As a P&C Consultant and Coach, my daily life revolves around helping organizations create whole human employee experiences, and helping people to live the meaningful and fulfilled lives they desire. I'm passionate about creating a world where individuals choose to show their full selves while successfully navigating the fear of judgment, rejection or criticism that lives and breathes in most of us. This mission not only applies to my professional life but also extends into my personal pursuits, because one of the most important things to me in my practice and life is supporting stretch.
One such pursuit that has been transformative for me is learning how to box. Signing up for this was a stretch! On the surface, it might seem like a departure from my consulting and coaching work, but in reality, it's deeply connected to my beliefs about embracing our true selves and the human experience.
Boxing is not just about physical strength and agility; it's a mental and emotional challenge as well. When I step into the boxing ring, I'm confronted with my fears, doubts, and insecurities. It's a space where I have to stretch myself in all ways to become better.
Isn't this the essence of personal growth and human connection?
So what?
Learning to box has taught (and continues to teach) me a lot about vulnerability, empathy, resilience, self expression and acceptance.
Vulnerability: In boxing, you must be vulnerable (not physically!) and open to learning. You'll make mistakes, get hit, and sometimes feel defeated. Similarly, in life we need to embrace our vulnerabilities, acknowledge the parts of ourselves that we struggle with, and allow ourselves to learn and grow from our experiences.
Empathy: When sparring with an opponent, you learn to figure out their perspective and predict their moves. While I am still an extreme novice at this in the ring, I practice it thoroughly in life. Empathy is critical in the world, where understanding others' viewpoints and experiences is essential for fostering connection and minimizing judgment.
Resilience: Boxing tests your resilience. You face setbacks and challenges, but it's your determination and perseverance that help you improve. This resilience is valuable not only in the ring but also in addressing the complexities of the human experience. Trying to get my feet, mind, arms, eyes, and all the things on the same page at the same time is very humbling.
Self-Expression: This sport, like any art form, allows for self-expression. It's a medium through which I can convey my emotions, fears, and strengths. Encouraging self-expression in others can lead to a deeper understanding of their unique journeys and stories - being able to truly see them.
Acceptance: Just as I strive to create a world where people can be themselves regardless of what they fear, boxing continually teaches me to accept myself as I am in this present moment while striving to grow for my future. It reminds me that we're all on our own journeys, and our differences make us unique and beautiful. I do not reject that which is not like me, I get really curious about it.
In the end, learning how to box is a profound ongoing experience that continues expanding my understanding of myself, and human nature. It's a reminder that, like in the ring, life often requires us to stretch ourselves, face challenges, and embrace our true selves. By doing so, we can not only become better individuals but also contribute to a world where acceptance and curiosity thrive, just as they should.
What do you want to stretch?
Comments