INVOLUTION¹
\In`vo*lu”tion\, n. [L. involutio: cf. F. involution.
See {Involve}.] 1. The act of involving or infolding. 2. The state of being entangled or involved; complication; entanglement.
AS OF THIS COMING SATURDAY THE “WORKOUT OF THE WEEK” WILL NOW BE REFERRED TO AS THE “TRAINING INVOLUTION” OF THE WEEK.
Why? Because we are martial artists. We are not “working out” — we are training. “Working out” means going down to the local fitness center to get your sweat on, maybe get on a treadmill or a bike, perhaps lift some weights. There’s nothing wrong with that of course. Workouts are good for you inside and out.
But this is Cabal Fang. We are not here to work out, we are here to train. To prepare. To defend. To build our mind-body-spirit triangles into indomitable pyramids. Above all, to be involved. The term “training involution” implies that you are involved.
But there’s also a metaphysical meaning of the word “involution” which is the opposite of evolution. Evolution is the growth phase. Involution is the looking inward phase. A caterpillar must enter its cocoon (involve) before it can exit as a butterfly (evolve).
You can work out while listening to your iPod — but you cannot train.
WHO ARE TRAINING INVOLUTIONS FOR?
They are designed for martial artists looking for an extra-challenging weekly exercise session — especially for those practicing Cabal Fang who are looking to supplement their twice-weekly meetings and constitutionals. But anyone can use them, even if only for inspiration. See your doctor before beginning a new fitness regimen and listen to your body. I will not accept responsibility if you try to blame me for injury or death resulting from any exercise routine on this website.
WHAT DO INVOLUTIONS CONSIST OF?
Each week I generally include three things — a fitness component, a martial component and a spiritual component. But that doesn’t mean I always will. Sometimes I will have activities that overlap and/or stretch boundaries and definitions.
WHEN SHOULD I PERFORM INVOLUTIONS?
Whenever you want. But since they can be pretty intense, I suggest inserting them in your exercise scheme at a point that allows you adequate recovery time before your next session based on your fitness level.
WHY SHOULD I DO THE INVOLUTIONS?
Because you want to pursue the Great Work, of course. And to do that you have to get involved with yourself and the world around you.
GET READY, BECAUSE THIS SATURDAY’S INVOLUTION IS GOING TO BE A REAL CHALLENGE.
¹ Webster’s 1913 Dictionary