School vs Art vs Students

The school..., the art... or the students ...? Which of these is most important and how would you prioritize each? We were asked this question at our last I Ho Chuan team meeting.

The past couple of years being a member of the I Ho Chuan team has taught me many valuable lessons. The first year I learned to look beyond my expectations, expand my perceptions and I was able to acknowledge and appreciate the alternative forks in the road that developed over the year. Blogging started as a big stumbling block for me in the first year. By the end of the first year I still struggled occasionally, but I developed an understanding for how important blogging is and why. And sometimes I even learned something while in the process of writing a blog which I think is pretty cool.

My second year brought with it some very important lessons as well. I didn't do as well with all the requirements compared to the first year, but I did learn that failure can create success. Perception can make a huge difference in how we view and react to situations. Take failure for instance; if you see failure as simply failure and attach negativity to it, then it is exactly that .... failure! Nothing is changed and nothing has been gained. However, if you were to take something that you failed at and break it down into the hows, why's, or whats and attach some positive thought, much could be learned and adjustments could then be made. Growth and forward momentum becomes a result. And I believe that is success, which leads to even greater success!

My ability to set goals, plan and execute has improved over the years as well. I have also learned to step back, assess situations and make adjustments along the way when something is not working. Developing a deeper level of understanding has been a result of taking the time to reflect, making use of available resources and connecting with supportive people along the way.

I've experienced big milestones and numerous smaller gems throughout the years. I know that being a member of the team has provided me with many opportunities and growth that I would not have had if the team did not exist. And I am sure that other members of the team over the years have had similar experiences. What we do as a team and as individual members affects those around us and creates a ripple effect out into the school and the community for years to come.

I see the development of Silent River Kung Fu as being similar to the process of learning the art of Kung Fu. The building of a school such as we are fortunate to train in takes enormous effort, hard work, intent, patience, trust and wise progression. Thank you to Sifu Brinker and everyone that has had a hand in making Silent River Kung Fu what it is today.

The I Ho Chuan team is a fundamental component of Silent River Kung Fu. But, without the school and Sifu Brinker we would not have the I Ho Chuan or anything else. So, I think the school has to come first. The school is our solid foundation that draws suitable students to learn the ancient art of Kung Fu. And I think the I Ho Chuan team helps to tie the school, the students and the art all together.

We have had many team members this year struggle for many different reasons and some have even been absent more than they have been here. Regardless of where each of us are at with our requirements and our personal goals there is still time to reflect on what worked and what didn't and why. For those on the team that really struggled, ask yourself what worked and what didn't and what did you get out of being a member of the I Ho Chuan? Turn some of your failures into successes!

Namaste,

Michele Ward

Mixed Feelings

I've had a wonderful time in Cambodia and Vietnam and feel blessed to have been able to travel and experience areas of these countries. The temples, the people and the food were all amazing! However, I have returned home with some mixed feelings. This is because I had a hard time seeing the amount of garbage every where we went. Most bigger businesses and homes of wealthy people made an effort to sweep and clean their little section out in front. Quite often you could see them sweep everything into a pile to the side and off their property, only concerned about their own section. There were very few garbage cans around, but I don't think they would have made much of a difference. In Saigon where we were told there was daily garbage pick up and even recycling, the garbage was still noticeable. And as we travelled away from the city center it only got worse. It was not surprising that the largest source of garbage was plastics. Even in poor underdeveloped countries there is an abundance of modern conveniences all wrapped up in plastic. Very little thought is given to disposal and the environment.

We also visited some very interesting outdoor markets selling an abundance of fresh produce and fish, seafood, etc. There was no lack of food items available for sale. Fruits, vegetables, rice and even insects were available. Yup, they eat crickets, worms, scorpions, tarantulas and what ever else you can think of. What broke my heart though was the fish being kept barely alive so that it was fresh and more money could be charged. Fish in 2 inches of water, 1 gill in the water and 1 gill out flopping around for hours. There were also ducks and chickens with their feet tied together laying out in the hot sun still alive but unable to move, just waiting for someone to purchase and butcher for the next meal. Large frogs that had been skinned and bundled together whole. Very little thought seems to be given to these creatures other than being a source of food.

It was very evident that we all have a responsibility when it comes to taking care of our environment and all creatures that are part of our world.  We can each take care of our own little postage stamp in this world or we can make a difference and reduce consumption, recycle, reuse and make conscious choices regarding the food that we buy and eat.

Namaste,

Michele Ward