I wrote a post a couple weeks ago on how to embody the classical spiritual triptych of the archer, the arrow, and the target. The idea arose out of a Yoga class where the teacher talked about how we are each: an archer, aiming for what we want to become; an arrow, the thing that is moving towards the target; and the target, that which we are aiming at becoming. This post will focus embodying the arrow; the self that is dynamically moving towards our goal.
The most important thing
about embodying an arrow is to let go of planning. Often the fitness industry
sells the idea of a great plan that will get you ‘there’ faster, easier, and for
less money. Picking the right plan is important to prevent injury, to develop
in a balanced way, and to maximize your efforts, but it’s not the most
important factor.
An arrow flows with what is
around it, It dips and weaves with the air, having a conversation with it’s
environment. As you work towards any goal you must be willing to embody the
flexibility the arrow demonstrates.
When we are the archer we
see the line to the target as straight line. If we are an excellent archer we
take into account things like wind and terrain when we shoot. But as soon as
the arrow is loosed, it becomes the object of response and adaptation.
If we resist this subtle
flow and adaptation and try to fly in a mathematically straight line we will
have a much harder time hitting our target. It is essential when being the act
of transformation that we let go of how we thought things would be. Instead we
must embrace what is.
How can you embody the arrow
this week and let go of some expectations? What if you were to relax into whatever
activity you are engaged in? Take some time this week and try being the arrow
of change and see how it changes your attitude towards your exercise or fitness
practice.
Transformation is the
practice of people who transform their lives. I have met many people in my life
who have transformed their lives and they all have in common is they are still
transforming their lives. They never stop. If the arrow stops moving, it ceases
to be an arrow. Make sure that in moving forward you don’t forget to flow with
everything else as well.
