I developed more and more injuries and chronic pains. New sports became challenging, and – as a result – my self-image and confidence also took a knock. I have tried countless massages, foam rolling, this therapy and that therapy, but none of them fixed the root problem. I was stuck!
The problem was that I focused on performance, well, instead of practice. Our true nature is reflected in our consistent practice, rather than our once-off achievements. My practice did not include adequate self-care: I had blinkers on, and only wanted, no, needed one thing: to be the best.
This happens to many of us: we fall into the trap of achieving goals. We find short-cuts, we work overtime, we push our bodies harder and further. And most of us are awarded for this type of success. Few of us stop to ask the most important question, though: at what cost?
I had to turn things around. I stepped out of competitive sport, and turned my attention to taking proper care of my body: I realised that my body is my one and only vehicle for living, and that I still had my whole life ahead of me!