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Maria Luz O'Rourke's avatar

This resonates with me, Vanessa. Before I got sober and woke up, I ran ultramarathons. Something was calling me to Nature, even though I couldn't hear it back then.

About a year after getting sober, I started hearing the plants calling me. This time, I could hear. That's how I came to herbalism! I shake my head at all the wildflowers I cruised by in the Cascades and Sierras, never to give them a second glance 🤦🏽‍♀️

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Vanessa Chakour's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Maria! That makes so much sense to me. I feel like I unloaded so much noise and processed lots of emotional baggage through boxing. My senses became sharper and I became more attuned to nature, and to my animal body. Of course, it matters how we approach these sports and for me, for the most part, it was a process of self development... although my ego got caught up for a little while. Even so, I became so much more attuned to the world around me.

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Maria Luz O'Rourke's avatar

"... it matters how we approach these sports..." is aptly put, Vanessa! Back in those days, distance running was another way to escape my life.

Now, I run for the joy and connection to all parts of me, and to Nature and the Universe 😍

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Marci's avatar

I love this so much Vanessa! From reading your article I feel this natural fit between boxing and writing! I want to learn more 🥊 ✍️

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Vanessa Chakour's avatar

I'm so glad this resonated, Marci! Yes, boxing and writing are very much connected for me. One flows into the other and boxing helps to loosen my words and initiate creative flow.... 🌱

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Jiling Lin, LAc's avatar

So bad ass. Can’t wait to read more.

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Vanessa Chakour's avatar

So glad this resonated! Planning to share some posts on boxing and herbalism soon. 🌱

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Shoshi Rose's avatar

Absolutely love this! This is so profound on so many levels. I’m so glad you will be sharing more about your boxing practice and how it relates to your work with the earth.

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Vanessa Chakour's avatar

Thank you, Jahan! That means a lot to hear. I'm excited to share more about it, too. Now that I'm training again and reconnecting with that (huge) part of myself it feels unatural to leave it out.

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