A title?

I accidentally forgot to blog last week. Oops. A couple of things that I need to keep in front of me - routine is very important, and there is nothing like the pain one feels after an incredible workout. Routine is key to so many things. It helps us develop discipline, so that if and when the routine is interrupted, it isn't a huge obstacle to continue training. Your habits are already in place, so that your routine can be adjusted without much damage. It is also important to keep a routine over the holidays when everything is so busy, so that when we get back to our normal schedules, we aren't starting anew. If you have to start anew, it can be very overwhelming - so it's best to just keep doing what you always do. For example, pushups, situps, walking, and/ or eating habits. As for pain after an awesome workout - enough said. Awesome!I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season....I will see you on January 1st for 1000 pushups!

My UBBT year comes to an end...

As my UBBT year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on my successes and failures. Not everything went the way I had hoped, however I now have some habits that will continue to help me on my journey. I am still moving forward though, and am busy making plans to continue on my journey. I have a project that I am putting out there as of the new year, and am trying out a new weapon. The UBBT was a wonderful tool, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this years team. It was fantastic to do this with such an engaged group of individuals, and I hope that those who embark on this journey next year will find the same amazing journey that I have had.Here's to finishing big!

Mental challenge

This past week I have had a few challenges, but I am fortunate to have something to help keep me going. Yes, my children and family are number one on that list, but Kung fu and my family there are a close second. Keeping harmony ( and peace - although that can be a hit or miss) at home, and running the couple of kids classes/ prepping for the Chinese New Year banquet have been fantastic tools to keep me going.

We had our monthly Black Dragon grading yesterday, and watching the kids receive their new belts never ceases to inspire me. It's even more awesome when there are kids from our advanced class. Way to go guys!

Yowza

I have said it many times, and I am going to say again. I love teaching. I love the challenge it provides and how it forces me to think outside the box.

On a daily basis, I have to try to find a balance between all the students, and at the same time try to inspire them. You don't want to sacrifice the whole class for the sake of one student, and you don't want to risk losing a student while you focus on the whole class. That is where it gets tricky, and that is why I depend on my fellow instructors. But even with the extra eyes, ears and intuition, we always run the risk of having a student fall through the cracks.

So that being said, I love what I do.

We can make a difference

Last week Monday, the kids and I brought the donations they had collected to the Mustard Seed in Edmonton.

It was all their idea to collect donations and therefore my job was to support them. Last Monday, we dropped off 7 bags of donations at the Mustard Seed's distribution centre, and then went over to their main building for a tour. It was very eye opening and made us very thankful for what we have.

We are working on a small video to document this project and I will post it when it is ready. I feel this project has had a big influence on the girls - they have seen poverty up close and have witnessed how they made a difference.

Their empathy for others has started to shine through - on their own, they also volunteered to shovel a driveway this winter. I am sure this one will be a bigger challenge with our long winter, but I know they will experience the payoff of helping someone in need.

It doesn't take much to make a difference.

This and that

My UBBT year is coming to an end. One of my goals has been shelved for a little bit due to the class I had enrolled in being cancelled, but I am still moving forward.

The great thing is that while the official UBBT is ending, I have some habits that are now a part of me. I can’t say enough how much it has done for me, both as a person and as a martial artist.

On another note, this coming week is our annual Pandemonium. We have come up with a couple of more creative ways to raise money, and the kids seem to be excited. So am I. I look forward to sweating a lot this week, and knowing that my sweat and my awareness will help to make a difference.

I thank Kung Fu for the difference it has made in my life, and in my children’s lives. I see how much they have grown, and I feel that the world has a better chance of survival because of them.

My truth

I have been thinking lately about what defines me as a person. I have asked myself if it’s my hopes and dreams that define me or if it’s simply the things that make me happy in this moment?

I think when we get lost in our dreams, it becomes really easy to be disappointed when the reality is different. It is good to dream, and have goals though, so we have something to work towards, but we need to be cognizant to keep from getting blinded by them.

There are specifics that define me, and I think that to be able to continue to grow as a person it’s important for me to keep them front and center.

I am doing what I love, and loving what I am doing.

A matter of perception

It’s funny how we interpret things. I have been struggling with a teaching concept for months now, and I had a moment of clarity last week when talking with Sifu Brinker. I saw the value in the approach, but inwardly fought against it.

Now that it has been further explained, I am getting it. It doesn’t mean that I am comfortable with the process, as I have yet to put it into action, but now with a different perspective it shouldn’t be too difficult.

But as with all things, we do sometimes need reminders, or resets to keep us in that moment, or moments. I love teaching, and this clarity should expand on that love and passion. I hope.

In order to teach, we also have to learn.

Don't do the laugh

This past year seems to have passed quite quickly, and I am not sure where it went. I do know that I am looking forward to the coming year. Prep for Chinese New Year always gets my juices flowing, and this one is no exception. A new lion and a dragon = pure awesomeness!!! (there is no charge for awesomeness or attractiveness).

I wasn't looking...

...But I found a fantastic book at my daughters parent teacher interview. Every time they have these, there is always a Scholastic book fair in the library. As a treat for my girls, it has become almost a tradition for me to buy them each a book. However, this past week, I saw a book for myself.

I am not usually impulsive when I buy something for myself, but that day, I had to have it and I didn't even peek inside the cover. Well, to my delighted surprise, I found a gem. Maybe not for everyone, but most definitely for me.

It's called "TEACH Like Your Hair's on Fire" by Rafe Esquith. It's about the teaching methods of a fifth grade teacher in an inner city school. I am so pumped! I just want to share his Aha moment - he had been doubting his career as a teacher, but one day during a science experiment he noticed a girl who was always picked last, and struggled to belong who was having troubles getting her wick to light. He decided then and there that she wasn't going home until her experiment worked. He got engrossed with her experiment and didn't notice his hair was on fire until the other students started slapping his head.

When your passion is apparent, then it will spread like fire. I am really inspired by this book so far...

( on another note, a Lil Leopard who we have been trying to get on the mats for a while actually spent some time with me yesterday, and he gave me a hug. That makes it all so worthwhile.)

Water horse

Some days, it's hard to know what to write about, or rather where to start.

It's funny how you can lose yourself in Kung Fu. When I am training or teaching, everything disappears - any worry or concern is gone. I thank Kung Fu for that everyday.

Kung Fu is truly a gift. One for us to treasure and cherish.

On the other side

My oldest daughter has moved up to the Advanced Teen/Adult class and it has definitely been an adjustment for us. She is settling in well, but I am finding it really different being on the sidelines. For numerous reasons, I am not on the deck, but instead I am on the bench with some other parents.

It is hard on one hand, as I want to jump in sometimes to help. However I am finding that I am learning a lot by by observing. It is a completely different view from the bench, and it's neat to see what you miss by being directly involved.

I highly recommend that if you ever find yourself sidelined due to injury or illness that you attend class anyway. By sitting out, you can learn a lot - and there are so many things that you can apply to yourself.

Centering

I am practicing staying centered. It isn't always easy when multiple things are being thrown your way.

I am struggling with this as I write. There are many things going on right now and I am hoping that the practice of blogging helps to center me.

I am sitting outside right now, and have taken a moment to close my eyes and just be. I felt the sun on my face, heard the breeze in the trees, and my mind was completely empty for that moment. It was wonderful.

Its important to center yourself while training as well. It is too easy to get focused on realism, and to forget about technique. It is important to try to recognize when that is happening, and to stop for minute and empty your cup.

Contemplation

As I sat in the emergency room with my daughters tonight, I got to thinking. Well I did after a snarky conversation with the triage nurse. I asked a seemingly innocent question, to which I felt my answer was both snarky and not really an answer at all. But after I sat down, I started to realize just how many people come in, and just how many might go through there in a single day. That is when I realized that I asked a question that is probably asked a lot, and she is busy, so her short snarky answer was not on purpose but simply a response to the situation. I can’t blame her for that.

That led to me thinking about how we encounter these types of situations all the time. When we are cut off by someone in traffic, or how someone might push you aside when you hold the door open for them. There is a chance that they are not trying to be rude, but could just possibly be dealing with an emergency of sorts. We don’t know. So I am going to try to exercise this more, by taking a moment to let the annoyance pass, and then forgive them for their wrong because I don’t know what the reason for the rudeness is.

The Path of the Most Resistance

Sometimes the most difficult path is the easiest one. While cutting corners can seem like the thing to do, it isn't the way. Take your training for example. It would be simpler to only do the absolute minimum required to achieve the desired result, however you can not achieve mastery this way. Improvement will not occur, as there will only be room for sustained mediocrity.

Sometimes injuries sideline us, and it can be very tempting to stop training completely, or go to the other extreme of pushing through it. There is a way of keeping up your training without aggravating them further. Basically, it boils down to mindfulness. Know what your limits are and working around them. While I don't always follow this advice, I am trying.

I overdid it this week with the renos, and I don't regret it at all. However, now that the tendinitis has flared it's ugly head once more, I am going to have to stay mindful of my activity so that I can heal. Not easy, but it's not supposed to be. If it was easy, then mastery is far off in the distance.

Back to School!

Tomorrow is the first day back to school for many of our students, and I am sure it wrought with both anxiety and excitement. It’s nice that the kwoon is closed this week for the kids (and their parents) to prepare. Not to mention our annual renos.

The Advanced Black Dragons had their last class of the summer outside at Rotary Park. It was fantastic weather wise, and the kids had a blast. I did too. I do it for the kids, and for myself - as both an end to summer, and a kick off to the new year.

This week is a nice break as an instructor in two ways. One, to regroup and refresh myself. And two, to be able to put some sweat and blood into the kwoon.

So, until classes start in September - Don’t forget to keep practicing!!!!!!!

Tai Chi

I had something else written and when I went to post, it just didn't feel quite right. I guess I should have posted it anyway and carried on. Oh well.

Something that has been really good for me, is learning Tai Chi. The process of it relaxes me, and the movements bring me peace. It has helped me through some injuries by giving me strength, both mental and physical. I truly believe that while it will show you every injury you didn't know you had, it also strengthens all of the little muscles.

I also find it really resets me after the Lil Leopard class. Whoever planned that was really thinking! I love the Lil Leopards and the energy they bring, but I need a break after all that cute chaos. It's like I get all pumped up, and then that energy is quieted and spread out within me in the Tai Chi class.

I also feel, that for anyone who needs to work on flow, this is the class to take. It forces you to slow down, and really feel your body and what it is doing. (And the atmosphere is wonderful) (Was that subtle?)

Reno's

The annual renovations at the kwoon are an important part of our training. We become more accountable for our training, and our spirit becomes embodied in our kwoon. It is the process of putting our sweat and blood that makes the school what it is, and it bonds us to the other students as well.

Every time I step into the school, I am taken with the efforts that are constantly being put into it. Some of us are more visible in the school with what we do, and others operate quietly in the background. It is all those efforts combined that make our Kung Fu school what it is.

Sometimes being a leader is what you do quietly in the background while things are buzzing around you. Sometimes it is rallying those around you for a common cause, such as tiling. A lot of effort is going into our place of training right now, and I hope that those leading that transformation are aware of how much their efforts are appreciated, and that those offering their sweat and blood are also appreciated.

No, I am not at the school today. But my heart and soul is with those students there. I am proud to be a part of Silent River Kung Fu.

Forms

I have been thinking about the progression of my Kung Fu. Where it has come from, and how it has developed over time. What are my favourite things nows, are not necessarily my favourites from the past.

I love forms, Tai Chi included. I love how they feel, and the flow that comes with them. I have been working on them lately in slow motion, so that I can focus on how each stance feels, and how they connect to the next technique. My biggest challenge has been the Hung Gar forms, as my hips just don’t seem to want to cooperate. However, by slowing them down, I think they are coming. Nowhere near perfect yet, but slowly getting better.

I am also aware that I have to by mindful of how much I slow my forms down to pick them apart, as something that has always eluded me is speed and power. In the past, (and probably still now to a degree) always look like Tai Chi. Too much flow. I guess the balance comes in practicing forms slow, and then going full out to make sure that whatever changes I have made will continue to be present when speed and realism are added.

The other challenge, is how to express my passion for forms to my students. How can I make them excited, and want to practice them? Hopefully, that one will be a continuous one, that will keep my passion sparked.

Bare Feet

I am a firm believer in journaling, and while I have no idea what to write about today, I know that once I start some thoughts will form. Hopefully it makes sense.

My training is going alright. I got recertified in first aid last week, and it feels good to have that off my plate. I hope I never have to use it, but one never knows what life will bring.

I spent some time outside with my girls yesterday, and was amazed at how many dragonfly’s there was. I sat reading with my bare feet in the grass (an awesome feeling), and had one land on my book. My oldest spent considerable time trying to get them to land on her hand, and was fairly successful. It was just amazing to see them, and not be swatting mosquito’s constantly.

On another note, I have the forest outside my window. Actually, my one daughter made a bird house in school, and we hung it just outside my window. We have baby birds in there, and there chirping is a sweet sound. It isn’t something we hear much in the city, and it is so refreshing to wake up to that sound. It starts my day off with a smile, and a gently reminder to live in the moment.

Awakening the Dragon

It’s time for me to awaken my dragon. Recently my dragon (spirit) has been asleep at the wheel. I haven’t been focusing on what Kung Fu gives me, and what my utmost potential can be with Kung Fu behind me.

With my awakened dragon, I can overcome anything. I just have to keep things in perspective and talk them out when I need to. To focus on my inner spirit, I need to take care of me. It’s important that while I take care of those around me, I have to let my Kung Fu take care of me. And it will if I let it.

So how are my other animals doing?

Tiger = Strength. I am not too bad here, but with injuries, not as strong as I could be. However, my will is strong.
Leopard = Speed and Agility. I am doing pretty good here.
Crane = Stamina. I am working on this one...
Snake = Toughening of the bones and tendons. Here I feel mostly strong, except for my wrists. The trick is to train smart.
Dragon = Spirit.

Training smart. If your leopard or snake need improvement, slow things down. Work deliberately, and focus on slow technique. Things will fall into place while you heal. If your crane needs improvement, start slow and work towards a goal.

To awaken my dragon, I am going to do some more mindful meditation, and go over all of my successes.

Hugs - An act of kindness

There is a lot of power in a hug. I have thought about this a lot since yesterday morning. I got a hug from a Lil Leopard after class, and that simple thing made me feel so good. I love the connection I get with these kids (students), and I really feel I have made a difference when those special hugs occur. You can't out a price tag on that. I also really cherish hugs from my girls. My oldest has this cute way right now. She lifts my arms up, and then slides in for a bear hug. And my youngest likes to crawl onto my lap for a hug/ cuddle. Happy sigh.

Hugs are healing. They mend boo boos, dry tears, share happiness and express love. They are a symbol of protection and of acceptance. I recall reading and watching a YouTube video about this guy who stood on a street with a sign giving out free hugs. At first it seems strange, but once you just open your arms and accept a hug, any strangeness disappears.

I was watching a show today on a monkey sanctuary in Africa, and seeing a bunch of baby monkeys giving a volunteer hugs just made me smile and made me feel good. Nothing beats a good hug.

I encourage you, to perform this simple act of kindness today - both you and the recipient will feel spectacular.

A different direction

I have been thinking about the direction my Kung Fu is going, and I think I am starting to accept it. I have had a specific goal in front of me for a while, and have struggled with the journey over this past year. I have had to re-think my reasons for choosing this goal, and continue to remind myself to appreciate the direction I am headed. I think that sometimes we try to fit into a specific ideal, and when we don't quite fit frustration quickly sets in. So everyday I remind myself of where my Kung Fu is heading, and remind myself of the continuous journey I am on. I also have to remind myself sometimes that my Kung Fu is mine alone, and I am the one who controls the outcome. I am a martial artist.

Aww shucks

A couple of months ago, I was paid a compliment. A student told me that I was a calm person.

It is something that I continue to keep in front of me. While a lot of people may not see that as much of a compliment, it says something to me about my approach to Kung Fu. While I worry sometimes about the example I set, something as simple this lays it all out for me.

Boot camp yesterday was great too. I love being able to take part, as I learn something new every time I am there. Also, the enthusiasm of all the students is contagious, and re-ignites my passion. It is awesome to see the sense of accomplishment that everyone has at the end of the day. And the rain held off until our 2 km run was over.

I am still contemplating my Kung Fu, and what I bring to the school, however after yesterday and my compliment, things are pretty clear.

The art of Journaling

Journaling, whether publicly or privately is a very powerful tool. It is a way of capturing your thoughts, emotions and experiences in a way that is easy to review down the road. Sifu Brinker has said that a picture can capture a moment, but a journal will capture how you felt in that moment.

I have been journaling publicly now for at least 3 years, almost without fail once a week. I have missed a couple but have missed it when I haven't. Sometimes it's a struggle to find something to write, but most of the time, once I start, the words just come out. I don't journal for anyone but myself. If someone gets something out of reading it, then that's cool, but it isn't my purpose. I like going back in time and seeing how I have grown in my martial arts and as a person. It's a reminder of where I have come from, and gives me a clue as to where I am going.

It is a tool that I recommend to anyone, publicly or privately. It is good for the soul and for the spirit.

Standing still

Don't be afraid
To fall down, we'll pick you up

Don't be afraid
To learn new things, we always will

Don't be afraid
To accept help, because you will grow

Don't be afraid
To always remain a student, there is so much to learn

Don't be afraid
To look deep inside yourself, the truth is there

Don't be afraid
To push past your limits, your soul will thank you

Don't be afraid
To express yourself in the way that is true to you

Don't be afraid
Of change, the other side can be extraordinary

Don't be afraid
Of being weak, strength grows from your weakness

Don't be afraid
Of standing still. Being in the moment is simply incredible.

1000 Pushups again

Last week, the advanced kids class asked for homework. I love that they do that, but they caught me off guard so I didn't have any ideas. So I asked the class. And they asked to do 1000 pushups for Monday. That gave them 4 & 1/2 days, myself included to get them done. It's nice as it helps me with my UBBT numbers, and the sense of accomplishment the kids will have is awesome.

We'll see if I can get to 1000 with my wrists, but I sure as heck am going to try! Rock on guys!

It may be our last tournament

Yesterday marked our annual Tiger Challenge, which allows both locations of our school to compete against each other (and ourselves) in a warm community environment. It was a great day.

This year, one of my UBBT goals was to compete. It didn’t matter if I placed at all, I just wanted to continue to get more comfortable performing under pressure. I did alright with my individual hand form, and placed second. I don’t feel I deserved my first place in the team hand forms and I hope I didn’t let my partner down. It was a form I have done hundreds of times, as it is one of my favourites. However, when I went to perform it with said partner, by mind/ body was still in deep with my previous form. So right off the bat, my opening bow was the wrong one. Oops. Then twice more I went into a different form and caught myself. The reason we got gold is because we were the only competitors. It was still a learning experience for me, and in the past it may have frustrated me to screw up so publicly, but I was able to laugh it off yesterday. I know it was my worst performance ever, but I think because of the environment I was in, those that train with me are aware of my abilities.

I missed seeing my girls do their team weapon form, but they did very well and earned a very nice silver for their efforts. And I did get to see my oldest daughter perform a fight choreography with partner, and I was proud of how well they did.

It might have been our last tournament due to circumstance, but if it was, it was a fine, fine day to end it with. I am proud to be a part of the Silent River Kung Fu family.

A few notes on "Depression"

Depression is a mental illness that affects many, many people. It is in fact a disease, that is not caused by personal weakness, neither is it a character flaw. It is a disease where the chemicals in your brain are out of balance.

There are things that can cause depression, but sometimes there isn't any reason at all. It is important that depression is recognized and treated as quickly as possible.

A few symptoms of depression are: weight loss or gain, sleeping too much or not enough almost every day, feeling restless and not being able to sit still, or you may sit quietly and feel that moving takes great effort. You might feel tired or as if you have no energy almost every day. You may have feelings of being unworthy or guilty nearly every day and you may have low self-esteem and worry that people don't like you. You may find it hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions nearly every day and you may feel anxious about things.

Depression can be treated. Treatments such as counseling, psychotherapy, and/or antidepressant medicines, lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, may help. Your doctor or mental health professional will help you find the best treatment.

It is important that there is family support. Depression is not just in your head, it is real, it is serious, and it can be treated. When it comes to mental health, it is important to be educated and unbiased. A mental illness can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Thoughts

The weather has warmed up finally, and I am looking forward to spending more time outside. I love practicing Kung Fu in the grass, as I feel a closer connection to my chi and to the earth. Kung Fu outside reminds me of the fragility of and the fine balance of the earth. I am always amazed at the transformation that occurs and how quickly the earth turns green. Spring is a time of rebirth, and it never fails to soothe my soul.

Last week was a mental health week...

The following is taken directly from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Last week, was National Mental Health Week...

"Some simple ways to practice mental fitness

It's not difficult! Below we suggest a few healthy practices that can be easily integrated into your daily life. The idea is that a lot of small, concerted actions can add up to a significant overall effect. Apply some of these ideas on a regular basis and you'll find yourself feeling rejuvenated and more confident.

Learn how to cope with negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can be insistent and loud: don't let them take over. Distract yourself or comfort yourself if you can't solve a problem right away. Try seeing the issue from all sides rather than from just one point of view.
Be in the present: When you're out for a walk or socializing, turn off the cell phone and take in all the sights and sounds around you. Smell the roses!
"Collect" positive emotional moments: Make a point of thinking about those times when you've felt pleasure, comfort, tenderness, confidence or other positive emotions.
Enjoy hobbies: A hobby helps bring balance to your life. You're doing something because you want to, rather than because you have to. No pressure. It's a form of mental stimulation too.
Treat yourself well: It could be a good meal, a bubble bath, a movie, or just sitting in the park enjoying nature. Small daily treats have a cumulative effect.
Get exercise: Regular physical activity is good for the mind. It can even reduce depression and anxiety. Joining an exercise group or gym is even better because it connects you with others."

A Short One :-(

Unfortunately, my tendonitis has flared it’s ugly head again, so I have to limit my typing for the time being. That’s difficult, as my job requires a lot of data entry, and I am working on some written assignments.

It’s a little frustrating, as this past week and a half has been wrought with aches and pains, which has impacted my training. Not to complain though, as I am forced to address other areas which need my attention. I was hoping to be able to work on my double broadsword form for the Tiger Challenge, but at this time, my wrists cannot take it. Oh well. That gives me an opportunity to do some required reading, and to direct my energy into teaching. I have a list of other aches, but as with the tendonitis, they are a part of me.

The Book of Awesome

I was given this book as a gift, and I give a silent high five to the person who wrote it, and a heartfelt hug to the person who gave it to me.

I was struggling with what to write about today, and when I picked up this book for a smile, I knew I had to quote something from it. It's called "The Book of Awesome" by Neil Pasricha. I love it.

"Getting Grass Stains

First of all, getting grass satins mean that you were running around at high speeds without proper equipment. Maybe you slid last minute to avoid a frozen tag or made an awkward somersault dive at a line drive Wiffle Ball. Either way, the grass stain symbolizes your large devil-may-care investment in having balls out fun, and that's something worth respecting.

See boring people, like myself, rarely get grass stains running around because we're always doing it in Umbros and shin pads from 7:30 to 8:25 p.m. on Mondays down at the indoor gym.

Now, when you're just running around full throttle in cords and a sweater until you trip on a rock and fall down a hill, my friend, that is something. Walk home with pants full of grass stains, some spicy kneeburn, and mud-caked shoes, and you've just had yourself a great day.

AWESOME!"

I almost forgot to blog today...oops. I don’t have much to say today, except that the last little while I have been trying extra hard to live in the moment. To revel in the warm sunshine, and to ignore the snow that is still on the ground. To enjoy the alone time I am given while sitting in a futile traffic jam. Maybe this is less living in the moment and more of staying in a positive frame of mind. Somehow, I think they both go together.

Where I am at

It was Spring Break for the kids last week, so there weren’t any children’s classes. I decided to stay home for the four days that we normally have kids class, and spent time with my kids instead. It was a needed break.

I thought it might impact my training, as I am not the best when it comes down to working out at home. But I got some forms in, and my mind actually feels a little fresher.

We performed our first demo of the year yesterday at the local trade show, and it turned out really great. We had many belt levels perform, a lion dance and kids do their thing as well. I love demos, as they continually give me something to work towards, and I feel that by taking part, I can impact my mental training, my physical training and those training around me. I think passion is infectious, and by taking our martial arts into the world (not excluding our community work), we are infecting those around us with it.

It felt good to be out there. And congrats to all those that performed yesterday. You guys did fantastic!

Change

I am reading the Lil Leopards the book “The Lorax” by Dr. Suess. I feel it’s an important tool that I have to start teaching them environmental self defense. It’s a lyrical book, with lots of colours, and I hope that these young children of tomorrow will learn from it.

This ties in with my Lorax Project, which will coincide with Earth Day on April 22nd. Although it should be Earth day everyday. This project first appeared with our school in 2008, and the students at Silent River Kung Fu all submitted a letter or picture to Mother Earth. You can find it on my blog and the link is posted below. This year, this project will be a video blog, and I hope the message will be just as clear.

Our earth is very unsettled right now, and it’s time to make some serious changes.

3 Laps and an 80 pound push

One of my goals for this year was to run the PARE test. It’s the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation, that all RCMP applicants and most member’s need to complete. My test is on Wednesday April 13th, and so this past Wednesday I went down to the gym to give it a try. My purpose was to see what it was like, and perhaps adjust my workouts accordingly.

I ran 3 of the 6 laps, and holy smokes batman! It is harder than it looks. It’s like an obstacle course for grownups, and has a easy look to it. But it’s not that simple. I know I can do it though, but that’s the easy part. The hard part is that you immediately go to the push/ pull machine. There are 6 180 degree rotations you must do while pushing/ pulling the appropriate weight. I was given the applicants weight of 80 pounds. I mentioned in a previous post that 80 pounds is 2/3 of my body weight.

Again, holy smokes batman! Pulling wasn’t too difficult, as a good horse stance is all I really needed. Walking that way was a little more challenging, but not as challenging as the push. I could get the weight up, but walking/ cross stepping while doing it is almost impossible for me. I don’t have the upper body strength that I thought I did. Hm.

Anyway, while I was really sore in my shoulders the next day, I am really looking forward to April 13th. Wish me luck!

Let's get this over with....

Today has been a difficult day to blog. Most of the time, this is pretty easy for me, but today I can’t seem to organize my thoughts.

I am definitely all over the map here, but my training is mostly on track. I have spent some extra time with different forms this past week, and next week I am going to observe (and maybe try a lap or two) of a physical fitness test for the RCMP. One of my goals this year is to run it and I am looking forward to accomplishing it in April. Basically, it’s an obstacle course for grown-ups, and I have to run it in a certain amount of time. And part of it involves lifting and carrying 80 lbs of dead weight. Considering that’s 2/3 of my weight, it’ll be interesting. And I guess this is where my leg strength will come into play. Lift with legs, not back...

Anyway, that’s all folks!

Rank

I have been thinking a lot lately about rank. I am aiming for my second degree, and find myself getting discouraged about where I am. My inner voice tells me that is doesn’t matter where I am in the totem pole, as long as I train mindfully and stay true to myself. But sometimes that inner voice isn’t very strong.

Part of my reason for the UBBT was to give myself a boost in mindful training, and to act as a guide to grade in the fall. But the more I think about grading, the more stressed out I get. I forget to be in the moment, and forget to find joy in the little things that make it all worthwhile.

As I write this, I find my mind wandering to the Lil Leopards class yesterday, and the light that shines in all those little faces. Some are shy, don’t talk and stick to the instructor they trust. Others are chatty, and can’t wait to tell you about their day (even though it’s only 9 am). That gives me joy, and knowing that my training is getting passed to them means a lot. The same goes in my Advanced kids class. They are on the cusp of teenage hood, and I go away feeling like I made a difference all the time.

So really, does the belt around my waist mean anything at that point? Does it ever? Will the stripes on my belt give me more respect? More wisdom? No. All it does is symbolize a goal I met. So what if it takes longer than I plan? It’s the journey that takes me there that matters the most. That’s the mantra I had when I earned my black belt, and I mentally kick myself sometimes for forgetting that now.

This journey has to stay about learning, and becoming a better person. It’s about personal growth, raising awareness, and inspiring those around me. And on that note, I am going to go do some Tai Chi.........

A healthy weight

We had our UBBT8 meeting yesterday at the school (student members), and we have decided that as of March 1st we are going to log our diets for one month. I followed the one they did last year, and it looks like it would be a great tool to see what you are putting into your body. Whether it’s balanced, or if you are getting enough of the things you need to maintain our athlete’s physique.

We also talked about taking care of ourselves - recovering from injuries etc. It is important and is something that I need to constantly remind myself of.

Because of the requirement to take care of oneself, I am not participating in the diet blog. About a thousand years ago, I journaled my diet. But this moved me into a state of mind, where I began to obsess over food, and my intake was severely limited. This lasted for too long, and it was a long haul to get to a point where I no longer obsess about food, it’s fat content or how many calories are in it. I am at a good weight now, and because it was journaling that started that dangerous journey, I will not participate. However, I will share some recipes though, and encourage those around me.

At this point, while I am aware of what I eat, I no longer worry about how much. I am aware of the choices I make, rarely eat meat, and I opt for the most natural choice available. It is not healthy, to obsess over what you eat. Nor is it healthy to eat whatever you want when you want it. The key is awareness - being in the moment and thinking about what you are eating, where it came from, and the fuel it is giving you.

Thich Nhat Hanh/ Dr. Lillian Cheung’s book “Savor” is a book worth reading, with regards to awareness. I highly recommend it.

Sleepover

This Friday night, we held our annual Children’s Kung Fu Sleepover. The kids get to come sleep in the kwoon, play games, eat pizza and watch a movie. It’s a great way for them to socialize, and it adds an element of fun to their training.

For me as in instructor, this was my first to run. I had attended one in the past as simply a parent who trained, so this one was exciting for me. A little stressful, but exciting at the same time. And I have to admit when,Thursday night, Sifu Brinker told me that there would be around 30 kids, I was a little bit worried. But that dissolved completely when Friday night we realized that there would only be about 20. That made everything feel like a piece of cake from that point on.

It worked out better than I thought. And I am glad that I have learned to go with the flow, rather than try to strictly impose a schedule. I had a list of things we could do, but you have to read the kids, and their moods and simply work with that. I work well with the other children’s instructors, so it went just swimmingly.

All the kids were great - they ranged from 4 years to 12 years of age, and the one 4 year old, was in with the older kids like a dirty sock. It was a great experience. I did learn one thing though (although I had a sneaking suspicion of it beforehand). I learned that I am too old to be sleeping on the mats without a mattress of some sort. So next year, maybe I will actually get some sleep. Ha ha.

Teaching kids has really impacted my training in a positive way. It helps keep me young at heart, and keeps the fun in Kung Fu. It inspires me to be a better role model, and to be more creative with drills.

National Sweater Day - February 17, 2011

This Thursday February 17th is National Sweater Day. The idea is to turn down the thermostat by 3 degrees, put on a sweater and make a difference.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, if all Canadians turned down their thermostat by 3 degrees over the winter, we could save 2.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide a year. In other words, reducing 2.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide is equivalent to taking 350 000 cars off the road. I think that’s pretty remarkable, and it’s such a simple solution.

There are many things we can do to reduce our carbon emissions. We can choose to drive less, and find alternative ways of transportation. We can lower our heat, and/ or air conditioning. We can stop idling our vehicles. Draft proof your house, hang dry your clothes, wash them is cold water, purchase a more fuel efficient car, or ride your bike instead. By eating less meat we are helping our environment, by buying local foods, we save on our carbon output. We can use a man powered lawn mower to save on emissions, and we should be using reusable bags for our shopping needs. These are just a few things we can do to slow down the climate change. They are just simple things, that go a long way.

Climate change is the biggest environmental threat in the world. Now is the time to raise awareness - every day. So, this Thursday, I am going to don an extra sweater and turn down the heat - at work and at home. (On a side note, this winter I did not turn up the heat as much as I have in the past. I usually like to be able to walk around in shorts in the winter, but this year, I chose to just dress a little warmer, and put an extra blanket on my bed.)

Performing

This past Saturday marked our annual Chinese New Year banquet and it was fantastic. As usual, because I was running around a lot I missed a bit, but from what I saw, and from what I heard, it was a big success.

There were a couple of black belt promotions, numerous awards were handed out, our Benevolent Foundation presented donations to our chosen charites, and we saw numerous demos.

I have been lion dancing for about 5 years now, and this was the second year that I was the buddha for our new lion at the banquet. It’s nice in the sense, that I can put on my “helmet” and disappear. I can really exaggerate my stances, and be a total goofball. There is a lot of freedom while I am hiding in there, and I love playing the part.

But I was also given a gift this year. Two years ago, a few weeks before I was to be presented with my black belt at our banquet, I broke my ankle. Ironically enough it was during lion dance practice that I fell and broke it. Anyway, I wasn’t able to perform as is the tradition, and my training mates ended up creating an amazing video of us doing our demonstration to play for everyone. This year’s gift, was the opportunity to perform live at the banquet. It was hard work, and nerve wracking, but it felt so good to be able to do it. I am not always broken, and it was a wonderful opportunity to show how passionate I am about what I do.

This year’s banquet also gave the opportunity to train and work with an amazing bunch of people. We truly have an amazing Kung Fu family.

Happy Year of the Rabbit!

Sunday

Sundays are my down days. It’s the one day a week, where I can quietly reflect on the past week, unwind, and start to prepare for the coming week.

I relish these days, as I can just lounge around, and focus on my Kung Fu in a different way. I spend 6 days a week, working, training and teaching. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But it would be very awesome to train and teach every day and not have to worry about my day job. One day maybe!

Days like today, I can review my classes of the last week, look at what I could have done better, and can make a plan for next week. For example, some days, the Lil Leopards class is like herding cats. It can be really difficult to re-engage them after stopping an activity, and find their focus again. And of course, all their parents are watching, and as an instructor, I need to make sure they see the value in the classes. So it’s a good day, right now, to find a different way of approaching the kids, and renew the passion I have for teaching them.

As for my UBBT requirements, I use my Sundays to reflect on my progress, and make any adjustments that are needed. For example, this week, my wrists felt great, so I decided to push myself on Wednesday and Thursday. Oops. The pain returned on Thursday night, so while the accomplishment of doing 100 pushups felt really great, I had to mentally kick myself for not training smarter. One day, my brain will kick in. :-)

Today is my “free” day, and it’s off to a great start.

It's coming!

Chinese New Year is on Thursday February 3rd, and our Annual Chinese New Year Banquet is on the 5th. Our preparations have been underway for a while now, and it’s great to see it all coming together.

It will be a little different this year, but that makes it all the more memorable. We will be giving life to our newest Chinese Lion, Zhang Fei, along with a new team of dancers. They have proven that anything is possible, and I am really excited to be a buddha in this dance with them.

Our demos are coming together as well - I don’t feel as prepared with my Advanced kids class as I did last year, but I know they will shine regardless. And of course the Lil Leopards/ Tiny Tigers will be as cute as ever.

It’s a lot of work to prepare for the demo, and it is cutting into my UBBT training a little bit. Mostly my goal of 100 hours of bag work. But it’s only 2 more weeks, and then I can tackle that one with fervor. And I can once again pick up my double broadswords to prepare for the tournament in late April/ early May.

This time of year is a busy one, but also a fulfilling one. I am excited, and will post some pictures after February 5th!

Inventory

Lately (the last week or so), I have been forced to take inventory of my injuries. The tendonitis in my wrists has been acting up, preventing me from doing much in the way of pushups, my ankle has been sore, the ball of my other foot has been sore, and my hip is still an issue. It might sound like I am complaining, but I am just more aware of my limitations this week, and have to keep them in front of me.

I have also been taking some inventory of my household stuff. One of my goals for this year, is to reduce the stuff in our house by a minimum of 50%. To do this, I have to do two things. One, is to go through everything, room by room, and get rid of all the things we do not use anymore. I plan to fill at least one box per month, although more is better. The second thing is to buy less. That will be the easier task. I have a habit of holding on to all of the kids’ things. Pictures they make, the art projects that come home, and all of their other things.

I am looking forward to minimizing. I used to move a lot, and always took that opportunity to downsize. However, it is so easy to just collect more. And now that I plan on staying where we are for a long while, I need to simplify. It will help with the anxiety my daughter and I suffer from, and it will be a step towards lessening our global consumption. A little goes a long way, and if I set this example for my kids, I know it can spread.

Pressure

I have been blogging publicly now for a couple of years, but now that I am a part of the UBBT 8, I am feeling a lot more pressure to write something meaningful. I guess maybe I am just over thinking things (yet again), because somehow Kung Fu always ties in to what I write. It is a part of my life, and I cannot see that ever changing.

I am a week in to my UBBT, and I already feel more challenged than I have in the last 2 years. My journey since 2009 has been more of a mental one, rather than physical, and so far I am enjoying pushing my body. I am more aware of how much I can do, and I hope I can stay smart with my training. I have this habit of pushing through pain, or not healing enough before I get back on the mats with a no holds barred attitude.

Anyway, I have a long journey ahead of me, and with a bunch of like minded people on it with me, I know that no matter what happens, this will be one to remember. I am both nervous and excited, and while there will be doubts and insecurities, I will grow as a martial artist, and a person.

1000

Yesterday, the school brought in the new year with a 1000 pushups and 1000 situps. Unfortunately due to old injuries, and not wanting to make things worse, I only did 500 pushups. It was really motivating to have everyone posting their progress, and it felt good to be a part of a team like that.

I am looking forward to this next year, and being a part of the UBBT8. Even my kids seem excited for me - however my youngest was a little concerned about my health this morning. She said “Mom, I don’t want you to get hurt again. You always seem to break something.” What a sweetie. But it got me thinking about my grading process for my black belt. They were supportive of me, and while sometimes they complained that I was always busy with Kung Fu, the night I told them I had passed, they both hugged me and told me they were proud of me. And yesterday, they both encouraged me, and offered to help me get my numbers up.

Of the two girls, only one is really enjoying Kung Fu. I hope this changes, but even if it doesn’t, I do know that they are both learning a lot from it. I see it in the empathy they exhibit towards others, and I see it in the way they view the world around them.

UBBT8 is going to be great for me, and great for us as a family. It will be a year of growth for all of us and so far, we are off to a great start.