Am I Doing Enough?

Am I currently doing enough? That is a question I'm asking myself because my numbers for our IHC requirements and additional training have dipped these past 2 weeks. Could I have accomplished more? Most likely, yes. 

Are my expectations at this time realistic? Yes and no. 

Yes, because I know there are under-utilized opportunities for adding in a bit more of this or that. I also know pushing myself helps me to break through internal and external boundaries, reduces mediocrity and helps to increase possibilities and give my life more meaning. 

No, because I often have high expectations and can be hard on myself. There also needs to be an understanding of the natural dips or plateaus that occur as we navigate our path in life. These set backs and transitions can be opportunities for much needed self care, or an awareness of ego inserting itself. Lots of opportunity for growth here and reminders to embrace the journey throughout the ups and downs.

My recent numbers present one story, a snapshot of my week, but not the whole picture. As I reflected on the week I was able to look past what wasn't getting done and see how different events led to opportunities, providing more quality time with family and friends. Helping and interacting with others added more value to my week and created some important memories that I would have missed out on otherwise. While there were still holes that could have been filled I feel my priorities were in the right place.

It's not as simple as asking "Am I doing enough?" There is the need to look deeper and take ego out of the equation so we can learn and grow from our individual experiences. This is where the ordinary can become extraordinary. 

I'm developing a better understanding and awareness of what I'm capable of, my engagement in Kung Fu and life and where the holes and opportunities are. Rather than bury my head in the sand, I find myself looking around more, making discoveries and standing taller.

Correction is essential to power and mastery. You see, we are all ordinary. But a master, rather than condemning himself for his “ordinariness,” will embrace his ordinariness and use it as a foundation for building the extraordinary. Instead of giving up, as many ordinary people do, he will use his ordinariness to correct his errors, which is essential in the process of attaining mastery. You must be able to correct yourself without invalidating or condemning yourself, to accept results and improve upon them.

Correct, don’t protect.

Totals

Push ups: 880/39495
Situps: 875/39590
Hand form: 12/767        
Weapon form: 14/685 
KM: 40/1588           
AOK: 33/1478             
Sparring: 0/705          
Blogs: 1/58                 
Yoga: 30 min/38 hours

Collaborative Efforts

As discoveries are made and pieces begin to fit together I'm realizing more and more the efforts of those around me that help to provide and create the various pieces of the puzzle. 

A great example of this is an issue I was having with my back foot when moving into a high back stance during my hand form. I had mentioned it to Sifu Brinker during a one on one. The discussion that followed was helpful and provided a piece of the puzzle to understand what was needed to correct the issue.

During 2nd degree class, a conversation with Sifu Hayes and Sihing Lindstrom on the high back stance and drawing the bow garnered more information about that technique and targeting. As I practiced and thought more about where my target was and actually focused on acquiring the target first, I suddenly found myself moving into the high back stance properly. The issue of being slightly narrow was magically fixed. My back foot naturally moved exactly where it needed to in order to support the technique.

Oh, the power of intent and acquiring your target!

Training with the same person all the time is limiting. The same is true if you always seek out the same instructor or black belt. As Sifu Binker has mentioned many times, getting instruction or feedback from different instructors is beneficial and helps us to progress in our training. A different approach, wording, or an example can make all the difference when it comes to adding and completing pieces of the puzzle. 

Working on my 5 techniques and board breaking has really helped to propel me forward in an area of my training that was lacking. The discoveries and growth I am experiencing is because of the collaborative efforts of the black belts offering their experience and instruction, and the collaborative relationship I have with my partner Todai Ferris. 

Working with Sihing Ward recently has also helped reinforced the need and benefits to working with a different partner. Not only do I get different information, things feel different and I am forced to adapt to get a technique to work which helps me with my training and eventually my skill as well. 

I'm feeling more at peace with where and who I am. When the pieces of the puzzle fall into place it does feel good, but ego is starting to play less of a role now. I'm understanding more the collaborative efforts that have taken place to get me or anyone to a place where puzzle pieces come together and aha moments can happen. I am grateful for everyone around me providing lessons, instruction and support. 

Listen, be open and receptive, mix up your training, occasionally partner up with someone different, seek out different perspectives and voices. The collaborative efforts for all involved will lead to great things for instructors and students alike. As the saying goes, "it takes a village."

Totals

Push ups: 635/38615
Situps: 670/38715
Hand form: 7/755        
Weapon form: 7/671  
KM: 38/1548            
AOK: 17/1445             
Sparring: 0/705          
Blogs: 1/57                 
Yoga: 30 min/37.5 hours

  

Strands of Spaghetti

As I read through some of my past blogs I am reminded of how many strands of spaghetti have stuck (information, ideas and opportunities collected and absorbed). Yes, some of those strands are sliding downward. Maybe its to make room for more or maybe a purpose was served at the time and they are no longer needed in this moment. 

There are also the strands that haven't been given the attention they deserve. I believe this is partially due to feeling like a human spaghetti magnet. I am an information gatherer, a deep thinker, a sponge and at times a squirrel running around in circles. With so many strands sticking, bouncing off or sliding down it is difficult to manage and fully absorb all of them. 

I've written and blogged about doing or implementing this or that into my life and my kung fu, and then life happens and some of the stuck spaghetti starts to slide down. Some spaghetti sticks hard and fast and is easy to absorb and implement, others not so much. Any of those under-utilized strands are still there in my tool box though. And I believe they will be put to use at the right time or possibly even replicated into something that serves me better. I just need to trust and do the work in the meantime.

What's interesting is I'm feeling more and more calm and at peace, which is creating a wonderful flow and openness to my life. I'm less concerned about that which isn't getting done. Stress and anxiety still creep in at times, but I find myself more aware and better prepared to work through stuff. I know there's always going to be plenty of things to work on and improve on and I've proven to myself that I can  push myself and put in the effort. I'm finding it easier to embrace the journey and am less worried about the destination.

My past blogs are a great reminder of struggles and achievements, my trajectory, my insights and personal growth over the year. They help to ground me and remind me of all the past and present stands of spaghetti in my tool box. 

Totals

Push ups: 890/37980
Situps: 937/38047
Hand form: 21/748         
Weapon form: 11/664   
KM: 33/1510               
AOK: 21/1428               
Sparring: 5/705            
Blogs: 1/56                   
Yoga: 30 min/37 hours

Calming My Inner Squirrel

Yoga and meditation have been a bit of a challenge lately. My ability to focus and be mindful in my practice is being tested. I'm constantly battling random thoughts that just keep popping in and taking me away from the moment. Ugh, my inner squirrel is more active than usual!

I know these distractions can be viewed as a helpful tool to developing awareness and mindfulness. The theory is the more I practice the more improvement I will experience. I know this to be true, but am finding the squirrel running around in my brain very annoying right now. What makes it even more annoying is my ability to stay focused and mindful had been improving. 

After diving a bit deeper into my overly active inner squirrel, I found some obvious and not so obvious reasons for the increased squirrel activity and some answers to understanding and calming it down.

1. I believe my over active squirrel is an indication I haven't been spending enough quiet time with myself. 

2. The clutter and mess in my office at home is creating clutter in my brain. It's not a surprise I have a squirrel running around in my head looking for direction.

3. As the year comes to an end I want to believe I am going to be prepared but still feeling there is so much more to do.  

The squirrel needs to be calmed and reassured that everything will fall into place. To do this I need to take care of some foundational components of my life. Cleaning and organizing my office space will free up internal clutter and create more space to focus and prioritize stuff that really matters. That was my Sunday focus this morning and I managed to get quite a bit cleaned up. It is amazing how much better I feel when I purge, organize and clean.

Kung fu training isn't always the obvious kicking and punching, etc. It can be the less obvious things like decluttering a space in your home or healthy, mindful eating, or quality time with family and friends for example. These all have potential to feed the soul, the mind, the body and spirit and are aspects of Kung Fu and help me with my Kung Fu training.  

Totals

Push ups: 998/37090
Situps: 1190/37110
Hand form: 18/727          
Weapon form: 18/653   
KM: 31/1477               
AOK: 53/1407               
Sparring: 0/700            
Blogs: 1/55                   
Yoga: 1/36.5

Listen!

Most of us are very aware of how we feel when something doesn't go as planned, but do we listen to what we are feeling and what we tell ourselves when things are working? A great training session, accomplishments, effective communication or effortless flow during the day, these are all great opportunities to pay attention, to listen and determine what contributed to a positive outcome. 

Sifu Brinker touched briefly on this in our last IHC meeting which really got me to thinking how true that is for me. It is easy to focus more on the negative which is why practicing gratitude is so important and has help me. What if I was to go a step further? What if I made a conscious effort and really listened with more than my ears? Listen to my body and my mind.

Interesting, because at first I saw this as a way to replicate and accomplish more. And I also recognized the added value of deepening my awareness and mindfulness practice. All of this can be true and yet as I contemplate and did some research, I discovered more. I'm understanding this concept of deeper and more intentional listening as a tool to cutting through the repetition of my life and moving closer to my true authentic self. 

Connecting with my true self will help me to embrace who I am and move past my ego mind. When I am connected with my true self I can be in a state of co-operation, peace and calmness. This way of being is expansive and powerful and also humble at the same time.

How do I develop my listening skills and connect with my true self?

I  will continue to practice mindfulness throughout my day. This was one of my personal goals for the Year of the Rabbit. I didn't have much success with this so I've included it for next year as well. 

My mindfulness practice now includes the following:

Where am I, what am I doing? - Practice observation and connect with the present moment.

Meditate - Practice openness and curiosity around thoughts and emotions.

Mindful breathing -  can include deep breathing or specific breathing patterns.

Yoga - a great way to connect with and listen to my body. Our bodies talk to us and help us to step away from our ego mind.

Quality time with myself - Do something I love, dance or be creative. 

Be in nature - Breath in fresh air, hug a tree, walking meditation

That simple strand of spaghetti stuck and slowly grew into a substantial pasta dinner that has the potential to feed me for a lifetime!

Totals

Push ups: 1282/36092
Situps: 1250/35920
Hand form: 36/709          
Weapon form: 35/635   
KM: 35/1446                
AOK: 65/1354               
Sparring: 4/700            
Blogs: 1/54                   
Yoga: 1/35.5

IHC Challenge Reminder

IHC Challenge Reminder

A quick reminder, our school wide challenge begins tomorrow, November 6 and will run
for 7 days.

Daily core challenges

Core challenges for each class can be found on the applicable tracking sheet. These are available at the Kwoon or can be printed using the PDF links found in the original article located below.

Bonus challenges

Videos will be posted daily. I encourage everyone to watch as there is some great creativity with lots of good information and are an opportunity to get to know many of our team members.

We are tracking participation so please remember to fill out your tracking sheets and hand them in at the front desk when finished.

https://www.silentriverkungfu.ca/blog/2023/10/30/7-days-in-the-life-of-the-i-ho-chuan-school-challenge

I Strive to be More

My week has me feeling like I've not accomplished enough. What exactly is enough? Am I being realistic in my expectations? This is something I'm working at figuring out. My inner voice tells me I could have done more. It's time to change that inner voice into something more positive and productive. 

As I struggle through sorting out my thoughts and writing this blog I am reminded me of something I wrote in my personal journal last week. Here is the unedited journal post from last week. 

Believing in myself is a key component to earning and receiving a blackbelt. As a 2nd degree brown belt I have the basic knowledge and skill. It's now about pushing past the uncomfortable to continue in not only the areas I want to grow, but also areas that I struggle in.

Developing and improving a positive mindset.
Embracing weaknesses as opportunities.
Accept I am human and still push/move forward.

I see the struggles and failures in others as positives. They are reminders we are not perfect, we are all works in progress. I am learning more from my struggles and failures because I want more. Because I strive to be more.

Believing and trusting in myself - I am growing into these qualities more and more as the year evolves. I see the possibilities and growth through my own struggles and others around me. We are all human and doing the best we can in any given moment. The combined efforts of everyone on the team help to encourage me forward and believe anything is possible.

I want more, I strive to be more! This is a powerful truth and is what keeps me moving forward one step at a time. 

Totals

Push ups: 1250/34810
Situps: 1150/34670
Hand form: 11/673           
Weapon form: 12/600   
KM: 50/1411                
AOK: 23/1289               
Sparring: 0/696             
Blogs: 1/53                   
Yoga: 1/34.5