Recently, I began doing Parkour. Now, before I go onto my actual topic let me explain some backstory. I'm physically strong, mentally weak. One of my weaknesses, is heights. I have to say though, recently, I've overcome my fear of heights and have been altogether more comfortable walking or even running across steel girders, suspended about 10 feet up at an abandoned building I train at. (Before, I was terrified.)
So my question is: Is parkour mentally healthy? Has parkour helped you overcome a certain fear or given you a new outlook on life?
Is parkour mentally healthy? As above, yes. It helps you focus on nutrition, exercise, and routines. It can facilitate physical problem-solving once you understand how you can move, and recognize that 'Yes, I really can climb over that wall', or simply 'I can lazy-vault the railings at Burger King'*.
If you're concerned about your ability to mentally get through obstacles, there's a seemingly easy solution:
Don't think about it. Come up with a plan, tell the wailing inner voice to shut up, and put your plan in motion. Over-thinking will slow you down and get you hurt.
Example: A friend and I went up to Snoqualamie Pass so that he could go kayaking with his Seattle buddies. I brought my camera and enjoyed the fresh air. He got all geared up and almost hit the water twice, but backed out each time because he started thinking about what could go wrong. Had he just set off on the creek, he'd've been fine ~ his friends told me later that he's done things just as hard. He just couldn't get his head in the game.
