Authenticity, Fitness and Body Joy

[sabrinamari]

My dear friend pagandelight posted this as a locked post on his livejournal, but has graciously allowed me to repost it here, with a few small changes. It exquisitely captures the links between fitness and authenticity:


I came across a great article by ultramarathon runner Anton Krupicka yesterday called, On Being Real: Distilling the essence of why I run trails. http://www.runningtimes.com/Print.aspx?articleID=22172

This captures so much of what I feel about running beyond fitness — that through such intense physical exertion and endurance, the external trappings and stories fall away, and the rawness of self can be touched — if only briefly. I don't run ultras (and don't know if I really would want to), but I do run long distances and in nature whenever possible, and Anton nails it on the head.

A couple of quotes from the article:

“Daily, I want to live an authentic life — one that feels real and true — and the most trusted authenticity and beauty I know of is the kind that is found in the mountains and the natural world in general.”

“Each time I get out in the mountains and run to a summit I am entering a creative space where what I am creating is not something material but rather a singular and unique experience relative to my strengths, weaknesses, situation and previous experience-base, and as such each run in the mountains is an invaluable opportunity for learning, growth and creative self-expression.”

“Running as much as I do is a lifestyle, and racing with others is a celebration of that lifestyle, a public and collaborative expression of the thousands of hours spent honing a specific craft and art. Without the consistency and discipline of my daily running ritual, however, these depths would never be accessible, so in the mundane habit is where the true work is done.”

“While exquisitely painful, this latter scenario embodies that most primal of activities: simply charging through the woods at my personal apogee of effort until there are no more woods to charge through because I've finally reached the top. In this painful primality, however, my being is reduced and refined to its most authentic state — there is no pretending and, unlike Howard Campbell, Jr., no one would ever be able to mistaken me for something I’m not."

Word.

Comments

[ingridsummers.livejournal.com]

Fitness is something that has been on my mind for many reasons. What I have discovered is that I want to move my body in the morning. I like leaving my house at 6:15 and arriving at the gymn before almost anyone else. I'm actually enjoying my 30 minutes on the treadmill. I'm curious about weight training and will be looking into that - not immediately. I'm working on changing the "field" so that I can make a change that sticks. I also think that on those days when I'm not going to the gym in the morning, I'm going to start doing 10 minutes of Yoga. Netflix has a 10 minute power Yoga download I can follow along with.

All small, but important baby steps towards living authentically in THIS body.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm very happy to hear this. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, it won't stick. Loving what you do is so important! Exploring the possibilities will help you discover what's meant for your delight.

Sometimes at FSG, I go run/walking during the morning. This usually happens during the first couple of days, before I start staying up so late. Some years, I even bring weights. If you like, I can come get you when I work out.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

oops, that was me. Also. check out this Henry Rollins clip on the evils of McDonald's (not sfw but oh the pleasure of it...):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j9DhBSn8tE&feature=youtu.be

[the-smith-e.livejournal.com]

I find great power in my boxing workouts when I do them intensely at multiple levels. The post above also ties to both Stoic concepts of training and heathen concepts of mind and body.

I plan to bring my gear to Beltane and FSG this year, partially as someone asked to train with me and hopefully to get me to do it. I am pondering doing more next year.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

Neat! People at FSG may look at you funny, but don't pay them any mind. Just keeping being unconventional, and do your boxing thing.

I think it's a sign of sanity.

When I go running early mornings at Beltaine or FSG, sleepy people stand around gaping at me with amazement like I'm crazy.

When I feel self-conscious, I blow them kisses.

I am not sure this will work for you.

[ingridsummers.livejournal.com]

I would like that but have to admit to feeling intimidated by the difference in our ability levels.

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

I feel this way when I sing, or when I'm playing the piano. I am my truest, most authentic self when I am challenging myself to higher notes, bigger chords, more complex rhythms. I am most at peace when I am surrounded by music---and I don't need anyone else with me. Just me, the notes, and the air that I breathe. Bliss.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I'd love to hear you sing. I was so impressed and amazed when you spoke of performing the Flower Duet! So beautiful...

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping to take my first voice lessons this summer, along with the math class. I'm looking forward to it!

We'll both be at FSG---we'll have to do some singing then. :) I might be bringing my autoharp this year, for use at the witch school. I think I'm going to be helping Gerri with teaching kids chants---I'm going to teach them to make some musical instruments, too!

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

One more thing, honey: I am making a trip up in about a week and want to talk with you about it. Are you available by phone later?

I'm thinking maybe we could get that bath class in.

[sligoe.livejournal.com]

Sure---call any time.