Reaching Enlightenment

Push Press 3-3-3-1-1-1

Speed Deadlift 10 x 2 @ 55-60%

Prowler Sprint 8 x 40 Yards 90/50

 Definately Into Crossfit
 
As the story goes, Buddha sat under the Bodhi-tree, meditating, for 49 days before reaching enlightenment.  “He realized complete insight into the cause of suffering, and the steps necessary to eliminate it” (WIKI- a great resource).  Through mastery of the Four Noble Truths) realized that day it is said that anyone can reach Nirvāna, described as the perfect peace of a mind that's free from ignorance, greed, hatred and other afflictive states.

Though you and I do not have the free time to meditate for 49 days to reach nirvana, Crossfit allows an opportunity to escape from the daily grind that is our reality.  It can and should be your meditation rather than another worry.  Weeks ago when I was told the story of the Bodhi-tree I could not help but to think that this is a perfect metaphor for what I experience regularly.  I’ve spent countless, upon countless, upon countless hours (ask my girlfriend how many countless hours)…looking for the magic formula to becoming a “perfect” athlete.  I now realize that my inability to cope with the reality that this is unattainable is the source of my stress and can control my thoughts alone (not even how my body handles the stress of the workout).

Crossfit is more than being a bad-aaa-motha-nucka, getting “in shape,” and learning to do “cheating pull-ups.”  A large part of the equation is learning to be the master of your thoughts and staying calm when your body is shutting down.  In order to improve as an athlete we must all come to terms with the fact that we will always be limited by our physical capacities but we can learn to control our mind.  The difference between you and a stronger, more fit, you comes through your ability to accept that YOU WILL EXPERIENCE DISCOMFORT AND THAT IS OKAY.

When I first found Crossfit and tried a couple of workouts I was blown away by the numbers held by the games level competitors (see a young, slim, Justin Riley if you need convincing…the guys a stud).  I was under the impression that these athletes did these workouts unfazed and walked away without feeling the dread and fear that I experienced while I putted around at 24 hour fitness.  I’ve since come to realize that though they were often talented athletes, athletes like your Justin Riley are more mentally tough than they are exceptionally gifted.  What this means is that you too could be a stud if you endured and pushed in this fashion (though you’ll never have Justin’s ability to color coordinate).