What better day to discuss service than today, where we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr?
So often in martial arts we only see things through our own self-centered lens. We come to class to make ourselves better. We do what we think is best for us. We prioritize our well being and progress.
And, there’s really nothing wrong with that.
However, it can be helpful to also approach our training with the idea of service in mind. Showing up to help others is a great way to, well, show up in the first place!
Truly, the mental challenge of training long term is the most difficult. It can be nearly impossible to see our progress at times, and the call of more mundane activities can be strong. If we only show up when we think we will get something tangible out of it, then our attendance and consistency is dependent on our feelings for the day.
But if we approach training as a service — that we show up not only for ourselves, but for everyone else — then that can often tip our habits in the right direction. Because at the end of the day, health is a habit.
Your presence may not feel particularly important, especially in a large room. But the rooms are large and the energy is high simply because people, like you, have shown up!
An environment where everyone is committed to serving their partners is an extremely productive one. It creates a positive feedback loop where what we collectively put in is lesser than what we collectively can pull out and share.
So today, of all days, make sure to get to the academy. If not for you, than for everyone else.
Bonus points if you smell nice, too 🙂
See you on the mats!