SHIELD Pain

As Nico SHIELDED the blows reigning down toward his face with his forearms, he simultaneously bucked his hips up to disrupt the much larger 8th grader to upset his balance and thus neutralize his powerful blows. Nico, a 6th grader, thought for just a moment what pains he would be in if his HAPKIDO instructor hadn’t shown him the SHIELDING technique for when a larger opponent was on top attempting to knock him senseless. Still SHIELDING hurt, he couldn’t deny it, and now he was ready for a change of scenery. All at once Nico bucked his opponent’s balance forward, hooked his arm and leg and reversed his position, escaping easily. Although mostly unharmed, Nico’s long walk home was one of reflection. His forearms hurt, his pride was hurt, and he’d probably have to deal with this school yard bully again. His eyes welled up in pain How many times must we SHIELD from deadly blows, harmful attacks and vicious assaults? We save ourselves from harm through SHIELDING, blacking, or escape, and yet we still feel the pain, carry the bruises on the outside as well as the inside. Just because we survive ultimately doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. It’s okay, feel it, all of it, and don’t resist it. You survived and even though you SHIELDED, that’s what Warriors of Life do, you still feel the pain… Allen Hughes Life Defense Coach #lifedefense #shield #allenhughes Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels