Where am I and what am I doing?

That is a question I have begun to ask myself fairly regularly. It does serve a purpose, and it usually brings me to the moment, and I can appreciate it more. It is a question that helps keep things in perspective, and keeps me aware of my emotions.

I have been getting somewhat overwhelmed at work lately, and it is due to working on projects that I either don’t agree with, or don’t correspond with the work I am supposed to be doing. It is during these times, that I can ask that question, and am happy with the answer. I am doing a job that the powers that be believe I can do well, and I am doing something that allows me to take care of my family. I am lucky to have a job. Don’t get me wrong, as it doesn’t always make me appreciate it, but it usually does help to keep things in perspective.

I have to admit, that I didn’t apply this to my teaching this week, and I got overwhelmed with, and lost sight (however briefly) of what my purpose was. So I asked myself this morning over a cup of coffee, and the answer was right there. Where am I and what am I doing? Okay, so I was sitting at home, drinking coffee, and thinking about Kung Fu. Pondering my classes, and what I am accomplishing there. Is it the demo in February? Or is it more? It is most definitely more for me. The demo is important, but so is empowering the kids with confidence, giving them tools to succeed, and passing on Kung Fu. I felt a little lost last week, but am feeling much more at ease now.

I have a purpose. I have a goal. And I appreciate the little things that make teaching so rewarding.

Asking this question while learning in a class is just as important as using it during everyday life. Without it, we can easily go through the class, and miss a huge opportunity. The opportunity to truly appreciate the moment we are blessed with. When you can stop, and put that front thrust kick into perspective - Where am I and what am I doing? - then we can be aware of the details of it, and it’s true purpose. Am I just throwing my leg out to get through the warmup? Or am I in a crane stance, waiting to thrust through my opponent with my foot? Have I given a sense of purpose to everything I am doing? What may seem a mundane drill, is actually giving me a different way of learning, or applying a technique.

I find the question - Where am I and what am I doing, a great way to remove my ego, and remain humble and open to criticism. It keeps me in the moment, and appreciative of my opportunity to learn and pass on an ancient art.