*Appeared in the Sun-Times Beacon News on February 26, 2012
Aurora Police officers go through many hours of annual mandatory training to ensure that we are prepared to engage in battle against evil whenever it becomes necessary.
We believe you “play like you practice” so our Training Division creates scenarios that are designed to give us realistic dress rehearsals for the real things. The training encompasses firearm proficiency, defensive tactics, crowd control and law updates, to name a few, and we pride ourselves on our preparedness.
Survival strategists tell us that in order to survive a battle, we must develop a mindset where failure is never an option. I have heard first-hand accounts from officers who were involved in gun fights say they reverted to their training as though it were muscle memory and recalled consciously tapping into that inner voice that says, “I will stay in the fight.”
Since our profession is masterful in creating human beings that are willing to run towards the gunfire when all others are running away, most police officers, like soldiers, are proficient in the tactical skills that are instrumental to our survival.
Unfortunately we sometimes fail when it comes to teaching officers to cope with the stresses that are inherent in our profession.
During my early training, no one told me that I would not sleep for a week after seeing my first double homicide where small children, although spared, were locked in the apartment where their parents had been slaughtered. No one warned me that the first sexual assault case against a child would forever alter the way I saw the world.
I don’t know that you can train for these traumatic events except to experience them as they unfold and try to figure out a way to silence the film reel that continuously replays in your mind. These scenes appear over and over, and in time, a police officer becomes immune to the trauma. Those who don’t develop immunity are doomed to a life of pain and suffering so a person’s emotional survival many times depends upon building walls.
I never believe anyone who tells me they keep their home life and work life separate. I don’t think humans can compartmentalize the two worlds by masterfully navigating between them – even if they claim to have this skill. This is precisely the reason police officers are believed to have a higher divorce rate and are more susceptible to alcoholism or other unhealthy vices as compared to other occupations.
When I researched the facts and figures associated with this claim, I found so many contradicting studies that I couldn’t formulate an absolute. (I did learn that agricultural laborers have the lowest divorce rate so if you are looking for assurance in marriage longevity, you might consider such a career.)
In my research however, I learned that 147 police officers committed suicide in 2011. That’s over two times the number killed by a bad guy with a gun. I’m not a psychologist but I believe there is a correlation between the stress incurred in this profession and the high suicide rate.
If an officer has not developed or learned the coping skills necessary to handle trauma, it manifests in other areas of their lives. Relationships are bound to suffer based on my aforementioned compartmentalization theory and officers are likely to turn to unhealthy vices to numb the pain. In a final act of helplessness, death might seem to be the only option to stifle the suffering.
I truly believe policing is one of the noblest professions. The skill and will of a well-trained officer benefits mankind in the understanding that the police are our nation’s first line of defense when we are met with a threat.
We train so we can be the victor over the bad guys but I sometimes wonder who will save us from ourselves.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
When Preserving Life and Protecting Life are in Conflict
*Published in the Sun-Times Beacon News on Sunday, February 12, 2012
I believe we all agree that there is nothing more valuable than human life.
But if we were to engage in a deeper and more philosophical discussion, we would find that there are different beliefs on what constitutes the value we attach to life.
That value is derived from our own belief systems and the way we see the world. The way we see the world is culminated by our experiences. The struggle between pro-life and pro-choice is a perfect example of belief systems that are at odds.
So is the fact that we attach value with different ideals. Is a heart surgeon’s life more valuable than that of a homeless person? If you had to take a life to save a life, would you?
In January 2010, one of our police officers was faced with that dilemma. He was off-duty and had just picked up his 13 year old daughter from school. As he drove down the street, he witnessed a male with a gun, chasing and shooting at a group of kids. The officer immediately exited his car, told his daughter to get down, drew his weapon, and gave several verbal commands to drop the gun. When the suspect pointed the weapon towards him, the officer fired, killing him. The officer later learned that the shooter was 15 years old.
On Feb. 1, Calumet City police officers shot and killed a 15 year old after the boy lunged at an officer with a knife, striking him. The distraught family members called the officer a murderer saying their son was autistic. The officers were criticized for not applying less lethal force that might have stopped the 5’10”, 220 pound teen.
In either of these scenarios, what would you have done with mere seconds to decide? If you had to save yourself or another innocent person from a gun-toting or knife-wielding aggressor, even if it meant taking his life, would you?
Fortunately, you need not spend much time contemplating this dilemma because the odds of finding yourself in one of these scenarios are highly improbable.
Sure, in the scenario involving the Aurora Police officer, it could have been you that pulled up in the path of the gunman. But as a citizen, your responsibility is to observe and report; and let the trained experts put themselves in harm’s way.
That is precisely what our police officer did: he confronted the threat and stopped the shooter before any innocent lives were lost. With his own life and that of his child’s at risk, he did exactly what he was trained to do.
The media is masterful at sticking microphones in the faces of distraught family members and others screaming out against police officers. Don’t misunderstand, when an officer commits misconduct, we all should be outraged, but when an officer has had to make a decision to preserve life by deploying deadly force on a violent aggressor maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to judge lest we have the ability to put ourselves in that very same scenario.
I sometimes wonder if the rest of the world envisions cops high-fiving each other in the locker room after one of these horrific scenarios. I was there the day our officer had to shoot the 15 year old and there was no celebrating. Behind the badge is a human being that will never be the same because of his own inner-conflict. The values that taught him to preserve and protect life were at a crossroads.
I doubt many give pause to think of his strife or that of any police officer who has had to live with the decision to take a life in order to save one.
It isn’t an easy decision - even when it’s the right one.
I believe we all agree that there is nothing more valuable than human life.
But if we were to engage in a deeper and more philosophical discussion, we would find that there are different beliefs on what constitutes the value we attach to life.
That value is derived from our own belief systems and the way we see the world. The way we see the world is culminated by our experiences. The struggle between pro-life and pro-choice is a perfect example of belief systems that are at odds.
So is the fact that we attach value with different ideals. Is a heart surgeon’s life more valuable than that of a homeless person? If you had to take a life to save a life, would you?
In January 2010, one of our police officers was faced with that dilemma. He was off-duty and had just picked up his 13 year old daughter from school. As he drove down the street, he witnessed a male with a gun, chasing and shooting at a group of kids. The officer immediately exited his car, told his daughter to get down, drew his weapon, and gave several verbal commands to drop the gun. When the suspect pointed the weapon towards him, the officer fired, killing him. The officer later learned that the shooter was 15 years old.
On Feb. 1, Calumet City police officers shot and killed a 15 year old after the boy lunged at an officer with a knife, striking him. The distraught family members called the officer a murderer saying their son was autistic. The officers were criticized for not applying less lethal force that might have stopped the 5’10”, 220 pound teen.
In either of these scenarios, what would you have done with mere seconds to decide? If you had to save yourself or another innocent person from a gun-toting or knife-wielding aggressor, even if it meant taking his life, would you?
Fortunately, you need not spend much time contemplating this dilemma because the odds of finding yourself in one of these scenarios are highly improbable.
Sure, in the scenario involving the Aurora Police officer, it could have been you that pulled up in the path of the gunman. But as a citizen, your responsibility is to observe and report; and let the trained experts put themselves in harm’s way.
That is precisely what our police officer did: he confronted the threat and stopped the shooter before any innocent lives were lost. With his own life and that of his child’s at risk, he did exactly what he was trained to do.
The media is masterful at sticking microphones in the faces of distraught family members and others screaming out against police officers. Don’t misunderstand, when an officer commits misconduct, we all should be outraged, but when an officer has had to make a decision to preserve life by deploying deadly force on a violent aggressor maybe we shouldn’t be so quick to judge lest we have the ability to put ourselves in that very same scenario.
I sometimes wonder if the rest of the world envisions cops high-fiving each other in the locker room after one of these horrific scenarios. I was there the day our officer had to shoot the 15 year old and there was no celebrating. Behind the badge is a human being that will never be the same because of his own inner-conflict. The values that taught him to preserve and protect life were at a crossroads.
I doubt many give pause to think of his strife or that of any police officer who has had to live with the decision to take a life in order to save one.
It isn’t an easy decision - even when it’s the right one.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Officers and Altruism
*Appeared in the Sun-Times Beacon News on January 15, 2012
I was recently driving my squad car past an east side elementary school during dismissal. Some kids lingering in the crosswalk saw my uniform and ran up to say hello. One child seemed eager to get my attention and worked his way through the other kids to the window of my squad and said, “Look at my coat!” I admired his winter coat and told him so. He replied, “A police officer bought it for me.” Puzzled, I asked him which police officer but he just shrugged his shoulders and ran away.
This episode made me reflect upon the many altruistic acts performed by my fellow officers that I had witnessed over the years and realized there were many similar, but untold stories. Although it’s extremely contradictory to ask people to tell about acts of kindness they’ve performed because the mere fact that it’s altruistic means they seek no recognition, I sent out an email and asked our officers to provide instances where they, or someone they knew, used their position to benefit someone in need. As I sifted through the responses, I was absolutely overwhelmed by what I read--- especially since there was a common theme to each story – a vehement request that their name not be used.
It is an honor to share a few with you:
One officer tells the story of transporting a female to jail who was arrested for retail theft. As it turns out, she was stealing school supplies for her daughter because she could not afford to buy them. A jail officer sought out the list of needed supplies, bought them, and delivered them to the mother.
An officer responded to a call to find a family of 6 with only one bed in their apartment. The kids were sleeping with blankets on the apartment floor so the officer donated a bed frame, mattress and bedding from her own home to the family in need.
Two officers responded to a home where a distraught family had just witnessed their dog get hit by a car. The dog had taken its last breath and the officers knew they couldn’t leave the family in their grieving state so they retrieved a blanket, wrapped the dog, and helped the kids write goodbye letters and place them with the dog for burial.
After taking a report from an elderly woman whose window-mounted air conditioner was stolen, the responding officers purchased another one and installed it for her.
But my favorite story left me breathless. An ex-prostitute with a drug habit was living on government aid in a housing project. She finally left the complex and went to rehab never to return to that life again. A police officer privately funded her stay in rehab because he believed that she could turn her life around.
The nature of a police officer’s job is to respond when people have been victimized or at their worst. While this is the part of the job that tends to wear on officers, it also provides opportunities to make a difference –the very reason most of them enter this profession. There were countless other stories of purchasing coats for those who were cold, buying and delivering groceries and hot meals to those who were hungry and replacing items for those who have been victimized. They do it not because they are police officers, but because they are human beings who instinctively extend their hand to help someone else in need.
I often write about police officers who tarnish the badge and abuse their position of authority because I believe it is our duty to shine the light in those dark places. The reality is that the majority of officers are reflections of the acts I’ve described. They use their power for good and like true heroes, prefer to do so when no one is watching and expecting nothing in return.
I was recently driving my squad car past an east side elementary school during dismissal. Some kids lingering in the crosswalk saw my uniform and ran up to say hello. One child seemed eager to get my attention and worked his way through the other kids to the window of my squad and said, “Look at my coat!” I admired his winter coat and told him so. He replied, “A police officer bought it for me.” Puzzled, I asked him which police officer but he just shrugged his shoulders and ran away.
This episode made me reflect upon the many altruistic acts performed by my fellow officers that I had witnessed over the years and realized there were many similar, but untold stories. Although it’s extremely contradictory to ask people to tell about acts of kindness they’ve performed because the mere fact that it’s altruistic means they seek no recognition, I sent out an email and asked our officers to provide instances where they, or someone they knew, used their position to benefit someone in need. As I sifted through the responses, I was absolutely overwhelmed by what I read--- especially since there was a common theme to each story – a vehement request that their name not be used.
It is an honor to share a few with you:
One officer tells the story of transporting a female to jail who was arrested for retail theft. As it turns out, she was stealing school supplies for her daughter because she could not afford to buy them. A jail officer sought out the list of needed supplies, bought them, and delivered them to the mother.
An officer responded to a call to find a family of 6 with only one bed in their apartment. The kids were sleeping with blankets on the apartment floor so the officer donated a bed frame, mattress and bedding from her own home to the family in need.
Two officers responded to a home where a distraught family had just witnessed their dog get hit by a car. The dog had taken its last breath and the officers knew they couldn’t leave the family in their grieving state so they retrieved a blanket, wrapped the dog, and helped the kids write goodbye letters and place them with the dog for burial.
After taking a report from an elderly woman whose window-mounted air conditioner was stolen, the responding officers purchased another one and installed it for her.
But my favorite story left me breathless. An ex-prostitute with a drug habit was living on government aid in a housing project. She finally left the complex and went to rehab never to return to that life again. A police officer privately funded her stay in rehab because he believed that she could turn her life around.
The nature of a police officer’s job is to respond when people have been victimized or at their worst. While this is the part of the job that tends to wear on officers, it also provides opportunities to make a difference –the very reason most of them enter this profession. There were countless other stories of purchasing coats for those who were cold, buying and delivering groceries and hot meals to those who were hungry and replacing items for those who have been victimized. They do it not because they are police officers, but because they are human beings who instinctively extend their hand to help someone else in need.
I often write about police officers who tarnish the badge and abuse their position of authority because I believe it is our duty to shine the light in those dark places. The reality is that the majority of officers are reflections of the acts I’ve described. They use their power for good and like true heroes, prefer to do so when no one is watching and expecting nothing in return.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Part with those who go wrong
In response to my last column about “bad apples” in our organizations, I received a scathing e-mail from a reader who took issue with my reference to “the beloved Penn State coach”. He accused me of presenting skewed facts and misleading the public by referring to the coach in this way, saying, “Paterno didn’t molest anyone and you give this impression with your slanderous comments.”
To be clear, I was talking about Jerry Sandusky when I referenced the alleged sexual abuse against young boys. The reader took issue with my using “beloved” as an adjective before the word “coach”. I responded back and pointed out that Sandusky has been on the coaching staff since 1969 so he must have been “beloved” by someone to have been employed by Penn State for so long. The term “beloved” is subjective in my opinion. (I also pointed out that he should have been accusing me of libel and not slander since slander refers to the spoken word and libel the written word).
After I was done with my bratty and sarcastic response, I realized that he had a point. I concede to the fact that Joe Paterno is widely known as the “beloved” coach and my reference to Sandusky as such may have been misleading. However, the angry reader missed the point of the column entirely which was about cops being outraged by fellow officers who tarnish the badge. It also dealt with having the moral courage to stand up and acknowledge bad behavior within our own organizations rather than turning a blind eye or attempting to cover it up.
In the reader’s quest to preserve the reputation of the “beloved” coach, he failed to see that Coach Paterno bears some responsibility for the alleged molestation that occurred on the young boys after it was brought to his attention. While he did not molest anyone, he failed to follow up on information he received from an eye witness and the molestations continued. I give him credit for at least reporting it to university officials but once he came to the realization that nothing was being done about it, he should have taken it a step further and gone directly to law enforcement. Just ask Mr. Sandusky’s victims if they would have preferred that Paterno or any of the people who had knowledge of the abuse step up and make some noise until they were heard.
When someone has knowledge of something illegal or harmful that is occurring and they do nothing about it, they bear responsibility by allowing it to go on. Period. When they ignore objectionable behavior, they are condoning it. Is it a horrible position to find themselves in? Absolutely.
Don’t misunderstand and think that I’m idealistic enough to believe that we can all live on a moral high ground. I can assure you that I have been guilty of turning a blind eye to something at some point in my life because I was afraid. Most of us have been in situations where we know we should say something but choose not to. It’s easier to remain silent because we risk being ostracized by those who would have preferred that the information never be brought to light. It’s easier to hope that someone else comes forward so we don’t have to be the one. After all, there are people who will be loyal to the person committing the atrocity and turn their anger towards the whistle-blower.
My admiration goes out to those courageous enough to stand up and do what it right even when it’s uncomfortable. Abe Lincoln summarized it best when he said, “I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
To be clear, I was talking about Jerry Sandusky when I referenced the alleged sexual abuse against young boys. The reader took issue with my using “beloved” as an adjective before the word “coach”. I responded back and pointed out that Sandusky has been on the coaching staff since 1969 so he must have been “beloved” by someone to have been employed by Penn State for so long. The term “beloved” is subjective in my opinion. (I also pointed out that he should have been accusing me of libel and not slander since slander refers to the spoken word and libel the written word).
After I was done with my bratty and sarcastic response, I realized that he had a point. I concede to the fact that Joe Paterno is widely known as the “beloved” coach and my reference to Sandusky as such may have been misleading. However, the angry reader missed the point of the column entirely which was about cops being outraged by fellow officers who tarnish the badge. It also dealt with having the moral courage to stand up and acknowledge bad behavior within our own organizations rather than turning a blind eye or attempting to cover it up.
In the reader’s quest to preserve the reputation of the “beloved” coach, he failed to see that Coach Paterno bears some responsibility for the alleged molestation that occurred on the young boys after it was brought to his attention. While he did not molest anyone, he failed to follow up on information he received from an eye witness and the molestations continued. I give him credit for at least reporting it to university officials but once he came to the realization that nothing was being done about it, he should have taken it a step further and gone directly to law enforcement. Just ask Mr. Sandusky’s victims if they would have preferred that Paterno or any of the people who had knowledge of the abuse step up and make some noise until they were heard.
When someone has knowledge of something illegal or harmful that is occurring and they do nothing about it, they bear responsibility by allowing it to go on. Period. When they ignore objectionable behavior, they are condoning it. Is it a horrible position to find themselves in? Absolutely.
Don’t misunderstand and think that I’m idealistic enough to believe that we can all live on a moral high ground. I can assure you that I have been guilty of turning a blind eye to something at some point in my life because I was afraid. Most of us have been in situations where we know we should say something but choose not to. It’s easier to remain silent because we risk being ostracized by those who would have preferred that the information never be brought to light. It’s easier to hope that someone else comes forward so we don’t have to be the one. After all, there are people who will be loyal to the person committing the atrocity and turn their anger towards the whistle-blower.
My admiration goes out to those courageous enough to stand up and do what it right even when it’s uncomfortable. Abe Lincoln summarized it best when he said, “I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
Monday, December 5, 2011
Policing Ourselves
In reference to my column where I talked about the Chicago Police Officer who tarnished our badge and our profession by falsifying an incident, a reader wondered if I get pushback from my fellow officers when I bring these topics to light because I’m supposedly breaking the “blue wall of silence” by illuminating these dark places.
The answer is no.
I sometimes feel like police officers get painted with a broad brush because the headlines report about corrupt officers leading people to believe that all police officers are dishonest. I can concede to the fact that there are police officers who should have never been allowed to assume the great responsibility that comes with the power they are afforded. I will admit that there are some police officers who use their position of authority in ways that serve themselves. There are police officers who take advantage of sick time and leave the officers who come to work every day to pick up their slack.
While they exist, it is in minuscule percentages when compared to those officers who come to work every day and do their jobs with a warrior spirit and a servant heart. The people that disrespect their office and abuse their power exist in every profession. They exist in religious institutions, the medical profession, political office, and most recently, in the locker rooms of prestigious colleges. Give me any profession and I will show you someone who has violated the core principles of humanity and the organization they represent because of their own character flaws.
The reason I don’t get any negative feedback on calling out the ones who don’t deserve to wear the badge is because the great majority of our officers are just as angry as the public at large about the lack of respect for the position they hold. In fact, the main reason institutions get into trouble in the first place is by failing to acknowledge when someone in their own organization does something devoid of ethics. Or worse, they cover up the wrong-doing in the hope that no one will find out about it.
I don’t think the general public is naive enough to believe that no one will ever abuse their position of influence or office. But we expect that it be dealt with swiftly should it occur. When the Catholic Church covered up the sexual abuse allegations against Priests, the public was outraged. When Penn State turned a blind eye to the heinous sex acts being committed on young boys by their beloved coach, we took issue.
The same goes for the “thin blue line” in policing. In the police departments of old, I can assure you there was cover-up and corruption. But I can tell you with great confidence that the times have changed. In our profession, if you commit an act that is a disgrace to the badge, you stand alone. The thin, blue line of loyalty has dissipated because there are systems and processes in place by which cover-up and deceit only serve to get an officer unemployed. Blind loyalty is no more.
Just like the public should be outraged when organizations attempt to cover up wrong-doing for the sake of avoiding a scandal, so should every person who is a part of the disgraced organization. The reason the police officers don’t get upset with my shining the light in dark places is because they don’t want those unworthy to wear the badge either.
It takes immense moral courage to stand against a colleague who you know to be engaging in behavior that is destructive or illegal. And it takes even greater mental fortitude as the leaders of organizations where it is occurring to acknowledge it. But it must be done.
The answer is no.
I sometimes feel like police officers get painted with a broad brush because the headlines report about corrupt officers leading people to believe that all police officers are dishonest. I can concede to the fact that there are police officers who should have never been allowed to assume the great responsibility that comes with the power they are afforded. I will admit that there are some police officers who use their position of authority in ways that serve themselves. There are police officers who take advantage of sick time and leave the officers who come to work every day to pick up their slack.
While they exist, it is in minuscule percentages when compared to those officers who come to work every day and do their jobs with a warrior spirit and a servant heart. The people that disrespect their office and abuse their power exist in every profession. They exist in religious institutions, the medical profession, political office, and most recently, in the locker rooms of prestigious colleges. Give me any profession and I will show you someone who has violated the core principles of humanity and the organization they represent because of their own character flaws.
The reason I don’t get any negative feedback on calling out the ones who don’t deserve to wear the badge is because the great majority of our officers are just as angry as the public at large about the lack of respect for the position they hold. In fact, the main reason institutions get into trouble in the first place is by failing to acknowledge when someone in their own organization does something devoid of ethics. Or worse, they cover up the wrong-doing in the hope that no one will find out about it.
I don’t think the general public is naive enough to believe that no one will ever abuse their position of influence or office. But we expect that it be dealt with swiftly should it occur. When the Catholic Church covered up the sexual abuse allegations against Priests, the public was outraged. When Penn State turned a blind eye to the heinous sex acts being committed on young boys by their beloved coach, we took issue.
The same goes for the “thin blue line” in policing. In the police departments of old, I can assure you there was cover-up and corruption. But I can tell you with great confidence that the times have changed. In our profession, if you commit an act that is a disgrace to the badge, you stand alone. The thin, blue line of loyalty has dissipated because there are systems and processes in place by which cover-up and deceit only serve to get an officer unemployed. Blind loyalty is no more.
Just like the public should be outraged when organizations attempt to cover up wrong-doing for the sake of avoiding a scandal, so should every person who is a part of the disgraced organization. The reason the police officers don’t get upset with my shining the light in dark places is because they don’t want those unworthy to wear the badge either.
It takes immense moral courage to stand against a colleague who you know to be engaging in behavior that is destructive or illegal. And it takes even greater mental fortitude as the leaders of organizations where it is occurring to acknowledge it. But it must be done.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Observations from a CrossFit Beginner
About four months ago, I heard the rumblings of a trendy phenomenon called “CrossFit”. My police department was buzzing about it and so I searched the Internet to investigate. I was led to a web-site where I watched a video about CrossFit and decided instantaneously that it was for crazy people. The video depicted men and women with chiseled abdominals lifting Olympic-sized weights and maneuvering feats of athletic elitism on boxes and gymnastics rings. The decision to stick with my 30 minute routine on the elliptical with a magazine at my local gym seemed sound.
One of my co-workers and newly converted CrossFitter would often stop by my office to chat about which part of his body he couldn’t move after his Workout of the Day (WOD). While that was more validation for me to stick to my elliptical, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by how much he loved it. He assured me that all fitness levels were welcome and convinced me to try it “just one time.”
I scheduled my session and made my way to Barebones CrossFit where I was met by Coaches Dave, Melissa and Jason. I was immediately intimidated by their minimal body fat and deducted that my initial impression while watching the video on-line was correct. I also noted a bucket in the middle of the gym labeled “pukey”. Compelled by these observations, my “fight or flight” survival instincts kicked in and I decided to wait for the coaches to look away so I could escape (fighting just didn’t seem to be an option given their muscular physiques). It occurred to me that I had already provided them my identity and it was painfully obvious that they would be able to catch me with minimal effort if I ran, so I reluctantly stayed.
It was during the next few weeks that the coaches would provide me with “elements” training – an introductory phase where I would learn proper form and technique before joining the seasoned CrossFitters in their WOD. Despite my being the new face in the gym, no one missed an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide encouragement in those moments when I needed it. Now that I am able to put it in proper perspective, it was the kindness of the CrossFitters that kept me coming back in those days I felt intimidated and overwhelmed. They continue to do that for me every day.
In the elements phase, I felt pain that I had never felt before. I was no stranger to strength training but this was different and unlike any other experience I’ve had in the gym. This was full body training that encompassed stamina, strength and flexibility all at once. It was grueling and it moved me so far out of my comfort zone by challenging everything I thought I knew about fitness and what my body could endure.
I finished the beginner phase and became an official CrossFitter. Over the past four months, I have come to the realization that the workouts do not get any easier. They aren’t supposed to. I have conquered some personal milestones like climbing the rope and doing pull-ups without a band. I can even do some double-unders (although I invariably suffer from welts in the process). Even though I’m gaining skills, every WOD makes me want to curse Dave, Jason and Melissa (and I often do!). Each day is a new challenge because no work-outs are the same. When I attain a goal, we celebrate the achievement but the ultimate victory is the understanding that you can always be better than you are.
I started CrossFit to get in better shape; I remain there because of what it has done to stifle the little voice inside my head that tells me to quit when things get hard. In the “box”, it’s not an option to quit because the coaches will remind you that the work-out you are doing is named after a real soldier who lost his life serving our country. When I begin to feel as though I cannot do 50 more box jumps or pull-ups, I remember that 20 minutes of pain is nothing compared to what our soldiers endure in the trenches. There are some days I modify the prescribed weight and there are some days I’m slower than everyone else but CrossFit has taught me to condition my inner voice to say, “Do not give up” and my body listens.
That is a lesson for both inside the gym and out.
One of my co-workers and newly converted CrossFitter would often stop by my office to chat about which part of his body he couldn’t move after his Workout of the Day (WOD). While that was more validation for me to stick to my elliptical, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by how much he loved it. He assured me that all fitness levels were welcome and convinced me to try it “just one time.”
I scheduled my session and made my way to Barebones CrossFit where I was met by Coaches Dave, Melissa and Jason. I was immediately intimidated by their minimal body fat and deducted that my initial impression while watching the video on-line was correct. I also noted a bucket in the middle of the gym labeled “pukey”. Compelled by these observations, my “fight or flight” survival instincts kicked in and I decided to wait for the coaches to look away so I could escape (fighting just didn’t seem to be an option given their muscular physiques). It occurred to me that I had already provided them my identity and it was painfully obvious that they would be able to catch me with minimal effort if I ran, so I reluctantly stayed.
It was during the next few weeks that the coaches would provide me with “elements” training – an introductory phase where I would learn proper form and technique before joining the seasoned CrossFitters in their WOD. Despite my being the new face in the gym, no one missed an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide encouragement in those moments when I needed it. Now that I am able to put it in proper perspective, it was the kindness of the CrossFitters that kept me coming back in those days I felt intimidated and overwhelmed. They continue to do that for me every day.
In the elements phase, I felt pain that I had never felt before. I was no stranger to strength training but this was different and unlike any other experience I’ve had in the gym. This was full body training that encompassed stamina, strength and flexibility all at once. It was grueling and it moved me so far out of my comfort zone by challenging everything I thought I knew about fitness and what my body could endure.
I finished the beginner phase and became an official CrossFitter. Over the past four months, I have come to the realization that the workouts do not get any easier. They aren’t supposed to. I have conquered some personal milestones like climbing the rope and doing pull-ups without a band. I can even do some double-unders (although I invariably suffer from welts in the process). Even though I’m gaining skills, every WOD makes me want to curse Dave, Jason and Melissa (and I often do!). Each day is a new challenge because no work-outs are the same. When I attain a goal, we celebrate the achievement but the ultimate victory is the understanding that you can always be better than you are.
I started CrossFit to get in better shape; I remain there because of what it has done to stifle the little voice inside my head that tells me to quit when things get hard. In the “box”, it’s not an option to quit because the coaches will remind you that the work-out you are doing is named after a real soldier who lost his life serving our country. When I begin to feel as though I cannot do 50 more box jumps or pull-ups, I remember that 20 minutes of pain is nothing compared to what our soldiers endure in the trenches. There are some days I modify the prescribed weight and there are some days I’m slower than everyone else but CrossFit has taught me to condition my inner voice to say, “Do not give up” and my body listens.
That is a lesson for both inside the gym and out.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Craftmanship means giving your best
One of my pet peeves is when people do things only half-way. I spend a lot of time explaining this concept to my children when they leave a chore half done or complete a homework assignment that is clearly not their best work. I repeatedly tell my children that the work they do is a reflection of who they are and they should always take care to give the world the best of themselves.
I find that humans will often take the path of least resistance when left to their own devices and if we aren’t conscious, laziness and apathy can become the norm. This is why diligence must be constantly reinforced.
This is illustrated beautifully in the construction of timepieces. In the beginning of watchmaking, individual masters made one of a kind works of art for royalty. These watchmakers were artisans and they spent many months making a single timepiece that was a precise mechanical masterpiece and a thing of beauty. The inner mechanisms of the timepiece were likely never seen by anyone but that didn’t matter to the artisans. They still took care that each piece was beautifully designed and hand-crafted to perfection.
There are still many individuals in different trades that operate under that same philosophy. Those who take the time to perfect their work for the sake of pride are today’s master artisans.
I sometimes think we have lost the concept of craftsmanship. By that, I mean the diligence and effort that goes into work that leaves the creator’s spirits lifted. It is the feeling you get when you stand back and assess your efforts and are proud and inspired by the product. One does not have to handcraft timepieces to be considered a craftsman. You simply have to put your skill and mastery into whatever it is you do.
Craftsmanship is not just about physical construct. I see police officers who exhibit craftsmanship through their service to others every day. Every contact with a citizen is a chance for them to reveal their mastery. Even when issuing a citation to a driver or taking someone into custody, if they do so with professionalism and character, they are displaying pride in their work. An officer who treats someone who chooses to break the law with dignity and respect is mastering their craft. Ensuring that a police report is a thorough and accurate reflection of the incident that occurred is a practice in craftsmanship.
Giving your best in all that you do can become tiresome. I have seen people lose their motivation to work at their highest potential because they felt their effort was futile or unrecognized. There is certainly something to be said for losing inspiration and motivation because of a shattered spirit. We can all point to something that was unfair or unjust at some point in our lives and easily use that as an excuse to stop giving our best. I watched many artisans in their trade give up because they felt they were underappreciated.
Those who have mastered craftsmanship understand that the motivation to give their absolute best comes not from external praise or recognition. It is the intrinsic motivation that comes from the realization of purpose. An officer who writes tickets to please their supervisor or to generate revenue for the city will easily become frustrated by elements beyond their control. In contrast, the officer who understands that their job is to do their part to prevent traffic crashes by upholding the law has a purpose that is bigger than themselves. They understand that issuing a citation (no matter how negatively received) is their contribution to preventing the loss of life.
No matter what your life’s work, a true artisan will not let outside influences dictate the quality of their work. The pride that goes with giving the best you have to offer in all circumstances is what craftsmanship is all about.
I find that humans will often take the path of least resistance when left to their own devices and if we aren’t conscious, laziness and apathy can become the norm. This is why diligence must be constantly reinforced.
This is illustrated beautifully in the construction of timepieces. In the beginning of watchmaking, individual masters made one of a kind works of art for royalty. These watchmakers were artisans and they spent many months making a single timepiece that was a precise mechanical masterpiece and a thing of beauty. The inner mechanisms of the timepiece were likely never seen by anyone but that didn’t matter to the artisans. They still took care that each piece was beautifully designed and hand-crafted to perfection.
There are still many individuals in different trades that operate under that same philosophy. Those who take the time to perfect their work for the sake of pride are today’s master artisans.
I sometimes think we have lost the concept of craftsmanship. By that, I mean the diligence and effort that goes into work that leaves the creator’s spirits lifted. It is the feeling you get when you stand back and assess your efforts and are proud and inspired by the product. One does not have to handcraft timepieces to be considered a craftsman. You simply have to put your skill and mastery into whatever it is you do.
Craftsmanship is not just about physical construct. I see police officers who exhibit craftsmanship through their service to others every day. Every contact with a citizen is a chance for them to reveal their mastery. Even when issuing a citation to a driver or taking someone into custody, if they do so with professionalism and character, they are displaying pride in their work. An officer who treats someone who chooses to break the law with dignity and respect is mastering their craft. Ensuring that a police report is a thorough and accurate reflection of the incident that occurred is a practice in craftsmanship.
Giving your best in all that you do can become tiresome. I have seen people lose their motivation to work at their highest potential because they felt their effort was futile or unrecognized. There is certainly something to be said for losing inspiration and motivation because of a shattered spirit. We can all point to something that was unfair or unjust at some point in our lives and easily use that as an excuse to stop giving our best. I watched many artisans in their trade give up because they felt they were underappreciated.
Those who have mastered craftsmanship understand that the motivation to give their absolute best comes not from external praise or recognition. It is the intrinsic motivation that comes from the realization of purpose. An officer who writes tickets to please their supervisor or to generate revenue for the city will easily become frustrated by elements beyond their control. In contrast, the officer who understands that their job is to do their part to prevent traffic crashes by upholding the law has a purpose that is bigger than themselves. They understand that issuing a citation (no matter how negatively received) is their contribution to preventing the loss of life.
No matter what your life’s work, a true artisan will not let outside influences dictate the quality of their work. The pride that goes with giving the best you have to offer in all circumstances is what craftsmanship is all about.
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