The Brazilian martial art Capoeira teaches us a simple way to take stock, grow and develop. Since the late 1990s, I have looked for ways to train and learn as much as I could – within Capoeira and in life – in order to find four elements in the same place, at the same time.
My Capoeira master shared these with me:
- Focus,
- (self-) Control
- Balance
- Timeliness
I have used these at times when I had difficulty making a business – or a life- decision.
I have used these when I wasn’t sure if what I did at Ogunte or the partnerships I was co-running mattered at all.
Learning to fall
Today again, I read some words in an email – they probably weren’t written to hurt me but they negated a piece of work that had been done, the dedication and the care put into it.
These words ended up sweeping the ground under my feet.
I stumbled.
I thought my feet had been grounded, solidly anchored and confident. I didn’t expect to be that fragile!
But I fell.
I learned that either way, nothing is permanent.
That we are not all strong or weak- or that whatever in between- simultaneously.
Capoeira helps me realign my thoughts and actions.
I learn to fall so that I can learn to stand up again.
What is your self-care mantra?
