Above the clouds

I was looking out at the clouds from the plane the other day, and I started to think about how they are always changing and are never truly gone. Their shape changes, they drop rain, sleet, hail and snow. Sometimes they seem that they are gone, but really they’re not. They are becoming clouds from the evaporation, or they are joining with the earth.

And that got me thinking about how our training is always evolving. We get injured, our circumstances change, our focus shifts to another aspect. But as we learn, we evolve; but only if we keep training in some form. Sometimes our focus is just on the physical aspects, sometimes it’s just on the mental part. And sometimes it might be on a specific piece.

I felt very small when I was looking at the clouds below. But yet I felt at peace. As long as I am training, I will evolve. And I have control over that

Breathe in, breathe out

Where am I? My back seems to be on the mend, but my brain is taking over. When I am at the school, it’s easier to be in the moment, and I can usually turn my brain off and just train/ learn/teach. Mentally, I am not where I want to be, so I think I just need to keep training, doing the basics, and I will progress. I will be mindful about my training as much as I can. I will practice. I will review my requirements and make adjustments to my plan if needed. I will keep moving forward.

Ouch

Setbacks are a natural progression toward any goal. The best laid plan will always have hiccups and challenges along the way. Right now, I am struggling with a little setback. I generally have chronic pain, but this past week I did something to my middle back. I’m not sure what, but it has definitely made it more difficult to do my physical requirements. I have seen the chiropractor twice now, so hopefully I will be in better shape this week.

A Hero

I watched the documentary Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood twice and both times left me in awe and wonder. I watched that show as a kid, and yes I am dating myself. But the lessons he put into his program were amazing and what the world needed, and in my opinion, still needs. I don’t recall the lessons and wisdom that I was exposed to as a child, but I do remember how they made me feel. They made me feel good. It was a calm program, which touched on the important everyday things that us adults tend to forget to help our children with. Things like death, divorce, war, and tolerance to name a few.

Fred Rogers was an amazing person. He wrote the program, produced it, acted in it, wrote and sang the songs, and voiced the puppets. His calling and passion was children. I connected with this passion, as I am most comfortable with children. When I teach Kung Fu, I am most comfortable and confident with the kids. Put me in a room full of people, and I will find the children there and chances are I would prefer to play with them than to mingle with adults.

Watching this documentary reminded me that the world needs more compassion, tolerance and kindness. The world needs more leaders who inspire these qualities in us. Fred Rogers passed away in 2003. He will be missed. One of my heroes and I didn’t even know it until recently.

Another great day!

I truly enjoyed Canada Day, and all the demos and busyness that goes with it. The migraine I started with didn’t get a foothold and that allowed me to be present in the moment all day. I am proud of everyone who was there - everyone looked great, and the lion dance and dragon were a hit. Regardless of the extra challenge posed from the awesome wind, it was a huge success.

Thanks to everyone who helped set up, and who dedicated their time. I enjoyed spending the day with you.