Tag: mental health

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Entropy Of Life

Steve Rowe

EntropyFrom organised structure into chaos.You’re already dead.Death is infinite and assured.Life sits inside death.It’s finite and tentative.From the moment you’re born,You’re also dead.Life/death is yin/yangWithout death, life has no value. From young, healthy, attractive, nicely scented and succulent,You rot into a grey, dry, wrinkled,Old, invisible and ignored carcass,Smelling of piss and biscuits.From mindlessly leaping out of chairs,You go to the ‘Dawn Of Man’ routine to stand.Or slide from chair to wheelchair. Only young people say “if you’re lucky enough to get old”.When old, sick people hear of a ‘sudden death’, they think ‘lucky bastard’,Even if they don’t say it.The key … Continue reading Entropy Of Life

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I Like Simple

Steve Rowe

I am a simple man.This is why I naturally gravitate to Taoism, Buddhism and Pantheism.I’m always looking for the bottom line.I don’t like clever or complicated.I don’t like deceit.I don’t like masks.I don’t like dogma.I don’t like robes.I don’t like temples and churches.I don’t like priests, vicars, bishops or popes.I don’t like flowery hands and embroidered feet.I dont like arrogance, false confidence or bluster.I like straight talk.I like patience, tolerance, kindness and compassion.I like unity, harmony, community and support.I rely on my gut, my instincts.I know a wrong ‘un when I see them.They pit one against the other.They rely on … Continue reading I Like Simple

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Loneliness

Steve Rowe

Some people see everything differentThey can’t understand why others can’t see the sameOthers can’t understand why they are the way they areLike oil and water they can’t mixIt’s a lonely place when everyone misunderstandsWhen they don’t talkWhen they’re just being themselvesOthers think they’re being awkwardThe truth is they’re born that wayThey can’t help itThey don’t mean itThey can’t be differentThey just need toleranceUnderstandingCommon groundThis is the role martial arts can playIt’s called inclusion. Continue reading Loneliness

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Explore Your Darkness

Steve Rowe

Do you feel that if you surrender to your darkness that you won’t be able to find your way back? Do you repress and try to ignore it? If you’re always trying to be happy instead, you’re not happy – and the lurking darkness is permeating your soul in a negative way. We all know the ‘positivity’ people always trying to convince themselves and those around them that they are happy and positive but that veneer is thin and the tortured soul behind is obvious. The darkness needs to be explored and understood as it’s the balancing factor to the … Continue reading Explore Your Darkness

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Language Of The Depressed

Steve Rowe

The language of the depressed. You have to listen carefullyDon’t give an opinion unless askedSometimes they just want to be heardJust want their problems recognisedEmpathy is often interpreted as pitySupport is to be there and pay attentionTo help if asked forOr to ask if there’s anything you can do to helpUnrequested advice or help is seen as bullyingThe language is often codedThe problem is depersonalisedSpoke about in the the 3rd personOr approached obliquelyBecause they are embarrassedBy listening and paying attentionWatching the body languageFeeling the energyAllowing them to talkUntil they feel comfortableYou can be the greatest helpBe a good friendAnd help … Continue reading Language Of The Depressed

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Why I Choose A Dojo v Gym

Steve Rowe

Why I choose a Dojo over a Gym. A Dojo is a community of mutual support. Respect and dignity are paramount. We learn how to discipline the mind, develop emotional intelligence, relate to each other and develop a vigorous health that’s fit for purpose as opposed to vanity. Martial Art training is a fun way to learn these skills rather than the ‘punishment’ we tend give to ourselves in a gym for not matching media expectation. They can be practiced anywhere without the need of expensive equipment. Classes are not random, grades and syllabus are specific so we always know … Continue reading Why I Choose A Dojo v Gym

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International Men’s Day and Mental Health

Steve Rowe

Today is ‘International Men’s Day’ and an opportunity to look at and understand men’s mental health from a man’s point of view. It’s all very well telling them what they’re supposed to do by people that don’t understand why they are the way they are, but the natural and powerful urges and the social indoctrination from a young age is very powerful. Most fighters understand that it’s not death or pain that they fear but humiliation. Therefore they would rather die than display or discuss their weaknesses. So the advice to talk about their vulnerabilities with others may catch a … Continue reading International Men’s Day and Mental Health

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Men’s Mental Health

Steve Rowe

Mental Health For Men There are a lot of memes and ‘copy and paste’ posts basically saying that men suffering from mental health need to talk about their problems and be able to communicate and seek help. I don’t think these help because they’re asking men to do something that feels too unnatural. Men are built physically, mentally and emotionally in a different way to women. Men are traditionally the protectors, hunters, and warriors and they would demonstrate their prowess in these areas to impress females like much of the animal world, it’s written into their DNA to not ‘break … Continue reading Men’s Mental Health