Every traceur knows that Parkour is as much a mental discipline as a physical one. Before all else there is the state of mind. Then comes movement. We seek freedom but there are parts of the mind that are holding us back. It is our mental state (confidence) that dictates whether we make it to the other side or not. Conditioning your mind will help you increase that confidence and dispel fears.
These techniques will be most useful to intermediate traceurs but even the more experienced, who may have already won many of these battles of the mind, will find something that they can apply in other parts of their life or training.
Hidden Depths
When you stand to face some insane jump there’s a part of your mind that is deeply afraid and wants you to stop. You may not feel that fear in your conscious mind but it is there deep down and it will sow the seeds of doubt that will cause you to fail. That doubt is your enemy and will prevent you from reaching your full potential. We have all experienced that struggle; sometimes in a panic, sometimes as a calmer, more rational battle of wills. We know that the movement will not be complete if doubt remains. The ultimate goal is to take control over this part of your mind and completely dispel the fear, uncertainty and doubt.The first step is to raise awareness. When you feel the doubt or fear you must immediately acknowledge it and think about where it is coming from. Ignoring it is not the solution. You must get to know it before it can be truly controlled. Read the rest of this entry ?
