Struggling makes you dangerous but at peace. Part of human nature is that it can seem counterintuitive, paradoxical. It would seem that those who struggleeveryday, those who are disciplined and who practice the art of struggling are less happy, less at peace, less relaxed. However it is the opposite. Those who struggle are most at peace.

Be calm in the middle of a storm

Physically this is so because those who don’t put pressure on their bodies in healthy ways, put pressure on their bodies in unhealthy ways. Those who eat unhealthily clog up their arteries and force their bodies to work harder in order to function. If you do not exercise, your body is under more pressure to keep you alive, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through you body, your lungs work harder, your muscles work harder to allow movement. Mentally this is so because those who do not put pressure on themselves in healthy ways through difficult endeavours, put pressure on themselves in unhealthy ways through inaction. Those who don’t challenge themselves atrophy their minds, their discipline withers and their lives become meaningless, nihilistic, powerless. They have less authority over their lives and rely on others such as bosses to dominate their decision-making. Without power over their own lives, freedom dissipates, liberty perishes and authenticity disintegrates. Stress increases, pressure rises and anxiety beckons.

For these reasons, it is crucial to put pressure on yourself in healthy ways. Put pressure on your body and undue pressure will decrease. Challenge yourself everyday mentally and you will find meaning. Prepare yourself for life’s inevitable hardships and you will have authority over the paths you take. If you prepare now whilst the going is good, you won’t need to prepare when it isn’t. Don’t be the one who responds to a storm with panic. Be the one who responds to a storm with reliance. Be calm in the middle of a storm.

Keep On Struggling,

Gregor

Song I’m Loving - City Haunts by Nothing But Thieves

I watched these guys perform at TRSMT festival in Glasgow whilst working out and this new song caught my attention. The lead vocals are incredibly impressive alongside thumping guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. If this song is anything to go by, their new album will be brilliant.

Your Struggle Short For The Week

Watch here

Quote to Ponder

To a disciple who was forever complaining about others, the Master said, 'If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people. It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the Earth’ - Anthony de Mello

References

1) Image Credit - RawPixel

2) Nothing But Thieves Image - Amazon