I have been trying to post more regularly--and to vary the style and content of my posts--to better understand my strengths and weaknesses in writing. Lately, I have been blogging about personal experiences as sort of a preliminary step to discovering what feels most natural to write about. (Sometimes when I try too hard to make a post "deep" or perfect, the writing process seems more forced and torturous than natural and enjoyable). Once I get those immediate experiences off my mind, I can then start to process them more deeply and put them into a context that would make them less focused on my experience, and more interesting for other people to read. So, I apologize to my followers during this me/me/me/I/I/I phase of my amateur blogging.
In any case, check out the kickboxing lobster above. Unfortunately, I have never met a kickboxing lobster, but I heard they have a mean one-two pinch. I get such a kick out of the picture, too...#kickboxingjokes! Basically, I have two stories to tell: one about kickboxing; the other about a lobster. In an effort to come up with a pinchy (!) title, I decided to combine the salient features of each story. Plus, I found that cute picture online..how could I resist? (*Scrolls up to look at picture again while smiling and slightly tilting head*)
So, first: kickboxing. I have been trying out a bunch of different exercise venues in the Union Square area in Somerville: yin yoga, vinyasa yoga, Healthworks gym, "Cardio Cutz", Zumba, and "JAM'N CARDIO KIX." All of them have their merits, but the JAM'N CARDIO KIX really intrigues me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYQbAyL9tmQ&list=UUXIpi1ZT2OoTxr38zLs7FbA&index=2&feature=plcp. (Check out the first two videos in a row from the link.) It's just so kickin' awesome! I stand in the back because I don't know any of the combinations, but basically you do these martial arts/kickboxing moves to contemporary (kickass!) songs, and you just never stop for an hour. The routines work your muscle memory and coordination to train your mind and body to work together when exercising. You're building neural networks (and confidence!), recharging the ole nervous system, and training your brain how to multi-task. The whole Corpbasics gym is grounded in this unique exercise science and philosophy (http://www.corpbasics.com/).
I am awful at all the routines, but they have been helping me counterbalance the 9-to-5 lethargy. Sitting in one position the whole day in front of a computer can really drive down your energy levels. It truly takes some effort, motivation, and initiative to seek out other outlets. I have a lot of respect for people who are able to balance work, life and health with ease and grace. Shoot, I digressed. My main point is that I really value innovative exercise philosophies and creative approaches to maintaining health and fitness. It's a shame that sometimes exercise can be forced into a boring box: e.g., doing the same ole things at the gym, pounding away on the concrete, running faster and longer, etc. Kids also struggle because exercise outlets are often limited to competitive sports in the younger years. While I very much enjoy competitive/team sports and think they are a healthy, fun outlet, they're not for everyone--and there are so many other ways to exercise (and a variety of different exercise goals to set besides "more" or "go harder" or "get into a routine"). A lot of my yoga instructors used to talk about how they are "enamored with the body" and all that it can do. What an interesting way to approach exercise. Many people are embarrassed or ashamed by their bodies. But exercise is a learning experience--one in which you come to know your body. Working out builds confidence and it's empowering. You don't always have to be the best or the fastest or the strongest. (This is the point where I realize a lot of my posts sound preachy/soap boxy...trying to work on that!). On a different note: I want to bring a friend to this kickboxing class sometime because it's hilarious to experience when you don't know the routines and the entire class does. Any takers? (Or you could even bring a date! Those kinds of experiences immediately build bonds since they break down insecurities and vulnerabilities. #easiersaidthandone!).
Alright, so now for the lobster part (*scrolls back up to picture*). At this point in the post, I'm realizing the core thought behind this post: I love ideas. I love that Corpbasics gym and exercise philosophy was founded by Andrew Haynes, a martial arts instructor who saw a market (and need) to share martial arts techniques (and the exercise science behind it) with a variety of audiences. So, he created these routines to popular, contemporary music and founded studios in young, hoppin' areas in Boston. Then, he started a Corpbasics instructors' training program so that he could expand the initiative. His idea is fresh, fun, and healthy--and it caught on. Awesome.
Back to the lobster (almost). Since moving to Boston I have been trying to learn more about great ideas--especially in areas in which I am passionate (like urban education, psychology, social justice, faith, service, etc.). At this point I'm not looking specifically for a job or for "official networking"; I just want to connect with people who saw a need, had an idea and a passion, and then created something. Most recently, my search led me to email the founder of "Earthen Vessels" (http://www.evkids.org/), a faith based non-profit comprised of three parts: 1)Harvard and BC students provide one-on-one, multi-year after school tutoring and mentoring to inner-city Boston students; 2) EV provides family and school advocacy, building a strong community of support; 3) EV's summer camp in the green mountains of Vermont challenges EVkids to build character, community and sportsmanship. The non-profit was founded by Marie-Claude Thompson and her husband, Brian. After moving to the United States from France, Marie-Claude became perturbed by the disparity she saw in Boston: the city is chock full of prestigious colleges, but low-income students never even dream of attending one even though Boston is their community, too. She learned from many of her sons' friends that a lot of inner-city kids fell especially far behind in the summer--a time in which they could have been doing something fun, exploratory, and constructive, but instead they were doing nothing or getting into trouble simply because they had no outlets.
One could see this problem as one that is not their own or as an overwhelming, hopeless situation, but Marie-Claude saw it as an opportunity to do something and make a difference--even if it were a small one. She and her husband had a friend with 65 acres of land in VT so they founded a non-profit and began taking twelve kids each week to the property. The camp includes many character-building hikes, outdoor experiences, sports, arts, and relaxation in the countryside. Additionally, there is a faith-based retreat aspect to the camp, in which students (sometimes for the first time) are invited to believe that they are loved--no matter what. Marie-Claude, now a chaplain at Harvard University, explained to me that sometimes this is the first time these kids would ever consider this idea: that they are loved and valued no matter what. Additionally, she held workshops to help students better understand and manage overwhelming experiences and emotions such as grief, disappointment, anger, and defeatist attitudes. The camp was small and might not seem like much, but the alternative would be the absence of all of these positive outlets for the kids. So in Marie-Claude's decision to "do something" she chose hope over despair--an act of faith indeed.
Since EV was founded 35 years ago, the program has added a tutoring/mentoring program in which Harvard and BC students commit to a 3-4 year relationship with a student. The idea is that it is in this relationship that both students (inner-city and university) grow; the perspectives of each student are enriched. Tutors' experiences are supplemented with reflections on social justice and spirituality, and tutees come to know that people care--and they benefit from the consistent, personalized attention. The program is grounded in the belief that it is in relationships--and in coming to know each other--that we build understanding, hope, community, and brighter futures.
Marie-Claude's theological grounding and the way it shapes her approach to justice work--as well as her understanding of the needs of underprivileged populations--really resonated with me. And here's the providential twist (and forthcoming lobster connection): I happened to email Marie-Claude on the eve of discussions about initiatives for expanding the program. EV is discussing adding a college mentoring program--and expanding to other cities. So the organization is looking for more ideas, more conversations, and more growth. Marie-Claude kindly invited me to an EV event in Cambridge at Fire + Ice so that I could learn more about the program, its impact, and the people involved. It.was.awesome. I guess the lobster isn't a huge part of this story at all, but basically EV raffled off free tickets to ride the Swan Boat in the Boston Commons and one of the trivia questions was: "According to the Guinness Book of World Records, what is the weight of the largest lobster ever caught?" For some reason I randomly blurted out the correct answer: "44!" So, I won three Swan Boat tickets (how romantic!) and I now know a fun fact to start future conversations (I store these and use them (too) often). The event also had an open wine bar and lots of exquisite appetizers. The event in a nutshell: Good food, bueno vino, great conversation, awesome ideas, and wonderful, inspiring people. Interested in learning more about EV? Check out these informative (and heart-warming!) videos: http://www.evkids.org/videos/.
Okay, time for bed! I don't want to be crabby (lobster-y) tomorrow!
