You can't fail if you don't quit

 

 

 

 

A month or so ago, I posted that I was going to finish some of moms quilts, and my goal had been 1 per month. Well, that isn't going to happen yet. I was over zealous in thinking the healing process would be simpler and faster if I jumped in head first.

Well, I was really, really wrong. It is still really difficult to look at her projects, let alone work on them. However, I haven't failed in this goal, as I haven't quit. I do intend on finishing them, but I have to keep in front of me that I can't rush the healing process. And that is exactly what it is. A process.

Our Kung Fu journey is really a process, as is becoming involved with the school. The process being that you don't give up, and every time you fall you get up again. You get a little further each time you get back up and before you know it, your goal is adapting to your progress.

Silent River's renovations also are a process. Each year, we put in our sweat and blood, and each year the result is different. But the soul of the school stays the same. We have expanded, and changed things around but we adapt and become part of the process. The spirit of the school, our Kung Fu family stays the same while the surroundings are refreshed.

I love the fresh start we have every September, and the excitement it brings. It always reminds me how spectacular our journey is and how lucky we really are.

 

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Not a roundhouse!

This week, while going full out with Kempo, I realized that my back kick needs work. Seriously. I noticed I am lifting my centre, which is definitely a no no, and therefore I lose a lot of power and stability. There was a transition in 18 Temple Motions that took me a long time to get good at (haven't mastered it yet), and it took changing the way I looked at it, as well as really focusing on where my centre was. So now I have to apply the same thing here. I need to really focus on my centre, my harmonies, and my vectors, so that I can execute that kick quickly, accurately and with power. I see lots of kicking in my future. It doesn't get much more awesome than that...

Ugh, stress.

What do you think of when you think of stress? Is it physical stress, or a stressful situation? Or is the stress from trying to find the balance between work, kung fu, family?

 

I think it's easy to forget that after a while, stress can just become backround noise, and it isn't until your body overtakes your mind and the reality sets in. Huh? Basically, over time the stress eats at you, and what your mind endures, so does your body.

 

That's when it's time to stop and take in your surroundings. Or take stock of what the heck is going on. Your body is a window - and it very easily lets us know when something is amiss. We just have to quiet our minds and listen. Not always an easy thing to do however.

 

So now what? First, figure out what is going on. Then take the steps needed to eliminate them if possible. If they cannot be eliminated, then find a good, healthy way to cope. Whether it's meditation, journalling, or simply taking the time to take care of yourself. (we do deserve that). And if we cannot do this on our own, we need to ask for help.

 

I know long term stress isn't good. It wears you down, and leaves you in a vulnerable position. But the key is to recognize it and do something about it. I didn't, and I am paying the consequences. But I am not complaining - this is my reality check. (And vacation is coming!)

 

Take care everyone. We only have one body, and one mind. We need to treat both with considerable respect.

 

 

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Beep!!!

 

 

I have been pondering my blog for most of the day, and am not completely sure where to start. I have days like that, as I am sure we all do at some point, where I have all of these ideas, plans, or things that I want to do, and it's overwhelming because you just don't know where to start. However, blogging is a great way to weed through all mush in my head, and voila! There's my path!

 

I took my kids to the pool today, and watched them play without abandon. I was a little envious, as they were completely in the moment, and having an absolute blast. But sitting on the sidelines got me thinking about what I consider important, and what I want to be doing right now. I am still trying to find a balance with kung fu and family - what was once fairly simple has gotten a bit more complicated since mom passed. But I know this will settle with time, and I have what I need right now. I am not training like I used to, but I am still training, and I think that's the key. Not to give up. Ever. Now is just not my time to go full out physically, but I can easily work on my mental training.

 

Kung fu is a journey, not a destination. Sure we set goals, but those are steps on the journey. I have the rest of my life to continue Kung Fu, and as long as I stay connected, and train smartly, nothing can stop me from reaching farther, and becoming a better person.

 

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Untitled

 

Starting these blogs can be a challenge sometimes. I know what I want to say but finding that perfect segway isn't always easy. Anyway, I had a moment yesterday in Tai Chi that made a lot of sense. We have a couple of new students taking the class, and one asked Sifu Dennis where the power is in tai chi. Her answer basically explained how the internal power generated from tai chi is the driving force behind our physical power. Not to say that someone with brute strength doesn't have power, but that they don't have the grounding and energy that martial artists have. When our internal energy is behind our external we become a formidable force.

 

Now I have worked with Sifu Dennis outside of tai chi, and she has more power than I expected. I see her as a very peaceful person, with a strong spirit, and I have never really opened myself to how powerful tai chi really is. Sifu Dennis is a martial artist that I really respect, and I hope that one day I can have the power and spirit that she does.

 

In a nut shell, the six harmonies are only possible when your internal harmonies are strong. We need our flow, we need to feel our chi, and we need to have a strong spirit in order to master our external strength.

 

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Pit of doom

 

What inspires you? Is it a higher belt in Kung Fu who seems to have it all together? Is it the fact that you finally get a technique? Or is it just being in a place full of like minded people? I find I am inspired all of the time by these things and more.

 

I get inspired by teaching, by learning new things, and by pushing myself harder. I haven't been up to snuff on my kung fu for the past few months, but am once again feeling more inspired and am finding a few minutes throughout each and every day to fit in a little training. I try to pump out small batches of pushups during the day, I throw kicks when I can, and I think about kung fu all the time.

 

 

I encourage everyone, to find some inspiration within everything you do. It can come in the smallest packages - whether it's a smile, a small gesture of appreciation, or simply a compliment for something that you have done. I can get inspired by watching another student finally understand something. Or have a Lil Leopard ask to see a weapon after class.

 

But remember, you have to keep being in the right place - it won't always be the right time, but if you keep showing up, the opportunity will present itself, and your patience will be rewarded. And if you aren't feeling inspired, then please talk to someone who can help. You are surrounded by like minded people - who else better qualified is there that can help you feel inspired?

 

( The title of my blog is based on a nameless game I really love playing with the Lil Leopards. It's great fun)

 

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I forgot

 

Yes, forgot to blog last week. Oops. I have spent the last little bit trying to figure out a way to inspire the black dragons, and I hope I am on the right track. It can be difficult to stay motivated when the sun is out, and the days are calling you outside. School is out, and vacations loom. So how can you stay engaged in your training?

 

 

I think part of the trick, for kids anyway, is to keep it fun. Taking it outside will work well too. And I think that working in some general summer fitness will help to keep them engaged, as well as myself as an instructor.

I am finally finding my rhythm again after months of trials and tribulations. It felt good to bring out my fan again yesterday and I could feel my chi flowing. It was a good feeling, one I have missed.

 

 

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