The new Fitness Pyramid that Scott Forrester designed in The Aware Athlete is down to earth and helpful. I think it is time for full disclosure: Scott does NOT pay me! I’m getting so much out of his book that it only seems natural to share.
Last week we looked at Potential and Intention as foundational blocks of the new pyramid. Scott says that intention is closely allied with belief of two kinds and that in order to take action, you must believe the action is possible.
The first belief he cites is the innate belief or confidence in your humanity and in your particular gifts. I have spent years in psychoanalysis learning to believe in myself and to have a realistic view of my humanity and reality. It has been an amazing process – so amazing that I’m writing a memoir about it.
How do you build up your belief in yourself? What does confidence in your humanity look like for you? What would it take for you to be able to say Parker Palmer’s statement: “Every Day I get closer to the brink of everything.” with excitement and joy? What do you think he means by brink of everything? Do you feel this way when you wake up in the morning?
Next week we will look at the second important belief!
CLUE: Check your supply of bandages. You may not need them now but when you do, you will be happy you have them on hand.
Image: Compass plants on the prairie complements of Carl Kurtz. The computer says this was received in 2013. How can it be that long ago? Lately, I’ve been aware of how fast the time goes by. Have you?
6 comments
I have always felt like I lack a lot of confidence in myself. And I really don't think of myself as having a lot of "gifts". I do like that saying "on the brink of things". I keep telling myself, that instead of being anxious or nervous about something, I'm "excited". It sounds like a more positive spin. Then I have to sell that to myself!
Hi Nanette!
I remember when my youngest son told me that I was not anxious, I was excited, as we were traveling to an event I sort of dreaded. I like thinking about being excited – excited to see what I will do!
Thanks so much for checking in and good luck with selling your re frame to your Self! Sometimes we are our own toughest customer – at least that is often true for me!
This post came at a great time for me! Thank you! I have been researching ageism and the negative limiting beliefs that people–including the elderly–have about older people and the process of aging. Possibly the most limiting belief espoused by ageists is that growing older is defined by decline. "Every day I get closer to the brink of everything" is a wonderful way for anyone to start the day.It speaks of new, important discovery. Older people are closer to that brink than their younger counterparts, so the possibility of "everything" is wide open to them! That doesn't sound like decline to me!
Hi Diane,
I really appreciate your focus on the word "everything". For some reason the last two times I spoke about Palmer's book and this first line, I didn't remember that word. I just remembered the first part of the phrase, everyday I get closer to the brink. Then I would giggle and apologize for not remembering the rest of the quote – everything! I know that I won't forget the ending of the quote now!
I hope you keep us posted about the results of your research. We need ways to speak of what happens as we age – ways that are not as pessimistic as decline.
Thanks for your comment and for reading the post!
interesting but I have no answers
Hurray! You figured out the intricacies of blog.spot. I am so proud of you! I got the email that alerted me that you had written and the option to publish of delete it – of course I chose publish!
So happy that you find the post interesting! Makes my day.
Take care of yourself and stay in touch! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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