The Afore-established Dichotomy: Physical Endurance and Mental Strength
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Marina Tsipenyuk
Ever wonder why athletes are generally more healthy than non athletes? Seems like a very obvious answer! Exercising the body is essential for a healthy heart, strong muscles, good coordination…etc…and a healthy mind?
Our culture tends to dichotomize mind and body by their own respective features. The body has its functions and ways to improve through, for example, eating wholesome food and exercising, and the mind improves by understanding greater concepts, reading, and learning.
But isn’t the mind a part of the body? How can we distinguish between one and the other when they work together to produce a whole person? Have you ever seen a mind walking and a body standing still, literally?
If we are to take a holistic approach to health, maybe we can optimize our lives by creating a balance that dismisses this dichotomy in favor of synergy. When we exercise our bodies, we can look at it as though we are exercising our minds as well. Overcoming the belief that we are incapable physically can prepare us for much more difficult challenges.
Our bodies are built to do a lot more, physically, than most people have used them for, much less, imagined. Much of this physicality, however, manifests in the mind. When we are running and our body tells us that it is tired, it is our mind that pushes us forward, unfolding our greatest potential. Endurance is a product of the mind, and the more we are capable of enduring, physically, the greater the mental challenges we are able to face. Think of endurance as empowerment! Pushing ourselves at the gym can allow us to cope with difficult real-life situations, which can range from a bad day at work to an illness or tragedy.
I believe that by changing the way we think about the constitution of the mind and body, we can opt to take care of ourselves better so as to preserve both. So the next time you are exercising, see how much you can push yourself, feel empowered by your abilities, and know that if you can handle that, you can handle anything.
What recommendations do you have for bridging the gap between physical endurance and mental strength?
About Marina Tsipenyuk
Marina Tsipenyuk is a student at Rutgers University studying political science and finance. She is currently involved in a historical research project, co-founded a breast cancer support organization called Bead the Cure, and mentors a women’s studies course. She hopes to go to law school and, eventually, become a lawyer.
Posted by Marina Tsipenyuk in Goal Setting, Health, Personal Development | January 23, 2008 | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumble | Print | 26 comments
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you have a very holistic viewpoint! you sure you don’t wanna come to medical school instead of law
i like this article.. it reminds me that we are only limited by ourselves.. i remember back in the day when i would get tired after running a mile.. and now i can do 3-4 miles.. prolly more if i pushed myself like u say.. nice job!
good point .. so very very true - I don’t think anyone really thinks about the relationship enough
Thank you so much for the comment. I’m pretty sure medical school isn’t for me, but you are absolutely right about only being limited by ourselves. Now, not only can you run 3-4 miles, but you are probably capable of dealing with much more complex situations that require mental strength. And I am well aware that you have seen this in other areas of your life- Alex tells me you have become very structured and disciplined and I commend that.
Totally agree. I love to “push through the pain” when exercising and I KNOW that it helps me in my everyday life. Great article!
Now, if only I could push myself to exercise regularly !!
Nicely written, Marina !
Alex - this article is spot on. There is no question that the mind > body connection is vital for good health.
This is a great post to read about pushing yourself to the limit. Nicely done.
Great post!
Awesome article. Mind and body FTW!
If we have our mind, heart, and purpose all going in the same direction, it’s amazing what we can accomplish!
This is actually a very timely article as I have started really committing to working out this year. I will definitely start applying some of these concepts and “push myself”.
Thanks
As I’m trying to get back into shape - both mentally and physically - after having twins two years ago, I’ll keep this in mind!
I have found many times, especially in long-distance running, that the body gets to a point where it is ready to give up, but that whenever you can mentally push through that point, you often find a wellspring of physical energy later on down the road. Long live mind power!
You definitely have that right. The body and mind working in unison is very powerful.
Excellent points. It is the synergy between the mind and the body that lead us to our greatest triumphs.
Thank you for your nice comments, and being so supportive of our guest writers… they love to hear your feedback!
Very cool. I’ll keep this in mind for my next run tomorrow morning. Thanks for the reminder!
Me too. I can’t wait for my next exercising session so I can test out these ideas. Thanks!
Great post. I believe we are one being. You can’t cut us up into bits. Good stuff!
You certainly bring a very valid point through your post, Marina!
“So the next time you are exercising, see how much you can push yourself, feel empowered by your abilities, and know that if you can handle that, you can handle anything.” Well saidl!
Absolutely agree! When I was running my 5km marathon, though my training usually covers less than that distance, I actually made it through the whole journey without stopping. I guess at the end of the day, it really boils down to your mind.
How far you go is not limited by how far your muscles were stretched but how far your imagination brings you to. Good stuff!
Cheers,
Ellesse
Awesome post! You definitely need to keep them coming!
Thanks for the inspiration to challenge ourselves!
LSD! Long, slow, distance! I ran my first marathon this past November. To train I ran long slow distances, each one longer than the last. At one point in my training each run was more than I had ever run before in my life (including the marathon itself). As I finished each one exhausted I felt great completing something I had never done before and I was excited for my next run knowing I would push my body further. None of it was easy but it was incredibly empowering! My body pushed me only so far; it was my mind that got me to finish.
I remember a story was told that an old and frail lady managed to lift up a car
when her grandson’s leg was pinned under the car wheel. Suddenly she could summon so much strength that she lifted the car enough to free her grandson.
Wonder where did all this strength came about suddenly. When the press wanted to interview her, she refused to be interviewed. The reporter tried very hard to persuade her, but failed. Finally the reporter asked her why she refused to be interviewed.
The old lady said, ” it is becos I do not want to remind myself that I have missed my chance to take a degree course, just becos I didn’t believe I could do it. When I lifted the car to save my grandson, now I know I can actually do anything if I wanted to, but I have missed my chance now”.
The reporter then told the old lady this” Why don’t you go ahead and take the degree course. Instead of regretting this when you turn 80. So the lady took the reporter’s advice, took up the degree course even though she was the oldest in the class. She finally passed with flying colors, and started to give lectures. This story is about Mind over matters.
Gamy Rachel