Torqueblade defines wellness as the Art of Adaptability. Using real world physical and cognitive exercises, whilst embracing escapism of a Victorian aesthetic.
The following quote based on Charles Darwin’s writings explains, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change, (Leon C. Megginson, 1963)”.
Why is it important to embrace escapism for fitness?
Have you ever seen a movie or read a book that leaves you emotionally charged? I remember as a kid, watching Superman (Christopher Reeve 1978) for the first time. It felt like I was smiling deep on the inside and I felt like I could do anything as I walked out of the cinema. I must have dreamed about flying for several months after the show. That feeling changed my physiology to such degree that emotional memory had been formed. Don’t even get me started on Star Wars.
Understanding how emotional memory is formed is the first step in developing the skills that assist with a beneficial lifestyle change. The Art of Adaptability recognizes the concept and weaves it into each regime with the aide of the Aspect Avatar and the Torqueblade.
“The imagination is not a state: it is the human existence itself.”
William Blake
Aspect Avatar –
Lets face it, most of us fear change, and everything we do is about maintaining a healthy balance. Here’s the kicker, when we achieve balance we dance on the razors edge to maintain it. The more we focus on control the less adaptable we become. Like grabbing a handful of sand, fearful of loosing a grain, the tighter we squeeze to maintain control, the more we lose.
It is important that a fitness practitioner be aware of how memory is formed and why positive thoughts and language must be used. When we undertake an exercise program our physiology changes to a state similar to that of “the fight and flight paradigm”. You are breathless, adrenalin is present, and this leads the body to believe that something exciting is happening. If all you do is focus on everyday issues or negative thoughts then that’s the memory that will be associated with training. Be very careful of what you think if you want to be successful at obtaining your goal.
As a training tool, many Martial, Sport and Dancing students may focus on the attributes of their hero’s in their chosen pursuit, to mimic and develop the desired skills. Unfortunately, many of these hero’s do not hold up to expectations, because after all, they are human. An archetype however can be just as a powerful icon without the potential issue. If we base an archetype on an aspect of our own personality we would be responsible for its growth and vice versa.
“If you think you can do a thing or can’t do a thing, you’re right”
– Henry Ford
A mental visual representation of an imagined persona is an excellent tool to assist with a lifestyle change; personally I resonate with the Victorian aesthetic with a modern twist.
Unfortunately, many of us find it hard to manifest this ability. There could be reasons why, belief that it wont work, feeling foolish or a fear of failure. I propose that many of us do this regardless, we wear a different face to the world, its a coping skill and if practiced long enough, may or may not be a boon. As a member of the Royal Navy, as Law Enforcement Officer and as a Trainer, I have shared a different part of myself in each vocation – it’s still me, just a different shade. If we make the conscious effort to develop that part of us that wants us to thrive and tie it in with the correct physiology to make emotional memory, we have a better chance of staying the course.
When we exercise and focus on our Aspect Avatar we buy into the process and into the task at hand. Our Aspect Avatar wishes to thrive and finds resources within ourselves that we would normally talk ourselves out of.
Step by step we improve our self-esteem and develop thriving skills – and step-by-step we no longer fear change, we embrace it and adapt. This allows a healthier person to develop, emotionally and physically – adaptability is fitness. This helps to develop skills that help us thrive rather than just cope.
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished”
Benjamin Franklin