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...

The famous 5

No, it is not the 5 animals of Kung Fu. The Famous 5 are five women who did not accept how women were treated in the past. If you have not heard of them, please read in this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Famous_Five_(Canada)

Do I have the courage to stand up for what I believe in even if I have to stand against more powerful people? And this is for all levels of life. It can be at work, in school, in our community. Do I have what it takes to take a stand?

Making the kwoon part of who you are

You cannot get your black belt in private lessons. Just showing up to your class and nothing more. There is so much more for getting a black belt at SRKF. As a student (but especially if you are a black belt candidate) you need to be present in school event and even more so - lead these event. This is a great practice for life outside the kwoon. Taking initiatives and leading them is key for your success and the success of your organization.

There are many opportunities to be involved and lead the kwoon. One of them is the school maintenance. This one in particular is great because on top of being involved with the school and better yet leading the effort, you are also making a better connection to the kwoon. Making it part of you are.

Back to business

Love going on vacation but...
It always takes me of my routine.
It is so hard to get back to work.
I have so much catch up to do.

So, is it worth it?

For me it is a time of reset. Time to do some thinking.

...and tomorrow it is back to business.

Preference

As I write this blog, we are in Yellowstone. It is nice here but a bit overrated in my opinion. 

The campground has many sites, they are close to each other and small. The roads are packed jam with cars. The parking lots are always full. The scenery is nice but I think the Canadian Rockies are much more magnificent. The geysers are unique, beautiful and worth the trip.

Before leaving, lots of people told me it is so beautiful there. I guess beauty is very subjective. We all have our preferences.

This is the same with martial arts. Each person may find one more beautiful than the other. One that works better for them. There is no right or wrong. Just preference.