Light at the End of the Tunnel

The light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer and brighter. Mindful breathing and applying the concept of ‘owning the mat’ has really helped me with awareness and shifting my perspective. I was able to get in some extra training this week at the Kwoon and attend Tai Chi in person. And for the first time in a couple weeks I felt uplifted and enjoyed black belt class.

Regular blogging, eating mostly healthy and practicing daily gratitude have helped to slowly steer me back on track. These work because I have developed them as regular habits. Some of my other tools like mindful breathing and meditation have become a bit dusty due to being underused.

Even though I’ve been struggling I see this as a reminder to not become too comfortable. There is much value and necessity in not neglecting core tools and practices and staying open to new tools and resources. 

Veering off path, struggles and failures, these are all gifts! While I may at times become frustrated or discouraged I know there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel if I at least apply some measure of effort towards moving forward.

Disengaged

I’ve been feeling disengaged and lacking motivation lately. The excess stress I’ve been dealing with has taken a toll. Outside of work and family, it feels as if I have very little left to give. 

With everything now being less stressful and more manageable, one would think it would be easier to get back on track. Part of the issue is there is still so much unknown which causes a residual stress effect. It feels as if I’m in this mode of needing to bank rest and relaxation.

This too shall pass is something I know to be true. I also know instead of simply waiting for this to pass it is important to work at finding ways to take care of myself which can help speed up the process. 

“Own the Mat”

"To own the mat" in martial arts doesn't refer to physical ownership, but rather to achieving mastery, control, and confidence within the training space, often through skill, discipline, and respect for the practice and environment.

The phrase 'to own the mat' has been percolating in my brain for a few months now. It was first mentioned to me by a close friend of mine. After the seed was planted, I have found myself thinking on this and occasionally trying to apply it to situations in and out of the Kwoon.

My purpose in writing this blog is to better define it, and then develop more clarity as it pertains to me. The more I understand, the more likely I am to developing it as a valuable tool, building awareness and then being able to apply it in different situations. 

When I think about what 'owning the mat' means for me, what comes to mind is perspective, a shift in thinking, taking control, bringing a measure of confidence ( confidence with humility), and asserting myself when necessary. 

Owning the mat I'm on can be a game changer for me and for others around me. It has the ability to enhance or change perspective, improve control and build self confidence. This is becoming more and more important to me, because as I encounter situations that are out of my comfort zone or experiencing negative thoughts and feelings, I know I have the ability to 'own the mat' I find myself on in that moment. 

The beauty in this is as I remind myself to 'own the mat', my perspective then shifts a little. It shifts just enough to make room for self control, discipline, respect for myself, and those around me. And during this process negative thoughts and feeling are replaced with purpose and action. Positivity takes over. This is a powerful tool and I see it as an amazing gift!

*Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the concept of 'own the mat' became a natural way of thinking and being for all of us while still keeping awareness and mindfulness intact?

Glitchy Week

This has been a bit of an off week. There have been moments where I felt unsettled, and wishing or wanting more or less at times. 

Something that’s been on my mind as I navigate everything that’s going on, is my ego. I think because of all the added stress my ego has come bubbling to the surface ready to take over. I’ve been either up, down or somewhere in between.

As I reflect on this weeks glitches and issues with ego, I realized there’s much to be thankful for. Personal growth in the areas of awareness and mindfulness is helping me to recognize the valuable lessons that come my way. And while I may initially push things away, I still take the time to reflect at some point because I know these glitches have been provided so I can learn and grow from them.

Everything serves me when I am mindful and open!