what you loved

Sometimes what you loved to do is not what you love to do anymore. I used to love gardening. It was rewarding activity. Relaxing. And challenging.

Few days ago I was thinking about the fact that in the last few years I am doing close to zero gardening. I was wondering why.

Yesterday I did a little bit of gardening and today my back was feeling it. All my back is aching as it did not for long time. Now I know why I do not do gardening any more...

The Challenge

Plank is one of the better core exercises. It is strengthening your abs without harming your back. It is also working on your back muscles, gluts, thighs, ...

I was thinking of a challenge that will push me beyond my comfort level with a plank. Let say 1000 minutes in couple months. I've done it in the past but it was impossible to continue with it after the challenge was done.

This year I'm thinking more of sustainability. Something that I can continue after the challenge is complete. However, I still want to make it challenging and to get others to participate with me.

So the target date is Chinese New Year 2019 (Feb 5th). The plan is to do 300 minutes planks by target date. But if more than 3 people will join my challenge, I will add 100 more. Which means 400 minutes. If more than 5 people will join my challenge, I will do 500 minutes. If more than 10 people will join my challenge, I will do 600 minutes of plank.

The Next New Thing

We are constantly after the next new thing. It is almost impossible these days to be content with what you have. For sure, my current phone is doing what it needs to but can I imagine having my phone from 10 years ago? Shouldn't I buy a new piece of clothing to replace the one that is worn down?

Am I going to be able to be satisfied with what I've got? Do I have all I need?

It feels the same when learning Kung Fu. Learnt one form and now progress to the next. Practiced one application and not the new one looks like a shiny item I need.

I don't think that you can stop consumption either with the material world or with training. You always want and should get more. The question is how you do it and what balance you are making with getting better use with what you already have. Get all you can get out of it before you jump to the next new thing.

Just keep going

It could be experience or age, it could be a state of mind. In the last year I had a different view of my tasks and responsibilities.

I used to be scared of taking new challenges and stayed away from any. In the last year I am open to take any challenge that is presented to me. I am also not overly stressed about the results. For sure, I am doing my best to succeed but I will not loose sleep over it.

Sometimes I feel what I used to in the past but I can easily take a big breath an re-focus on what I'm doing and just keep going.

“If you spend too much time thinking about your loses you will never win.”-Kobe Csillag 2018 

Methods

I've been taking it easy since we came back from our vacation. My back and now also shoulder injury are not encouraging me to push harder while training.

I did, however, start a new exercise routine using an app called Methods. I also started running although I know I need to do more of that.

It has been a challenging year so far. Being away makes it harder to keep the routine going. I am building a routine while I am away, so things are getting better on that front.

I was away during the maintenance week and I kind of miss the kwoon and all of you...