I Know This Means Something

Is enjoyment enough to give one’s life meaning? I think so. So if you’re asking me what is something in my life that means something to me, you could just as easily be asking me what I like to do. But can that same thing have a deeper philosophical context? Sure.

Archery. Before I even continue, do not even start with the Katniss jokes. I do not try to be the Mockingjay. I’m not running around trying to save the citizens of Panem. I did not start shooting because of those books or that movie.  I started shooting 3 years ago, while in Virginia, because the opportunity presented itself, and archery was always somethig I had wanted to try. The mythology intertwined with archery is lovely, but it still carries a combative and sinister underlying tone.  

After trying it that summer in Virginia, I learned how beautiful it could be. When I returned to Chicago, I immediately started searching for a local range, and I found one. The range I go to is about 9 miles away from my house, but it happens to be the only indoor range in the city and the drive is completely worth it.

It started off as a few classes a month, then I joined a league, then I got my own bow and arrows, then my dad set up a target for me in my backyard, and soon I was competing and shooting at stray raccoons in my free time. Now I’m going to the range once a week, at least, and practice outside whenever the weather is nice(and oftentimes even when it isn’t). It is not just a hobby anymore, but it is not exactly a lifestyle either. Now it’s just a part of who I am. An archer.

Archery is simple. Load, pull, aim, repeat. If the shot is bad, all I have to do is keep trying until I figure out what needs to physically be changed. But archery comes with its complexities too. While I’m shooting it is as if I feel exactly what archery means to me as I hold the bow. The tension I feel while pulling back the string is more than just physical. It represents all archery has taught me and I feel all those little lessons accumulate into something greater that is waiting to be released. When the shot is finally released, it’s bliss. An arrow straight to the heart.