A big high five

The kids had their last day of school on Friday, and I was able to go and watch their awards ceremony. It was pretty awesome to see a whole shwack of Kung Fu kids receive awards. It makes me proud of all of them, and it serves as a reminder of what Kung Fu can do.

Kung Fu teaches discipline and respect. Kung Fu means hard work. These things that we learn on our journey reflects in all aspects of our lives. I see our kids give more of themselves, use empathy when dealing with others, and become leaders in our community.

A big high five you all of you! (I was only able to comment on the kids at Woodhaven Middle School, but I have no doubts that all of our kids from the other schools are doing the same amazing things).

 

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Compassion

These past few months at work have been interesting to say the least, with the arrival of some new temporary staff. Everyone handles stress different, and reacts accordingly as well. I've also noticed how much having compassion and empathy can affect things. People tend to react more positively when you put yourself in their shoes, and sometimes, just a smile and some understanding can make all the tension disappear.

But this also comes into play in our Kung fu and with our families. Compassion when we teach makes a huge difference, as we can better understand our students needs, and at the same time, compassion to ourselves on our journey. It doesn't take much to get discouraged,but if we are compassionate to ourselves, we can take some pressure off, and find our feet once again.

I have definitely been more aware of using compassion in my daily life recently, and I am learning a lot.

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Blogging

I spent a good chunk of the day thinking about my blog. First, what to write about, and then that ended up in the why. Why do I blog? What purpose does it serve me?

I know it can serve as a reminder of our journey, so that we may have a guideline to all the ups and downs that we encounter. It can serve as a mindful approach to our journey, to keep us honest and disciplined. It also can demonstrate how Kung fu is actually an integral part of our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not.

I've come close to falling off the wagon, so to speak, many times. Missing a blog once, can derail your discipline in a moment. I have missed blogs and put them off more times than I care to admit. The truth is there - it's easy to go back and see the evidence at any time.

But that's where mindfulness comes in. For me anyway. I am painfully aware of when I choose not to blog ( note that it's always a choice. I choose not to for whatever reason I have) and I always try to make sure that I don't miss the next time. I have a routine - Sundays are usually my down days and so I find it the best time to write. I read all the blogs often, and always feel a bit of guilt when I choose not to. Not because I think that what I have to say is important, but because of the journey. Yes, it's my journey alone, however we are all on it together.

Blogging is a way to be accountable to yourself, and the other people who read about your journey. Just because there isn't a comment, doesn't mean it is never read or appreciated. Reading the blogs of my fellow students, keeps me in touch with them, so I am always connected no matter where I might be or what state of mind I might be in.

Thank you to all the students that share their journey with the rest of us. I appreciate being a part of it.

 

 

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