OK, stop. Do one of your demo quality rolls.
My husband made his request while laughing AND in a tone that I also knew he meant business.
I had been carping rolls all morning and it was freaking me out, but it was frustrating to Andrew because he knows that I know how to roll.
I immediately recognized his point. My nerves were unusually high that day, I kept rushing my roll and he wanted me to take the time to reset.
Even though I know how to roll, coach my clients on breakthroughs with their roll, and train instructors on how to teach the roll, I found myself making one of the most basic mistakes. I was rushing, trying to muscle it and lifting my head.
Here’s the interesting thing: I had resigned myself to the belief that my roll was off because I was nervous, and was in the mindset that that was just how it was going to go today. The possibility of resetting, changing my attitude and going back to the basics wasn’t even in my awareness until Andrew said something.
I was annoyed by his suggestion to practice a roll because it felt embarrassing and rudimentary. Part of my identity is wrapped up in being a good kayaker, and definitely always having a solid roll.
What are you willing to do?
When I set my ego and considerations aside and did a demo quality roll in the eddy it was the perfect reset for both my mindset and my body mechanics. Ah yes, I do have a solid roll, and when I take the time to do it well and focus on my finish it really is bomb proof (unless I’m stuck under a raft – that story is for another time). It took me paying complete attention to the steps, and especially a strong finish to my sweep roll.
The worst part is that I would have been OK with just struggling through it thinking that if I kept trying hard it would eventually work itself out. Repeating strategies that don’t work while wishing and hoping that the problem will resolve itself keeps giving the same results. Results you can live with, but that don’t feel great.
Take the time to reset
Take the time to go back to basics and reset in any area of your life that is feeling off. Don’t be too proud, or keep telling yourself that you’ll do it another time, or think that it’s too hard or rudimentary. And, surround yourself with people and coaches who can see what you can’t see, and who can ask the right questions that help you reset when you need it.
The holistic approach to mental agility
When I look at my life and the factors that contribute to my mental agility on and off the water, my roll isn’t the only thing that needs a reset.
The state of my digestion is a big contributing factor to how I feel in mind and body. There is plentiful science about the effects the health of your gut microbiome has on your mood and cognitive function. Just like my roll, it can be easy to ignore the fact that you’re not feeling great, and keep eating and doing the same things wishing and hoping it will take care of itself.
Ignoring the sticking points with my roll could have a negative compounding effect on my confidence. The same can be said for ignoring the bloating, gas, variable bowel movements, heaviness and low energy that can be the symptoms of your digestion in desperate need of a reset.
Upon reflecting on the positive experience of my roll reset, I realize that it’s the same principle when it comes to my twice yearly cleanses. Going back to the basics of eating whole, simple foods, drinking herbal teas and giving up snacking can make a huge difference for your body and mind.
So my invitation to you is to not only take the time to go back to basics with any river skill you’re struggling with, but to also take on a reset for your gut, your health and your mental agility. Join my upcoming Guided Fall Cleanse October 23-27th. Click Here to register. You’ll be so happy you did – as happy as I was to reset my roll on the Upper Gauley!
