Why everyone is a herođź’«
Let’s be honest: we all think that we’re not superheroes and never will be.
Bill Gates is a hero, Usain Bolt is a hero, Batman and Harry Potter are heroes, that classmate that made his first million by 25 is a hero — everyone but me.
Those women with perfect skin, genuinely successful CEOs on magazine covers, Olympic champions with all their medals and sacrifices, those blog writers who exercise and meditate and eat healthy food every day — are they supposed to be inspirational? Because somehow they are not.
Mass culture has made comparing ourselves to others an essential daily exercise. We don’t even know how to think about ourselves without the comparison that only brings uncertainty and anxiety. In fact, the one and only person we have the right to be compared to is ourselves. Only here do we have all the original data and all the correct knowledge of what’s going on.
To be a hero does not require a herculean effort or act.
All achievements are great, and there is no need to downplay any of them. Despite the fear of looking ridiculous, you booked your first skateboarding class on your 34th birthday? Or you just bought your first pair of running shoes, but stayed at home? Or was it just a thought that flashed through your mind that it would be nice to start working out? Congratulate yourself on any of these, because it is huge progress!
It doesn’t have to be as epic as rescuing someone from a burning house or winning an Olympic medal — as long as you’re putting yourself on the line in some way, inside or outside, it’s heroic. Your every move, every action has a huge impact on the world and yourself, even if it is just a thought.
This has nothing to do with willpower or control.
It’s about working very gently with the mind and bringing a sense of ease, and not being too hard on yourself. Just keep going.
Superheroes have existed for as long as stories. We are drawn to them because they illuminate the human condition. They seem like us, but a future version: stronger, cleverer, faster.
We at la la sports believe that #EveryoneIsAHero and has plenty of amazing superpowers. Even more to be collected during the life ahead.
Here is our little digest — for your entertainment, pleasure and fun — of the coolest sports practiced by superheroes from comics. A small list of powers that we all could have soon enough.
Climb like Spiderman.
Whether you have some Spiderman experience or not, you could have some beautiful rock climbing in the Georgian capital. First spot is a 40-meter monument of Lotkin with 3 lines created by Guga Dabrundashvili, a famous Georgian climber. He will be happy to accompany you personally, lend equipment, and give you a lesson tailored to your experience.
The second spot we’d recommend is the rock under the monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi City. This rock on the bank of the river Kura, in the very city center, is often used for bouldering competitions — but you could try to conquer it on any day of the year.
Finally: the Botanical Garden. Take the 90 bus to the Botanical Institut stop, and from there just follow the river until you reach the climbing rocks. There are 26 routes with difficulties from 5a to 6b+.
High-fly like Nightwing.
The DC Comics superhero, Nightwing, a skilled acrobat, and aerialist, is the youngest in a family of circus performers known as the “Flying Graysons”. He is Batman’s bestie and a huge fan of the flying trapeze.
This athletic art is breathtaking, but actually much easier to start than it looks. You will wear a safety belt and have clear instructions on what to do in the air. Just follow the lead. You can find all the flying trapeze clubs in the world on this map. The average fee for one class is €30.
Ride the wave like Silver Surfer.
Imagine this: 1-meter-high waves, 149 waves per hour, 24 hours a day, all year-round. These guys are building the first indoor wave pool in Europe. They’ve just signed a lease on the former Reparco hall in Hague and plan to open by the end of 2018.
Whether you want to surf for the first time or improve your skills for the next competition, everyone is welcome at the SurfPoel. Right now, they are running a crowdfunding campaign; we can all support them by buying a 1-hour surf session for €60. Check out their other options here.
If you like collecting superpowers, join the team! You may want to subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter with the best picks on fun sports around the world. Follow us on Intagram, or share your passion using #everyoneisahero.
In Joseph Campbell’s words:
A hero ventures forth from the world of today into a region of wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.
Your friendly neighbourhood,
la la sports team
