New Experiences

Wow! I am having an amazing time! I 'm really trying to be aware of opportunities to step out side my comfort zone and push myself to meet new people, try new food and see and experience all the different ports have to offer. I have had dinner most nights with new people from around the world and enjoyed great conversations. Everyone that I have met travel extensively around the world. I rode a cable car down the cliff-side in Fira, Santorini. Not a fan of heights, but it actually wasn't too bad. I would do it again.

Cruising is definitely a safer way to travel and allows you to go farther and see more destinations throughout your trip. Although we have had a drill and received information about the possibility about pirates. And while in Jordan all the excursions will go out as a convoy with some security as well. I can't wait to see Petra! I will have to try to send pictures later as the internet is very slow.

Michele Ward

Travel

This year's Pandemonium comes with a new fundraising initiative called Kind-Act-A-Thon, which I think has the potential to produce amazing results and in addition we are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of Silent River Kung. I have never missed a Pandemonium since Logan first started his Kung Fu journey, but am unable to take part this year.

Although I will miss this very special day, I am super excited to be leaving May 20th on a working holiday. I earned a free cruise of my choice after completing an extensive on-line training program with Princess Cruises. I have never taken a cruise before and am looking forward to a more hands on learning experience. I chose a 15 night cruise that starts in Rome and finishes in Dubai. The main reason for choosing this particular cruise is that the itinerary includes a stop in Aqaba, Jordan which provides an opportunity to visit the city of Petra. Petra has been on my bucket list for many years. Super excited!!

I have never travel by myself so this will be a new experience for me and I'm sure will provide many opportunities to step outside my comfort zone along with the challenges of trying to work in as many of my requirements as possible. Because the cruise finishes in Dubai and I don't foresee being back in the UAE, I had decided to add on couple of extra nights in Dubai. I actually have 3 days in this amazing city for sight seeing and have already booked a few guided tours. I have purchased a travel journal and plan to write daily and of course there will be lots of pictures to share.

I wish you all an amazing day of kung Fu activities, friends, family and community spirit!!!

Michele Ward

Fully Present

I love being able to sit on the bench and watch Logan's Kung Fu class. It is a great opportunity to reinforce basic techniques and learn new concepts and techniques. As I watch, I have become more aware this past week of the engagement of some of the students and their genuine desire to learn and participate in class. These students are present and in the moment and enjoying what they are doing.

I started thinking about my own participation in class. How can I improve... not just my Kung Fu, but my ability to be fully present? What does that look like for me or anyone?

After contemplating the meaning of being fully present, I came up with the following words and ideas:
 
Awareness of self and surroundings
More than just an ok attitude
Joyfulness
Gratitude
Positive energy
Engagement
Openness
Teaching
Learning
Inspire others
No judgement
Healthy ego
Appreciate every movement and sensation
A whole body and senses experience

What keeps me from being fully present is anxiety and fear. 90% of the time I walk out onto the mats for class I deal with some degree of anxiety, mostly because I don't know what to expect and I doubt my ability to perform properly. This anxiety makes being fully present more difficult to achieve, but I will continue to practice and work towards becoming fully present in every moment.

Oprah keeps a bubble wand and potion close by so she can blow bubbles when feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Blowing the perfect bubble requires bringing your attention to your breath and places it the present moment. Being fully present automatically lifts your spirits, clears your mind of distractions, and brings clarity. Even some joy, if you're open to it. 

Meditation and practice whenever and wherever you can incorporate it into your life will help in your quest to becoming more mindful and fully present in your Kung Fu and in life. Meditation can be blowing bubbles, tea, walking, campfires, etc. and can last a few seconds or take as long as you have time for. The idea is to practice being mindful and present so you can learn to appreciate each moment as it is presented.

Michele Ward

‘Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis
on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without
rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment.
Only this moment is life.’ ~Thich Nhat Hanh