or shall I say I used to do that, in the past. Looking back on my life, when stakes have been high before, I’ve definitely locked down emotions like that when stakes have been high to protect myself.

One epiphany that I did have in the car coming down the mountain was to do with actors and how we prepare for a performance. Every time I've ever performed in a theatre or given a presentation there has ALWAYS been a level of nerves and I've been very present to the fact they are there. I've always known you really need those nerves to nail a performance. Hindsight is a great thing. I never let myself feel those nerves and be present to them before the jump, I locked them down and was doing the whole macho man thing inside. Outside everyone could see the fear. 

I'll do the jump, at some point. Only when I'm good and ready and will actually enjoy the experience.

Thanks for reading this brain fart!

After seeing the news last and hearing that a potential "double dip recession" could be on the cards, I've woken up with my mind racing. 

The problem with news is that is always so depressing and negative. Think about how many people watch it. Think about how many CEO's, MD's and employees watch it. We are in a society where millions watch TV constantly and buy into the memes that are propagated, whether they realise it or not.

You hardly ever hear about positive, uplifting and inspiring stories. Its a phenomenal way to control and large number of people and keep them in a lack and fearful mindset. When people take those beliefs about the economy into work with them, its game over.

 I've never been more convinced that business and corporate world need to pull their fingers out their arse and make sure the well being of their people is a top priority. Are they creating an environment where everyone can have a laugh, dare I say it, actually have some real fun at work? I would suggest not because they've forgotten how to. Most adults have forgotten how to because life has "happened to them". More so, THEY have let it happen to them.

Unfortunately, having been around people who are in large corporates over the past year, its apparent that the majority of them are highly stressed, pissed off with life, believing they are not valued enough, not valuing themselves enough, fed up of being a number not a human and plenty of them are getting depressed or already are depressed.

How many businesses and large corporates do you know that REALLY care about their employees well being and health? Do YOU even care about your health and well being in business. Or do you just end the day and think "NOW I can be myself and relax".

People take themselves waaaaay to seriously in business. I think you should take the business seriously, after all, its important that you deliver. But ease up on yourself, give yourself a break.

There is one person and one person only responsible for your happiness and that's YOU, no one else. So today, find time to have a laugh and have some fun whilst in business mode.

When was the last time you had a laugh in business?

I wanted to put together a short interview about why I've created Guru John Popolini. At first it was just a piss take.....

On the 29th December 2010 I headed off to Crete for a well needed break.  I decided to go the whole hog and go business class as I wanted everything to be effortless and totally chilled out (highly recommend it by the way, its worth working your arse off and saving for).

I arrived at Heathrow, checked in a the business class desk and went on my way to the lounge to chill out.  As far as I was aware my suitcase was going to be transfered from my first flight to Athens, on to the next flight to Heraklion in Crete. It was really nice not to have to collect it from the first flight. This made for a lovely pain free journey to Crete.

As I arrived in Crete, I was waiting at the baggage reclaim with everyone else.  Some time passed and I was waiting at the baggage reclaim with just myself. It was then it dawned on my that my suitcase was not there. Especially when the conveyer belt stopped moving and everyone went home.  I went to desk to let them know my case wasn't there.  Luckily I was with my friend who had the same view as me, "nothing you can do about it now, so lets get you home and chill out".

The airline still haven't found my case and I arrived back home yesterday after an amazing holiday in Crete. 

I believe life throws you lessons for certain reasons. This was a very nice lesson for me about letting go of material things. In the case was a load of clothes, toiletries and a few presents for my friend. I was a little pissed off, for about 30 minutes or so. Then I thought, "fuck it" they're only material things, I can buy them again. Some people don't even have clothes to wear, I'm lucky.

So, I had a winter coat, suit jacket, a pair of jeans, brown boots, one shirt, one pair of socks and one pair of underwear. While I was there I bought three pairs of underwear, some more socks, a couple of t-shirts and a pair of trainers. 

It really made me questions the whole Western consumerist conditioning we have over here. This feeling of needing and wanting material things constantly, to make us happy and validate who we are.  I believe that we are bombarded about buying all kinds of things that will make us "happy", but real happiness has to start from inside, from within.

Listen, I'm not saying that wanting material objects is a bad thing, far from it. I just think we could do with more of a balance in this part of the world. A spiritual balance of being content with who we are as human beings not measuring our happiness on what we own all the time.

I experienced an amazing holiday with amazing people. There is a very strong social bond in Crete regarding family and friends and it was bloody awesome. It didn't matter what I was wearing or what I looked like. We just enjoyed each others company with was brilliant. This was so refreshing for me!

Losing my case made me question hugely my values. I just wanted to share my experience with you.....   one of my brain farts!

The whole Wagner fiasco and it absolutely is a fiasco, shouldn't be taken lightly in my opinion. It seems to me (the cynical part) that Wagner was picked to come back because it would make "good TV", who would agree? It certainly wasn't for his singing voice.

The point I want to focus on is about transparency of votes. I would feel so much more comfortable having an actual graphic on screen knowing exactly how many people had voted for the contestants and in what order they stood.

Simon, do you really expect the general public to believe blindly "X-Factors" word when they say who's been voted off?

Why should we trust what is said?

There is no transparency on votes at all! How many calls have been made? How many red buttons on Sky & Virgin have been pressed? Why is this? Why is this information not made public? After all, its the public that make the show happen and its their money! I have no problem with anyone making money out it, good luck to all involved. At least be open with us because if it wasn't for us, you'd have no show!

So my question to Simon Cowell is this....

In a future show, would you be open enough to show live on screen, the votes that people are getting/received?

(that includes exactly how many people have voted with a breakdown of who for, also detailing phone votes and red button votes etc)

No matter how few people voted, it would be a start to at least letting the public know what is really happening. Because after the Wagner fiasco, people really don't trust it any more.

Just some thoughts. 

cheers

 Steve

I'm so gutted to say folks due to the tube strike happening starting Sunday night through Monday.... I've decided after about 7 hours of talks with the team to postpone Sucksessville 2011 until the end of Jan 2011. Date and Venue tbc

Tickets will be valid for Jan event you have purchased already, this one will be bigger and better than Monday's one! We'll have more time to promote it and get another 150-200 in the room

If you would like a refund, then please email me steve@stevetrister.com. Thanks for all the support over the last 7 months and please spread the word. A video with all the details will follow and be posted as soon I've let everyone know.

It will be a nightmare for you all to get there and for the sake of £20, its will be a lot of hassle. I also couldn't guarantee the size of the audience and who would stay at home because they just couldn't get in. 

I've also got my whole professional reputation riding on this event and couldn't risk it being sub standard event at the hope everyone will turn up. I know myself, when there's a tube strike I never head into town. 

I'll be doing a video within the next hour or so to explain all, but just wanted to let you know what was going on. I've been working on this for 7 months and have a wonderful team... Im gutted now BUT I know it all happens for a reason.

Thanks for your understanding

Steve "a little gutted right now" Trister

07970 480 216

So, today I was back on the fitness kick properly!

I cycled on my lovely mountain bike, below.....

To the Redbridge Cycling Centre about 3.5 miles from where I live. It's officially awesome (in my opinion). It has some superb tracks that can really knock the wind out of you. Great for fitness and superb for fun, what a great combination. Today I played on the MTB track (photo below) and it was wicked fun. I felt like a kid again! Really needed to let of some steam today and the was the perfect outlet.

Its at this point I thought I was going to die. Tingling in my left arm freaked me out too, then I realised I was cycling too close to stinging nettles, so I calmed down a little. 

Basically I was extremely tired but kept pushing. A couple of times, I nearly fell off! You'll be pleased to know, I didn't, I powered (struggled) through to the top. Then, what awaited me was just pure heaven. Another down hill decent, with twists, turns, jumps, I was lovin it.....then, guess what, go on have a guess!  Yep you got it, it was big old incline's little nephew, medium size incline..... not another bloody one....arggggggggggghhhhh. It wasn't as bad as the first, a nice and slow calf burning incline, you know the ones. Finally I made it back to the top!

The last two images are from the start of the track. Can't think of a better way to keep fit and have fun, in a lovely environment....   LOVE IT!

I'd like to say, this fitness kick, was inspired by Marc Lawn (@businessgp on Twitter) with his blog about losing 4 stone on his rowing machine, very inspirational, thanks dude! You can read it here http://ow.ly/27diW