Mindset Part 2

I’m not sure why I am doing these blogs in parts really, as I think my mindset is always the number one factor in everything I do. But nonetheless, this is a certain track I am following at the moment, in a time of struggle. 

Since my last blog, training has improved somewhat. Not where I would ideally like to be, but not as stressed out as I was. One of the main reasons for this is reaching out, and doing a one on one. This helped me immensely as when I actually speak the words of how I’m feeling, it seems to take the power away from the negativity. It also helps to know, and be told that I am not alone, it is not the first time, and it won’t be the last. I do know this, but when you are in that bubble of stress, common sense tends not to be forefront. 

Probably the one comment that was made towards the end of my one on one, resonated the most with me. I didn’t even mention my mom as part of my struggles and stress points at this time. This really made me reflect on this, as of course this has not been an easy journey. My response was that it is part of my everyday life now, therefore for the most part it just is. I have learned to flow with it. I’ve learned to adjust when needed, and to remain positive, even though I know there is not going to be improvement. Sure, there are points of pressure, change, and higher stress times, but it is expected, and I simply adapt to what is needed at the time. Yes, there are struggles, but they don’t seem to throw off my entire schedule for the most part.

Why then, am I struggling so much right now? Yes, work is a different stress, but I also know that it is something that is always going to be there. For the foreseeable future anyway. I have reflected a lot on this in the last couple of weeks. I have made improvements, and it seems to be working well. I will leave this for part 3 of my trilogy, so as not to ramble on too mich. 

Mental Mindset Part 1

 I have been struggling as of late. Well to be honest with myself, for the last couple of months. I am mentally exhausted. Mainly caused by work. To give you a bit of an idea, I am the only mortgage lender in my branch at the moment, and have been for the last year almost. My branch is currently at 294% (no decimal there!) with the mortgage target for the year. I am also training someone, and I believe she may account for about 5% of that number. It will be great to have a partner to help with this, but training also takes time. 

So essentially by the time my workday (10-11 hour day) is done, the tank is running on fumes at best. This also doesn’t include the ‘off’ hours spent working. I am struggling with this for the main reason that my kung fu is suffering. I don’t feel like I am training as I should, or most certainly want to be. It is adding extra anxiety for the black belt grading. Where am I? What am I doing? are questions that have dissappointing answers for me when it comes to my kung fu at the moment. To keep from going completely under, I have set small check ins periodically to keep me on track with my numbers, but the extra training is almost non existent. And this stresses me out! 

My mind feels like a carousel at warp speed for most of the day, and then a hard stop to fling me off, and leave me lying on the ground trying desperately to catch my breath. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but the best way I can describe it at the moment. 

The first step in correcting this was doing a one on one. The second is blogging about it, and acknowledging where I am at. And the third is to do something about it. Now, my job pays the bills, so it won’t go away; but I believe there is a way to eliminate some of this stress. It will be a process, it won’t change overnight, but I have to start somewhere right? 

Part 2, and possibly more to follow so this blog isn’t 12 pages long! 

Demo and Tiger Challenge 2022

 I started a blog last week about the demo and got side tracked and didnt get back to it, my apologies.

The first public Demo in more than 2 years! It was fanatastic! Not only is it a different way to bring the team together, but I find it renews the energy in the year. We put a dragon dance together in a very short period of time, and allowed for a starting point to continue to train with the dragon. The crowd was great, and everyone did an amazing job! 

Also the first Tiger Challenge in more than 2 years! It’s been such a great couple of weeks. The TC was so much fun, and you could feed off the energy in the room. Everyone performed and competed wonderfully, and of course the obstacle course and pool noodle fight didn’t disappoint. My cheeks were sore from laughing so much! This year was a bit of an extra challenge due to being postponed, and some not being able to attend, but all in all I think it was amazing. Congratulations to all!

Due to the date change, my team form had to be adjusted from the original version, as a couple couldn’t make the new date. We were adjusting up to the night before due to uncontrollable circumstances. We ended up a team of 2, instead of the original 5. We certainly missed having the others there, but it also once again taught me about pivoting, making adjustments, and making it work in a different way. Even though they couldn’t make it, they continued to train with us, and still cheered us on from afar. Even the day of, they were sending in positive vibes and well wishes. This is one of the great benefits of getting together with teammates that you may not normally work with. It allows you to expand your comfort zone, and feed off the energy and knowledge of others. So thank you to all of you, it definitely made my day, and the last couple of months wonderful to work with you all! I’m looking forward to next year already! 

A special thank you to all that worked so hard to make the day happen, I’m sure it wasn’t  easy with all of the continuous changes, but once again you made it seem seamless, and fun was had by all. Thank you to all of you for your hard work, and dedication to make days like this happen. 

Dancin with the Dragon

 It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to partake in the dragon dance again! It almost feels like a different art when dancing with the dragon. Not only are you focused on your technique, moving in the correct order or in the right place in the form, but also trying to synchronize with your 8 other team members at the same time. 

The last time I was part of the dragon dance, I feel it elevated my training to the next level, and this time is no different. It helps me with different techniques, multiple things going on simultaneously, as well as stamina. 

We are on a short schedule to perform for the Canada day celebration, so we are working on familiar techniques we know and that is great to get back into showing form. I am very hopeful that this continues past Canada day and we are able to incorporate more difficult and new moves into the dance. This of course takes time, and lots of practice, so I hope everyone is as excited as I am. 

I have a few ideas floating around that I think would be fantastic to incorporate, so we’ll see if they look as good as my brain envisions, and are able to come to life! 

Sadness

 I attended another celebration of life yesterday. Another young man gone too soon. Another troubled soul unable to find his way back to a healthy life. Yes, another. I’ve had a few friends lose their sons, and friends of my oldest son lose their their battles in the last few years. Great sadness to those left behind. 

What does this have to do with my Kung Fu journey?  A lot actually. In these times it reinforces my journey. Kung Fu is unwavering, a strong support system always there. My instructors, my team mates, the Kwoon itself, my family. And most especially the thankfulness I feel for the life it has provided for my youngest son. I am so grateful for the guidance, and healthy, educational lifestyle it has provided for him. The village of support he has, we all have. It is an important support system than what parents alone can provide.

I am sad, but so very thankful. 

Forms….Why??

 We had another great conversation in our 2nd degree class again yesterday. It provoked some further thought and consideration for me, as our classes usually do. 

The why question as to our forms comes easy to me, least of all that they are my favorite part of Kung Fu. Our forms incorporate every technique and application we learn. We can break them down in parts to focus on one thing or another, and positivity progress in every area of our Kung Fu. I’m not saying everything else we do is not as important, but I do feel our forms are our foundation, and building blocks.

Forms are the Art in our martial art. Kung Fu is more than 2000 years old for a reason. It is the true beginning of martial arts, withstanding time and change. Kung Fu is not about the fight, or the weapon we become in learning it. For me, it is about the lifestyle, the community, and promoting us to be our best selves.

I have thought of forms as - Forever Our Required Mechanics. I also searched what forms are an acronym for and a couple also fit very well - 

First Order Reliabily Method

Feature-Oriented Reuse Method

I thought these were both interesting and fitting to how I feel about forms. Thank for reading! 

Vanilla week

 Not a lot to report this week. No aha moments, or revaluations discovered. Classes were great this week with some push hands. I feel I learn a little more about myself, and my Chi every time we practice. I’ve been working on 10 second speed kicks, so far the front thrust, and side heel from horse stance. I’m quite liking this, and plan to increase the time to build further stamina. 

Even though no aha moments, I’m still feeling positive progression, and this make me happy. I feel like I have finally shaken the after effects of getting sick. Now working on building stamina, as it amazing me how quickly that was lost. I’m very excited to start some dragon dancing this week, it has been way too long since we last performed. See you next week fellow teammates!