Dante Sisofo’s Health & Fitness Philosophy

Dante Sisofo’s approach to health and fitness is rooted in vitality, discipline, and mastery—not aesthetics or ego. The body is not for show, but a sacred vessel for carrying out one’s creative and spiritual purpose. Every aspect of health—movement, nourishment, rest, and sunlight—is aligned with nature, not convenience.

He embraces a primal lifestyle, living in tune with the rhythms of the earth, the sun, and the body’s natural intelligence.

The ultimate goal: to have the vitality to never miss another sunrise again—
to rise each day full of strength, presence, and power to create as an artist.

🧠 Mind-Body-Spirit Integration

Fitness is a discipline of the soul, not just the flesh.
Believes that physical health is mental health—and together, they produce spiritual health.
With a strong body and focused mind comes a resilient spirit, and from this, the artist thrives.
Strength, yoga, walking, and breath are tied to spiritual practices—rooted in asceticism and Christian mysticism.

☀️ Movement, Sun & Primal Rhythm

Maximizes sun exposure—outdoors from morning to evening, absorbing light for hormone balance and natural rhythm.
Walks constantly throughout the day—never sedentary, always in motion.
Follows OMAD (One Meal A Day)—fasting until sunset, then eating, recovering, and sleeping in full alignment with nature.
Lives outside all day, breathing fresh air, observing life, and embodying primal presence.

🥩 Carnivore-Based Diet + Ancestral Fuel

Eats only red meat, primarily beef, with occasional fermented kimchi for gut balance.
Drinks only black coffee and water—no sugars, no stimulants beyond what nature provides.
Supplements with beef liver, raw milk, raw honey, and raw cheese for strength and deep nourishment.
Buys two whole cows per year directly from a local Amish farmer in Lancaster, taking ownership of food and freedom.
Cooks exclusively with beef tallow, ghee, and butter—never seed oils or industrial fats.
No grains. No processed foods. No compromise.

🧘 Weekly Training Structure

Maintains a focused, efficient routine including:
Boxing for sharpness, reaction, and inner fire.
Ashtanga Yoga for breath control, mobility, and inner peace.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for explosiveness and time-efficient cardiovascular fitness.

🏋️ Minimalist Full-Body Training

Prefers short 10–15 minute full-body routines, centered on compound movements.
Trains with a 40 lb weighted vest, including during hikes and bodyweight workouts.
Uses gymnastic rings for outdoor strength training and control-based movement.
No machines, no fluff—just raw movement with barbell, breath, sweat, and soul.

👣 Barefoot & Functional Living

Wears barefoot shoes to strengthen posture, balance, and connection to the ground.
Chooses natural movement over artificial motion—pull-up bars, rings, dumbbells, and long trail walks.
Lives by this principle: sunlight, sweat, stillness, and solitude.

🌿 Recovery Through Nature, Solitude & Water

Walks in woods and natural spaces to center the nervous system.
Practices silence, stillness, and solitude—rituals of mental clarity and spiritual reset.
Recovers with hot Epsom salt baths followed by cold showers—to flush inflammation, regulate the nervous system, and renew the body.

🛌 Sleep Philosophy: Sacred Restoration

Prioritizes 8–12 hours of deep, high-quality sleep every night.
Goes to bed as early as possible, typically around 8-9PM and rising around 4-5AM.
Views sleep as non-negotiable—the base of clarity, energy, and creative vitality.

🧱 Core Foundations

Discipline over dopamine – Trains the will, not the ego.
Strength as virtue – Not just muscle, but moral and spiritual fortitude.
Minimalist, timeless methods – No gimmicks. Just presence, repetition, and devotion.
Sacrifice for purpose – Health is in service of art, legacy, and future family.

I never feel alone because the light of Christ dwells within me

Dante Sisofo – 29 Years old Flex

May 15, 2025 – Philadelphia

Why the Best Street Photography Reminds Us We’re Going to Die

Rainy day in Philadelphia. What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante. Getting my morning started here in the Centennial Arboretum.

Rainy day. Check it out. It’s beautiful.

Today’s Thought: The Best Photos Remind Us We’re Bound by Gravity

What does that mean?

So we are flesh creatures. We cut, we bleed, we feel sorrow, pain, and greed. We lust for the flesh of others. And we are imperfect by design.

And that imperfection—I find it beautiful.

The fact that we have a timeline…
We have an expiration date…
And that we will—and must—die.

“When you’re photographing life, maybe it’s best to remind ourselves that we are finite.”

Maybe it’s best to remind the viewer of the photograph that they, too, will die.
Which may sound morbid and morose—but it’s actually beautiful and uplifting to the spirit.

The Zest of Mortality

When I remind myself of this very fact, it fuels me with a love and zest and enthusiasm for life itself, where I recognize health as our ultimate sign of wealth.

It’s about championing the everyday, the mundane existence of our lives, and those small moments that otherwise go unnoticed.

Moments that remind us we are:

Imperfect
Emotional
Mortal

Moments of:

Anger
Frustration
Sorrow
Grief
And yes—even joy.

“The photographs that showcase the complexities of life—its ups and downs, smiles and frowns—those are the best photographs we can make. For that is what it means to be human.”

Snapshotting the Everyday

So through the process of snapshotting my way through life using a compact camera like the Ricoh GR—
got the Ricoh shirt on, it’s my favorite shirt—
I keep this idea in mind.

Today is my birthday. I turned 29 years old.
And so I remind myself—I’m one year older now.

121 and Beyond?

I know about this physiological phenomenon called epigenetics. And I think:
If I stay in this park for the rest of my life…
Stay fasted all day…
Eat satiating foods…
Get good sleep…

Yeah—I might just make it to 121.
Surpassing Moses.

Life, Death, and Trees

So we are here in the park.

The leaves have bloomed.
The flowers are lush.
The rain is falling.
The trees are growing.
And they, too, will fall.
One day—they will die.

“A lot of the time, I spend my time in the park picking up dead trees.”

Branches break.
Leaves wither.
They wash away.
They perish.

So I think that through photographing these things—the withering, dying, and decaying—
Whether natural things or people…

We can evoke the philosophy of impermanence in our photography.

Final Thought: Make a Photograph

Think about how you can evoke the imperfection of life in your work.

Think about how you can remind the viewer—they are finite.

“For I believe that can light a spark in the viewer. That can elevate their spirit.”

And through that recognition, they’re looking at a photograph…
A slice of time, immortalized.

Maybe…
Maybe that can inspire.

Maybe that can motivate.

Maybe it can remind them to:

Be present
Enjoy the small things
Champion their everyday life

And yeah—

“Maybe you can’t live forever… but at least you can make a photograph.”

John Milton – Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost

by John Milton
Penguin Classics Edition

Overview

Paradise Lost is a 17th-century epic poem in blank verse that tells the story of the fall of man, inspired by the biblical narrative in Genesis. Written by John Milton after he had gone blind, the poem is a monumental work of English literature, aiming to “justify the ways of God to men.”

Major Themes

Free Will vs. Predestination
Milton explores the tension between divine omniscience and human freedom, highlighting Adam and Eve’s ability to choose and Satan’s defiance of divine order.
The Nature of Evil
Through Satan’s prideful rebellion, Milton examines the origin of evil—not as something created by God, but as the result of misuse of free will.
Disobedience and the Fall
The central act—Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit—ushers in suffering and mortality, yet also sets the stage for eventual redemption.
Heroism and Redemption
While Satan exhibits classical heroic traits, true heroism lies in obedience, humility, and perseverance, especially as seen in the Son of God.

Key Characters

Satan
Once the most glorious of angels, Satan rebels against God and is cast into Hell. He is charismatic, complex, and rhetorically brilliant, often stealing the spotlight.
Adam & Eve
The first humans, living in innocent harmony in the Garden of Eden before their fall. Their dynamic evolves from unity to blame and then reconciliation.
God the Father
Omniscient and just, he foresees the fall but allows it to preserve human freedom.
The Son (Jesus Christ)
Voluntarily offers himself as a future sacrifice to redeem humankind.
The Archangels (Michael & Raphael)
Serve as messengers and guides to Adam, explaining the celestial war and warning him of temptation.

Structure

The poem is divided into 12 books, echoing Virgil’s Aeneid. The narrative moves fluidly between:

The aftermath of the heavenly war,
Satan’s journey to Earth,
The temptation and fall of man,
Prophecies of redemption.

Famous Lines

“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” — Satan, Book I

“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” — Satan, Book I

“Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.” — God, Book III

Conclusion

Paradise Lost is more than just a retelling of Genesis—it is a theological, political, and philosophical epic that reflects Milton’s deep engagement with scripture, rebellion, and the human condition. Despite Satan’s seductive rhetoric, the poem ultimately celebrates obedience, redemption, and the mysterious justice of God.

Cherubim

The word cherubim (plural of cherub) comes from the Hebrew word כְּרוּב (kerūv, singular) and כְּרוּבִים (kerūvîm, plural). Here’s a breakdown of its etymology and historical context:

Etymology:

Hebrew: kerūv (כְּרוּב) — a type of celestial being mentioned frequently in the Hebrew Bible.

Akkadian Origin: Likely derived from the Akkadian word karabu, meaning “to bless” or “to be great/mighty,” and related to kurību, a term used for intercessory beings (such as protective spirits or throne bearers).

Greek/Latin Transmission:

Greek: Χερουβίμ (cheroubím) — transliteration of the Hebrew plural.

Latin: cherubim — adopted directly from Greek for use in the Vulgate Bible.

Meaning and Role:

In the Bible, cherubim are not “baby angels” (as in Renaissance art), but rather powerful and majestic beings who:

Guard sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24).

Support the throne of God (Ezekiel’s vision).

Appear in the Ark of the Covenant, whose lid (the mercy seat) is flanked by golden cherubim.

So, the root idea is that cherubim are guardians and intermediaries, linked etymologically to blessing, protection, and divine majesty.

Pick up the flaming sword

May 14, 2025 – Philadelphia

Why Street Photography Is More Than Just People

What’s poppin people? It’s Dante, currently out on the streets of Philadelphia—walking down Samson Street, observing angles, textures, and thinking about something important:

Why you should photograph more than just people in your street photography.

Infinite Novelty on Familiar Streets

When I’m out photographing, I don’t just look for people. I look at infrastructure, buildings, abandoned lots, and how things change. Like today—there’s the Blue Cross building in the background, and I’m using a fence to frame it in a new way.

It becomes a fun challenge:
How can I frame the same thing over and over and still find novelty?

That’s what street photography is to me.

“Find infinite complexity in the street—even when it feels mundane.”

Perspective Is Everything

Sometimes photography feels like a chore. But that’s only if you walk the same lane every day without looking deeper.
Hold your camera differently. Use:

High vantage points
Low angles
Frames within frames

Unlocking new visual perspectives unlocks mental ones too.

Go Slow. Feel the Ground.

I walk in Vibram FiveFingers ELX.
Barefoot-style. Minimal. Intentional.

“When you walk barefoot, you slow down. You feel the ground. And when you feel the ground, you start to notice textures—on the walls, on the streets, everywhere.”

Photography becomes tactile.
It’s not just light and shadow—it’s texture.

Black and White to Abstract Reality

When I shoot in black and white, I strip the world of color and:

“Achieve more novelty by abstracting reality.”

It forces me to pay closer attention—to texture, to form, to feeling.

If you’re curious about how I shoot:
👉 Visit dantesisofo.com and check the Start Here page for my Ultimate Ricoh GR Guide.

Or catch videos on
🎥 youtube.com/streetphotography

Expand Your Visual Diet

We often limit ourselves because we’ve studied photo books or modern trends too much. But:

Follow your curiosity, not the crowd.

Tinker with compositions.
Play with angles.
Don’t take it so seriously.

Change the Street, Change Your Brain

There’s real science to this:

“Walking new streets rewires your brain. It builds new neural pathways.”

Even just switching sides of the street opens up a fresh perspective. The mundane becomes new.

Make Something Out of Nothing

Lately, I’ve been moving beyond candid people shots—photographing:

Walls
Decay
Random textures
Writing on the ground

“I’m trying to make something out of nothing. That’s more fun.”

Each Shutter Click Is Life Affirmation

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s to press the shutter.
To say yes to life.

“Each click is a question. Each photo is curiosity. That’s the cycle.”

This process:

Increases your curiosity
Produces more work
Documents your growth

That’s the journey.

Photography Is Physical

Street photography demands presence.
It requires you to:

Walk
Observe
Move your body
Adjust your angles
Compose with your hands, eyes, and intuition

“The camera becomes an extension of your body.”

Flow, Bliss, and Subconscious Seeing

When you move, you enter the flow state.
In that state, you:

Find joy
Reflect your inner feeling into the photo
Photograph from the emotional, not just the visual

“Follow what makes you enthusiastic. That’s where you find truth.”

Remain an Amateur

I want to stay an amateur.
I never want to feel like I’ve “done it all.”

“Each day is day one. Each photo could be my last.”

That gratitude changes everything.
It makes each shutter click feel sacred.

Your Next Photo Is Your Best Photo

Forget yesterday’s photo. It’s over.
The only one that matters?

Your next photo.

Mortality and Meaning

Sometimes I photograph decay—like textures fading on a wall. It reminds me:

“I, too, am a finite flesh creature. I cut, I bleed. I lust. I feel sorrow. I am imperfect.”

And that’s okay.

“Maybe you can’t live forever—but at least you can make a photograph.”

Final Thought: Photograph Through Your Life

So here’s the message:

Don’t overthink it.
Don’t wait for the perfect subject.
Don’t plan too much.

“Just take your camera for the ride and snapshot your way through life.”

Walk aimlessly. Embrace the unknown.
And maybe—just maybe—you’ll put some order into the chaos and make something beautiful.

YOU CAN’T PUT ME IN A BOX

May 13, 2025 – Philadelphia

How Joy Guides My Photography

What’s poppin people? It’s Dante.

Today’s thought is about photography and the relationship to joy—the feeling of bliss that you find through making pictures and living your everyday life.

Snapshots of Joy

My goal as a photographer is simple: to produce more photographs.

But not through force. I just want to live my everyday life and bring my camera for the ride—snapshotting my way through the world. That, to me, is the ultimate place to be as a photographer.

“It gives me this ability to find meaning in the mundane and find so much more joy in my everyday life.”

Joy is what I follow. What brings me joy, I photograph. That’s the rule.

Morning Light and Bliss

So when I follow the light—photographing in the early mornings, like right now in the park—when I’m simply following the sun rising, photographing all the things around me that are natural and beautiful, I feel this overwhelming sensation of bliss and happiness.

Is that such a bad thing?

“After all, you know how to be happy. It’s very simple.”

Remove the Noise

I’ve found that through removing all the noise and distractions of modern life and focusing on what truly matters, you can thrive—even in this chaotic world.

Walk the nature path.
Wander your favorite street.
Follow the rhythm of how you like to create.

That brings me more joy than forcing myself to go to a busy market or a packed event. Yesterday there was this art fair at Rittenhouse Square—but it was cramped. Tents everywhere. Like fish in a barrel. I didn’t even walk around. I just didn’t feel the pull.

So instead I:

Spent time in the park.
Walked along the outskirts of the city.
Photographed cliffs and rivers.

That’s what felt right.

The Rhythm of Everyday Life

If you follow the rhythm that brings you joy, everything else will fall into place photographically.

“If you go to the places that bring you that feeling of joy, I believe you’ll make your best photographs.”

You don’t need a plan. Let that inner curiosity lead you. That’s when the best photos come. Not from a preconceived idea, but from presence.

Let Go of the Result

So often, we have this idea in the back of our head of where we should go to get the “good shot.” But when you let go of the result—detach from expectations—you find more joy in how you make pictures.

“Life’s too short to live like it’s a bore or a chore.”

A lot of people treat photography like it’s a task. A duty. But when you allow the process to become seamless with your lifestyle and routine, everything starts to align. The photos begin to resonate.

Reveal Your Soul

The real goal of an artist?

“Not only to reveal the soul of the street as a photographer, but also the soul of you as an artist.”

Photograph where you feel sacred. Where you feel bliss. Where the process itself brings you meaning.

Photography is writing with light. It gives you a voice. It gives you a canvas. The world is your paper. The light is your ink.

A Full-Body Experience

Photography isn’t just visual.

It’s physical – walking endlessly, being present.
It’s mental – composing layers and elements.
It’s emotional and spiritual – entering the eternal now.

“Photography is about going out there and having an adventure each day.”

It’s play. It’s presence. It’s joy. It’s a lust for life.

Movement is My Meditation

Stillness matters sometimes, but I thrive through motion.

“When I enter a flow state, it’s through the act of moving my body, through the act of making a picture, through me actually being physical. For me, that is meditation.”

Stillness lets the mind shut down. And that’s when the best photos come—when you’re not thinking, but following your intuition.

The Thought of the Day

Embrace the physicality. Move around a scene. Photograph it. That’s where the meaning comes.

“Follow your joy and just find joy in everyday life experiences through photography.”

The world is full of infinite wonder. And with a camera in hand?

Anything’s possible. Everything is meaningful.

Just follow the light.

Night Routine Is More Important Than Morning Routine

Most people focus on their morning routine, but the truth is: your night sets the tone for everything that follows.

The Downward Spiral

If you’re up late at night scrolling through TikTok, X, YouTube, or watching TV in bed, your next morning is already compromised. You’ll wake up feeling drained. Your sleep will be shallow. And your mind will be foggy and restless. Even worse—you’ll be setting yourself up for another late night.

The Upward Spiral

But if you come home from boxing, break your fast with real nourishment—grass fed red meat, pasture raised organic eggs, raw milk, raw cheese, raw honey, and some fermented kimchi—then get in a hot bath, take a cold shower, and tuck yourself in bed as early as possible, you’ll wake up feeling unstoppable.

You might naturally wake up at 4:30 AM, without an alarm. Energy and creativity will flow through you effortlessly. Editing photos, making slideshows, recording video lectures—big tasks will feel light.

The Cycle of Mastery

Repeat the same process the next morning:

Hot bath
Cold shower
Strap on a 40 lb plate carrier
Hit the weights in your home gym

Don’t frame this as self-improvement or punishment. This is what self-mastery looks like. To become excellent is to build habits of excellence—and rise upward, day after day.

Morning Flow

Once you’ve finished deep work in the morning, go outside and enter into deep prayer and gratitude.

Thank God for the strength in your body. For your health as your wealth. And from that abundance—let joy flow through your day.

Future Islands – Balance

“Balance” is a song by Future Islands, released in 2011 as the lead single from their third studio album, On the Water. It’s one of their most emotionally resonant and lyrically optimistic tracks, carried by Samuel T. Herring’s raw, expressive vocals, Gerrit Welmers’ shimmering synths, and William Cashion’s melodic basslines.

Themes & Meaning:

The central message of “Balance” is about resilience and emotional perseverance. It acknowledges the weight of life’s struggles but insists that things get better if you keep moving forward. The chorus repeats:

“You can’t be strong all the time / Sometimes you just need to step away and think things through”

It’s a meditation on the emotional balancing act we all go through—between strength and vulnerability, movement and stillness, chaos and calm. The lyrics encourage us to take time to pause, reflect, and then continue onward, trusting that progress isn’t always linear, but it’s possible.

Sound & Style:

Musically, “Balance” features:

New wave/post-punk revival vibes

Pulsing synths and a warm bass groove

Herring’s signature growls and tender croons, blending passion with a kind of theatrical vulnerability

It’s melancholic but hopeful, a signature Future Islands blend—making it a fan favorite and an accessible entry point to their discography.

May 12, 2025 – Philadelphia

How to Evoke the Sublime in a Photograph

Listen to the beautiful birds. So beautiful.

What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante.

Currently walking around alongside these cliffs in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Today I’m thinking about something deeper: how to make a sublime photograph.

What Is the Sublime in Photography?

You know, what does it even mean to make a sublime photograph? Why sublime?

When I’m looking at the world around me, a lot of times, the most mundane things evoke emotional responses. I’ll look at dew drops on a leaf or the grandeur of nature, and something inside me says yes. I put four corners around it and create an image. But that visualization and creation of something sublime? That’s not easy.

“To evoke the sublime, one must go beyond beauty and elevate the mundane to an extraordinary height.”

It’s not just about seeing. It’s about feeling. It comes through a mental and emotional state of being — a response to the life right in front of you.

Practical Ways to Evoke the Sublime

There are some very simple, practical ways to begin:

Use light and shadow intentionally.
Find emotional resonance with what’s in front of you.
Shoot with childlike wonder.

Like this moment — I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, and this kid just runs right into my frame. Dramatic sky, light piercing through storm clouds, children playing underneath all of it. Spontaneous. Unscripted. Sublime.

“Despite returning to the same location daily, I feel something — every single time.”

Nature’s Grandeur and the Photographer’s Task

From this cliff, I see the Schuylkill River, the boathouses, Greek-inspired structures, trees, wind brushing my skin. I’m reminded:

“The goal of the photographer is to extract from the ordinary and uplift it to a transcendental height.”

Even if I’ve stood here a thousand times, I’m still struck by it. The water flows, the clouds shift, and I’m reminded of the vastness of life — and my tiny part in it. It humbles you.

The Interconnectedness of It All

To truly make a sublime image:

Stand on the edge of danger. Let it remind you you’re alive.
Look out towards the horizon. Let awe enter your bones.
Recognize the connection between everything — children running, stars above, cells within your body.

“There’s something powerful in realizing everything is connected — and flowing.”

Watching water rush reminds me that I too am always changing, always evolving. It’s not just visual — it’s spiritual.

Technical Aesthetic for the Sublime

We can uplift that feeling aesthetically, too. Through:

High contrast black and white
Crushed shadows
Exposing for highlights
Playing on that edge between order and chaos

By making those decisions with intention, the mundane becomes something far more. Something sacred.

“Through the use of a camera, we can visualize the sublime — an image that goes beyond beauty.”

Final Reflection

So yeah… how do you evoke the sublime?

You feel.
You appreciate.
You become aware.

Even the simplest things — birds chirping, gnats buzzing, kids laughing, light through clouds — everything can be lifted to a higher place through the act of noticing. And that’s what the photograph captures.

That’s the sublime.

—

Be Careful What You Wish For

Be Careful What You Wish For

I’m currently reading Metamorphoses by Ovid. It’s a collection of ancient Roman poetry—some short, some long—but man, there are so many to dive into. It’s actually overwhelming, but so beautiful and elegant to read casually, and I’ve been taking my time with it.

The most recent story I recall is of King Midas. You’ve heard of that idea—the Midas touch? I’ve always known the saying: everything he touches turns to gold. But I never actually read the myth itself. It’s pretty powerful when you finally find the source of these modern-day sayings or archetypes that stand the test of time.

Don’t Follow Your Desire?

King Midas wished upon the god he worshipped, Bacchus (Dionysus), that everything he touched would turn to gold. He desired wealth and material treasures on this earthly plane. However, once his wish was granted, he realized its fatal flaw.

When he went to eat bread, it turned to gold dust. When he tried to drink wine, the glass shattered into gold. He could not even nourish himself. Now that his wish had been granted—now that he followed his desire—it became a curse. He then pleaded for it to be taken away and washed the curse away in a river.

The moral of the story: Be careful what you wish for.

Midas then despised wealth and luxury, and went to worship the simple, rustic god who played the pipes—Pan. However, in judging a music competition between Pan and Apollo, Midas said that the pipes were better. Because of this, Apollo punished him by giving him donkey ears.

Midas was simply being a contrarian, avoiding the true beauty of Apollo’s performance out of pride and arrogance.

The moral of the story: Foolish pride leads to disgrace.

Choose Wisdom

In Aladdin, there’s a scene where he enters the mouth of a snake—the Cave of Wonders. Inside, he’s surrounded by shining treasure and material riches. But there’s one rule: if you take anything but the chosen treasure, you’ll be trapped inside forever.

Despite the temptation, Aladdin chooses correctly. He doesn’t grab at the gold. He chooses the lamp—the vessel of the genie. And through the genie, he is granted a deeper kind of power: wisdom, transformation, freedom.

Choose the genie in the bottle. Choose wisdom over the illusion of wealth. Don’t be tricked by glittering surfaces. True treasure is the wisdom that sets you free.

Would You Rather Be a Docile Donkey or a Lion?

If you had to choose between being a docile donkey and a lion, wouldn’t you rather be the ferocious lion?

Think of a lion and the way it lives its life—chilling out on the hill, basking in the sunlight, using its physical powers. The lion is the king. The lion, full of vitality, goes for its hunt and then spends the rest of the day with its pack, its tribe. Lions don’t need to move too fast. They can chill out because of their grandeur, their excellence, their strength.

I remember riding a donkey in Jericho. They truly are a pain in the ass… ha ha. Every time you try to ride, it would knock you off. It’s almost like you had to put a carrot on a stick just to keep it moving. They don’t like being ridden. You have to butter them up, give them treats, and make them docile so they obey.

Now use this as a metaphor for modern-day man—living a mostly sedentary lifestyle, with comfortable environments, Uber Eats at our disposal, unlimited food options, and endless entertainment. It’s very easy to become a docile donkey. But it’s very difficult to become a lion.

The more difficult path—towards vitality—will ultimately lead to freedom. The easy path—towards mediocrity—leads to slavery.

While Jesus is often seen as the sacrificial lamb, when he’s mentioned as the Lion of Judah, it provides a powerful metaphor and blueprint to live by. Yes—sacrifice, suffering, and pain are necessary for growth. But one must also find vitality and thrive through chaos, becoming the lion.

Humans Are Like Wells

When I spent time in Zambia, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer working in fish farming, I remember the center of the village had two things: a church, and a well.

Every morning, families gathered with buckets on their heads to bring home water for the day. Without the well, there would be no village. Without this source of vitality, there would be no nourishment for the tribe.

To dig these wells, you have to start in a very particular location. You can’t just plop a well down anywhere—you must dig with intention to tap into the source. A good well is always connected to the source. It takes work and effort to dig deep.

Not only does the well provide physical vitality, but the church at the center offers spiritual nourishment. By gathering at the church, the tribe strives upward, toward the divine.

What I’m still most blown away by, in comparing the United States to Zambia, is that the people are so much happier.

How are people in these rural villages happier than Americans—despite having to draw water from a well?

We have tap water at our fingertips, Uber rides, food delivery, and endless entertainment. Yet, I believe we lack spiritual vitality.

These villages gather in church, filling themselves with spiritual vitality through Christ, and they shine. You feel their energy. It’s palpable.

So, perhaps the church is the true source. And when I think of Jesus’s saying—“The kingdom of heaven is within you”—it really rings true.

Your perception shapes your reality.

If you’re full of anxiety, depression, or negative thoughts—you’re creating hell within. Physical and mental weakness leads to spiritual weakness.

But through digging—through suffering, strife, and struggle—you tap into the source. You tap into Christ.

Then you become nourished spiritually, which overflows as vitality. You become like a well full of love that pours out onto others.

Now that you’re tapped into the source—Christ—nothing can break your spirit or lust for life.

Your body becomes a cathedral, a temple, and a well—overflowing with abundance, for others to drink from.

A Goblin With Gold Is Still a Goblin With Gold

Let’s do a thought experiment.

There is a king sitting atop a castle, surrounded by infinite luxury, goods, and pleasures. Yet he is obese, ugly, and weak. He doesn’t go outside. He has everything the material world could offer—but he’s not truly happy.

He still clings to desire. Still wants more. All his treasure piles up, but he lacks joy and peace.

Meanwhile, a barefoot sage frolics in the garden outside the castle walls. He tends the land and gardens each day, cultivating crops for the king. The barefoot sage is joyful, full of vitality, basking in the sun, smiling at the sunrise. He doesn’t have much, but he’s alive and grateful.

Would you rather be the barefoot sage or the goblin with gold?

A goblin with gold is still just a goblin—with endless desire but no contentment, peace, or joy. So choose the source, not the surface—live like the lion, dig like the well, and let your spirit overflow.

Author name: Dante Sisofo