Pushing limits: The show must go on

We can all be monsters (and sometimes, we need to)

We live in an age of feel-good philosophy; look at whatever media you like and it won't be long before you find narratives of empowerment and entitlement. Whether it's a self-help book or a motivational video, the focus is generally the same: beating into the consumer's head by way of constant repetition and flowery, emotive language that the mere fact of their existence makes them wonderful and special. In my view, this attitude is incorrect and if left unchecked, dangerous.

Don't get me wrong, it's important for everyone to feel like they have purpose and value in life. However, basing an entire worldview on the belief that you're one of the "good people" without acknowledging your potential to do harm is to walk down a path that only ends in misery and suffering.

Throughout the course of human history, we have committed hideous crimes against each other and because of our inclination toward simplistic understanding of complex issues, we will often look at a conflict and paint one side as right and just while condemning the other as entirely malevolent. This simply isn't how life works.

If you were to ask two average soldiers on the opposing sides of a war who held the moral high ground, they would probably both argue that theirs was the one fighting for what's right, because only a small minority of people have the capacity to be aware that they're truly evil and not care.

Convincing someone that they stand for good, regardless of the context or repercussions of their behaviour is one of the first steps in programming them to do objectively reprehensible things without an ounce of remorse. This is the reason that today, groups claiming to represent tolerance, equality and respect will attempt to ruin people's lives and commit physical violence against them.

Finally, it's important to remember that our dark sides exist for a reason. I have been studying Taekwon-Do for two and a half years now; at its core, the art is designed to enable practitioners to kill an opponent with ruthless efficiency. One of the most difficult aspects of training is getting comfortable with the thought of doing grievous (possibly fatal) damage to another human being. The simple truth is this; it's better to have the capacity to be a monster and not use it than to be confronted by monsters and realise that all you are is prey.

Pushing limits: Combat seminar

Pushing limits: Powerbreaking on grading night

Pushing limits: Weekend workout compilation

Pushing limits: Horizontal hell

Pushing limits: Mixing it up

Pushing limits: Static strength and triceps presses

I haven't had a bath in over a year

The life of a quadriplegic isn't all glamour and intrigue.

Have no fear though, for I am no unwashed neanderthal. However, one of the most frequent misconceptions people seem to have about life with a disability is that the most difficult thing about it is being wheelchair-bound, but there's much more to it than that.

As the title of this piece states, I haven't entered a bath for quite some time; this is because it came to the point when my cousin realised he could no longer safely lift me in and out of one on his own. Nevertheless; hygiene remains a daily necessity (of course) and so he built and varnished a wooden platform (pictured below) that slides over-top of the tub, which I could then transfer onto and have something more akin to a conventional shower.

Do I miss being submerged in warm water? Damn straight - particularly in the depths of winter - but as I said, having to use a wheelchair is just the beginning when it comes to the adaptions people like me have to deal with every day.

Nightjar Street (poem)

Its cobbles are worn, there are dark corners aplenty;

Here you won't find the usual gentry.

There's fun to be had if you can summon the will, Nightjar Street's a cornucopia of thrills.

There are cut-throats in the alleys and demons on the doorsteps;

One can never quite guess what might happen next.

Keep your wits about you while your fortune is told, for gypsies part fools from more than just gold.

If you go a little ways, a tavern you'll find;

But partake in no card-games or you'll end up in a bind.

The Raven's Eye it's called and the drinks, they won't kill ya;

But Mistress Hecate may hex you for acting familiar.

So take a stroll down old Nightjar, I swear it's a blast;

But when it's time to get out, you best get out fast!  

Pushing limits: Triceps triumph