Expanding The Bubble

I was having a conversation earlier in the week with a good friend of mine. While discussing a number of different topics and how busy my life has been and will continue to be, I mentioned that I had also joined the I Ho Chuan team again this year. She was a bit surprised and questioned whether or not that was a good idea at this time with every thing else going on in my life. My response was ... Yes, absolutely, it's good for me!!

What makes being part of the I Ho Chuan so great?

Being a member of the I Ho Chuan pushes me to expand my bubble and step out of my comfort zone. It is definitely much easier to be a member of the coach potato family, but not nearly as rewarding. I have realized how much more can be added into my busy schedule as I work the requirements into each day. The I Ho Chuan requires action and without action we would not be able to produce any kind of forward momentum. It teaches us how to make adjustments to our busy schedules and adapt to unexpected life events that get thrown at us from time to time as well. Challenges and success are shared by all. The support we get from Sifu Brinker and all of the members of the team is the glue that binds us together and makes us stronger.

I become a better version of myself! A stronger relationship with myself and everyone around me develops as a result.

Here's to an exciting and challenging year of the rooster!!

Michele Ward 

The Ability to Move Forward

The ability to move forward requires action!

I’ve come to realize though, that taking action does not always move us forward in the direction and time line that we set for ourselves. I was provided with two separate lessons over the summer months. The first was with regards to completing my practicum for college. The process was much more difficult than I had anticipated, due to a number of factors not in my control. I persevered, found a placement and learned much throughout the process.

The second lesson was in regards to my kung fu training and a goal that I had set for myself. I set a goal, made a plan and even made adjustments along the way as needed. I took action and I worked hard towards that goal, but all that time and effort did not bring about the desired results. I became frustrated and disappointed in the process and in myself. The frustration and disappointment became a mental barrier leading to inaction. Even though I was able to understand the mental barriers causing the lack of continued action, I became stuck and developed a poor attitude.

So, what was the difference between both lessons? Why did I have success with one and not the other?

 The first lesson caused frustration and was stressful, but it was also something that needed to be completed and therefore had more urgency attached to it. Taking a week away from the situation to rest and regroup during that time was also helpful.  The need for perseverance created continued action, which helped me to achieve my goal in the end. My goal of finding an agency to complete my practicum was achieved even though the outcome and time line was different than originally planned.

The second lesson is still a work in progress. I have gained some perspective in regards to my training and I know that everything happens as it is meant to be. One thing I have learned is that sometimes moving forward is about recognizing accomplishments in yourself even if they are not recognized or rewarded by others.  I also learned If there is someone other than yourself involved in the outcome of your goal then that person should be included to some extent when making your plan. I know that all my extra effort and training has benefits even if my goal was not accomplished. My attitude has improved somewhat, but I am still feeling a bit stuck and I am resigned to just going with the flow. I’m not sure that is the best attitude to have, but given my very busy schedule these days, my energy is being directed elsewhere. So that is where I’m at right now.  

Understanding the hidden lessons along the way as well as hard work and patience are key to moving forward. Forward momentum is not always clearly visible and mental barriers can cause us to stop altogether. With this experience and knowledge, I will strive to take action, so that I may continue to move in a forward direction.  

Michele Ward

Risk Being Seen

I recently watched the following Jim Carrey Video, which I thought was important to share with everyone.  It is one of those messages that can be and should be heard numerous times. The opening sentence really grabbed my attention and spoke to me personally.

"Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world!"


Enjoy!

Michele Ward


https://www.facebook.com/goalcast/videos/1018122328264957/

Gratitude Challlenge

    How often do I complain about something, or someone, rather than expressing gratitude or praise?     The answer is ... all too often!

    Complaining about what we don't have, or about something not working the way we want, instead       of expressing gratitude, keeps us in a negative frame of mind and lessens our enjoyment of life.

    This year my summer is not going to be "much to short," instead it will be expressed with nothing       but gratitude and appreciation!!

    Although I consider myself to be a positive person there is always room for improvement. So I am     challenging myself and everyone reading this to be conscious and aware of their words and                 actions. Going forward I will endeavour to think and speak with gratitude, encouragement and             praise.


    Michele Ward

To honor vacation season, and avoid filling up your mailbox (as well as give us extra

The Sacred Balance

I have come across a number of profound sections throughout David Suzuki's book The Sacred Balance. 

The following is just one of many that I would like to share:

To heal our planet and ourselves, we need to move away from "pathological individualism. We don't live on the earth; we live in it."  explains Sarah Conn. 

We must begin to see ourselves as part of our environment, not separate from it. Our identity goes beyond flesh, blood and our actions and thoughts. Our identity includes our natural world, how we move through it, how we interact with it and how it sustains us. When we forget that we are embedded in the natural world, we also forget that what we do to our surroundings we are doing to ourselves. 

If we continue to think of ourselves as separate from our surroundings, we will not be sensitive to the consequences of what we are doing,  so we can't see that our path is potentially suicidal. If we do not see ourselves as part of the natural world and become further detached, we risk a greater sense of loneliness, a lack of meaning, purpose and sense of belonging. Without experiences in nature, we develop ignorance and apathy. (160-163)

Michele Ward

Lessons

I have been the recipient of many lessons this past month, some of which I did not embrace at the time. they were given. These lessons have required some reflection on my part in order to understand what the lesson is and what can be learned from the experience.

One lesson in particular was a reminder that some problems are not always what they seem. I had what I thought to be a back injury that actually turned out to be an issue with my hip flexors. With the correct professional help I was able to address the root of the problem, instead of just dealing with the surface pain.

Taking the time to look beyond what is on the surface is a lesson in itself and provides us with insight and opportunity for personal growth, but sometimes outside help is necessary as well.

Other lessons have been more difficult because they involve expectations, personal opinions and ego.  I have learned that judgement really does not serve me in a positive way and yet I find it very difficult at times to let go, especially when ego, values and morals are involved. I think that it comes down to awareness and a lot of practise. While those lessons may be frustrating, they do serve a vital role in our growth and development.

Michele Ward

Band-aid Treatment

I challenge you to ask yourself this question; when donating to a charity, is that donation a quick fix, is it just a band-aid? Are we just treating the symptoms instead of addressing the root of the problem? If we were to spend our time, effort and money on the root of the problem many charities would no longer need to exist.  While band-aids may be necessary sometimes, they are usually not a permanent solution.

Overconsumption, consumerism, and a desire for convenience, as well as a lack of environmental awareness has led to numerous problems, therefore creating the need for various charitable organizations. The necessity of many charities could be alleviated with mass education, awareness and a change of lifestyle.

A change of focus is needed. We need to think and live differently, be more respectful and in tune with nature and each other.  Everything that we do or don't do impacts nature and the environment around us. The connection is there whether we see it or not.

As human beings we are naturally empathetic and compassionate. It is in our nature to give. Our gift of knowledge, time, and money will produce much longer and more satisfying results when applied prior to the need for the band-aid treatment.

Michele Ward