Earth Day 2015-04-22

I have to admit that my project doesn't feel as successful as it did in the past. But that's my fault. I got caught up in all the other initiatives we have going on, and I failed to see the connection until a few minutes ago. And I didn't push my project, or talk about it nearly as much as it deserved.

 

 

The connection that I missed is that the clean ups that we are doing, both at Rotary Park and around our Kwoon, are two precise things that reinforce the need to care for our earth, or if you prefer, our environment. And so they should have been incorporated into this Earth Day project. They still can though, as it's never too late to do something this important.

 

I have had a few submissions, and I have something to share that the Advanced Black Dragons did, and a joint art project from the Lil Leopards and Tiny Tigers. I hope to have it all posted by Wednesday so watch for it!

 

I will ask that we all try to do something as often as we can. I will take submissions on an ongoing basis too. It can be a picture, or a phrase or a word that represents you caring for our earth. They can be emailed to theloraxproject@icloud.com

 

 

 

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Sit-ups, Tai Chi, and Leopards

I have taken up the challenge to do 200 sit-ups per day. Actually, the challenge was push-ups, but that's not in the cards for me. At first, I was a little hesitant, but I am glad I did. Doing it this way, makes me way more accountable to doing them. There's a lot to be said about this stuff publicly.

 

This weekend, I learned that one of my direction orientations in the Tai Chi short form isn't right. I'm glad we fought it now, and not several months from now. It's cool though - you ever stop learning. Ever.

 

And my last thought for the day...my nephew started in the Lil Leopards class on Saturday. It's exciting for me, but hard as I still have to be a Sifu, not an auntie on the mats. But he did ok, and I can't wait to see him this Saturday. I have said this before, but I really enjoy teaching that age group. They are full of wonder, full of beans, and full of joy.

 

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Honesty

I'm not very good at being honest with myself, and it leads to problems. I am aware that I avoid confrontation, and I try to avoid hurting anyone. However, it hurts others when I am not honest with myself. And really, it hurts me too.

 

So how do I fix this? I'm thinking I have to stay mindful of my emotions and thoughts and I have to learn awareness for when for when my actions don't match my words. That's hard as I seem to become aware after the damage is done.

 

I'm a black belt. How the heck did I get here if I am not always honest with myself? I can say it was a challenging path - worth it though. I know I recognize when I compare myself to others, and I can take responsibility for those times when I don't think I am good enough. I have to ask why? And the answer is simple - I am not trying hard enough, or training enough. The onus is on me. As is getting help when I need it. I am responsible to ask. I am responsible to look in the mirror and face the answer honestly.

 

I need to work on being more in tune with my thoughts and therefore my actions. If I find an excuse as to why my forms or techniques aren't good enough, then I am not being honest with myself. Either it isn't a big enough priority or I just didn't care enough. I alone am responsible.

 

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The Lorax Project 2015

I did this project several years ago, and I am doing it again this year as it's an important part of self defence. The project focuses on the environment, and the importance of taking care of it.

I strongly recommend the you read the book "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. Or at least watch the movie. It is what inspired me for this project and it says a lot.

The project will be digital, as that has the least environmental impact. It will be a compilation of either a short letter, or a photo from all students who wish to participate. It will be posted on the website, and possibly parts on the kwoon's monitor. It will be a bit different for the kids classes, so you will have to stay tuned to see what that is...

The project will be showcased as of April 22, 2015. Earth Day.

 

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Mindfulness

One of my requirements is to add one mindful thing every two months into my daily routine. I say every two months because it is challenging to do. For now and next month I am working on eating mindfully. It's hard, and I have a long ways to go with it. It means slowing down, focusing on what I am doing, and thinking about where and how this food ended up in front of me. It is slowly making me look at food different, and to not take it for granted.

 

On the other hand, I have become more aware of my speed at work in particular. Basically, when I walk somewhere, I march. I am on a mission. I am getting things done. It's a good strategy when I walk on my coffee breaks, but maybe not so much during work. So I hope to get better with mindful eating, and maybe next it will be mindful walking...

 

 

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Project Lorax

This year I am resurrecting the Lorax project that I did in 2008. (http://earthdayproject.blogspot.ca)

 

That was a long time ago, but the state of our environment is something we should all take care of. It is something people take for granted, and disregard responsibility because it doesn't matter for their lifetime. A lot of people seem to want what serves them now, not what we are leaving for our kids, grandkids, and beyond. Our consumption isn't sustainable, which brings me to my project.

 

I am still working out the details, but the gist of it is this: I would like to get the whole school thinking about what we are doing now, what else we can do, and of course to raise more awareness. The earth matters - now!

 

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting requests for submissions for this project and I can't wait to see what grows! This will cumulate until Earth Day - April 22, 2015.

 

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I choose...

 

I can't quite remember exactly where I was going to go with this topic as all I wrote down last week was perspective and no points to go with it. Oops.

 

Anyway, how we choose to react to a statement, or a situation is directly influenced by our perspective. Or rather, how we choose to react. I am sure we all notice that when we are in a bad mood, we snap or snarl over almost anything. A cute cuddly kitty can make us growl. Or, if we are in a good mood, people being jerks can make us smile and think about lollipops and unicorns.

 

Something I am trying to work on, is taking that pause, a moment to breathe a little longer before I speak so that I can make a difference. I think that the key is being mindful, and using empathy and compassion to try to relate first and foremost. Recognizing your state of mind and choosing the path of compassion will get us much further in everything we do.

 

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