The Power of Can't

[whipchick]

This speech may be listened to or read (or both, if you're feeling ambitious!). The written version is a close, but not exact, transcription.

Listen here.

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‘Can’t’ means ‘won’t’ and ‘won’t’ means pushups.

I say that on the first day of circus class.

I say it to nine-year-olds.

I say, we’re not here to quit. We’re here to be amazing.

And when

Comments

[whipchick]

Thanks :) The music is from Cirque Eloize, and it's what I was listening to while I wrote!

I think you're right about doing the impossible when you can't stand the alternative - working for myself is darn hard, but boy I'd never want to work for anyone else.

[jem0000000]

Sometimes "can't" also means physical limitations... but yes, all too often we build our own cages, one iron-threaded "I'm not good enough" or "it's too hard" at a time.

This is a lovely reminder. Thank you. :)

[whipchick]

I agree - I think part of the value of the not-saying-can't thing, too, is to allow ourselves to work at our own level and have our own achievements - my experience is more in circus, but I know a 65-year-old aerialist who's still in great form and performs professionally, and I've taught people of all shapes and beginning strengths. One of my favorite performers is a woman who uses a wheelchair and has very little leg muscle due to a congenital condition, and it was really cool to figure out choreography that took advantage of her powerful arms and very light lower body. The toughest part was figuring out a way to climb, since most performers climb with their feet, and it's been cool to take some of the new moves she's created and try them with performers not working with the same obstacles!

[theafaye]

When people say they don't have any choice, what they usually mean is "I don't like the choices I have." Big difference. Once you've realised that, it's pretty liberating. Although once you've achieved everything you've set out to achieve, you do get left with a feeling of "what's left...?"

[whipchick]

Ooooh, I love that distinction!! I'm totally going to be using that further down in the speech :)

[caile]

Oh, this motivativational speech is very motivating! I love it. Weirdly, my sister is a hobbyist aerialist, so parts of it are much like conversations that I've had with her.

[whipchick]

That's such a cool coincidence! Where does she train? Glad this was motivating for you - thanks!

[frecklestars]

There are not enough ways to describe how awesome you are. Seriously.

(Brief babbling aside: my current issues with circus are stemming from a similar argument. I think there are two ways to go about inspiring students to continue trying. One, which my first silks teacher did, was to push and push and continually tell us that we _could_. Once we'd say "uncle" though, because it hurt too much or we knew we'd hit our limit, she'd let off immediately. She had a shoulder injury that eventually resulted in surgery and being out of commission for 6-9 months, so she knew not to push. My current teacher, on the other hand, doesn't appear to believe that injuries are a thing. She says we are lazy when we tell her we have limits. This is clearly not a healthy or productive way of going about pushing. I have no doubt you fall into the category of my first silks teacher, but I still figured I'd say this out loud, just in case.)

[whipchick]

Urgh...that's a tough one. Do you like what you're getting from your teacher enough to deal with the bad parts, or are you in the market for another teacher?

Thanks for the compliment!

[frecklestars]

I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, I want to support local circus. On the other, I'm sick of this crap. We ended up having a chat before class last week and came to a sort-of-all-right compromise. She's insistent that you can't do circus without cardio, and I didn't know how to contradict her b/c I'm still a bit shy about my reasons and feel guilty that I can't keep up. So this is sort of my fault as well, because I'm not speaking up for what I need. Meh. My other option for a teacher is to make a 2 hour round trip drive up north to Brattleboro Vermont (NECCA, yay!). But with my other time commitments, that just isn't really feasible. *le sigh*

[whipchick]

Sorry that's a crappy situation :( And I am just a stranger from afar and you've probably already thought of this, but does she have a head coach over her, or a person who is in charge of the training program, that you can talk to? Someone should be able to mediate for you, and help you design a program that trains your body! Apologies for butting in, but I love circus, and I know you love circus, and I hate to see you not enjoying it :)