Struggling

How can I tell if someone is struggling? Attendance? Blogging? 

How can I tell when I'm struggling? Motivation to get up is down, there is no drive to continue practicing. 

Routine has been a key for me. It keeps me engaged and connected. Last year we were working hard for July 1 and then I was working hard preparing for my grading. The engagement continued all the way to the ceremony with countless hours of practice. 

This year there was a void after July 1. August was hard with few weeks of vacation followed by a week away from home for business. And then was the big change in my routine - I stopped going to the early morning class. With 3 Sifus and only 3-4 students I didn't feel I'm getting what I need from being there. 

The problem is that I did not find my routine yet. I'm occasionally going to the gym and did some yoga classes but I'm lacking the consistency. Changes at work are definitely not helping as I'm trying to find my place again. 

So what should I do? I would like to hear what you have to say. I'm hoping to be able to find my routine again. 

Forgiveness

A man was on a train sitting next to a young man in his twenties. The young man seemed stressed and was constantly looking out the window.

After about an hour the old man ask the young man "where are you going?". The young man answered that he is going to Janesville. After a little pause, the young man told the older man that he is going back home after not seeing his dad for 5 years. "I did something really bad and knowing that my dad will be very angry at me, I left without saying goodbye."

The old man ask if the dad knew his son is coming back. The young man said "I sent him a letter few weeks ago telling him I'm coming back today. I told him to put a white rag on the big maple tree in the field before the train station if he wants me to come back home. If there is no flag, I will know he did not forgive me and I will keep on going."

When they got close to Janesville the young man asked the older man if he can spot the maple tree as he is too nervous. The older man agreed and exchange seats with the young man. Looking for the tree, he was astound not see any tree in the field. He told the young man "I think your dad forgives you. The tree is covered with rags.

Lions in the house

This last Friday was the first time I enjoyed the lion dance. I think I'm getting used to it and although my back is hurting, I'm enjoying it. 

I think that I can see the purpose of the lion dance training and knowing how great it could be having 8 lions dancing around... 

Blogging

Hoping to get back to the kwoon after being out for 3 weeks. After 2 weeks vacation and one week away for work, one of the things that keep me engaged and connected are the blogs. Unfortunately there are not too many of these. Most of the team is not blogging on a regular basis.

I want to encourage everyone to use this on a regular basis and share what is happening in your training and in general.

My Name is Earl

On our trip I was helping an elderly couple to drain water from their boat and then to drug it up next to their RV. 30 minutes after we got a big salmon as a thank you.

If you do good things, good things will happen to you!

Appreciation

Last week we walked into a show-home in our neighbourhood. It looks so nice - clean, tidy, high end. I could dream living in house like that... Then after we got back home I started seeing my home in a different view. Behind the clutter and the kids' stuff I was able to see hoe great my house is. When you get used to something you tend to lose your appreciation to it. Sometime you need to have something different to open your eyes and realize that what you have is great and that you don't need something new.

Yellow Bridge

Sometimes I'm  thinking what is the purpose of the I Ho Chuan team. Their are many individual goals and their are some team targets. When I try to analyse what will be considered a success I'm wondering what is more important - team outcome or individual glory. As an individual I think I can set an example, empower, encourage others to follow me and to do better but I cannot do it for them. I cannot write their blogs, I cannot do their pushups. This means that I do not have full control of the success of the team.

Today we were painting a community bridge and I was happy to see few I Ho Chuan members show up and we all did this as a group. I thought it was amazing. The only downside for today was that this was not organized by a I Ho Chuan member. None of us took the leadership and we missed another opportunity as a group. Cudos to Sifu Vantuil for making this happen. She will be a great asset in the team next year!