Podvig is another one of those Church Slavonic words that do not have an English equivalent. So unsurprisingly, it usually has a much lengthier translation masquerading as the definition. The literal translation would be “upward movement”, but this is not the actual definition.

Podvig is a continual striving to surpass your own limits. To come outside of your limits and become the better version of yourself.

Podvig is a spiritual struggle in an upward direction with God as your goal and indeed as your compass.

Podvig is sacrificing the old self for the sake of something greater, and in turn gaining a new self - that will eventually become the old self again.

Why Podvig

I chose Podvig as the name of my blog since it perfectly encapsulates my goal with this blog, and thus more generally with my life. It serves as a reminder to continually move forward, even if I have to struggle, its better to struggle forward.

To always be striving at improving myself. Going from old me to new me, over and over again, ad infinitum. This philosophy or way of life was something I intrinsically picked up along the way but didn’t have a definition for - until I came across Podvig.

Thus, it was only natural for Podvig to become my new philosophy.

Why a Religious Term for a personal blog?

Religion is a large part of who I am. I am an Orthodox Christian and as part of my duty in following Christ, I like the reminder of not only struggling forward but also struggling forward towards someting which is good, the Ultimate Good.

To continuously deny myself and my selfish desires, for that which is higher than me - God. To always better myself in the eyes of the Lord, to be accounted worthy - although unworthy - of His presence.

Podvig is UPWARD movement.