Sparring

As I hit the tatami, I see red, blue, and black, I feel its rough sponginess, and hear my bones crack. Martial arts have been an on-and-off part of my life for years.

Occasionally, I find pleasure in the intensity of physical training, the rush of adrenaline, the sweat, and the accelerated heart rate. Despite the possibility of being hit, I keep moving, focusing on my breath and movements. During that hour, I forget about everything else and can be a frail yet powerful human being, alive and in motion. I gain a sense of energy and vitality each time I push myself to the limits of this physicality. This instisity revitalizes me and motivates me to come back.

As I hit the heavy leather black bag, I notice that each of my punches or kicks makes a soft impact, almost like a feather-like "coup". I continue to punch and kick with increasing rhythm, counting 1 2, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 4, and repeating until the bell rings and releases us all from our training session.

Nethermind the lack of physical strength or the impact I may have, I keep moving. I focus on my breath, allowing it to release all the tensions and negative thoughts. I take deep breaths and free myself from any judgments or self-doubts. For a few minutes, I am able to forget about who I am and who I am not. What's important is to concentrate on the movement, the fluidity, and the pain with acceptance.

I will come back, despite the soreness, and the fatigue, hoping to feel again the life and the energy that my body in movement brings. I will reconnect with my breath, learn how to temper its wildness and embrace its imperfection.  

Keep on breathing!