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.