Last week, my martial arts students and I reflected on the question, “Who is a rich person?“
This week, we reflected on, “Who is a strong person?”
And the question I asked to help them gather their ideas was, “Who is one of the strongest people you know in your life?” And “Why?”
…And not a single person mentioned someone because of their sheer physical strength.
Each person mentioned somebody because of their emotional and/or mental strength.
They mentioned people who showed resilience, grit, patience, kindness, and courage in the face of adversity and unfairness in life… Parents who brilliantly juggled family, career, health, and more in spite of incredible challenges… People who were diagnosed with life threatening illnesses yet maintained a constructive outlook and found ways to carry through.
While physical strength is certainly impressive, the takeaway for me is that it’s built mostly for the individual… whereas emotional and/or mental strength is a strength that benefits every single person that individual interacts with.
I’m sure you have crossed paths with a muscle-head who was an absolute a-hole… who was, yes, utilizing a type of emotion and/or mental strength to develop their physical strength—but it was for the sole purpose of vanity… it was for themselves.
Whereas the people who develop their mental strength—by building discipline, courage, focus, respect, etc… or the people who develop their emotional strength—by practicing mindfulness, patience, openness, and do inner work… become sources of strength for us all.
P.s. One of the strongest people I ever knew was my great grandmother. Here’s why.