I am Quiet

I am quiet. 

This has been a much more thought provoking topic to write about than I first thought it would be. I was thinking that this is reflective of who I am and should also be a relatively quick easy blog. Ha! So wrong. As usual I overthink things and as a result get so much more out of the process.

A quiet exterior that contains a busy mind! A great example of yin and yang at work. It is the silent qualities of a person and a supportive environment that facilitate and produce creativity, awareness and reflection.

I am quiet as I stand or sit in silence. I am an observer, a sponge. I am able to take in the sights, sounds and smells around me. Being quiet helps me to absorb and process information, and develop awareness. I notice things that others may not and at times my senses are heightened.

Normally in an environment with too much sensory stimulation coming from multiple directions, I would remove myself or quiet myself to become more grounded. This is much more difficult to do when I find myself directly engaged in an activity or event. Virtual classes were great for being able to still participate while providing me with the separation I needed at times.

As an introverted and quiet person I get much more out of a class for example, when we focus on segments of a form or go step by step. I thrive in a format where I can focus on the instructor, my movements and the details as they present themselves. Forms done as a group with a diverse variety of individual speeds and phrasing, creates internal noise and too many external visuals that disrupts my flow and the ability to listen to my body. 

I am becoming more aware of this as it is happening and am learning to separate myself so that I can focus on what I am doing and be in the moment. Tuning out the noise and movement around me and still having awareness of my surroundings. I am also beginning to see this now as an opportunity to develop further as a martial artist and a human being. The ability to build more functional control in uncomfortable situations is a plus. Drawing that quiet, calmness and focus into my body, mind and spirit at all times.