The Forget Men's Retreat: Recap with Erik Thorson

In kicking off the first ever Bethany Hamilton men's retreat for limb loss, we were honored not only in the privilege to share in this intimate space with Friends of Bethany, but also to have ourselves represented by an outside party for the first time. Erik Thorson, a CrossFit Level 3 Trainer, was invited to serve on behalf of Point One Vision at The Forge men's retreat in Kauai and we were honored by the gift of his time and the heart to explore the width and depth of the unknown. We asked Erik to respond to a few questions about his time in Kauai and what he learned from this experience:

Was this your first personal experience with individuals with limb loss? If so, what were your thoughts coming into the retreat? If not, in what ways did you feel prepared? 

This was my first personal experience working with individuals with limb loss. I did still feel prepared purely with an open mind full of curiosity, optimism and contentment. Additionally, I felt that my experience coaching CrossFit and modifying workouts daily for people would aid in my creativity and knowledge when working with limb loss individuals. 

What were your expectations or ideas that you may have had going into the week versus how did those things change? 

I had very little expectations going into the week. I was simply overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement being that I had an opportunity to help in some way. In the end, I was very happy to get to give a brief talk/demo in regards to learning a few movements during our exercise portion! 

How did you see the attitudes or perspective of the young men shift during the course of the week?

One of the most enriching takeaways from the week was seeing the attitudes and perspectives of the men change from the time they walked in versus the time that they left. They all came in with residual doubt and grief from their traumas and were not fully aware of their capabilities and immense worth on this planet. By the time they left, you could see their faces and bodies filled with confidence, pride, and a self-realization that they’re capable of so much and that life can only get better and better for them if they keep working hard with a positive attitude.

How did your attitude or perspective shift during the course of the week?

Throughout the week, my perspective shifted in a way that simply reminded me how much more difficult life could be and to not take the simplest daily tasks for granted. It was a good reminder that your physical body and what you can achieve with it is such a rewarding gift in which you should appreciate somehow everyday. 

Was there a pivotal moment or particular interaction during the retreat that was especially memorable to you? What stood out?

The one particular moment that stood out to me and became a life long memory happened on the last morning of the retreat when all the men were challenged to hike up and down a steep, grassy hill. One of the attendees and a recent amputee, Kelly, conquered his apprehension of hiking slopes and proved to himself that he had the capacity to still climb mountains and hike trails. It was such a momentous realization for him that was a joy to see in the flesh. As a result of that occasion, he confidently hiked the declined slope of the hill on the Jurassic Park property in which he previously believed he would have to skip out on. I was so thankful to watch that happen. 

As a full-bodied person, what are some things you may have realized you take especially for granted in spending time with those with limb losses? Were there any adaptations that surprised or impressed you?

As a full bodied person, I realized I may take for granted my daily tasks such as preparing food, getting dressed, or playing a sport - and doing all of those in a timely and efficient manner without becoming frustrated or late or disorganized. The men with arm amputees really surprised me with how efficient they were in preparing their plates of food!

What did you feel you were able to give and what did you feel that you gained through this experience? What did you leave and what did you take away?

During the retreat, I felt I was able to give knowledge and instruction in regards to exercise and fitness in which the participants could take back and apply to their lives at home if they previously hadn’t. I also felt I was able to empower the attendees through various conversations about confidence, self worth, life experiences and common interests. What I took away from the retreat was a lovely new group of friends and a healthy reminder that I am extremely fortunate to have the friends that I have, the body that I have and the capability to do whatever I can put my mind to. 

What were some challenges or struggles you personally faced during the retreat and how did you go through that?

To be honest, I did not feel that I personally had to face any “struggles” or serious challenges internally during my time on the retreat. I was emotionally and mentally in a very healthy place, and was super stoked to be in Kauai!

How did this experience form or transform your ideas about the relationship between service and fitness?

This experience shaped my perspective in a way which confirmed to me that fitness and service are branches on the same tree, united by one stem. Fitness shapes the body and mind to be healthier, happier, more productive and grateful for what the body is physically capable of doing. Likewise, the act of service is identical. Service elicits an immensely rewarding and internally proud emotion that mirrors that in which fitness gives off. Therefore, the relationship between service and fitness is one that is symbiotic - where both parties mutually benefit as a result of being in close proximity to each other.

If you could sum up the retreat to someone in one sentence or give it a tagline, what would it be?

If I could sum up the retreat into a tag line, it’d be: “Community. Empowerment. Experiences. Fun.”