Explore the Stoic perspective of life as a grand play, emphasizing our ability to control reactions rather than events. Drawing from Viktor Frankl's wisdom and Frank Shamrock's "plus, minus, equal" approach, the blog delves into the roles of Helper, Supporter, and Challenger that we embody daily. Embracing and transitioning between these roles can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Especially for the youth, recognizing these roles and fluidly moving between them paves the path to resilience and growth. #StoicLife #RolesWePlay #Empowerment #YouthGrowth #MasteringLifeRoles #FranklWisdom #MartialArtsPhilosophy #EmbraceChange #AdaptAndThrive.
Ever thought of life as a play and each of us as actors on this grand stage? This isn't a new concept but one that the Stoics, philosophers from ancient times, firmly believed in. In simple terms, Stoicism teaches that while we might not always have control over the events around us, we can control our reactions to them. Imagine not having the power to decide the role you play in a movie but having full control over how well you play it.
Viktor Frankl, a Jewish-Austrian holocaust survivor, echoed a similar sentiment in "Man’s Search for Meaning". He emphasized that our greatest freedom lies in choosing our attitude towards any given situation.
Similarly, Frank Shamrock, a pioneer in mixed martial arts, has an intriguing formula for growth – the "plus, minus, equal" approach. This dictates that to truly master our roles, we should have partners we can learn from (those who are better than us), those we can teach (those lesser than us), and those we can challenge (our equals).
But the real question is, are we playing our roles well?
Reflecting on my time as a student at YGK Combatives, I recall a day when a new face entered the dojo. Seeing the unfamiliar individual, I assumed a spar with them would offer me the chance to challenge myself as we shared the same rank. However, the tables quickly turned, revealing that this newcomer was far more skilled than I. This moment wasn't about my deficiency but about recognizing the role the universe had cast me in: the role of learner. Instead of feeling disheartened, I seized this golden opportunity, relishing the chance to absorb, learn, and refine my techniques under his guidance. This has provided me not feel frustration but rather experience a sense of freedom to ask questions and explore possible answers that have aided in my development.
Here are the roles we play daily - Helper, Supporter, and Challenger:
Helper: Proactively stepping in, filling needs, and offering solutions.
Supporter: Providing emotional backing, cheering from the sidelines, yet understanding the value of autonomy.
Challenger: Pushing boundaries, questioning the status quo, driving ourselves and others out of comfort zones for growth.
Our ego may resist certain roles, making us feel lesser at times. But every role presents an opportunity for growth, and understanding this is where true empowerment lies. In life's vast theatre, it's not about which role we find ourselves playing, but more how we play it. Recognizing, embracing, and transitioning between these roles paves the way for enriching our personal narratives.
The fluid dance between these roles is pivotal. To help our youth, parents and mentors can:
Initiate Conversations: Engage in open dialogues about these roles, elucidating their significance.
Highlight Role Recognition: Acknowledge when they naturally assume a role, underlining the importance of each.
Simplify Ego: Make them aware that while our minds sometimes seek validation, true growth comes from recognizing and appreciating every role we’re placed in.
Celebrate Flexibility: Applaud their ability to shift roles effortlessly, stressing that adaptability is a strength, not a weakness.
Our true worth shines not in sticking to one role but in recognizing, valuing, and excelling in every role we're cast in, ensuring our growth and the enrichment of our life’s narrative.
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