“I didn’t mean to punch you so hard in the nose,” said David, after martial arts practice finished for the evening.
No, I’m not some sort of masochist–I really don’t like getting punched in the face.
So, then why does my face keep finding itself in front of someone else’s oncoming fists?
Because I stubbornly keep pushing forwards, wading into the onslaught. I’m in a new environment, with new rules and new requirements, and I haven’t yet learned to adapt and figure out how to make my face not be where the fists are aiming.
No, really. It’s that simple.
For right now, I’m poor at bobbing my head and shielding my face with my forearms. Retreating to safer ground is not an option though, as I see it.
But this is kind of a mirror of life, right?
Any time we try something new, any time we move outside of our comfort zone, any time we embrace change, life is bound to punch us in the nose, at least at first.
It’s how we react to that punch in the nose that sets our path and determines our character. We can turn back and retreat to safer ground, or we can forge ahead, determined to withstand the unfamiliar and harsh new environment until we learn to react, to slip and weave, to parry, to move, and maybe even to punch back once our feet are under us.
And then, just when we thought we’ve figured out what’s going on, there appears a new opportunity in front of us.
Change, already? Risk being punched in the nose, again? Maybe we should stay where it is now comfortable, where we’ve figured out what’s going on.
Life is short.
Stoic philosopher Lucius Seneca wrote an illuminating letter titled “On the Shortness of Life.” It is worth reading in full, and there’s much to comment on in that letter, but for now I’ll illustrate that letter with the following simple exercise:
Imagine yourself on your deathbed, looking back at your life.
Will you be satisfied with what you accomplished in your life?
What did you do when you were punched in the nose?
There, on your deathbed, what do you wish you had done instead?
The gym where I train, THE EDGE, mentioned recently that they are considering offering a parkour class.
What is parkour? Watch the early part of the James Bond movie Casino Royale
I have to decide: should I take the class?
Most people my age are looking forward to their sofa chair and watching golf on TV.
Parkour is dangerous. I could get hurt.
Life could punch me in the nose.
Or, on my deathbed, I could smile, remembering.
Carpe diem.