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