I have always been fascinated by Tai Chi. I remember very clearly the first time I saw someone doing Tai Chi. I was 10 and visiting my grandmother in Toronto. There was a park near her apartment that had swings and a wading pool and an amazing garden area. In the middle of the garden was an elderly Asain couple doing Tai Chi together. I was amazed at how they moved so fluidly and with ease. Every time since then when I see someone doing Tai Chi I'm capivated by the movement. There is a grace and serenity of movement that calls to me.
Now I have started Tai Chi myself and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am no where near as graceful as that couple I saw so many years ago. But with a few years of practise and persistance, I hope to maybe inspire someone else someday. I have only done 2 classes so far but I know this is something that I know I will be doing for the rest of my life. I don't even have the words to describe how much I am enjoying it. It just feels so right to be learning.
I know Tai Chi is going to benefit me in so many ways in my becoming a martial artist. This journey I have begun this year is so awesome. To think it all started with my son asking me in a shy voice if I would do Kung Fu with him so he had someone to practise with. He has given me more of a gift then he ever could imagine, and I thank him often for it.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
week 28 sick again, sigh
This week I let myself get run down to much and caught the bug thats been going around work. Its hacking cough that is very persistent. Everytime I tried to lie down and rest or sleep I would start coughing and coughing. This led to loss of even more sleep and the avalance began. I missed both of my Kung Fu classes and helping with the kids clases on thursday. I really don't like missing classes. I always come away from a class feeling energized, even if I dragged my sorry butt through the warmup.
I also didn't get in my daily forms , pushups or situps and that really nagged at me as I felt I was failing to keep up with my commitments. I finally realized that my body was telling me that it was to run down to keep up the pace I was at. Between 9 to 11 hour days at work plus KungFu and family life. I was wearing myself out. My wife and I have been looking for a new vehicle for her and had been researching different options and ideas, plus test driving and surfing the net for available vehicles. This took up alot more of my time then I thought it would, and contributed to my getting worn down.
We have found and purchased a vehicle my wife likes and will work well for the family. Plus I have deligated out some of the work I was doing for my crew at work to a few of the more experienced guys and this has reduced my work load signifigantly. I am a perfectionist when it comes to work, I do the absolute best job I can. But this leads to me sometimes doing too much extra work that really isn't necessary. My crew at work do good work and are capable and responsible. I just had to let go of over controling and let them do the job they know how to do. I set out the parameters of what needs to be done and they give me feed back on how they think it can be accomplished and then let them go to it more now. They don't need me to do all the planning, layout etc like I was. Sure it made the job really easy for them. But they weren't growing as tradesmen that way either.
Next step is to make sure I'm getting the rest I need when I start feeling run down. Getting run down and then sick doesn't do me any good. Plus I can be "oh woe is me" when sick and that is not a positive way to be.
So one of my new mini goals is to listen to my body each day. Just take a moment or two to assess how I'm feeling both mentally and physically. Then allow myself time to heal or rest if needed or even to workout a little harder if I'm having a good day. I'm not as young as I once was, I can't expect to push and push and not have something give somewhere. Working towards effortless effort, that's a positive direction to move in.
I also didn't get in my daily forms , pushups or situps and that really nagged at me as I felt I was failing to keep up with my commitments. I finally realized that my body was telling me that it was to run down to keep up the pace I was at. Between 9 to 11 hour days at work plus KungFu and family life. I was wearing myself out. My wife and I have been looking for a new vehicle for her and had been researching different options and ideas, plus test driving and surfing the net for available vehicles. This took up alot more of my time then I thought it would, and contributed to my getting worn down.
We have found and purchased a vehicle my wife likes and will work well for the family. Plus I have deligated out some of the work I was doing for my crew at work to a few of the more experienced guys and this has reduced my work load signifigantly. I am a perfectionist when it comes to work, I do the absolute best job I can. But this leads to me sometimes doing too much extra work that really isn't necessary. My crew at work do good work and are capable and responsible. I just had to let go of over controling and let them do the job they know how to do. I set out the parameters of what needs to be done and they give me feed back on how they think it can be accomplished and then let them go to it more now. They don't need me to do all the planning, layout etc like I was. Sure it made the job really easy for them. But they weren't growing as tradesmen that way either.
Next step is to make sure I'm getting the rest I need when I start feeling run down. Getting run down and then sick doesn't do me any good. Plus I can be "oh woe is me" when sick and that is not a positive way to be.
So one of my new mini goals is to listen to my body each day. Just take a moment or two to assess how I'm feeling both mentally and physically. Then allow myself time to heal or rest if needed or even to workout a little harder if I'm having a good day. I'm not as young as I once was, I can't expect to push and push and not have something give somewhere. Working towards effortless effort, that's a positive direction to move in.
week 27 behind again aarg
Dang. I manage to keep up with my daily counts of forms etc that I write down in my binder. But I keep getting behind journaling here. I really have to make a much more conscious effort to set one day a week for journaling and not let any excuse interfere with it. This week was basically plugging along for me. Lots of pressure and stress at work is affecting my concentration and quality of my workouts at home.
I'm feeling run down and tired even when I get a 7 to 8 hour sleep(mostly I get 5 to 6 hours). I need to refocus on a new goal and set out the steps to achieve that goal and then I know I'll make progress.
The UBBT meeting was inspiring for me as it always is. I have so many amazing examples to follow and a huge knowledge base in all the people in the group. It's nice to know that everyone is there to help each other out through the good and the bad. I never really thought about how much you can learn from failure. I always looked on failure as a negative thing. Now I look at failure differently, it's an opportunity to learn and grow. This old dog learn something new again, go figure.
I'm feeling run down and tired even when I get a 7 to 8 hour sleep(mostly I get 5 to 6 hours). I need to refocus on a new goal and set out the steps to achieve that goal and then I know I'll make progress.
The UBBT meeting was inspiring for me as it always is. I have so many amazing examples to follow and a huge knowledge base in all the people in the group. It's nice to know that everyone is there to help each other out through the good and the bad. I never really thought about how much you can learn from failure. I always looked on failure as a negative thing. Now I look at failure differently, it's an opportunity to learn and grow. This old dog learn something new again, go figure.
Friday, July 8, 2011
week 26 a new adventure
This week I started sparring for the first time. I have been nervously antiscipating sparring since I got my orange belt. I'm not afraid to spar. I was more nervous that I would not have proper control and do something that injured someone else or even myself.
Sifu Masterson was prepared and reminded everyone that it was my first time sparring. I have to thank everyone in my class that I sparred with. Everyone was patient and helpful by going slow and trying to show me the openings that I wasn't seeing yet.
I truly enjoyed the class and it was an awesome learning experience. It is definately another level of intensity in this class. I am learning so much each day that only a few things are sticking in my head atm, but thats ok I am happy to just be making progress. I have really taken to working hard on form first. The rest will follow. My journey in Kung Fu has really only just begun. But it is a journey I am thoroughly enjoying and I look forward to each day more and more. As my wife says I seem to have found my niche, I can't disagree with that.
Sifu Masterson was prepared and reminded everyone that it was my first time sparring. I have to thank everyone in my class that I sparred with. Everyone was patient and helpful by going slow and trying to show me the openings that I wasn't seeing yet.
I truly enjoyed the class and it was an awesome learning experience. It is definately another level of intensity in this class. I am learning so much each day that only a few things are sticking in my head atm, but thats ok I am happy to just be making progress. I have really taken to working hard on form first. The rest will follow. My journey in Kung Fu has really only just begun. But it is a journey I am thoroughly enjoying and I look forward to each day more and more. As my wife says I seem to have found my niche, I can't disagree with that.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Week 25 An amazing week
This week has been so fulfilling for me. I'm bursting at the seams with confidence and acheing like never before at the same time. I achieved one of my UBBT goals this week by passing my orange belt test. I am so happy to achieve this, but also humbled by just how much more there is to learn. I am approaching my Kung Fu in a step by step, goal by goal manner now. It's is not so overwhelming then. Setting mini goals that progress to the big goals is definately working well for me. My wife tells me I have changed so much since I started Kung Fu. I see and feel some of the changes, others are of course scewed by my perception. But I do feel I'm on a much better road then I was 8 months ago. Thank to everyone at the Kwoon for the encouragement and advise. It is very much appreciated.
Yesterday was boot camp. I had heard going in just how much of a great experience it is to participate in.The sense of accomplishment I am feeling right now far outweights the soreness in my muscles. Stairs are my nemesis atm, but it was so worth doing. I challenged myself physically and mentally in ways I didn't even know I could. Sifu Brinker was so right in how the 2 km run at the end would bring the day into focus. I was running along the road just wanting to finish the best I could no matter how hard I was gasping or how much ache in my side hurt. I actually finished the run with a better stride then the first half of the run. I just tried to relax, breath and run like I was the only one there. I could hear the wind in the trees, the birds, the traffic out on the main highway. I just tried to take it all in and continue moving forward. I know I haven't completely realized how much I have learned and gained from this experience. I made some awesome friends and got to know friends I already had even better. Everyone was so positive and encouraging. There can be no better environment or setting to be in to grow in ones Kung Fu.
I have taken but a few steps on what I plan is a long and fulfilling journey in Kung Fu. The miles and challenges ahead will be many. But I think with a positive attitude and an openness to learn and grow that it will be a truly amazing journey to experience
Yesterday was boot camp. I had heard going in just how much of a great experience it is to participate in.The sense of accomplishment I am feeling right now far outweights the soreness in my muscles. Stairs are my nemesis atm, but it was so worth doing. I challenged myself physically and mentally in ways I didn't even know I could. Sifu Brinker was so right in how the 2 km run at the end would bring the day into focus. I was running along the road just wanting to finish the best I could no matter how hard I was gasping or how much ache in my side hurt. I actually finished the run with a better stride then the first half of the run. I just tried to relax, breath and run like I was the only one there. I could hear the wind in the trees, the birds, the traffic out on the main highway. I just tried to take it all in and continue moving forward. I know I haven't completely realized how much I have learned and gained from this experience. I made some awesome friends and got to know friends I already had even better. Everyone was so positive and encouraging. There can be no better environment or setting to be in to grow in ones Kung Fu.
I have taken but a few steps on what I plan is a long and fulfilling journey in Kung Fu. The miles and challenges ahead will be many. But I think with a positive attitude and an openness to learn and grow that it will be a truly amazing journey to experience
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Week 24 Stepping Up
This past week I have been going over all my curriculum from both white belt and yellow belt level. I'm going to be testing for orange belt in week 25 so I have been putting in extra time reviewing. There sure is alot to go over. So much information and technigues have been shown and presented so far. I am humbled by how much more there is to learn. At the same time I ready to bear down and begin what has been descibed as the next level in my training. There is going to be a big learning curve at the beginning as usual. But just because I can't do or know some things "yet"( as Sifu Brinker would say), means I just have to stay positive and work that much harder at my practise and my classes. I am so looking forward to the challenge.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Week 23 Time to reflect
Our UBBT meeting this past week really got me thinking. I have to admit I have been doing well in some things, ok in others and just coasting along at times as well. When Sifu Brinker said we should be putting about 2.5 hours per day into our Kung Fu, I have to admit my mind went "but how". But upon reflection I realized maybe I can't do that much in one bunch but little packages throughout the day. Even while at work.
I do get my push-ups and sit-ups in each day, for me in the last hour before I go to bed is what is working for me at this time. I get up at between 4:30 and 5:00 each day for work. I make my lunch, have some breakfest then drive 40 minutes to work(longer with construction delays). My morning routine helps me prepare for the day and get ready and organized to set my crew their tasks for the day. I would like to try doing my pushups and situps in the morning but that would mean getting up at 4:00 am roughly. I have to admitt part of me balks at that idea. But I am going to give it a shot for a week at the end of the month or beginning of July.
I have been focusing so much on my physical status( how I feel, weight I have lost, strength, flexibility) that I don't think I have been as aware of the mental training I have been doing as well and need to do, to grow as a martial artist. Time to get some reading in and to ask more questions in class each day. There are so many great people full of knowledge in the kwoon, I should be accessing that knowledge more readily.
This past week and a bit has been great for achieving my goals that I set a month back. I have gotten all my stripes to be able to test for my orange belt. I'm excited and nervous all at once. I know that the next level is going to be a huge learning curve and challenge. I want to do well and truly absorb as much as I can while still remembering to keep doing the basics I have learned so far. That's the one thing I have to do more of in my training at home. I do the forms alot( love them still, I know crazy), but even just practising slide stepping etc is very important and I have to figure out a good and balanced practise schedule for myself.
Almost half the year has come and gone and I need to rededicate myself to my goals, the Sifus at the Kwoon, the UBBT team and to the journey I began 7 months ago. I can't allow excuses to get in the way of growing as a better human being. So here's looking forward to an amazing second half of the year.
I do get my push-ups and sit-ups in each day, for me in the last hour before I go to bed is what is working for me at this time. I get up at between 4:30 and 5:00 each day for work. I make my lunch, have some breakfest then drive 40 minutes to work(longer with construction delays). My morning routine helps me prepare for the day and get ready and organized to set my crew their tasks for the day. I would like to try doing my pushups and situps in the morning but that would mean getting up at 4:00 am roughly. I have to admitt part of me balks at that idea. But I am going to give it a shot for a week at the end of the month or beginning of July.
I have been focusing so much on my physical status( how I feel, weight I have lost, strength, flexibility) that I don't think I have been as aware of the mental training I have been doing as well and need to do, to grow as a martial artist. Time to get some reading in and to ask more questions in class each day. There are so many great people full of knowledge in the kwoon, I should be accessing that knowledge more readily.
This past week and a bit has been great for achieving my goals that I set a month back. I have gotten all my stripes to be able to test for my orange belt. I'm excited and nervous all at once. I know that the next level is going to be a huge learning curve and challenge. I want to do well and truly absorb as much as I can while still remembering to keep doing the basics I have learned so far. That's the one thing I have to do more of in my training at home. I do the forms alot( love them still, I know crazy), but even just practising slide stepping etc is very important and I have to figure out a good and balanced practise schedule for myself.
Almost half the year has come and gone and I need to rededicate myself to my goals, the Sifus at the Kwoon, the UBBT team and to the journey I began 7 months ago. I can't allow excuses to get in the way of growing as a better human being. So here's looking forward to an amazing second half of the year.
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