E-Book Overview
Part inspirational memoir, part no-holds-barred survival guide, THE SHAOLIN WAY is the culminated learning of Steve DeMasco. The Shaolin Fighting Monks were born nearly 2,500 years ago in an ancient Buddhist temple in China. Simple farmers and worshipers who were constantly preyed upon by bandits and underhanded rulers, they developed a martial arts style to protect themselves, as well as a philosophy about life and living that still revered to this day. In THE SHAOLIN WAY, Steve uses inspirational stories from his own life to illustrate 10 important principles of individual growth - like getting rid of Ego, Learning to lose Control, not being a Victim and the power of Self-Worth - to prove that everyday people can overcome their own demons - not with fancy kung-fu kicks, but with the mindset of the ancient Shaolin Fighting Monks, who strive for enlightenment every day, and who have become an inspiration throughout the world. Steve DeMasco has since gone on to become a successful lecturer, writer, and instructor. His passion and enthusiasm is unparalleled. He speaks to rape victims, kids in colleges and schools and has throughout his career received accolades and great quotes from everyone he's come into contact with, including former President Bill Clinton.
E-Book Content
THE SHAOLIN WAY TEN MODERN SECRETS OF SURVIVAL FROM A SHAOLIN GRANDMASTER Steve DeMasco with Alli Joseph To the people who have majorly influenced my life, in the order in which they came into my life. My Mom, Carol G. DeMasco, the true Shaolin Disciple. Vinny Vecchionne, my boxing trainer, mentor, and the person who kept me in school. Paul Newman, the most generous, kind, and inspirational person I have ever met. President William J. Clinton, for all your faith and encouragement, and for making me feel that I was important to you and our country. Barry Mawn, one of the true heroes of 9/11. Thank you for your friendship and allowing me to be part of the greatest law enforcement agency in the world, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. My wife, Kelly; and my boys, Michael, Nicco, and Gianni— my inspiration for the rest of my life! It will all be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end. —A NONYMOUS CONTENTS Foreword by Abbott Shi Yongxin, China Songshang Shaolin Temple . . . . XI Introduction: The Myth of the Mountain . . . . XIII 1. S URVIVAL IS NOT ENOUGH . . . . 1 Are You Living to Live or Living to Die? . . . . 2 The 80/20 Technique . . . . 5 The Joyous Life . . . . 7 Growing out of Surviving and into Living . . . . 10 2. F OCUS + DISCIPLINE = ACCOMPLISHMENT . . . . 17 Distractions on the Road . . . . 21 Thirty Years of Focus, One Day to Prove It . . . . 26 The Art of Discipline . . . . 32 Monk for a Minute . . . . 32 Activity versus Accomplishment . . . . 34 Discipline at Any Age . . . . 37 CONTENTS vii 3.SS -E-W ELF ORTH COMES FROM ELF XAMINATION . . . . 41 Making Up for What You Think You Lack, and Knowing What You Have . . . . 43 Sara and the Training of a Shaolin Disciple . . . . 45 Stop Trying to Fit In . . . . 48 The Age of Low Self-Esteem . . . . 50 The Bully and the Master . . . . 52 Gaining Perspective . . . . 54 The Problem of Ego . . . . 56 The Ego Germ . . . . 58 Your Fluctuating Self-Worth . . . . 60 Failing, Again . . . . 62 The Monk in the Mirror . . . . 65 Wrapped Up in Ourselves . . . . 68 4. E VEN IN WEAKNESS, THERE IS STRENGTH . . . . 71 Yin and Yang . . . . 75 Fear, Weakness, and Control . . . . 77 Strong Steps on the Road . . . . 80 Big but Weak . . . . 85 5. V ICTIMS AREN’T BORN, THEY’RE BRED . . . . 89 Taking Responsibility . . . . 90 Ultimate Victimization . . . . 93 I Feel Like a Victim, but Am I Being