Kiai- the shout that reduces fear and hesitation
Lee Walls ??
Expert firewalk instructor and podcast host. I bring the fire to your events, literally and metaphorically. I deliver fire, glass and LEGO walks, high impact talks, workshops and events.
I've been reflecting a lot on confidence recently and what it means for us all.
I started lifting weights in my early 40's, after a lengthy sabbatical from exercise I joined the local gym. After a while I booked some PT sessions and my new trainer took me into the 'Big Boy' part of the gym. The area where the real lifting goes on. My first few months of lifting, I would honestly have rather dropped the bar on my foot than make a noise and attract attention to myself.
Over the months I got more confident, I started to lift heavy weights, I learned technique and to to use my breath. I felt like I had earned my space there. The men were helpful and supportive and the woman become my gym pals, offering advice, tips and morning chats. I'm super confident in my job and relationships but I wasn't confident about lifting weights, or the new environment. Confidence is a lot like lifting weights, its a muscle that we can flex and grow in increments.
Over lock down my husband converted part of our garage into a gym and I no longer go my local place. This morning I was lifting heavy and had a big roar on my final lift. The roar, much like the Kiai in karate, focuses the breath, reduces fear and hesitation and transforms the lift.
I use a version of Kiai frequently in fire-walks, board and arrow breaks. Its a good way to get out of our own head and channel our powers. Women in particular struggle with this, being seen, being loud, being heard. We are 'supposed to be quiet' and to not take up space.
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It's a great metaphor for our wider confidence isn't it? Being able to find and use our voice. Kiai doesn't have to be loud, it's about using your spirit, your energy, the best of you to push forward and challenge yourself, finding and using your conviction, claiming your power and your space in the world.
My on-line confidence building course is starting in January. Get in touch if you want to find your own Kiai.
Lee Walls
www.firewalkscotland.co.uk
"Kiai 気合 is a Japanese term used in karate for a short spirited shout, that is used to focus energy when performing an attacking or defending move. The term kiai is a combination of Ki (life force), and Ai (meaning to blend or harmonize)."
Private Investor Networks - Financial Education.
1 年Geoff Thompson wrote a great book about fear. Mike Tyson had terrible struggles with fear. If he has fear, we all have fear. Understanding it is key. His trainer Cus referred to fear as the friend of exceptional people.
Author | Coach | NLP Trainer | Speaker & Podcaster
1 年A very interesting read Lee. I have been learning about the vagus nerve and how stimulating it supports wellbeing and releases stress and tension from the body. I imagine that Kiai activates that as well!
Helping you maximise your mental fitness Bushcraft Instructor, Nature connection, Coaching
1 年Good post Lee and well done with the weights. Human beings were built and designed for load carrying, lifting, pushing. So many ways we can recreate this to make ourselves fit for everyday life (rather than pouty selfies in the gym mirror)
Global Metabolic Wellbeing Trailblazer, From Boardroom to Holistic Health, Executive Holistic Consultant, Podcast Host & Dynamic Speaker, Author
1 年Lee Walls totally agree as resistance training is a critical pathway for metabolic wellbeing. The correlation between physical health, mental health and wellbeing is so important. Strong muscles are essential as we age and help regenerate our body.
Founding Director of Progress Partners - sales, marketing, communications, and training solutions for SMEs and charities across Scotland.
1 年Love this Lee. Made me think of a great book called Stronger by Poorna Bell.