When you first embark on a body mind training program whether it be martial arts, yoga or some sport where the mind is highly engaged, it is very easy to be enthusiastic about your practice. Everything is new and exciting. As months go by and the newness fades, it can prove difficult to maintain that same level of enthusiasm you had as a beginner. Sometimes, as time passes there are also increased demands on your time possibly leading to some feelings of anxiety about your training. What can you do to combat these feelings and how can remain enthusiastic years into your training program?
Well on one hand, we live in a big, throw away consumable society where virtually everything you want is available to those who have the means. We like new and exciting everything, not so unlike the child who quickly grows tired of his new Christmas or Birthday presents and his desire for the next toy or video game quickly resumes. Or the fashionable woman who doesn’t want to be caught in the same outfit twice. We like shiny and new and we’ll sell our very lives to get it.
On the other hand, the thrill of a fresh new relationship creates a level of excitement that draws on all of one’s seemingly endless energy for it. Is it love or simply lust? If you believe it is love and the feelings are mutual, it may even lead to marriage. There’s the beautiful ceremony and reception celebrating the two brought together as one. All of this is traditionally followed by honeymoon where, when possible, little expense is spared – we love to go all out if we can.
But then the honeymoon is over and “real life” takes over. How well do the newlyweds really know each other? What happens when one begins to feel overworked and underpaid or the other under appreciated? As children enter the picture grabbing much of the energy and attention and we become out of shape and less physically attractive things can seem to become routine. Same old,same old each day and your enthusiasm can easily be missed. But why? That is the question that must be answered in order to get beyond the superficial and go deeper to see what is below the surface.
Just how much depth exists? Your “why” of why you practice or train (or got married in the first place) creates big picture thinking. Your ability to give it meaning, your meaning, is what keeps you going and develops the most profound appreciation.
BodyMind Training, as in marriage, will give back based on what you put in. Not mindless life sucking energy expenditure, but a direct connection to your practice as with your spouse. To get to know each other intimately is to give your full attention to all that is there.
When you use the big picture, your “why” your reason, you will find that not only is it easier to maintain your practice but you won’t keep re-thinking the decision that you already made due to the normal ups and downs of the experience.
In addition, another useful tool is to remind yourself of when it was new and exciting. Why you began your training in the first place – what did you expect to gain before the novelty wore off and the pressures of life got in the way?
Your reasons may change, as you do, but without being able to see the big picture, you will always be on shaky ground and looking for the big thrill. Sometimes, it is through the low periods that we experience the greatest periods of growth without even realizing it. Learning to ride out the ups and downs of any experience is part of the journey. Only you can decide how meaningful and worthwhile that journey really is for you.