Anagail Hamby, June – What is archery? We all know the basic process: load, aim, fire. Or nock, aim, release. When we watch an archer, the process is apparent. What’s not as obvious, is what it means to us.
Archery is the great leveling field. True equal opportunity. It doesn’t matter if you’re a little weak, or if you can’t walk, handle a ball with any speed, don’t have an arm, or if you’re young.
It doesn’t matter in archery. You can still shoot, and shoot well.
Archery means victory. Victory against not just others, but against yourself. This is a sport where victory can come even if you’re not the best. You can have a worse score than your opponent, but still win because it was a record for you. You can taste victory even if you have a worse score, because you have a better grouping. Archery means victory because you can win in so many different little ways. You can still be the overall best though. You can shoot with pinpoint accuracy, with laser focus, and with machine-like consistency. Nothing is holding you back, except your dedication and patience.
Archery is the pursuit of peace. Peace with yourself, your capabilities, and the outcome. To shoot consistently, we have to find a place in ourselves where we don’t worry about our shot. Archery helps us slow down, take a second to calm down and find peace, in a world that’s rushing us to shoot our shot no matter if it’s the right one.
Competing in, and practicing archery has taught me so much more than just how to shoot a bow. Archery has shown me that talent and skill can come from anywhere. I have known victory through archery, but I have also found peace in it. I am so glad for the years I’ve had shooting, and I hope others get to experience this too.
