What does that even mean?

“Meta” is a Greek prefix that means “beyond” or “behind”, referring to something transcendent.  “Physics” refers to the physical world.  “Metaphysics” is the philosophy of existence.

When I talk about “Applied Metaphysics”, I’m talking about the practice of bringing things into existence: using the powers of the mind to change the physical world.

When something comes from your mind into the real world through actions, that is applied metaphysics.  Let’s break it down:

1. You have a vision of something you want to achieve or a change you want to make.
2. You turn that vision into words and plans, diagrams and strategies.
3. You turn those words into actions, little changes and habits you act on every day.
4. The thing you had in your vision gradually comes to be.

That is why we do push-ups.

Everything in the gym and in the realm of fitness and exercise is a form of applied metaphysics.  We have a vision of physical achievements, of vitality and liveliness, of a better physique, or of gold medals.  We talk about our vision and learn about what it will take, building energy around it, gathering tools and supporters and mentors.  We accumulate habits and practice them for years, slowly expanding our abilities and grinding-away at that goal.  Eventually we get there, or we get close, and we learn some major lessons about life and the universe and how all this works.

If you’ve ever gone after anything and achieved anything, then you know something about how this principle works.  And,

“If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything.”

― Miyamoto Musashi

Once you’ve learned how to do push-ups, you can learn how to get a college degree or write a novel or run a marathon.  You can change your world.  Then you can use this principle to change ANYTHING in your world.  And, hopefully, you can use this principle to effect change on a larger scale. You can change your family dynamics, change your community, change the world.

So go do push-ups.  Teach other people to do push-ups.  Push-ups can change the world.