Reunion-Reunited

I must admit that I was a tad nervous walking into my 30 year high school reunion however all nerves settled down when I met one of my former classmates outside the door. What's it like attending a 30 year high school reunion? Absolutely amazing and euphoric!! I will add that there were 157 graduates in my class and we all knew each other in some form with some being from kindergarten, some from elementary school, some from junior high and the rest from high school. Growing up in a small farming community town (similar in size to Stony Plain) everyone basically knows everyone and those not known are known from where they are from.

We did have a reunion at the 10 year mark but there is still some "high school" remaining at this point. Not at 30 years! Everyone was happy to see everyone, find out what we did since grad, and how we have all grown into ourselves. Basically it was one big gab and laugh fest (going on waaayyy too late both nights) with a 4 ball best ball golf "tourney" inserted in the middle. What surprised me about the reunion is what I had in common with who and who I spent the most time with and am looking forward to getting together with them again. Oh yes, Perry James (Canadian comic) entertained us and he's a hoot. Also found out that Perry is a brother to one of my classmates that I didn't know had a brother.

There was also another surprising element of the weekend and that was who is following my glass art. Quite a few of us grads are friends on Facebook and I post my new listings and pictures on my page with some feedback but not much from my grad friends. That was until I got to the reunion. Wow!

I must admit that my training ebbed during my trip unless I count chasing after a golf ball as part of my training. I will count the amount of laughing I did as part of my abdominal exercises (how many minutes of laughing counts as 50 situps.... anyone?). Ah well this week I'm back to training and more easing in for two reasons: sore muscles and my Mom is with me for about a month or so. I find it more difficult to train when there is someone else is around as I feel I should spend time with that person vs train. I think there is a guilt/gift to me issue that I need to work on.

Attending my high school reunion does complete a UBBT goal but more importantly provided an environment of shear joy and fun. There were 57 of our graduating class there and the one common thread among us was not to wait for 30 years to pass until we reunite again. I, for one, can say "have trailer, will travel, and will be there."

Sherri Donohue, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plan, Alberta

The Unknown....!

What does it take for the magical magnetism to draw you to your mental or physical need? I don't mean that new Triumph or Harley....! I mean life altering, bettering yourself needs!

I often think about all the positive that I have brought to my life through kung fu and through the people who surround me in that environment. I see the benefits and rewards and I see how this can help others.

I'm stumped as to how to approach whats on my mind....

I was there once or twice....and I see it being played out in front of me, the neglect, disregard for oneself, apathy and the looking for the easy way out, it is really hard to witness and just stand by. Where does is stop, and start up in the other direction? For many, it never seems to rewind and get better, for some, it happens when it is nearly too late. The unknown for many is just an easy way out, if the answer is not staring them right square in the face, then there must be only one way. If personal change means work or expending energy, the effort is thought to be for nothing.

How do people view their values? Do we all have or realize what our values are? Is prioritizing values important, what comes first and why?

What is the main influence to self destruction and on the other hand, preservation? What about stabilization and consistency?

The unknown, gets treated as an excuse or safe haven. I've run into people at work who pretend to know nothing, that way, there will be no responsibility thrown on their shoulders.

Most of us become complacent at one point or another, we get drawn to the dark side. The mind gets lazy, bored, stressed and without the awareness, it compounds.

The mind is the unknown, which I feel makes all the above that much more complicated. Keeping ones self aware and educated is key to many of the unknowns; working on prevention, rather than maintenance.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Work, Home or Kung Fu?

This week has ben focusing on bettering my home life and my relationships at work. I have been so focused on my Kung Fu that I started to let those areas slip a little. I had a better week at home and at work so I am now going o bring up the kung Fu again. It is all about balance and these three aspects of your life must share your time.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT Member
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

back to work

This week it was really back to work. My training was a little sporadic when I was on holidays and travelling, but this week it's back on track. I have noticed a huge difference in my endurance from this time last year. I remember when I struggled to run the entire 2 km run, what a difference a year has made.

Board breaking is on the brain again. This Friday is another opportunity to break my boards. I almost don't want to talk about it because it makes me nervous, but this time around I'm trying to think about breaking the boards while deep breathing and trying to calm some of the anxiety surrounding it. I am practicing my setup so that I can feel confident and not rush myself. It's amazing how much power our brain has over our bodies. That sounds ridiculous, but I mean it in the way that our brains perceive a threat (or anxiety etc.) and our body is subjected to the adrenaline dump or whatever other response our brains see fit to send out. I am trying to learn how to control that response so that I don't shut down or get a case of the shakes when it's my turn to break on Friday. Wish me luck!

Andrea Prince

Barefeet

I am a firm believer in journaling, and while I have no idea what to write about today, I know that once I start some thoughts will form. Hopefully it makes sense.

My training is going alright. I got recertified in first aid last week, and it feels good to have that off my plate. I hope I never have to use it, but one never knows what life will bring.

I spent some time outside with my girls yesterday, and was amazed at how many dragonfly’s there was. I sat reading with my bare feet in the grass (an awesome feeling), and had one land on my book. My oldest spent considerable time trying to get them to land on her hand, and was fairly successful. It was just amazing to see them, and not be swatting mosquito’s constantly.

On another note, I have the forest outside my window. Actually, my one daughter made a bird house in school, and we hung it just outside my window. We have baby birds in there, and there chirping is a sweet sound. It isn’t something we hear much in the city, and it is so refreshing to wake up to that sound. It starts my day off with a smile, and a gently reminder to live in the moment.

kayaking...and kungfu

This weekend Sean and I had the opportunity to try a river kayak trip--without our kids. (This is important, as they arent real good paddlers yet, so didnt want to freak them out the first time!) It was awesome! I did have to miss Sat. fitness class and open training to do it, but I figured the break was warranted. And what did I find? That I was looking for the 6 harmonies in my strokes; that I was using meditation tactics to be quiet and contemplative, open to the gifts the day offered. The strength and flexibility gained from training was a big help. Kung fu is everywhere.
 I've had alot of messages by different mediums that I need to have solitude time; quiet time (not easy for someone who's always gotta be DOING!) This was truely a gift of that quiet. Can't wait to do it again!

I can't wait 'til.....

How many times have I said that? Probably too many!!!!
I understand the concept of living in the moment but I have a really hard time applying it to the bigger picture. I can narrow my focus and attend to what I doing (be in the moment) but a part of me is planning or thinking about the rest of the day or the rest of the week. I love to plan, schedule and set goals, it is part of what makes me tick. If asked to attend something, I would automatically begin to arrange that day to make it fit.
Here is how it has gotten in my way lately; I was all excited to start my holidays and not have to minutely plan everyday in order to meet my daily goals. When I am at work, I need to plan each day so that I can maximize my workout and at home times. I couldn't wait to start my holidays so that I wouldn't have to do that. Unfortunately that tight schedule is what I thrive on, so all month I have been trying to figure out how come I am not motivated to get stuff done, it has merely been that I have too much time on my hands and not enough of a tight schedule.
I sometimes find myself wishing and waiting for the next thing instead of enjoying what is happening right now. I am not really sure how to stop this or re-focus myself but I do know that being aware of it is half the battle. I am sure that meditation will help me figure out how to stay in the moment. That seems to be a theme lately, it must mean something.........

Vacation

It’s been a whirlwind around here lately. Getting ready to go on vacation, driving kids over to friends houses and back, work get a new operating system and then reconfiguring the new computer that they gave me while trying to learn my way around Windows 7, and meet dead lines before I leave on vacation. Whew glad that is over.

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada
www.silentriverkungfu.com

Acts of Kindness

I am still struggling with the Acts of Kindness. I do know when I do them but most of them I right off as not worth recording since it is something I would normal do anyway without thinking. I also do notice missed chances when I could have done an Act of Kindness, and have started to kick myself for not acting faster or for being in to much of a hurry to stop and take the time to do something nice for a fellow person. By the end of this years UBBT I hope I am recording all the Acts of Kindness and I stop missing opportunities to do an Act of Kindness, so I can stop kicking myself. 

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada
www.silentriverkungfu.com

It's all around us

I've been in kung fu for about 4 years now and the longer I'm there the more people I meet from the community. Having the opportunity to be a children's instructor has expanded the web of people I've gotten to know. It seems that more and more these days that every time I'm out running errands or working out or at some kind of school event for the kids I see someone from kung fu- student or parent of a student. The students of Silent River are a kind of "Project Mayhem" group (name that movie)- but in a much less destructive way of course. We're everywhere. We are the co- worker that goes out of their way to help out, we are the people holding the door and picking up garbage, we are the reliable hardworking employee, we are out in the community doing good things and changing the world! I know that sometimes we all struggle with the idea that what we're doing makes a difference in the world or that the kind things we do everyday to make other peoples lives easier, happier or better aren't significant. But they really are, and I see it when I'm out in my community. The values that we all share as students of Silent River Kung Fu have changed people's lives and continue to do so. Not only do the little things we do add up to big things, but they influence others to do the same- in our schools, at work and everywhere in between.

Andrea Prince

Fast Forward 30 Years

Fast Forward 30 Years

This weekend I am going to a special event and completing a UBBT goal. I am traveling to my hometown in North Central Saskatchewan to attend my 30 year high school reunion. Considering that I have not seen my classmates since our 10 year reunion, and some of them since graduation, this will be an event.

We all remember each other as we were in high school, but that was high school and this is now. Are the cool people still cool, are the jocks still jocks, did the brainiacs do something with themselves and what became of the stars and starlets? It's a curiousity that will be settled this weekend with some being surprises, some being expected, some being disappointments, and some will be sweet revenge. (Did I just write that?)

Our graduation theme song was "Road to Paradise" but no one told us that the road was loaded with potholes, forks, and washouts in amongst the roses, fruits, grasses, and pots of gold. Each of us for graduation wrote a piece saying what we were going to do with our lives. It will be entertaining to see just who did what and who stuck to the "plan". Did we stay the same, did we change or is it a combination?

I can say that for me I did what I said at grad, but only a few short years later was bored out of my tree and began to search for something more (okay a hell of a lot more) along my road to paradise. Where I am now is nowhere near where I started at grad and thank God for that! Have I reached paradise? No, but I've reached a pretty good vacation spot: for now.

Sherri Donohue
UBBT 8 Student Member

Forms

I started this blog in a totally different fashion but after reading it, I decided to delete and start again. These past 2 to 3 months have been very challenging for me. I have had some tghings to deal with at home, then 2 weeks ago there was a major issue at work that I had to deal with at the same time. The one thing that brought everything back to me was my Kung Fu. It was the one place where I was truly in the moment and everything else was forgotten. Reality came crashing down yesterday as I realized that my forms were not up to par. Something felt wrong for the last while but I couldnt put my finger on in until Sifu Brinker worked with me one on one last night (you must be doing something really bad if he needs to work one on one with you -the first thought that entered my head). What an eye opener as I now know that I have a lot of stuff to fix and a short amount of time to do it in. I thought I was handling everything quite well but I now know that I was not. I have to take care of my home life but there is no reason why I cannot train smarter. The first step on that road is to fix my forms and the way to do that is to practise them daily (not 2 or 3 times a week like I have been).

Kevin Lindstrom
Student Memeber
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

changing of goal

One of my goals this year was to track my fruit/veg consumption, as well as my grains/breads; one, to get a handle on what I eat, and to remind myself to eat balanced. Two, to limit my grains and breads as they dont always agree with me...at least my gut. My tastebuds and stomach like them just fine! I had gotten away from tracking the exact numbers as they no longer had meaning; I've been learning alot about what seems to work for me, and perhaps that would seem the challenge is complete. But I'm taking this a step further.
I have ulcerative colitis; have had for a number of years, and for the most part, it leaves me alone. The last few years though, have been high stress, and its not been as quiet as my specialist and I would like. Their solution; more, stronger drugs. Mine; diet. I had tried a GI healing diet a year ago for 2 months and I was impressed, but it is hard to stick to (especially on vacation!) But this time, I'm trying it for 3 months--culminating in a colonoscopy that hopefully will show a happier gut that even the doctor can be happy with. I've got a few things to try during this 3 months too....supplements i will add at some point, a run of pro-biotics, things like that.
This isnt normally something I like to talk about,(it's really not that interesting. The recipes Ms Donahue is passing on look good though!) Like all our other goals, please check on me sometimes....keep me on track team! Thanks in advance!

So many lessons, so little time

I broke my toe, twice. Last week, I think, I broke it while helping to teach a class. I didn't really notice it at first, well, a few days. My foot was sore but I have been dealing with some foot pain on and off for the last little while so I didn't pay attention. I figured that it was more of the same. I have broken toes before and didn't think that it would interfere much with my training. I taped them up and went on my merry way, practicing forms, etc. So this week, at the beginning of the week, I attended class and was participating and having a great time. I paid no attention to my sore toe at all until afterwards when it started to hurt more. I iced and elevated it and thought it was okay. Then it continued to hurt more and more, I showed it to my husband(he has fixed many broken toes) and he announced that I had re-broken the toe and it felt like the bones were over-lapping. It was not very comfortable getting it re-set but I learned a valuable lesson.....let the bones heal. I took two days off from everything, not an easy task!!! (there have been reports of crankiness from my family members). It worked and it is beginning to heal.
I have learned a couple of valuable lessons through this. I attended my class on Friday and did not participate and I was able to listen objectively(?) and really hear the message that Sifu was giving us. Instead of going through the motions when doing a form, I need to experience it. I have been trying to put this into my practice(for two days) and it is not as easy as I thought it would be. It makes sense to me and I look forward to fully experiencing all of my forms. I know that I can get there with more mindful practice.
I need to pay attention to the messages that my body is sending me, slow down when I need to, change my practice to accommodate injuries, and be patient with myself.
I don't like not working on my kung fu, I need to figure out better ways to take it easy. I think that if i can find ways to work on my kung fu when I can't fully do it then I won't get so restless (read:cranky).
All in all, an interesting week.
Until next week, work hard and have fun

Awakening the Dragon

It’s time for me to awaken my dragon. Recently my dragon (spirit) has been asleep at the wheel. I haven’t been focusing on what Kung Fu gives me, and what my utmost potential can be with Kung Fu behind me.

With my awakened dragon, I can overcome anything. I just have to keep things in perspective and talk them out when I need to. To focus on my inner spirit, I need to take care of me. It’s important that while I take care of those around me, I have to let my Kung Fu take care of me. And it will if I let it.

So how are my other animals doing?

Tiger = Strength. I am not too bad here, but with injuries, not as strong as I could be. However, my will is strong.
Leopard = Speed and Agility. I am doing pretty good here.
Crane = Stamina. I am working on this one...
Snake = Toughening of the bones and tendons. Here I feel mostly strong, except for my wrists. The trick is to train smart.
Dragon = Spirit.

Training smart. If your leopard or snake need improvement, slow things down. Work deliberately, and focus on slow technique. Things will fall into place while you heal. If your crane needs improvement, start slow and work towards a goal.

To awaken my dragon, I am going to do some more mindful meditation, and go over all of my successes.

Vacations are good for you

I am looking forward to our annual family vacation this year as I do every year.  It is a tremendous opportunity to recharge and to spend quality time with family and friends.

There were many times when I was working in the coporate world a few years ago that I passed on the opportunity of vacations.  There was never a "good time" to be away from work, there was always "the most important" project for the company, there was tremendous corporate pressures, time away was often viewed as letting the corporation down, the time before and returning from vacations were loaded with catch up, etc......  As you can tell, I am not a big fan of the corporate world and all of the things that go along with being an employee in this setting.

Things are very different for us the past few years and vacations are my most favorite time of the year.  This year for me will be a little different, in a good way.  My vacation will have 2 hours every morning planned for kung fu training.  I will be keeping up my daily requirements for push ups, sit ups, pull ups, and stretching.  I will also be spending an hour each day on forms practice, which I will be recording daily and blogging when I can, and some time running, swimming, biking, etc.  I have great support from my family as they are very active and will participate along with me for some of the training.  I will also be reading the book suggested by Sifu Brinker "Peace is Every Step".  Last Saturday at our UBBT something Sifu Brinker said made great sense as there should be no excuses for not training.  "If you do not have enough time in the day for your training set your alarm clock to go off earlier."  I may not have the exact words, but it was something like that.

See you all in two weeks, enjoy your training.

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Breath...and air

I've been reading David Suzukis book,'The Legacy' and the part on air struck an accord, especially after reading Sifu Regiers blog on breath. To quote' We cannot draw a line that delineates where air ends and we begin because air is in us, fused to our lungs and circulating in our bloodstream. We are air. When you exhale, the breath that leaves your nose quickly mixes with the air and goes straight up the nose of anyone nearby. If I am air and you are air then I am you. And we are embedded in the matrix of air not just with all other people on the planet but also with the trees adn birds and spiders and snakes....Air is more than just a physical component of Earth; it is a SACRED element giving life to all terrestrial organismslinking all life in a single matrix, and joining past, present, and future in a single flowing entity. Our great boast is the possession of intelligence, but what intelligent creature, knowing the critical role of air for all life on Earth, would then proceed to deliberately pour toxic materials into it? We ARE air, so whatever we do to air, we do to ourselves. And this is true of the other sacred elements (earth, air, fire.)'
Kinda makes that breath abit more important, doesnt it?

Taking it inside

Where is the line between training hard and training smart? I have posted about this before, but it's on my mind again this week. I think I've been my own worst enemy on the road to recovery. It has become very apparent the last few weeks that I've developed bad habits while trying to adapt my training to injuries. I hate to admit it, but it's all been ego. I have given up certain aspects of training- like push ups for example- but slowing down my punches or not hitting the heavy bag full force was not an option, everyone else is doing it and if I'm not then where is the "martial" in my martial arts? It's even harder being in a class where there are students that I don't know because I don't want anyone to think that I'm breakable or something- they have no idea of my history. Holy ego batman! I have never judged a student or a Sifu if I saw them doing a modified version of something or backed away from sparring for example. So why do I feel like I am going to be thought of in a certain way if I'm doing the same? The students of Silent River are an amazing group- I don't think I'm being judged by them, it's all me and my silly ego. I am trying to let go of the idea that I have some kind of image I need to uphold and smarten up. I didn't join kung fu for an image. I need to remind myself now that it's time to work on inner strength and the rest will follow in time. This is going to be a time of inner growth for me- I think it's going to be the toughest challenge yet.

Andrea Prince

Mindful Partnership

I have been in the process of developing my five personal techniques in preparation for our October Black Belt grading.  For my fifth technique I have been developing my version of a flying armbar technique/application and have the technique broken down very specifically, in my mind.  I spoke with my son and he agreed to be my partner for practicing this technique.  Here is my learning.  I spent a significant amount of time reviewing the process in my head, but gave a vague description to Mr. Gamble.  I jumped up and landed flat on my back and head, and did see a few stars, which was very funny to watch.  I will be more mindful of working with a partner in the future.  We practiced a little more, both on the same page, and Mr. Gamble is getting pretty good at this technique, and I am developing a different one for myself.  "What was very clear in my mind, was not well explained to Mr. Gamble".

Have a great training week!

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Life Purpose Revealed

For quite a few years since one of my first personal development courses, I have been wondering what my life purpose is. What is the reason as to why I am twirling around on this planet? I have heard that each of us has a specific role to play and I was wondering and seeking what my unique role is.

I finally got an answer through a Human Design reading using my birthdate, time of birth and location. Human Design is an intersecting point between modern science, ancient cultures and several metaphysical arts. It is the assimilation of Eastern and Western Astrology, Quantum Physics, the Chinese I’Ching, the Kabbalah and the Hindu Chakra system. Mathematical calculations are applied and one's specific Human Design is revealed. I have no clue how the calculations are done I just wanted to find out more about me.

My Human Design chart revealed that I am a Manifesting Generator. Basically I am here to work, to produce, to create so it's a good idea to find work that inspires me. However it was the next sentence that was the "a-ha" for me. The ideas for my creations are not necessarily mine, but are suggestions or ideas from other people. I am here to bring ideas to life. To me that was a big relief because even though I can take a technique, learn it and put my own flavor on it, I was a blank when it came to "inventing" something on my own. Pretty much all of my best sellers have been suggestions from others. I am also encouraged to see where the voids are and to fill that void. Keeping "ear to the ground" and my "eyes open" is what I need to do to see where a good idea and a need arise.

Now what about the Human Design thing in regards to my Kung Fu. What I got was to settle in, learn the techniques and to focus on the nuances. Learn, learn, learn and practice, practice, practice paying attention to the details. I have a feeling that I have heard that before.

My new found knowledge brought a settling to me as I am more clear both in the direction of my glass art and my training. To say the least, it feels relief to have a long time question answered.

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Kudos

I have two friends who are leaving today for the UK to compete in something called Mongol Rally 2001, "16,000km of adventuring bliss through deserts, mountains and steppe tackled in a tiny car your Granny would use for shopping. The Mongol Rally is hurling yourself at 1/3 of the Earth’s surface in woefully unsuitable vehicles to see what happens".

I have to say kudos to them for taking up something like this, where there are no prizes for first or last, only an opportunity to raise money for charity and a chance to travel across multiple countries where no one knows who you are and you know nothing about.

I wish I had the courage to do something like this. They're leaving behind their friends and family for two months, and I'm sure they will come home if not with an accent, with many new expressions and stories.

Its amazing. Good luck to you guys!

If anyone is interested, their website, built by Steve (one of the two guys going) is http://silentnoise.ca/mongolrally/

Khona Rybak, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta

Horse Stance

We participated in a great Sihing class on this past Friday night.  I seem to learn best when we take a specific technique or form and repeat the process many times.  Repitition is a great learning technique for me personally.  One of the messages from Sifu Brinker was to listen to what we were being told and incorporate the information while being "in the moment".  Specifically, we were to focus on the perfect horse stance throughout the kempo form.  When I inserted this gift into my personal kempo form the results were tremendous.  I now feel centered throughout the entire form just by paying particular attention to the horse stances within the form, even while swatting mosquitos when practicing outside.  I am also gaining confidence in the kempo form and I needed to do this.  Perfect horse stances will be the theme of this week's forms practice.  Have a great training week!

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Back in the groove!

There are a couple of things I would like to talk about this week.

1) I have to admit that the last week was a tough one as far as training goes. I had injured my shoulder about 2 weeks ago and therefore had to modify my training. Not long after that I hurt my hip as well. Needless to say it was a tough week to train not only physically but mentally as well. I am sure that everyone has gone through a similar experience but it was tough to find motivation and I ended up not going to class on Monday. I'm not sure why but it was like I just did'nt have it in me. Looking back, I should have gone because as soon as class would have started the negative feelings would have dissapeared. It's funny how it seems like its the Kung Fu that your trying to avoid yet its the Kung Fu that picks you up.

2) We have started the renovations on the Kwoon early again this year as there is a lot of work to be done. This is something that I really enjoy doing as it makes going to the Kwoon easier because when you are there you can look around and think "hey I did that". It gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you are not only making the Kwoon better to train in for yourself but also for your training mates. I hope everyone gets a chance to participate in some way or another. Even though it takes a lot of time and hard work that you have to somehow squeeze in around your training and your other commitments (like family and work),I look at it as part of my training because after all Kung Fu means hard work.

3) Today was the first day of starting the Rushfit training program. I have to tell you that it was an eye opener. It only took 45 minutes to cmplete but by the end of it I was exhausted, sore and feeling great. I decided to do it first thing in the morning as that way I could gauratee that I would not miss a day. Even though it has only been 1 day, I feel better about my training than I have in a while. It is good to know that no matter what happens, you have already put in some training time in for that day. I will keep updating my progress as I go through the program.

Kevin Lindstrom
Student UBBT member
UBBT 8
Silent River Kung Fu
Onoway, Alberta, Canada

Is your warranty run out?

As most of you know, I am an xray tech; I've worked both in hospitals and clinics, the clinic stint being the most recent. There is alot of differences in the jobs in the type of people you see, and i've been learning alot about consequences from that. In the hospital I would see the immediant results of our foolishness of course--broken legs, whatever. Now in the clinic, I am seeing the results of those injuries in the longterm...how they affect us years later, or even continuously from the original injury. How one injury causes us to favor a part, which puts strain on another part, causing more issues....you get the picture. Remember that song ' the knee bones connected to the leg bone.....'
My co-workers and I have a theory; your warranty is up at 40. Just like a car, it seems, things start to go wrong as soon as the warranty is up. Knees, hips, back, neck. Oh yay. But not everyone is the same, just like cars. Some of us are lucky and are honda or subarus....may not come see me till 60! Some are chevys and fords; not so lucky. But I am really starting to see the benefits of early 'good maintenance'. Taking our vitamens. Drinking that milk. Eating our veggies. But especially the benefits of that at a very young age. Like doing all the maintenance checks and programs the dealership gives you to do on a new car. Its not going to keep your car perfect forever, but it avoids alot of problems later. I see that in our own bodies too; how laying a good foundation for ourselves when we were young with our health helps so much in later years. Not that it isnt good later too, dont get me wrong, but essential for our kids.I read somewhere that we 'set' our bone density/strength in the ages of 11-13. So if our kids are drinking 1 glass of milk(1/3 of the recommended intake) and drinking 2 pop (which has high potassium? I think it was, that actually causes the body to dump calcium) then they are dumping out more calcium then they are taking in. I never knew this as a kid!
It seems we have to be deliberate in our health and our parenting too--setting goals for what we want for our children, what we wish them to learn and benefit from. What do we wish them to learn from the mistakes we've made or the aha! moments. Sounds alot like the black belt cycle of success doesnt it?

Breathe, breathe.....

Looking into one of the most taken for granted essentials for life on earth.....breath!

During a couple of the classes, I asked the question, " What are the benefits of embryonic/ abdominal breathing?" This is a question that most have to think about or research, because the simple fact is that, because we continue to live and function the way we breathe, that we don't think about breathing more effectively with more qualitative results. There are numerous benefits to breathing as we did when we were children.

Meditation involves deep breathing or abdominal breathing, within a quiet calming environment. Meditating calms the body and mind, relieving stress and tension throughout the body. Abdominal breathing increases the oxygen supply to the body, having many benefits. Breathing into the diaphragm not only exercises this muscle, but massages and soothes the adjoining organs and digestive system. More oxygen in our bodies allows for quicker healing. Increased oxygen to the brain allows for more responsive thought processing.

To many people the benefits of quality breathing are not practiced; if practiced, this alone, could relieve a lot of aliment which is currently being treated with drugs, which in most cases complicates the matter even further.

I read that it takes the average person about six months to retrain their body and diaphragm to recapture the abdominal breathing process. The cost for most of us to better this portion of our living is desire, trust, patience, persistence and consistency. It's ironic, all terms that we hear through our kung fu training on a regular basis.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Friends

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown
I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to figure out how to be a good friend, I think that the above quote sums it up. I often struggle with what to say and what to do when a friend is in need, I think that I just need to be....a friend.
Until next week,
Work hard and have fun!

Hugs - An act of kindness

There is a lot of power in a hug. I have thought about this a lot since yesterday morning. I got a hug from a Lil Leopard after class, and that simple thing made me feel so good. I love the connection I get with these kids (students), and I really feel I have made a difference when those special hugs occur. You can't out a price tag on that. I also really cherish hugs from my girls. My oldest has this cute way right now. She lifts my arms up, and then slides in for a bear hug. And my youngest likes to crawl onto my lap for a hug/ cuddle. Happy sigh.

Hugs are healing. They mend boo boos, dry tears, share happiness and express love. They are a symbol of protection and of acceptance. I recall reading and watching a YouTube video about this guy who stood on a street with a sign giving out free hugs. At first it seems strange, but once you just open your arms and accept a hug, any strangeness disappears.

I was watching a show today on a monkey sanctuary in Africa, and seeing a bunch of baby monkeys giving a volunteer hugs just made me smile and made me feel good. Nothing beats a good hug.

I encourage you, to perform this simple act of kindness today - both you and the recipient will feel spectacular.

Countdown to Christmas

It admit that "Countdown to Christmas" is a weird title considering that we are now in the dog days of summer. July has just started so what's with rushing the season? I'm not rushing the season I'm taking advantage of the dog-day slowdown to think about what I want to have on my table for the Christmas season. What worked well last year? Is there a new product I can introduce? What would give me a better advantage for selling this Christmas season than last Christmas season? For me this is time for reflection and for planning.

Now is also the time for me to make the majority of my product for the upcoming fall shows. It may seem weird to make icicles and tree drops when it's BBQ season outside, but that's when the Christmas line is in production. Also this gives me time to get my Etsy shop (SherriD Lampwork Glass http://www.etsy.com/shop/sherridlampworkglass) and Facebook fan page up, stocked and running so that I have a good database come Christmas shopping season. I've already had "warnings" of an order.

During this reflective time I am also looking at my Kung Fu training with the "same eyes" of what works, what doesn't, what do I need to ramp up and which goals shall I keep (and delete) for next year. I must say that I am very much liking our team's challenges as they help keep me in the present.

As for the raw foods and healthy eating the fresh fruits and berries have started appearing in the stores and I am stocking up big time so that I can enjoy the freshness in the winter months as well. I am also taking advantage of when bananas are on sale and freezing those as well. Thanks to Sihing Lowery, I have discovered a wonderful new way of having soft serve "ice cream" (non-dairy of course) with the ingredients being so simple. Take a frozen banana, chop it, put in food processor until it looks like soft serve. Voila!! Pineapple and strawberries (insert imagination here) can also be added. But wait!! Here is the chocolate version: 1 frozen chopped banana, 1 tablespoon raw cocoa, 1 tablespoon almond butter (I used peanut butter), put in food processor and process until it looks like soft serve. Yummy!!

For me the dog-days of summer are a chance to not only wind down, but also to plan, prepare, and play. Do what I love to do with the playfulness of summer. Works for me!

Sherri Donohue
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Family Time

July 1 was Canada Day and for the long weekend I took my two kids out to the Cadomin area to do some camping, quading and also to visit with their Aunt (my sister) and her husband. We were also camping with other family members and friends. It was a great weekend spent with the family with a lot of great scenery viewed and appreciated.

I am guilty of not keeping up on my UBBT requirements over the weekend and now I am working on making up for those lost days, but I don’t regret any of it. It was great to get out and be with my family.

Greg Wiebe

Stony Plain, AB, Canada

www.silentriverkungfu.com

Daily Tracking

I would like to share my experience with daily tracking.  So far this year our SRKF team has participated in three months of daily tracking challenges:

March - daily diet tracking
June - daily two hour training tracking
July - daily forms training tracking

For me personally, this daily regiment has definitely helped me stay on track.  There were a couple times in early July that I was very busy and was not able to participate, however as soon as I saw others posting to the site, I was immmediately motivated and back on track.  I will be using this tool as my family will be away on a two week vacation at the end of July.  I will be posting daily, as well as documenting other personal goals, for these two weeks as I am very focused on this 2011 year.  Just my two cents on what is working for me.  Have a great week!

Allan Gamble
Student Member
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta

Training partner

One of the best things I've found to help my training in the last few months is my training partner. I've always been more of a loner, I never played team sports and I have a hard time relying on others. There are many, many times that I have not wanted to work out and have made myself go because my training partner is waiting for me- only to find out she didn't want to work out either and is there for the same reason. Some of my best training days have come out of that situation. She forces me to push my limits- especially with running- and encourages every step of the way. I am thankful to have someone who can kick my butt along the road and I can kick hers when she needs it too. Thanks for kicking my butt Robyn!

Andrea Prince

extra post...

I had an aha moment last sat, and I should have posted it; better late than never I guess! I was kinda irritated at my fitness test at boot camp....mostly that my numbers hadnt really improved from last year in things like the kicks and the run. I did ok, dont get me wrong, just seemed like they shouldve improved after a year of more intense training. (Forget that the day was more physically demanding than last year. Work with me:)) Then in fitness class on sat, Sifu Prince was talking about recovery time; in the first 5 mins after something intense, how well you recover is a good indication of your fitness level. And I realized how much faster and easier I was recovering this year. Now I feel like I DID achieve something this year--and I AM more fit. And it feels good:)

Blogging... best tool ever!

I forgot to blog!!! I am not sure that has happened to me in quite a while. I have been so wrapped up in trying to figure out what is going on in my head that I forgot to use one of the best tools that I have, blogging! I feel like my get up and go, got up and went. I want to go and work out, it is fun when I do. I miss that feeling I get when I am running, I always feel like there is nothing that I can't accomplish. I love that feeling when the workout is over, I feel proud that I did what I said that I would do (even if it is only to myself, it is important to me). So what is the problem? I am not really sure. I had planned to work harder than ever this month as I have a bit more free time on my hands and I keep coming up with cheap excuses not to do what I love the most. Some insight would be good right about now.......
So nothing is jumping up and biting me so here is the plan; I will get up and do my workout and stop trying to figure out how come I don't feel like it. Either the feeling will go away or I will figure it out as soon as I stop worrying about it so much.
Until next week, work hard and have fun!
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

2x4s..and repeated blows to the head

Ever noticed how if the universe has something to teach you, it repeatedly hits you on the head with the concept until you cry uncle? I've had a few different books I've read, videos I've watched that have continued to nag at me that I'm not living the life I want; theres more I need to do and be. Its annoying to be sure; don't know how or when things will or can change. But theres hope too....maybe, just maybe, I'll figure out what on earth I have any gifts in, and most importantly, where they would be most beneficially used:) Heres hoping the universe has bread crumbs to lead me, not just 2x4s to hit me with.

Apologies

I admit, very little has been accomplished over the last two months, June specifically. All my numbers are suffering, my training has suffered and as Sifu Brinker has recently posted, guilt is setting in.

Hopefully July will be the turning point. Things have cleared up, my family is back to some degree of normalcy and I've finally put in a full work week, the first since May. Mind you, it was a long weekend, so technically I only worked 4 days. Oh, and I had to leave early on Monday.

Regardless, I miss training, both the physical movement and the family feeling, and all the mojo that comes with walking into the kwoon. I'm looking forward to Friday.

Khona Rybak, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta

Watching My Children Grow

The influence has to come from some where! It's when the influence is carried through that shows the real success.

In my opinion or at least under my roof, it starts when your children are born. Leading my boys and showing them right from wrong has always been a major role for me, as a father. I strongly believe that the parents are the main role model for their children, as much as we may not believe that at times....! There will be many influences, good and bad, but with a good strong consistent upbringing, it will lead to a concrete foundation.

My oldest son has made me a very proud father. This past year in school he has shown me what he truly posses inside. Brandon received three awards during the year end school awards presentation, first, a citizenship award, second, leader in the recycling program and, third, a Little Brother Big Brother Mentorship award. The personal qualities which each of these awards represent are all representative of what my son has surrounded himself with and what we as parents have stressed to be qualities of a model citizen.

Leading by example initially comes from the parents, not that I want to take credit for my sons accomplishments, but there are many who chose not to guide their children with the thought that they are the future. As parents and people who are guiding and shaping the future, it is our responsibility to make positive change through our actions and see that it is followed through.

Brandon is a prime example of progressive positive change. He has made me very proud as a father and his guide.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

A different direction

I have been thinking about the direction my Kung Fu is going, and I think I am starting to accept it. I have had a specific goal in front of me for a while, and have struggled with the journey over this past year. I have had to re-think my reasons for choosing this goal, and continue to remind myself to appreciate the direction I am headed. I think that sometimes we try to fit into a specific ideal, and when we don't quite fit frustration quickly sets in. So everyday I remind myself of where my Kung Fu is heading, and remind myself of the continuous journey I am on. I also have to remind myself sometimes that my Kung Fu is mine alone, and I am the one who controls the outcome. I am a martial artist.