Safety & Growth

The Roman philosopher Tacitus wisely observed, “The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise. If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.”

I have used this quote in our training manuals because it is incredibly relevant to what we do at Empowered. Many of our students are at an age where they have been hurt or injured. Many of us (myself included) have become hyper sensitive to safety and afraid to try new movements or push our edge in a position or movement. The fear, I have personally found within my own body, creates a sense of tightness and holding on that permeates my whole being. It doesn’t let me challenge myself. It keeps me safe yet like Tactitus states it prevents me from growing.

Safety is first and most important. Challenging yourself is also important! No challenge, no growth and without growth stagnation will set in. Challenging yourself comes in many forms. You’ll know when you are challenged by simply focus on your breathing and movement technique. When either technique is challenged and you don’t let it flounder you are growing. This is what I call your edge. Mindfulness has an edge to it. As you learn to continually hone your focus use your breath and technique as barometer for challenge.

-- Johnny