Spring is Sprung

The grass is riz, I know where the birdies is. In fact I hear them all the time as there us a family living in the birdhouse just outside our living room in the birdhouse my daughter built.

I am sitting outside right now, while my kids are picking up garbage from around the apartment building. I have been attempting some planter gardening, and while I do not have a green thumb, I have hopes that something might grow.

I love this time of year when everything starts fresh. In fact, I think some tai chi on the lawn is exactly what I need right now.

 

This is different

Blogger has changed it's format, and I am not sure what to think yet. I can't remember if it was like this 2 weeks ago when I last posted, so this must be new. My entries have sucked this last month or so, and I have a feeling it will be a while yet before I can put something with substance down. It was tempting not to write tonight, as I am not ready to share the recent complexities of my life. Another time perhaps. However, I felt like a cop out for not posting last week, and just simply could not leave this entry for another day. Yes, I am not really writing about anything, but sometimes I think that in itself is a process that I have to stick to. Otherwise it might be way too simple to just stop journalling. That wouldn't do. I am thankful for my mom. Today is Mother's Day, and while I am always appreciative of her, today was a good day to let her know how much she means to me, and how much she inspires me. I am who I am because of her, and I hope one day that I am half the mother she is now. Thanks mom!

Balance

Sometimes it can be tricky to balance our lives. Between work, play (kung fu), and family, we sometimes struggle to keep it all together and not feel like you are letting someone down. I reached a point recently where I realized that I needed to stop and reset myself so that I could actually be in a state that would allow me to take care of the people in my life, as well as perform my day to day activities. It’s important that we recognize when we need to reset, as well as when to accept help. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. You need to acknowledge when you are at this point so that you are still in a position to do something about it. Life is about balance and Kung Fu has done wonders for me in finding it. (although I feel like I have missed a lot of it lately ironically). It’s a sense of purpose that fulfills me, and allows me to recharge and reset.

Not in the moment at the moment

I have been having some troubles staying in the moment lately, especially when it comes to my training. It bothers me a bit, as my training is something has always allowed me to focus and be in the moment. I know we all struggle with motivation at some point, and I guess my time is now. I do know, that while my heart isn't all there right now, it will find it's way home. I just have to keep plugging away, showing up, going through the motions, and at some point (hopefully soon) I will once again find myself in the moment.

Um, no title here...

It's funny how sometimes you just have a realization about a technique. It hits out of the blue, and all of a sudden it makes sense. Yesterday found me in a state of wonder over my toyu stance in Tai Chi. I think I have been doing it wrong in my hips for the last 3 years. What? But it's a good thing when that happens. It gave me a sense of renewal, and a sense of wonder.

And I find it amazing too, what a good stretch can do for the psyche. Stretching your body is a wonderful thing and a good thing as well for the body. Good technique occurs when both the body and mind can work as one. Moving meditation has become very important in my life, and it grounds me in my training and at home.

Believe

 

 I believe that change begins with a single act...

 

 

 

Being Mindful

 I have been reading a book by Thich Nhat Hanh "Peace is every breath", and it has made me pause and consider my meditation practice.  Or the lack thereof.  

 

There is always time to meditate - whether we are making a meal, or walking through the parking lot to work.  The key is to be mindful.  Being in the very moment, with our entire being.  I recognize that I haven't been in the moment lately, and my stress level shows it.  I have added a couple of power walks at work during my coffee breaks, but I am not mindful.  I am quite sure that my mind is racing as fast as my legs are carrying me.  So with this in mind, starting tomorrow, I am going to stay in the moment when I walk at coffee.  And when I need to switch tasks, I am going to take a deep cleansing breath.  

 

I know my mind and soul will thank me.