Where our efforts go...

The below was posted on the SCARS website and reminds me of how easy it is to make a difference. I have not personally adopted from SCARS, but both of my cats are rescues.

I appreciate the efforts of this charity and the good that they do. Neutering, feeding, fostering, educating and adopting out animals is so very important. They connect lonely and loving animals to people and families that have a lot to offer. I am proud of the students at Silent River Kung Fu for raising awareness and funds for a charity such as this one.

 

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Posted on: Feb 7, 2017in Announcements, Past Events

Please join us in thanking the Silent River’s Kung Fu Benevolent Foundation. SCARS Volunteer, Amanda Foster, gave a short presentation about SCARS and accepted a donation of $3,000 at their annual banquet in late January. The Foundation has been extremely generous to SCARS over many years. Every year they host a banquet for their students to celebrate Chinese New Year and to award donations to the charitable organizations they support.

The Silent River Benevolent Foundation focuses on raising public awareness of global issues through the Chinese Lion Dance and various projects. They believe in teaching children strong values through their charitable projects and initiatives that improve lives locally and globally. They are based in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Onoway, Parkland County, and Lac Ste. Anne County.

Those benefitting from their annual fundraising efforts include: Kidsport Parkland, the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, the Children’s Ability Fund, Atsikana Pa Ulendo – Malawi Girls on the Move, Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, the Tiger Temple (Thailand), the homeless of Kathmandu, the Town of Onoway Fire Department, the Onoway Public Library, and local students and schools through our Annual Scholarship.

We are very grateful to be included as one of the charities they support.

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Forever a student

I know that when I started Kung Fu, I didn't think I would always be a student. As a white belt, I did believe that black belt was the end. But with each passing day, I am reminded of how much I don't know. Every class I teach, how much more there is to learn is reinforced.

Everything I practice brings new questions on my journey. Everyone I practice with has something to teach me. Every student has something valuable to offer.

I have been a student since 2003 and yet, my knowledge is incredibly limited. However, I find it very exciting to know that I will never stop learning, as long as I never stop doing.

How cool is that?

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An act of kindness in this seemingly angry world

I was reading the news today and was touched by this story. I'll paraphrase and the gist is this. A late evening Air Canada flight from St. John's was turned back to its departing airport due to weather conditions, and essentially left its passengers stuck in the airport. All airport restaurants were closed of course and they were told that there wasn't anything that could be done. So along comes a pilot from a rival airline, who went and ordered pizza and had it delivered so the passengers could at least eat.

This was a nice reminder that it doesn't matter what the situation is, there is always room to be kind. It isn't about making headlines, but simply the kind thing to do. He saw an opportunity to help some people out and did. I really appreciate our acts of kindness requirements as they serve to keep us in the moment, and in turn we become better people. There is so much to get from giving, and it's these little things that can bring about change.

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A glass of milk

 

Well, this week so far has been less than optimal as far as training goes. 3 migraines in 4 days kinda takes the wind out your sails. But that is part of the journey right? Ups and downs will always be present, but it's how we handle them that makes the difference. Do you quit when it gets hard? Or do you just forge ahead and find your way again?

A journey like the I Ho Chuan is something that defines a person, whether or not they complete their goals. Each day brings a new challenge to fit in your requirements while the unknown is before us. We never truly know what each day will bring. However, if you keep forging ahead, take your trials as new tools to carry on, you will be a better person when you go to bed, than when you got up.

Here's hoping for a headache free day tomorrow, so that I may fully seize it!

 

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Here we go

Well, it's the year of the rooster, and it hasn't quite settled in yet for me. I should be off to a running start right? Wrong. I am not quite there yet.

Saturday was a great day! Congrats to the new black belts, the black belts who were promoted and all the other award winners. You guys all set a great example for us to follow. It was a really great day with lots of comraderie and it reminded me of why I train at Silent River Kung Fu. No matter how different we might be, we are all on the same journey, albeit different paths to get there. I can't wait for this next year and all it has to offer.

 

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Blog day

 

It's amazing how fast time flies by. It feels like I blogged yesterday and this past year feels like it flew by. Is it because I wasn't on the team that it's gone so fast? Maybe it's because so much happened this past year, that it feels this way.

So far, this year hasn't started off too well, with illness and injury, but I am hoping that it is now out of the way and the next year will be better. We go out big this coming Saturday and then we get to start anew. I hope to be in the moment as much as I can this weekend and I hope to for always.

Time goes fast, and if we aren't mindful then moments are lost. We never know what each day bring, but I think that by trying to be in the moment, each day will be richer. I want to practice being grateful for what I have, and who I get to share my experiences with. I plan to cultivate peace within me so that I can cultivate it around me. I hope to make a difference, no matter how small, every day.

 

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Swirling thoughts

I'm struggling to really know where to start as my thoughts seem to be all over the place.

Last Saturday was considered the "dead of winter" so that means we have more winter behind us now than we do in front. I was so glad to hear that, plus the warmer weather this week has been a nice reprieve. Obviously winter is not my favorite season. However, I do always look forward to Chinese New Year and the excitement that comes with it. It is a highlight during the colder, darker months.

I have been flip flopping on my weapon for this next year. What to do, what to do. I want to do so much, but I have to be mindful of my wrists. So as of January 28, I will have made my very late choice. Shame on me.

On a mom note, my baby girl suffered a concussion today. It's not major, but it's still an injury we have to take special care for. I have a lot of empathy for those that suffer injuries, and am also so inspired by their journeys to recovery and beyond. High fives to all of you!

I think that's it for today. At least it's all I can pull out of my head for now.