When I was 18 years old, I was a good amateur table-tennis player. I never made it to a final, but I made it to a semifinal and a number of quarterfinals.
In the first round of a national competition I was drawn against a player who had one leg shorter than the other and consequently limped and was unable to move fast.
As I was very fit and fast at the time, I felt sorry for this guy and thought I would beat him very easily. To my surprise, the opposite happened and he beat me in two straight sets.
He had developed a way of playing that compensated for his disadvantage, and he went on to win the competition and become the national champion!!
I found this so inspiring that it has been one of the most impactful formative experiences of my life.
Important Notice: Practice Transition & Content Review
Please Note: After a rewarding 40-year career, I am currently transitioning my practice in Australia from somatic psychotherapy to focusing exclusively on non-clinical Personal Development Facilitation and Emotional and Somatic Learning.
The historical articles and educational materials on this website are maintained solely for informational and context purposes. I am no longer registered as a somatic psychotherapist in Australia, and I do not offer clinical assessment, mental health treatment, or clinical psychotherapy. All current services are strictly educational and focused on personal development.