Chapter 10 Flexible

In karate, doing the splits is a common way to demonstrate flexibility. And for some new comers it's a goal that provides the motivation to train. No doubt, the splits is a sign of brilliant mobility and supple muscles, both of which are important for executing karate techniques. But there's more to flexibility than stretching your legs. Flexibility protect the body. It's healthy. If muscles are tense and rigid they become susceptible to strains and chronic pain. So it pays to keep them supple.

Nevertheless, karate isn't all about physical flexibility. Flexibility of the mind is important too. You see, in a fight the mind needs to be fluid and responsive. A tense and rigid mind would put you at a major disadvantage. In life a fixed and unyielding mind has its dangers too. When the mind is inflexible it becomes unbalanced and vulnerable to emotional pain. So it pays to keep it flexible.

The trouble is when it comes to our preferences in life we have tendency to take a rigid stance. We lose our flexibility and end up getting hurt. But for better emotional health we need to be responsive to life and the changes it demands. Even if that means letting go of our desires and preferences. For example, most people believe life shouldn't be painful.


The point: we need to see when it's wise to change our mind and let go of our preferences and fixed notions. The good thing is our language is litterers with clues. If you express a'must' or absolute 'should'  then it's a sure sign of a rigid position. To loosen up, open to the possibility of things not happening the way you would prefer or look for new approaches. So if you find yourself saying: 'This is the way it "should" be done', take that as your cue to ask:' I wonder what other approach I could take - and which would work best?'. Learn
to move with the flow of life. Consider changing your opinion and be open to new opportunities. That's how to be flexible.