Finding peace in practice
The Power of Sharing Your Passions
We live in stressful times. Worries at work, struggles at home, conflict with colleagues, friends, or partner consume us. For some, loneliness or fear of missing out plague our waking minds. The endless scroll of content further exacerbates our anxious condition. It's a common human experience. But there's a simple, yet profound solution: share your passions.
For me, the dojo is a sanctuary. The moment I step onto the mat, my world narrows. My focus shifts entirely to my training partner, our shared goal of mastering our techniques. In that focused moment, the weight of the world seems to lift. The worries that once consumed me fade into the background, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity.
This isn't unique to martial arts. Whether it's painting, playing an instrument, gardening, or coding, the act of sharing your knowledge and skills can have a transformative effect. This is a holdover from my time as a classroom teacher. Those moments when I was able to enlighten or surprise my students were what kept me coming back day after day. When we teach others, we're not just imparting information; we're also connecting with them on a deeper level. This connection fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can be incredibly soothing.
Here's why sharing your passions can help alleviate stress:
Mindfulness: When you're fully engaged in an activity, your mind becomes more present. You're less likely to dwell on past mistakes or future worries. It also improves cognitive function, increased performance at work, and can lead to better overall health outcomes. (Charness et al., 2024)
Purpose: Sharing your knowledge gives you a sense of purpose. Knowing that you're helping others can boost your self-esteem and overall well-being. (Burrow et al., 2024)
Stress Relief: Engaging in creative and physical activities can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. (Liu, 2024)
Social Connection: Sharing your passions can help you build stronger relationships with others.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember the power of sharing. Whether it's teaching a class, mentoring a colleague, or simply sharing your hobby with a friend, take a moment to connect with others through your passions. You'll be surprised at how much it can improve your mental and emotional health.
What are your passions? How do you share them with others? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
References:
Burrow, A. L., Hill, P. L., Stanley, M., & Sumner, R. (2024). The role of purpose in the stress process: A homeostatic account. Journal of Research in Personality, 108, 104444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2023.104444
Charness, G., Le Bihan, Y., & Villeval, M. C. (2024). Mindfulness training, cognitive performance and stress reduction. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 217, 207–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2023.10.027
Liu, J. (2024). Effects of martial arts participation among college students psychological stress. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 12(1), 318–327. https://doi.org/10.54097/etcq9z44
