Unexpected Places

The lessons and gifts keep coming, some from expected places and others from unexpected places. 

It was mentioned at last weeks 2nd degree class again that we are the product of SRKF and what that means. The interesting thing is I really took it to heart and it felt that the message was being directed to me which caused some internal struggle. I knew I was most likely reading more into it than I should, but I couldn't stop thinking about what was said and how it impacted me. I needed to sort out in my head why I was reacting so. 

As I thought about it and I took reaction out of the equation I was able to be a bit more objective, helping me to see the lessons and the gifts. Even if the comments were not directed to me I knew that I could still learn from the message. There is always room for me to grow and be more self aware. And if the comments were directed at me then I owe the sender a big thank you for the reminder. 

This had bothered me to the extent that I didn't feel I could attend class in person until I was feeling better physically and emotionally and until I could give 100%. Even after I had sorted everything out my ego still created an excuse to stay away and I wasn't planning on attending in person all week. I talked to Sihing Ward Wednesday afternoon and he convinced me to just go to class. It was very similar to the talks we used to have when he was young and he wasn't keen on going to class. The tables had turned and I am grateful for that.

These were my lessons:

A lesson in recognizing ego in motion -  this provided opportunity to practice self awareness, respect and control. Step aside ego, I've got this!

A lesson in self development - There are many benefits to be gained through self reflection. Putting in the effort and doing the work opened more doors. 

A lesson in positivity - practicing gratitude daily and taking note of positive steps along the way have helped to shift my frame of mind. I am finding that I don't stay stuck as long when I encounter a snag.

Sometimes I need to step back and take the time to reflect on how far I've come as a martial artist and my growth as an individual. A dear friend helped to remind me of this. It is easy to get caught up in all the to do's and areas for improvement while forgetting to appreciate the journey taken thus far. 

I am very appreciative for all the opportunities, the lessons learned and the personal growth I've been so blessed to have experienced. And I hold immense gratitude towards myself for embarking on this journey and doing the work. 

Imagine The Possibilities!

I am often a bit surprised when someone indicates I inspired them or made a positive impact. With that initial feeling of surprise also comes a deeper realization of responsibility and living intentionally. I find myself being inspired to be more and do even more. 

Inspiring others is food for my soul. It fills me with joy and fuels my natural desire to help others. A leader, a teacher and a student all meshed together. So many opportunities for learning and growing.

As I work towards understanding and taming my ego I am developing the ability to operate more from a place of authenticity and humbleness. I am feeling more purposeful and aware of my impact on those around me.

I am working on disengaging the auto pilot that life becomes and engaging with mindfulness and control. With understanding and awareness of purpose comes intentional living. My goal is to eat, train, interact with others and practice self care with purpose while being present and mindful.

Our actions, our voices, our willingness and ability to share our journeys can intentionally or unintentionally inspire others. When I think about the potential, I realize how powerful that is. Inspiring just one person creates a ripple effect for positive change in the world.

Imagine the possibilities!

Oh Me, Oh My!

Lessons, opportunities and experiences are coming fast and furious these past few weeks. Part of me wonders how I will keep up.

My eye for detail is expanding and I am developing a greater awareness of key body components as they relate to my six harmonies. There are aspects that are working well and other areas I thought I had corrected that still need work. I know I am barely scratching the surface and am amazed and excited to be on this journey.  

As I apply lessons learned there have been leaps forward and at times backwards as well. Techniques are being fine tuned and there are corrections being worked on. The feedback and lessons are great as they provide building blocks to increasing my eye for detail and becoming a better martial artist.

Correcting a knife hand recently had an amazing impact on how solid and grounded I felt in my stance. The short term drawback to this was it broke my flow as my brain was basking in the awesomeness of the new feeling. I currently feel a bit stuck, but this is good as it has led to me thinking more about phrasing and how that relates to sound focus. I'm thinking this will be a separate blog in the future.

Our 2nd degree class on Saturday was chock full of more great lessons and feedback. Oh me oh my, so much to work on! At this point I am not overwhelmed, but I can see the need for a smarter more intentional plan and adjustments in my training. 

Peace and Purpose

There is a little voice inside my head that sometimes lets me know I could be doing and accomplishing more. And that little voice is most often accurate. I try not to live in the land of regrets though. Instead I recognize everything I am getting done and look for ways to make adjustments. I use that voice as a reminder to reduce mediocrity, but still have harmony in my life.

My focus is balance within my training which includes the emotional, spiritual and physical components. The balance also comes from family, friends, community and work. I am learning how to weave everything together allowing for the beauty of natural ebb and flow to happen. 

I am feeling the excitement of everything I am learning this year. The challenges, the discoveries and the opportunities. I am pushing myself in a more purposeful way. I am listening to my body and my heart while also taking care of my mental health. And when a setback occurs I am usually able to recover and regroup more quickly. 

I am moving forward with peace and purpose.

June Numbers

Overall I'm pleased to see my reps for push ups, sit ups, forms and sparring increase this month. I've been making a conscious effort to increase my numbers and it is working. In addition to the IHC requirements I've been able to add in extra daily training for other aspects of my Kung Fu as well. 

KM and yoga decreased slightly as I try to find a good balance. The ebb and flow is always going to be there to some degree. What is needed is a positive and disciplined mindset to stay on track.

Numbers - June/Year To Date

PU - 4715/16610                  Sparring - 70/483       

SU - 4670/16605                  KM - 186/732             

Hand Form - 110/399           AOK - 231/968

Weapon - 79/355                 Yoga - 110/750 min