Decisions

We all make multiple decisions and choices every day. But have you ever really thought about the decisions that we make on a daily basis (big and small) and how they determine the direction our life is taking. How often are we consciously aware of the choices or decisions we are making at any given moment in time?

When an important decision needs to be made, I usually put a lot of thought and effort into that decision. Sometimes too much and I over think things. When it comes to every day routine decisions the awareness isn't there and the decision isn't being made with any kind of goal in mind. Too much of the day is wasted and doesn't bring me closer to my goals.

I find that I am really starting to understand and I am able to connect the dots between awareness, being mindful and what it means to be fully present and live in the moment. If we consciously practise all of these things, they will become habit and we will be better equipped to make decisions that move us in the direction of our goals. How exciting is that?

Totals for the  week

sit ups          1080
push ups       720
walking         misfit not syncing, will update as soon as able to
Aok's            11
Kempo          8x
Nunchuks     23x

Bye for now,  Michele

Sound focus

We are all taught the theory of sound focus and are given lots of opportunity to practise during class time. Knowing the reasons and benefits to sound focus does not necessarily make it any easier for a lot of us to do.  I have had more than a year of classes to practise this and I have not used this time to the best of my ability. Sifu Playter asked us on Wednesday night why we were not doing sound focus. My answer was that I am not comfortable doing it. Thank you to Sifu Csillag for reminding me of a recent post I had made about stepping outside your comfort zone and not having any regret. This got me to thinking if I could do push ups at the airport then why can't I do sound focus.  I realised that the reason was a lack of desire or need. What makes sound focus different for me and why am I not motivated to do it?

The answer is; I don't want to because:

I don't like to draw attention to myself. 

Yelling is usually done in anger or fear.

it feels like loosing control and letting go.

In addition to not being comfortable doing sound focus, I also find it can be challenging to remember techniques and combinations as well as adding in a sound focus. If my energy level is low sound focus for me can be also be difficult.

Sifu Langner took the time after class to talk with me about sound focus. He went over the reasoning behind sound focus and how the instructors get excited when students use it. He talked about technique and his own struggle with sound focus. Most of all what resonated for me was how he talked about it being a part of the curriculum. Sound focus will not be any easier to do, but at least the desire and motivation is now there. 

Numbers for the week:

sit ups        1150

push ups     730

walking      38.7km

kempo        8x

nunchuks    9x

AOK's        6x

Bye for now,  Michele

sharing

I've come to realise that much of my life has been spent in a state of avoidance. Avoiding conflict and confrontation, staying within my comfort zone, and avoiding anything that causes anxiety or fear have always played a huge part of my life. Acceptance and having a sense of belonging has always been important to me. I am also a very private person and sharing does not come easy. I wanted to change all that.

Being a part of the I Ho Chuan team is so much more than its requirements. I feel like we have only just begun and barely scratched the surface and yet I have already accomplished so much. My anxiety and fear of being part of the team is starting to be replaced by a little bit of excitement. Excitement for myself and everyone else on the team as we continue on this journey. Thank you to everyone for sharing at the meeting on Saturday. It really does mean a lot.


Numbers for the week

Sit ups       1080
Push ups    720
Walking    35.8
AOK's       10
Nunchuks 62

Bye for now, Michele

Awareness and AOK's

 My son and I were in Mexico last week for some well deserved rest, relaxation and quality time together. While I was able to keep up with my push ups and sit ups, I really found the AOK's were just not getting done and wondered why that was and how I could change it. My surroundings and routine had changed drastically from being at home. While at home I had developed a routine and AOK's were mostly the same day after day.

As I  became more aware of the people around me, opportunities presented themselves and the acts of kindness became easier and more natural. That awareness also helped me to see the kindness displayed in others around me.

  My son joined a kids' soccer game on the beach one afternoon. Kids of all ages and skill level played together. As I watched I was impressed by the respect they showed each other and the great sportsmanship they all displayed. During the middle of the week my son injured himself. Luckily a doctor from Edmonton was there on vacation with her family and came over to assist us while waiting for the resort doctor. After examining him, she reached out and took my hand and assured me that he was going to be fine. It might not seem like much, but that small gesture meant so much. The resort doctor took over and after a couple of stitches to the back of his head and a day of rest he was almost as good as new.

Acts of kindness can be hard to measure or keep track of sometimes. They are not always tangible moments in time. This past week I became more aware of the people around me and realised that AOK's can be as simple as showing respect, dignity and kindness towards others. When we are aware of tangible and intangible acts of kindness displayed all around us, I believe that our own AOK's will come more often, be easier, and feel more natural.

                    Mar. 22-28     Mar. 29-April 4

sit ups          1080                1080
push ups       650                  690
walking        41.6k               53.9k
kempo          7x                    0
nunchuks      9x                   0
AOK's          11                    6



Just about forgot to mention, I did more push ups at the airport again when we left Mexico and this time Logan took a video of them. I also managed to convince him to also do some and I got a video of him.

Bye for now, Michele Ward