#1325 - Vāsanā
In Atomic Books, James Clear shares a fascinating fact about two great athletes with apparently nothing in common: Michael Phelps and Hicham El Guerrouj.
Phelps needs no introduction. He is one of the greatest athletes in history, having won more medals than anyone else in any sport. Guerrouj is probably less known outside the world of running, but the Moroccan runner is also a great athlete who won two Olympic gold medals and holds a few world records in middle-distances events.
If you search online for pictures of these two magnificent athletes, you will immediately notice that physically they have nothing in common, with the most evident difference being their height.
El Guerrouj is 175 cm tall, while Phelps is 193 cm. Almost 20 cm of difference. Yet, as Clear states, "the two men are identical in one respect: Michael Phelps and Hicham El Guerrouj wear the same length inseam on their pants."
Fascinating, isn't it?
It sounds weird, I know, but if you look closely, you will see that they have a completely different body structure. With his short legs and very long torso, Phelps is made for swimming. El Guerrouj is quite the opposite, with incredibly long legs and a short upper part. The ideal body for a runner.
This fact made me reflect on the importance of finding our uniqueness.
In the Subtraction work, we use the Sanskrit word, Vāsanā. It is the combination of natural inclinations and talents that make you unique. Those few qualities that make you naturally shine and through which you generate joy and fulfilment with ease.
Knowing your Vāsanā will help you achieve fulfilment in life.
What is your Vāsanā?