Godzilla Rises

Mr. Whitehouse-Strong mentioned something in his blog today and I agree with his comments on videotaping yourself. I have always shied away from that because I hate looking at myself on video. However, having to do it so I could post my beta version on the I Ho Chuan group was eye opening.
First, I noticed that I move way slower than I feel I am. And I realize why - I have been practicing this way for too long. And probably my Tai Chi practice doesn’t help either. So that’s problem #1.
Problem #2 is that my timing is off on a few techniques. Sigh.
So to fix problem #1, I need to explore a few options. Put more snap in the end off all my techniques. And train with more speed and power. This is going to take some time, but that’s ok. And to address problem #2, I just need to focus on the timing; and to do that I need to watch the video some more.

Did you all see Godzilla rise in my butterfly knife form? Grrrrrrrr.

Compassion

With the current situation out in the world, it’s so easy to get caught up in the fray. There is panic, hoarding, avoidance, anger, frustration, fear, and heightened anxiety to name a few. Sifu Brinker posted on our schools social network about being calm and compassionate and of course careful. Wash your hands often, clean/ disinfect more frequently, and set an example of leadership by taking care of our most vulnerable.
I would like to share with you a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh. “Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvellously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.”
This quote speaks to me, and reminds me to be mindful during this pandemic. I would like to encourage you to breathe deeply into your lowest abdomen. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Remind yourself of what you have today. Think about what you can do for someone else. We are in this together, and I truly believe that that is how we will get through this. Buy what you need for right now. Save some for others who also need it. Offer your services if you can. Pray, meditate, feed your spirit. Share the compassion I know you have to give.

Gratitude

One of my requirements this year was to keep a gratitude journal. I picked a simple one, that has 5 specific boxes to fill in with a daily quote. I find this journal to be nice and simple for me. I don’t have to sit there and wait for words to come, as I have a small prompt in front of me.
This was a great requirement for myself. I have been able to look at previous entries, and am reminded of the things I am grateful for. Sometimes it is hard to see light, but this helps a lot. Some things I am grateful for - my dog, for waking me up in the morning by licking my arm, for my warm bed to snuggle up in. I am grateful for my husband who supports me and encourages me. I am grateful for our kids, for giving me a reason to get up in the morning. I am grateful for Kung Fu, for being able to train and to share my knowledge, and to learn every single day.
Some days I focus on the little things that get missed in the big picture, and sometimes I focus on the big picture. Regardless of what I write that I am grateful for that day, it serves a moment to be mindful and it grounds me.

No Journey is ever Straight

I have been trying to write this for an hour now. It’s almost as if I have too much to say, but no words to get my thoughts out. I very briefly considered putting this attempt to rest and trying it again tomorrow, but I know it’s a slippery slope.
Well, I had to come back to this a day later as I found myself with a case of canine paralysis (the dog crawled onto my lap, preventing me from further typing.).
I have been thinking a lot lately about how our lives never quite go the way we plan. We get sick or injured, or a family member does, or perhaps it’s the simple act of aging. We may lose a job, or start a family. Regardless, things rarely go exactly to plan. Which is why we need to develop the ability to adapt. Kung Fu teaches us this through forms, techniques, and through all of the tools we are given. The only caveat is we must be consistent in our training.
I could say that I didn’t complete 1000 pushups on Saturday because I spent 3 hours in the car to and from Camrose, and a couple of hours visiting there. But that’s just a poor excuse. I didn’t complete them because it wasn’t a priority, plain and simple. I recognize this and I see that I failed to adapt to my circumstances. I had lots of time at the school Saturday but only managed to get in 200 pushups.
There is a lesson here for me. I need to follow through on my promises and I need to focus more on adapting to the situation.
Here’s to the next challenge!

Arbitrary Limitations

It can be hard not to compare myself to my younger self, or worse yet, to other students around me. Neither of these is healthy. I have some permanent injuries which place some limitations upon myself, and I am also not the same as those around me. I have my own journey, my own path. I have to admit that sometimes this holds me back. My heart and mind want to perform/ learn in a certain way and my body doesn’t allow it. It can be very frustrating and damaging mentally when I think I should be at a certain place in my training and I am not yet there. And perhaps I will never be there. I do recognize this though, and while there are difficult days, in the end, I know deep down that I am me. There is no one else like me. Just like there is no one else like you.
I am fortunate to train alongside of all of you. You inspire me, encourage me and support me perhaps without even knowing this. Thank you. When you are there training, and sharing camaraderie, I feel centred.
To Quote Thich Nhat Hanh “You are therefore I am”. (This quote is actually hung in our office so I see it every time I sit at the desk to work).

Sometimes...

Sometimes you have take a step back from something in order to step forward again.
Sometimes you have to stop and breathe mindfully.
Sometimes you have take stock of what you have, not what you don’t have.
Sometimes you have to stop looking elsewhere and look right in front of of you.
And sometimes you have to just do what has to be done, in order to get where you’re going.

Inspiration

Sometimes, when it’s least expected we get hit with an idea, and then talking about it expands that idea. I have a project that I have been toying with for a while for Earth Day, and today it has taken on some life. I will share more details shortly, and will also require some assistance with it. So sit tight as I am fleshing out the details as I need to get moving to make this a reality.

*Disclaimer*. Every day is Earth Day, not just April 22.


“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” “The Lorax”