Mindful Walking

I knew going into the long weekend and spending a couple of days camping I would need to change up how I incorporated Kung Fu into my days. Practicing mindfulness while enjoying nature and getting in some extra steps was at the top of the list. And as I was out and about on the trails I realized there was another opportunity to apply a recent lesson to my walking. 

On the 1st day while walking I focused on my core and staying centered. What I found is my legs were not having to do the majority of the work and my upper body was feeling a bit more relaxed while still being engaged, causing less energy needing to be expelled. The best way to describe how I felt and how my body moved is 'more efficient.' 

On the 2nd day I hadn't slept well and was feeling tired so being mindful of engaging my core while on a long walk was more challenging. I did have moments though where everything clicked. There were even a few times when I felt taller while also feeling centered and grounded. An interesting feeling!

My goal with this is to continue to work on engaging my core, develop consistency and have it become a natural way of moving and apply it to my forms. 

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 940/20200
Hand form: 9/287
Weapon form: 22/300
KM: 35/623
AOK: 31/632
Sparring: 0/118
Blogs: 1/23
Yoga: 0/10.5hrs
Tai Chi: 18/380
MM:23/487

Crossroads - Teaching

At times I feel grounded and then there are times when I don't.

I've built consistency into my life and yet lately I feel I lack consistency.

I'm also struggling and thriving at the same time.

It feels like I have reached a crossroads, a time of decisive action.

 - There are two paths to choose from. I know the path I need and want to travel. It is the one with the big sign pointing towards mastery. The twisty, winding road with hidden corners and obstacles. I know it is also the path with people cheering me on and leads me to even more personal growth.

- The other path that calls to me is welcoming and warm, but I know it stops short of really going anywhere. It is easy street, making false promises. In fact it is really just a facade for mediocrity.

Both paths run side by side and I find myself stepping from one to the other, being pulled towards mediocrity. The thing is I've been on the path towards mastery for quite some time now, working at reducing mediocrity in my life. I know I will continue on this path. Why then do I feel myself pulled towards mediocrity? The reason is I've reached a different level of discomfort and uncertainty causing internal struggle. I'm on the correct path, but am having trouble putting one foot in front of the other. There have been days where I've taken steps or even leaps forward and other days where I feel rooted in place or going backwards. Hmm..., similar to working on and progressing in our forms. 

As I falter and struggle there is a part of me that propels me forward in the right direction. It can be downright exhausting to have this inherent awareness of the pitfalls of mediocrity and the drive to travel the difficult and challenging path. I also know the benefits and personal growth are huge which is why I can't help but choose the correct path.

Mediocrity can be very enticing. I have more than enough in my life already without knowingly choosing additional mediocrity!

As I write this I already have a plan of action to help me forge ahead and continue my journey on the path towards mastery. It is going to take some planning, time and effort to achieve my goal and I know the resulting success will be worth it.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 910/19260
Hand form: 10/278
Weapon form: 1/278
KM: 37/588
AOK: 31/601
Sparring: 0/118
Blogs: 1/22
Yoga: 0/10.5hrs
Tai Chi: 18/362
MM:25/464

Thankful for Kung Fu

I am a thinker often standing back watching, which can lead to procrastination. I'm also a doer, forging ahead getting things done. There is a constant Yin/Yang aspect of my being that requires awareness so I can make the necessary adjustments to bring things into balance.

Currently I'm on the verge of a much needed adjustment. My evenings outside of kung fu have been full of mediocrity and have become much too comfortable. And yet without mediocrity where would growth originate from? When Stuart Emery talks about embracing ordinariness I understand the potential for mastery. Developing awareness of our faults/ordinariness, being mindful and striving to be and do better can be difficult and exciting.

Thank goodness for kung fu! I have a record of where I'm at and what I'm doing. I know despite my faults I am moving forward. And helping out in classes continues to push me out of my comfort zone. I don't necessarily want to stretch my bubble, but I know I need to. Kung fu helps me to battle my inner laziness, combats procrastination, builds discipline and gives my life more meaning. 

As soon as I start to play it safe or become too comfortable I know it's time to shake things up. Now it's time to make some changes to my evening routine. 

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 1170/18350
Hand form: 13/268
Weapon form: 16/276
KM: 29/550
AOK: 28/570
Sparring: 20/118
Blogs: 1/21
Yoga: 30/10.5hrs
Tai Chi: 21/320
MM:26/413

My Plateau

I've come to a plateau.

This is not the first plateau I've come to and it won't be the last. My ego tells me this is a restful and easy place to be. My ego also tells me I can do better, I should be pushing myself to climb above the plateau. 

Interestingly, I believe this plateau is exactly where I am currently mean't to be. I'm in a place of learning, uncertainty and discovery. This plateau is a necessary and essential part of my journey towards mastery.

Until now I've not given much thought to what happens in between mediocrity and mastery. I've simply followed the IHC program as best as I can. Utilizing the many valuable tools has helped me to build discipline, self reflection and work towards developing a mastery mindset. I've come to a point where I need more.

I have the word 'mediocrity' and the word 'mastery' in my toolbox and I have a pretty good understanding of both. So what then is a word that helps to bridge the gap from one to the other? And why is this important?

1. It is important because it will help me to have a deeper understanding of what it takes to bridge the gap from one to the other. Another tool to add to my toolbox.

2. The word I discovered and settled on is 'commitment'! Again, interesting because the knowing was already there, just a bit fuzzy. It seems I needed to figure it out in my head for myself and make it my own. 

When I think about being on a plateau and wondering if I've allowed mediocrity in, I can stop to consider my level of commitment and engagement. And if I'm still learning, discovering and failing or succeeding I am still on a path towards mastery. 

Regardless of where my trajectory is at, my level of engagement and commitment is a pretty good measure of where I am and what I'm doing. I can then ask myself if it is effortless effort or mindful effort? And when I stop to assess where I am at, I can make adjustments up or down as needed or continue the current pace. 

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 1100/17180
Hand form: 20/255
Weapon form: 11/260
KM: 32/522
AOK: 30/542
Sparring: 5/98
Blogs: 1/20
Yoga: 30/10hrs
Tai Chi: 21/320
MM:26/413

Post Tiger Challenge

The Tiger Challenge is often a much needed motivation tool for me. Something I never really considered before is the momentum it creates afterwards as well. With the stress of the tournament over, I've been able to carry some of that momentum over into my daily training. What worked really well for me this week was training in the morning before I continued on with the rest of my day. 

The summer months can be a distraction and keeping up with personal and team requirements can be challenging. This past week showed me how perfect a morning routine can be. Prior to this week, I've been unsure as to how I would be able to maintain my training during these next few months.

I know a morning training routine works for me, I just can't seem to keep it up throughout the year. So maybe what will work is a morning routine during the summer months and a training routine throughout the day for the winter months. I'm slowly learning the rhythms of my life and when and how to make adjustments.

 Sometimes it is much needed momentum that helps to provide clarity and additional motivation.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 1100/16100
Hand form: 11/235
Weapon form: 14/249
KM: 40/490
AOK: 28/512
Sparring: 2/93
Blogs: 1/19
Yoga: 30/9.5 hrs
Tai Chi: 17/299
MM:27/387