Open up a dictionary and you will find that the definition of "endurance" is: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. The concept of endurance, of course, commonly relates to the notion that there is a specific event or difficulty that we face and must decide whether to practice endurance or turn away and either quit our efforts or not even begin them out of fear, frustration, or any number of emotions. But, I believe it's important for us to also consider whether or not we approach life in general from the idea that we have to "endure" it. Too often, we settle for old concepts about life--work, relationships, health, spirituality, and so on. The concept that "life is hard," "things could be worse," "you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps," etc. When we consciously or subconsciously subscribe to these type of beliefs, life often becomes something we are perpetually enduring, and through that belief system, we inevitably suffer. Yet, the other side of this coin is the age old wisdom which teaches us to not fight against the current, to "flow with life." But sometimes, the current can get so powerful knocking us into rocks and pulling us under, that it is our innate human wiring to fight to survive. In crisis, so often, all of our logical, philosophical, or spiritual "beliefs" fall by the wayside and our bodies and minds can only focus on pure survival. This is not only understandable, but the way we have evolved over millions of years--it's the default reaction each one of us has--but too often, we are living in a perpetual state of crisis, and it is not only unsustainable but it's deadly for our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
So, what's my point in all of this? Endurance, in it's pure definition, when used and applied appropriately, can be one of our greatest skills and strengths, but if we mistakenly subscribe to the negative beliefs that "life is hard" or "this is as good as it gets," then we create an illusion around endurance and set ourselves up to suffer immensely when it is unnecessary. Life is not something to simply endure, but it so easily can become so when we have betrayed ourselves, our dreams, our calling, and our soul's purpose. You do not have to settle. You do not have to endure endless pain, sadness, uncertainty, or disconnection from love, happiness, and fulfillment. You get to decide that you are fed up with suffering, with a life or dreams feeling half-lived, with unfulfilling relationships--with whatever it is in your life that you have been "enduring" believing that this is as good as it gets.
So, how do you know if you're subscribing to these negative beliefs about life, especially if they're subconscious or unconscious? Coaching provides an exceptional opportunity where, unlike therapy, we don't dig into every childhood memory or past event trying to pinpoint where, when, or why you are not living the life of your dreams. In no way am I against professional therapy and in many instances, it's a great support alongside of coaching. Through coaching, we work on specific goals and approaches to retrain your brain and challenge the beliefs that are no longer working, to get you on the path to a more fulfilled experience in life. And, this is where Endurance Life Coaching shines. Through setting new goals and having support, you can begin to practice endurance in the way it's always been meant to be practiced--to move you toward the goals and dreams you so deeply want to achieve. I'm here to help you stop enduring life and start truly living the life YOU desire.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Endurance
Open up a dictionary and you will find that the definition of "endurance" is: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. The concept of endurance, of course, commonly relates to the notion that there is a specific event or difficulty that we face and must decide whether to practice endurance or turn away and either quit our efforts or not even begin them out of fear, frustration, or any number of emotions. But, I believe it's important for us to also consider whether or not we approach life in general from the idea that we have to "endure" it. Too often, we settle for old concepts about life--work, relationships, health, spirituality, and so on. The concept that "life is hard," "things could be worse," "you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps," etc. When we consciously or subconsciously subscribe to these type of beliefs, life often becomes something we are perpetually enduring, and through that belief system, we inevitably suffer. Yet, the other side of this coin is the age old wisdom which teaches us to not fight against the current, to "flow with life." But sometimes, the current can get so powerful knocking us into rocks and pulling us under, that it is our innate human wiring to fight to survive. In crisis, so often, all of our logical, philosophical, or spiritual "beliefs" fall by the wayside and our bodies and minds can only focus on pure survival. This is not only understandable, but the way we have evolved over millions of years--it's the default reaction each one of us has--but too often, we are living in a perpetual state of crisis, and it is not only unsustainable but it's deadly for our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
So, what's my point in all of this? Endurance, in it's pure definition, when used and applied appropriately, can be one of our greatest skills and strengths, but if we mistakenly subscribe to the negative beliefs that "life is hard" or "this is as good as it gets," then we create an illusion around endurance and set ourselves up to suffer immensely when it is unnecessary. Life is not something to simply endure, but it so easily can become so when we have betrayed ourselves, our dreams, our calling, and our soul's purpose. You do not have to settle. You do not have to endure endless pain, sadness, uncertainty, or disconnection from love, happiness, and fulfillment. You get to decide that you are fed up with suffering, with a life or dreams feeling half-lived, with unfulfilling relationships--with whatever it is in your life that you have been "enduring" believing that this is as good as it gets.
So, how do you know if you're subscribing to these negative beliefs about life, especially if they're subconscious or unconscious? Coaching provides an exceptional opportunity where, unlike therapy, we don't dig into every childhood memory or past event trying to pinpoint where, when, or why you are not living the life of your dreams. In no way am I against professional therapy and in many instances, it's a great support alongside of coaching. Through coaching, we work on specific goals and approaches to retrain your brain and challenge the beliefs that are no longer working, to get you on the path to a more fulfilled experience in life. And, this is where Endurance Life Coaching shines. Through setting new goals and having support, you can begin to practice endurance in the way it's always been meant to be practiced--to move you toward the goals and dreams you so deeply want to achieve. I'm here to help you stop enduring life and start truly living the life YOU desire.
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