We’ll see if this stands the test of time. After all, we IHC team members know all too well how things usually go at the beginning of the IHC year versus the rest of the year.
Saying “yes” to something is another way of saying “no”.
Whenever you say “yes” to something you are saying no to something else. Why? Because you’re taking away resources, such as your time and energy, from one thing in order to apply those resources to what you said “yes” to.
One of the things that I have been working on more consciously since pretty much the beginning of my overall IHC journey is being able to say “no” to things. It’s hard, I have so many interests, there are so many things I would like to do! But the above statement about “yes” and “no” puts it in more perspective for me.
I feel like I need to get my perspective, or you could say my thinking, straight in order to move forward more effectively… and stop that internal nag of a voice too.
I found this quote from Gandhi that struck home for me on a number of levels.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”
~Gandhi
This made me think of foundations. We build things on them. They have to be strong and sturdy in order to stand the test of time. In Kung Fu we have things like the 6 Harmonies, footwork, and using a staff as a representation of almost all other weapons (in some ways). If our footwork isn’t good then our stances won’t be as good (physical posture, anatomy, connections, etc.).
If Gahdhi is correct, then I need to work on my beliefs and thoughts in order to improve many of the other things in my life and on my IHC goals. I mentioned in the past that my main goal in meditation this year is to be more of an empty vessel (receptive). Remember all those interests? That’s a lot of stuff! It’s all jumbled up in my mind. Guilt over not doing what I “should”. Stress because of obligations and deadlines, etc. etc.
I’ve decided to try something. It’s called Morning Pages. It was something that an artist by the name of Julia Cameron talked about (author of the book The Artists Way). Yes, it’s another “yes” but, so far, somehow, it doesn’t feel like a “no” to something else. Before I heard of this, I had been thinking of dedicating a part of my personal journal to what I was calling the “dump”, but I like her name for it better. Three pages (I’m using an A5 format journal) each morning of stream of consciousness writing. It doesn’t matter what you write, and partial sentences are allowed.
So far, with this practice, I haven’t felt guilt about taking the time to do it. It’s also felt like I’ve been emptying that vessel so that it can be receptive. I almost feel cleaner for doing it. If a gem spills out along with it, great! I know where to find it again if I need it, but it’s not just jumbling about in my mind all day long distracting me from other things.
We’ll see if this stands the test of time. Afterall, we IHC team members know all too well how things usually go at the beginning of the IHC year versus the rest of the year.
With that said, numbers are moving forward again including actually doing a little drawing and more frequent meditation.
Pushups/equivalent: 670
Situps/equivalent: 5633
Weapon form: 325
Hand form: 24
RAoK: 92 (I keep forgetting to record these)
Sparring: 276
Kilometers: 378
Nurturing Relationships: Haven’t been recording this very well either, but had an interesting opportunity come up a couple times recently. It was nice!
Blogging: 17 (including this one)
Drawing: 2
Meditation: 11
Great Coat Project: not really expecting to do this until the Fall
It is always about finding a balance.