About
I’m Natali Silverio, a 42-year-old Brazilian living in Edinburgh, Scotland. I’m a big fan of neuroscience, sports science, Buddhist principles, and healthy living. I’m always interested in understanding what helps people grow, heal, and live more meaningful lives.
I enjoy wearing different hats. Some mornings, you’ll find me walking along the Water of Leith, saluting the solo magpies, before spending the day working in financial services. Evenings are often spent weightlifting, boxing, playing my electronic drums, or simply sitting quietly, watching a candle burn while journaling.
Why This Journal Exists
Many people see boxing from the outside as pure aggression. But inside the practice, there is often something more layered: rhythm, restraint, trust, recovery, and self-knowledge. Training reveals habits under pressure. It exposes the stories we tell ourselves about strength, failure, and worth.
Self Sparring was created to document that deeper experience. It is a place for journal entries, reflections, and stories that connect boxing culture with psychology, emotional growth, and the ongoing effort to build healthier spaces in combat sports.
I often witness boxers pushing their bodies beyond their limits, training excessively, or using boxing as a way of coping with struggles they find difficult to express. This reminds me that boxing can be both a powerful source of healing and, at times, a form of escape or avoidance. Many of the people boxing attracts have faced adversity and limited opportunities, and I hope that, in some small way, my work can help make the sport healthier, more compassionate, and more human by sharing my personal insights based on neuroscience and sports science.
If you’d like to learn more about why and when my boxing journey started, take a look at ‘Boxing as my Practice of Healing‘.
How to deal with me
I don’t like showing off my accreditations and I enjoy flying under the radar. Feeling the centre of attention makes me anxious and uncomfortable.
I’m generally kind, and I like to think of myself as approachable. However, I can and will come across as cold or detached when people cross the line, so please don’t push my buttons.
I’m very minimal when it comes to my social life. I prefer small groups, one-to-one are ideal.
I can deal with crowds if there’s a good reason to be there: usually music, boxing, or good coffee.
I value openness, honesty, and presence, and I can usually sense when they’re missing.
Lateness or cancellations followed by excuses will never sit well with me.
Always happy to chat with anyone about fitness, self-growth, and music.
Let’s talk!
If you’re into boxing and would like to share your story or thoughts, feel free to reach out here: