Broadsword

 

My weapon of choice for Year of the Rabbit is the broadsword. Rather than develop my own form this year I decided to do the school form. All the class time and instruction dedicated to the broadsword these past few weeks has been a blessing. The timing has been perfect. As Sifu Rybak mentioned we have been learning broadsword in class because of what we are needing in our training and what it has to teach us. 

When I choose a weapon for the year my decision making process starts with a weapon that intrigues me. I then consider if this a weapon that is sustainable to train with for a full year and does it makes sense for me? No matter what I choose I know that I will learn and grow with the weapon. 

It is interesting how choosing a weapon can appear on the surface to be a personal choice and yet I have discovered that it has become more of an intuitive choice. I am intuitively drawn towards a weapon because of what I am needing in my training and how it will enhance my growing scope of knowledge and skill. 

I'm at the stage where I now know the complete form. Yay!!  This was not without challenges though. I've always struggled with coordination and my memory is not the best so there has been a lot tongue hanging out and duh moments. Numerous extra repetitions outside of class were needed. I often need to work harder when it comes to anything new and when it finally comes together I feel a sense of  accomplishment. Now that I know the form I can begin to smooth things out, add flow and focus on technique. I am excited to see the year end results.

Wow, Big Week!

When I think I am doing everything possible and find it is not enough, I have learned to ask for help and take advantage of opportunities. I had a visit with my naturopath this week and a new therapist. I also attended my first 2nd degree brown belt class. I am gathering valuable tools to support my journey. 

During a visit with the therapist this week I was able to list a number of healthy practices I do daily to take care of my mental health. As I listed everything I briefly wondered what she could do for me. I am doing so many great things for myself and yet..... I am still struggling. It is because I am struggling that I was sitting in that room, open to receive help and guidance from a professional. I now have a mindfulness app on my phone with some great lessons, videos and meditation options and a formatted notepad to fill out each day. Another set of tools to add value to my life.

Having also earned the 2nd degree stripes on my brown belt this past week was exciting and a bit overwhelming at the same time. Sleep did not come easy that night. With those new stripes I feel an even greater responsibility to the school, other students and to myself. I know I will need to take things one day at a time and utilize the team requirements to get me where I need and want to be. Even though I have earned this promotion there is still plenty of work to be done. 

It is interesting how events in life can open up new pathways and propel a person down a specific path. Overall I feel a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. 

Tools

 

I have been on stress leave for the past month and will be for at least 4 more weeks. There are days when I feel things are improving and my frame of mind is mostly positive. Then there are the moments that get away from me and I struggle emotionally. 

Thankfully everyday brings with it a new start. Practicing gratitude each day helps with my emotional and spiritual wellbeing. When I practice gratitude at the start of my day it helps to put me in a positive frame of mind and appreciation for all to come. Practicing gratitude in the evening helps me to recognize my successes, accomplishments and lessons for the day. 

Those brief moments where I struggle internally can throw me off course. Recognizing when this is happening is the first step. I can mitigate the negative effects through journaling, practicing gratitude and Yoga. The outside stressors in my life have decreased somewhat but I am finding my emotional wellbeing is still lagging behind. I wouldn't be surprised if my mental illness plays a role in that lag between cause and effect.

Kung Fu and the IHC have provided me with multiple tools over the years. Those accumulated tools have enormous value and potential. Some of which is still untapped and waiting to be discovered. What I've come to realize lately is that the most important tool of all is scheduled class time. It is the routine and consistency of a regularly scheduled class that helps to build structure and can reground me during life's ups and downs, even when I don't feel like attending.

 

Rabbit Year Affirmation

Past IHC years have always started with a bang. Team and personal requirements have typically been full speed ahead, generating some great results. When I signed up for Year of the Rabbit I knew this year would be more challenging than previous years. Knowing this ahead of time has helped me to adjust my perspective and focus for the year.

As expected the year has started off slowly. My perspective and expectations have changed and are constantly evolving. I am slowly discovering my rhythm and I find myself aligned with the tortoise in Aesop's Fable - The Tortoise and the Hare. 

I will stay the course and focus on what is in front of me. I will re-evaluate and start each day anew as I steadily and intentionally move forward. I will not give up! Effortless effort becomes the norm through my consistent actions. I embrace feedback and help along the way. I am open to possibilities and enjoy the journey! I choose joy as I travel the path intended for me.

Interesting how as I pieced together this blog it became an affirmation for my year. A tool to use when I am feeling like I am not enough or not on the right track. I know I will have an amazing year!