At times there is a voice inside my head dangling what-ifs and the promise of greener grass if I was to venture down a different path. Maybe yoga or pilates would serve me better? The seemingly easier road and greener grass still has the potential for mastery, but I feel it would also create more space for mediocrity and complacency to eventually creep in. Those alternate paths may check some boxes and provide benefits, but over time there’d be some gaps felt.
And when I think about my journey with Silent River Kung Fu and what propels me to continue on the path I'm currently on, there are number factors that I take into account and remind myself of:
Community - I am surrounded by like minded individuals, feeling supported and at times challenged. I have opportunities to lead, to expand my bubble through teaching and to learn humility. It is also an environment that lends itself to creativity and the sharing of ideas.
Black belt class - is a micro community within a larger whole. This is where vast knowledge, skill and expertise can be shared and explored more in depth as we begin to expand outward from the foundation built during the years as a Q-belt. It is guided and self directed at the same time, opening up a world of possibility.
Tai chi - on its own could be a completely separate journey fulfilling almost everything Kung Fu does for me. Our eye for detail, mindfulness and awareness that is developed can also be applied to life off the mats. Both Tai Chi and Kung Fu complement each other providing valuable insights.
Blogging - Self discovery through blogging has helped to guide me and expand my awareness and ability to be more open. And it is that awareness and openness that makes those discoveries in my physical training possible. Blogging can give direction and clarity, giving meaning to what may feel like an other wise ho hum week. It often requires a lot of effort, but I also find it meditative and grounding.
My training and journey with Silent River Kung Fu challenges me both mentally and physically. It doesn't matter if I'm on course or off track, I'm always learning and growing as a person and as a martial artist. Even with the mediocrity in my life, the pursuit of mastery is ongoing. My perspective is constantly adjusting, I'm more open to possibilities and my capacity for control continues to expand and is flexible.
Kung Fu is also where I've learned to manage my anxiety and how ego ties into it. And because of this I'm also learning to recognize and understand my ego better and take back some control. I'm constantly expanding my bubble and bringing awareness and mindfulness to my life. The arbitrary limits that I find myself surrounded by can be identified and stretched. That’s what the IHC team has done for me and what the Kao Shi continues to do for me.
As I go back and read through this blog I'm not surprised by my experiences and growth because I've lived it and yet I am still amazed at it all. There is so much to be thankful for and much to look forward to, which can start to become a bit overwhelming when I consider the scope of everything I'm doing and continue to do. This is were I have to be careful in navigating and managing everything and stay in the moment. (Funny, I just heard Sifu Dennis's voice in my head - "stay in the moment!")
Those other paths that at times call to me may offer their own challenges and benefits, but not to the degree that Kung Fu and being on the team does for me. And the best part is Kung Fu & Tai Chi transfers over into all aspects of my life. So whenever I feel pulled in a completely different direction I’ve decided to ask myself - "What and how can I add to my life or adjust without having to do a complete 180?"
