A Jack of all Trades…

I was chatting with some guests at breakfast the other day after I had arrived at work having done a run that morning, and one of them asked me, "what are you training for?" I was about to respond with - "Hyrox" however after a brief pause, found myself replying with - "Life" instead...

And this got me thinking about how most people see exercise, Yoga, training, movement etc, as a chore or thing to tick off the 'to do' list each day, as opposed to something that is simply part of who you are, done because it enhances your quality of life and provides you with skills, abilities and increased self-awareness to engage fully in the world. 

I have always been a curious human and have always wanted to try new things, experience the weird and different, the wonderful world of nature, seeing what my body and mind are capable of, what lies beyond the known, colouring outside the lines. Not having to prove myself right, or the way I do things to be the only way, not being afraid of failure, to make mistakes or look silly and to approach everything with a 'beginners mind' have been the key criteria to really embodying a full and mysterious way of living. I know that this is not for everyone, and I have not always had this outlook - it is something I have developed, especially over the last 10 years. 

Being a 'generalist' can seem to some, unfocused or lacking in depth. I can however, beg to differ... For me it is a way to connect the dots of the bigger picture. Multiple perspectives offer valuable skills in problem solving. I zoom in, connect, spend time understanding, gathering, repeating, finetuning, then I zoom out, weaving the experiences and knowledge into other aspects, like an intricately spun spider's web. Whilst trying different things and having a wide variety of practices to explore keep me interested and inspired, I have built a simple daily practice and rituals (sadhana) that hold me accountable to myself and provide clarity and consistency. It is necessary to create a solid foundation which you can then add to based on the stages of your life, circumstances, current interests and the constant winds of change. Movement informs stillness. Activity informs recovery. Challenges inform growth and development. The teacher becomes the student, and the wheel keeps turning. 

This approach to living has given me such a varied and interesting lens with which to view the world and life. The more I explore, learn and uncover, without the limitations of being right or having it all figured out, the more infinite the possibilities and experiences become available to me. How do you know something is for you, or not if you don't give it a try? This doesn't mean hopping mindlessly from one thing to the next or doing something to 'fit in', take time to reflect before jumping in, but when you do, trust, be patient and allow things to unfold naturally. Build the discernment to pivot, adapt and be flexible when needed, because not always do things go according to plan right!? 

We are all wonderfully unique and different human beings, all finding our own way through this human experience, how delightful it is that we can share, inspire and offer our efforts unto the world and with each other! Worry less about what others are doing, forge your own path without judgement or criticism, commit, take risks and dig deep within yourself to find and share your unique gifts with the world. Love deeply. Life is short, don't waste a minute!

I will leave you with this phrase, that most have heard before, but likely only heard half of...
"A Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better, than master of one..."

May you find your magic in this life, and the next.

Peace and Om

Kirst xxx