This strong archetype touches humanity across time and cultures. As the ego’s vision of the winner or hero it pervades popular culture everywhere. It has been re-invigorated in the west the last 50 years by writers such as Joseph Campbell, The Hero’s journey, The poignant writing of Casteneda describing his tutelage as ‘a man of knowledge’ with his teacher Don Juan. Chogyam Trungpa, the Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior.

My experiences of touching into this living archetype in myself were the same as many children as I wondered, ‘who am I’, ‘what am I doing here’ and the premonition of an invisible and exciting destiny to fulfil. Encouraged by a striving father to do my best in school and sport from nine to fifteen years old I experienced early morning training as a competitive swimmer. My former career as a health practitioner (35 thousand appointments in private practice in Harley street) supporting very active and ambitious people people in search to maintain or enhance their physical and psychological health. This profession organically evolved into executive coaching where I felt I could contribute more directly and practically to minds, hearts and destinies.

Reflecting on my own and others efforts as to what helps live a virile life I’m convinced everyone has untapped potential. An integral approach respects the infinite individual differences, physical, psychological and spiritual development; nature and strength of interest; phase of life. Healthy action is always possible whoever, whenever, wherever I am. So how to strengthen the warrior within? The following is topical for me just now:

We are comprised of thinking, feelings and a body; they intimately impact each other. Feeling really good physically profoundly affects our emotional climate and provides the best possible foundation for the rest of our life and relationships. Via blood chemistry changes and neuro-muscular relaxation, the release of endorphins and increased testosterone play a key role. Exercise is the fastest and most effective way of amplifying your feeling of well-being and transform negative feelings. Some research has shown exercise can help combat depression. There’s a value for health though more perhaps value the impact on their figure! Each person organically gets what their mind-body needs at all sorts of levels. We can’t fashion these results by mental intentions.

Finding it hard to consistently maintain enough exercise, and knowing you get what you measure! I have recently kept a record of my practice. Raising awareness in this way has resulted in the desired increase. I am surprised to re-discover the feeling of vigour and lightness I felt in younger years. And also a more calm balanced feeling whilst attending to the irksome details of life.

Establishing an appropriate exercise discipline is a very individual matter, which is why general principles are of limited value and very few people either start or continue their practice. Good practice can range from a weekly discipline of walking half hour daily, a couple of classes of yoga, tennis, martial arts or eight plus hours running. All have a place for different temperaments at different times of their life. Variety helps persistence. Exercise companions help make the difference when you don’t feel like it.

Regular exercise strengthens your life, strengthens the warrior. The warrior makes efforts beyond what comes automatically. In the sword martial art, Kendo, the very highest grades are only awarded to participants where the judges see good execution without signs of personal failure or achievement.

Main blog image: Illustrated Internal martial art, Chi Gong practice from several thousand years ago