I have no idea what to write about this week. My week has been low and high and in between. I am glad that it ended on a positive note with an amazing Dragon Dance practice.
Until next week, work hard and have fun
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Support
My journey has not been without the help and support of most of the people in my life. My immediate circle has been patient and understanding and willing to take up the slack while I am busy with kempo. My extended circle has supported me unconditionally and without my asking. I have one such amazing story to share.
I used to work with this guy named Richard (the psychologist in the program) and he would always ask me about my kung fu journey. He listened attentively over the years as I shared my triumphs and obstacles and seemed to enjoy most of my stories. He always had ideas on how to over come what I was struggling with and cheered when I shared my successes, I enjoyed our chats together. One day I mentioned to him that I had to read this book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and I needed to do so with enough attention to answer some questions about it after. I shared with Richard my frustration with my reading as I didn't always understand what the author was talking about and therefore felt stupid, creating more road blocks, etc. Richard suggested that we read it together, having reading assignments and then checking in with each other. This worked great until I put the book aside in frustration once again. His response to this was to buy me that audio version of the book to listen to in my vehicle. What a great idea! I listened to the book and got enough out of it that I could sit down with the book, finish reading it and answer the necessary questions. When I finally finished, I excitedly went to Richard and shared the ah-ha moment that occurred when I completed the assignment and understood the purpose of it. I don't think that anyone else could have been prouder of me. He may also have been relieved that we were finally done with the assignment after three years and ready to move on to something else.
Today I attended a celebration of Richard's life and discovered that I wasn't the only one that he supported and encouraged. I will miss you my friend and I will always cherish the impact that you had on me.
I used to work with this guy named Richard (the psychologist in the program) and he would always ask me about my kung fu journey. He listened attentively over the years as I shared my triumphs and obstacles and seemed to enjoy most of my stories. He always had ideas on how to over come what I was struggling with and cheered when I shared my successes, I enjoyed our chats together. One day I mentioned to him that I had to read this book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and I needed to do so with enough attention to answer some questions about it after. I shared with Richard my frustration with my reading as I didn't always understand what the author was talking about and therefore felt stupid, creating more road blocks, etc. Richard suggested that we read it together, having reading assignments and then checking in with each other. This worked great until I put the book aside in frustration once again. His response to this was to buy me that audio version of the book to listen to in my vehicle. What a great idea! I listened to the book and got enough out of it that I could sit down with the book, finish reading it and answer the necessary questions. When I finally finished, I excitedly went to Richard and shared the ah-ha moment that occurred when I completed the assignment and understood the purpose of it. I don't think that anyone else could have been prouder of me. He may also have been relieved that we were finally done with the assignment after three years and ready to move on to something else.
Today I attended a celebration of Richard's life and discovered that I wasn't the only one that he supported and encouraged. I will miss you my friend and I will always cherish the impact that you had on me.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A day of reflection
Last year on this day, I thought about turning 45 and how my year was going to look. It was going to be the year that I received my black belt. Today, I reflect on my 45th year and how much I have learned about becoming a black belt. It is way bigger than I imagined it to be, it encompassed mind, body and spirit and no stone can be left unturned. I have grown more this year than I thought was possible. I have examined myself, figured out what to change and what to modify and what to improve upon. I don't know what this new year is going to bring but I am ready for all the challenges that come my way. Tomorrow I begin my 46th year and I am ready.
I am also thinking about our world today and what it takes to have a peaceful one. I know what it takes to keep peace in my family, in my work world and with my friends, can we take those concepts that we use to create a peaceful existence out into the world? I think we can. It starts with acts of kindness, being kind to our community and encouraging our community to go to other communities and spread the kindness. Imagine the impact if we can convince everyone that we come in contact with to spread peace and kindness!
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
I am also thinking about our world today and what it takes to have a peaceful one. I know what it takes to keep peace in my family, in my work world and with my friends, can we take those concepts that we use to create a peaceful existence out into the world? I think we can. It starts with acts of kindness, being kind to our community and encouraging our community to go to other communities and spread the kindness. Imagine the impact if we can convince everyone that we come in contact with to spread peace and kindness!
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
My week.
It wouldn't be sunday morning if I wasn't staring at a blank screen trying to choose what to write about. Here is what is going on in my world:
- my bullying project is starting to take some shape, I have done lot's of research this year but I wasn't exactly sure how to put it out there until recently. I am strongly considering making a video.
- I am sick again, so all the regular feelings of frustration and helplessness that go with that are here. I have been working on improving my health for a long time and the progress is slow, I know the only way to deal with it is with patience but this week my patience seemed to have left me.
- at work I have a student from Ireland, it is pretty cool to meet someone from one of the top three places that I always wanted to go. She is as excited to be here as I am to have her, so I am sure that we will enjoy our time together.
-training.... what training? I have not done much physical stuff this week, I have been working on staying mentally strong. It has been challenging as I usually work out really hard and long when I don't feel strong in my head and that works for me. Without the physical, I am relying on self talk and encouragement, reviewing my successes and not allowing myself to feel discouraged.
- Katie started grade 8 this week, it always strikes me at this time of year how fast she is growing and how amazing she is. It was a long hard walk from the school to my truck on Wed. morning, I really miss her when she is at school.
That is how my week went, I am hoping to get busy this week (but still taking it easy) so I can soothe my troubled mind. I am also looking forward to returning to classes and surrounding myself with the good people at kung fu.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
- my bullying project is starting to take some shape, I have done lot's of research this year but I wasn't exactly sure how to put it out there until recently. I am strongly considering making a video.
- I am sick again, so all the regular feelings of frustration and helplessness that go with that are here. I have been working on improving my health for a long time and the progress is slow, I know the only way to deal with it is with patience but this week my patience seemed to have left me.
- at work I have a student from Ireland, it is pretty cool to meet someone from one of the top three places that I always wanted to go. She is as excited to be here as I am to have her, so I am sure that we will enjoy our time together.
-training.... what training? I have not done much physical stuff this week, I have been working on staying mentally strong. It has been challenging as I usually work out really hard and long when I don't feel strong in my head and that works for me. Without the physical, I am relying on self talk and encouragement, reviewing my successes and not allowing myself to feel discouraged.
- Katie started grade 8 this week, it always strikes me at this time of year how fast she is growing and how amazing she is. It was a long hard walk from the school to my truck on Wed. morning, I really miss her when she is at school.
That is how my week went, I am hoping to get busy this week (but still taking it easy) so I can soothe my troubled mind. I am also looking forward to returning to classes and surrounding myself with the good people at kung fu.
Until next week, work hard and have fun.
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