Throughout most of my life, art, music, and physical expression through movement, have been part of who I am. When I was a kid and teenager, I typically played outside, rode my bike, went for jogs, played sports, competed in gymnastics and dance, discovered art, learned a few instruments, and sang in choir/theater. I loved every minute of it. As I reflect back on the above- mentioned activities, some were an escape from the reality of painful situations growing up, but I’ll save that for another day. I’ve learned to appreciate the process of each of these hobbies and how they taught me valuable lessons and brought meaning into my life. Nowadays I try to engrain these pastimes in more of an unstructured and free flow kind of way. Every now and again I dabble with dancing, playing the uke/guitar, painting, etc. Bodybuilding has recently become a hobby of mine (last 7 years or so) and I’m motivated to learn more about it through books, magazine, articles, other physique experts and coaches in the field. I struggled with bodybuilding at first. Years ago I jumped into the culture and competition much too quickly without understanding much of it at all, but I’ve learned to embrace many aspects of it over the years. It’s become another form of art, expression , and therapy for me personally. The process of bodybuilding has become part of my identity. A beautiful, harmonious, and creative tango between mindset, art, and science.
Michelangelo, one of history’s greatest sculptors and painters once said:
“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”
and..
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
Although the marble was considered imperfect, Michelangelo saw beauty in the imperfections, and what the block of marble could one day become using his imagination and skills as a sculptor. The process of chiseling and sculpting away at marble bit by bit, day after day, has a resemblance to the process of bodybuilding, both externally and internally. Bodybuilding has a way of evoking a path to self-discovery, character, motivation and purpose while appreciating the external layers and imperfections along the way. I believe this is why I’m drawn to it week after week, month after month, and year after year.