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.