I was sitting here musing over something that has occured to me over the last couple of days. I feel better after shooting....both physically and emotionally there is a decidedly postive physiological effect for me.
I've made no secret to any long time readers about my dissatisfaction with my job as a public school teacher. Between my ideological differences with the public education system and the rude do-nothing kids that inhabit the school.....it is truly a chore to go to work most days. Being the type-A perfectionist that I am, this is of course a recipe for disaster.
However, as most mid-career professionals will tell you...it's tough to give up that senior level salary that you've gotten used to.
As a result, my emotional state is not always as good as I would like and my physical health often suffers as well. Usually, this manifests itself as a general sense of lethargy but also severe back and neck pain.
I'm planning my escape within the next couple of years, but that's beside the point here.
Yesterday was the MD THR rifle shoot. About a dozen members there for some real comraderie and firearm sharing. I had one of my classic backaches while on the hour drive out there....but by the end of the afternoon I was pain free and on an emotional high that was truly a blessing. Was it the fellowship or the act of shooting? Who cares.....!
Fast forward to today. Sick as a dog all day...headache, tired, runny nose. Promised wife I would meet her at the trap range for a few rounds so I schlepped over to the range and waited....almost hoping that she'd call to cancel.
After three rounds of busting clays (and not all that well I'm afraid) I felt energized, headache free and in a general sense of well-being.
I'm a professional musician and it's no secret that the act of making music has restorative properties that have been studied for years. Who'd have thought that busting clays and punching holes in paper could do likewise?
I've made no secret to any long time readers about my dissatisfaction with my job as a public school teacher. Between my ideological differences with the public education system and the rude do-nothing kids that inhabit the school.....it is truly a chore to go to work most days. Being the type-A perfectionist that I am, this is of course a recipe for disaster.
However, as most mid-career professionals will tell you...it's tough to give up that senior level salary that you've gotten used to.
As a result, my emotional state is not always as good as I would like and my physical health often suffers as well. Usually, this manifests itself as a general sense of lethargy but also severe back and neck pain.
I'm planning my escape within the next couple of years, but that's beside the point here.
Yesterday was the MD THR rifle shoot. About a dozen members there for some real comraderie and firearm sharing. I had one of my classic backaches while on the hour drive out there....but by the end of the afternoon I was pain free and on an emotional high that was truly a blessing. Was it the fellowship or the act of shooting? Who cares.....!
Fast forward to today. Sick as a dog all day...headache, tired, runny nose. Promised wife I would meet her at the trap range for a few rounds so I schlepped over to the range and waited....almost hoping that she'd call to cancel.
After three rounds of busting clays (and not all that well I'm afraid) I felt energized, headache free and in a general sense of well-being.
I'm a professional musician and it's no secret that the act of making music has restorative properties that have been studied for years. Who'd have thought that busting clays and punching holes in paper could do likewise?
