Iron Philosophy: Humility

HUMILITY

           To the untrained eye, weight lifters, bodybuilders and martial artists contrive a muscle-bound, gleaming view into a psyche leaning toward the barbaric. Glorifying large muscles and the ability to move heavy objects may seem odd and absurd to most. Concluding that egoism and pride are the only possible outcome and driving force, the outside culture looks through the glass of the gym and purely sees the contrived images of men trying to become gods. What is not seen is that deep yearning for growth, not just muscularly, but internally as well. The magazines and mainstream fitness culture does not reveal the depth of character that occurs in the weight room. True dying to self, of which happens often when hitting the weights, consistently grabs man by his throat and reminds him of his humanity and his call to respect the virtue of humility.

        Humility is a tough cookie to swallow at times. Our pride and ego gets in the way and we truly believe that we can fix our problems. Whether it be through politics, talking (yet never saying anything) or striving for financial success we try our hardest to become an object of admiration. The only true test of proper humility is in carrying a cross. The difficulties we face in life may seem impossible, or worse, mortal, yet each and every time we approach one we come out of the struggle with more zeal, passion and life changing grace. This is where the weight room can become a place of trial. Where we realize that we are not superman and that we do, in fact, contain weakness which can only be overcome by recognizing and working on them. There is a confidence in the humility that grows when you lower the weight and realize you just may not finish the rep. You are putting your life, pride and body on the line every time you work out. Humility can only be improved upon through practice. While we are given opportunities every single day to tell ourselves that we are not God, the Iron solidifies that exact principle.

     

       Through the example of Christ our King, we should take seriously the call to become like innocent children. To become the least in order to become great. If true greatness is in your retinue of fitness goals then realizing the constant battle for humility can be exponentially expounded through focusing on what is happening to you spiritually when you lift. If you go into the gym with the attitude of an ego-maniac, the weights will sure enough smack you around and put you in your proper place. I have seen men, specifically at the large gyms, who walk around as if their sweat is worth more than gold, yet their workouts are lazy and they are more interested in people watching. True growth cannot occur if you are in your own way. Notice and come to terms with where you are at physically, which requires a humbling of your ego, and the sky will be the limit in terms of growth. Even in set-backs, the epitome of physical humility, the humble keep moving, they pick up where they left off and keep striving for that respectful modesty of which the Iron demands.  

"The devil is afraid of us when we pray and make sacrifices. He is also afraid when we are humble and good." St. Anthony of the Desert