How Calisthenics Promotes Altruism and Spirituality
How Does Calisthenics Promote Altruism and Spirituality?
Calisthenics has changed my life.
It did in such a way that it also became spiritual journey. So I thought it would be great to explore the connection between mind, body, and spirituality and how calisthenics can play a surprising major role in that aspect.
Before we dive in, let me introduce Hatem, a Frenchman who has been living in LA for the past 20 years.
This post is a recap of a conversation we had together on that topic.
He likes to think of himself as a martial artist of life, with interests in science, philosophy, and spirituality. Growing up with a French education, he noticed a tendency to neglect the body in favor of intellectual pursuits. However, he realized that this left something missing, and he started taking care of his body alongside feeding his brain.
Studying Kabbalah, which is connected to the Torah and the Talmud, opened his eyes to the similarities between various spiritualities and religions. The notion of transcending ego and connecting with others is a common thread, which fascinated him. He always thought that spirituality was more about the heart and mind, never suspecting that the body could play a significant role as well. It seemed that the body was considered a part of the materialistic world, leading to a sense of division.
In our conversation, we realized how the French culture tends to emphasize intellectual pursuits, mindfulness, and reading, while neglecting the mindfulness within the body. However, calisthenics provides a way to become aware of the mind-body connection and how both aspects are interconnected.
Calisthenics is primal and minimalist, as it only requires using our own bodies. When we practice calisthenics, we realize that it's not about external tools; it's about connecting with ourselves and others. Working in a group setting, calisthenics allows us to understand each other's struggles and offer support, leading to a sense of unity and altruism.
In spirituality, there's a promotion of going beyond our egocentric nature, which desires to receive for ourselves. Calisthenics provides a practical way to challenge this primitive nature, as it involves overcoming personal obstacles and working together to achieve common goals. The shared experience of using the same tools creates an environment of sharing, learning, and growing.
Through calisthenics, we discover the importance of giving to others and recognizing our own limits. It becomes a natural process to help others improve their technique, and in turn, we elevate our own understanding of the movements.
The spirit of altruism thrives in calisthenics, as people genuinely want to share their knowledge and experiences without seeking rewards or payment. The sense of unity within a group doing calisthenics together promotes happiness and fosters a deeper connection between individuals.
Calisthenics not only strengthens our bodies but also elevates our minds and spirits. It fosters a sense of altruism, unity, and selflessness, making it a beautiful and holistic practice that transcends the boundaries between mind, body, and spirituality.
It's wonderful to see how calisthenics can contribute to the growth and well-being of individuals and the group as a whole.
Here is how to get started and build your own beginner calisthenics workout plan!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did the author's guest, Hatem, initially view the body's role in spiritual pursuits? Hatem initially viewed the body as part of the and felt it was often in favor of intellectual and spiritual pursuits, leading to a sense of division. He later realized this left something missing.
2. What common spiritual concept did Hatem connect with calisthenics? He found a common thread in the notion of and , which is promoted across various spiritualities and religions.
3. Why is calisthenics described as a primal practice that connects mind and body? Calisthenics is described as because it only requires using our . Practicing it helps one become and how the two aspects are interconnected.
4. How does calisthenics foster altruism and unity in a group setting? Working in a group, calisthenics creates an environment of . Participants , which promotes a sense of .
5. How does the practice of calisthenics challenge the "egocentric nature"? In a practical way, calisthenics challenges the egocentric nature (the desire to receive for oneself) by making it a . elevates one's own understanding and fosters selflessness.
6. What is the spirit of altruism often seen in the calisthenics community? The spirit of altruism is seen as people without seeking . This collective selfless effort promotes and fosters among individuals.
