Wrestling Your Demons
B.U.D.S | Newsletter 10 | Mastering The Fundamentals
“Wrestling is king. It is the foundation of our training. You learn humility; it forces you to return to the ground. Accept your shortcomings. Maneuver. Reverse. Never stop.”
— Sensei Kathirgamanathan.
As a Dad of two young boys, I obsess over the complex burden of preparing my soon-to-be “young men” for self-defence. Sure, they're still young, in fact, one is still in diapers, but their natural inclination and tendency to rumble-tumble has already phenotypically presented, with routine morning brawls and rear-naked chokeholds.
From the moment my two young bucks awake, they’re drawn to physical play and exertion. So from my POV, I’ve begun researching and pontificating over the question — how can I get involved and allow them to safely express this desire for physical contact and aggression?
The only martial art I’ve attempted is boxing. I’ve learned the fundamentals, and practice them to this day, but have little fighting experience. I’ve never ventured into the octagon or taken BJJ, however, I think maybe that is the route for young boys.
Not until I had a conversation with my best bud and fellow MMA enthusiast, did I discover that maybe returning to the fundamentals is the way. His suggestion?
Wrestling.
I’m not talking about the staged, dramedy of Monday Night RAW (sorry BNE, I know it’s still real to you). I’m talking about real wrestling. Grappling. Pindowns. Pushouts. Fundamentals that every one of us must learn and embrace if we are to overcome our obstacles and thrive despite them.
The reality? Most of the time, we’re outmatched. We’re against a superior opponent; one that will impose their will and dominance over us. It’s a humbling. Even humiliating. However, that's exactly where we need to be.
The answers to the test present themselves in those very moments, all you have to do is look for them.
Martial arts are a great teacher. You learn discipline. More importantly, you learn patience. You have to know when to strike and when to retreat.
Martial arts teach you endurance. You realize your tank is limited; use it wisely.
Wrestling offers a unique foundation. When your back is against the mat, and it feels like life is slowly being sucked out of you, you're forced to find a way out. You’re faced with two options. Elude and escape. Or, give in. Retreat and tap out.
Either way, you’ll still win, because you’re here. You live to fight another day.
Deprescribing and Facing Demons.
In my mission, helping people on their journey tapering off antidepressants and returning to a life without the crutch of psychiatric medicines, I’ve gained a unique lens into the world of the people I have the privilege of serving.
The Buddhist cliche that life is suffering, is true. We all face demons. Some, are bigger than others. But, in my conversations with those who have discovered the wisdom and courage to face, and slay their inner demons, one universal theme emerges:
It wasn’t easy. Wrestling your demons is a rigged fight. You’ll lose at first. But if you show up, again and again, beginning each round with a beginner’s mindset and willing to accept defeat, soon the tide will turn.
Every time you show up to the mat, and hit the ground, you get stronger. Returning to the soil from which you sprouted. The seeds of greatness, courage, wisdom and perseverance are present in all of us. Come back down to Earth, water them, tend to them. Show up and wrestle your demons, head-on, with steadfastness and humility.
With time, you’ll emerge victorious. That, I can promise you.
Keep wrestling. Breathe. Endure. You got this.
Thanks for reading. Much love.
SG
Compliment with my thoughts on humility and its magical ability to cultivate resilience. Or, perhaps my thoughts on Seneca and embracing hardship, when he stated “No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.”
This post was inspired by one of my brothers, Beesh. Happy Birthday, mate. Cheers to many more.
Much love.
SG
Build. Understand. Discipline. Stillness. “B.U.D.S” is written by me, Dr. Shawn Gill - I’m a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day, I work as a deprescribing pharmacist, helping patients get off drugs, safely and effectively. At night, I write this newsletter. B.U.D.S is a community that's focused on inspiring individuals to take account of their health and wellness, as well as reverse mental health and chronic disease. If you’d like to support this mission, please subscribe below. Much love. SG
If you’d like to learn more about deprescribing, you can visit my website here. If you’d like my advice or thoughts on specific running routines, tactics or methods I’ve used, let me know in the comments below.