My personality dictates the topics I chose, which is indicative of why I write. Blogging to me are entries of sporadic thought, which is why I journal, because I feel that most of my entries are more personal.
Journaling is a mind release, it helps me keep more on top of my thoughts and issues; it gives me a second view, allows me to hit things from another angle and approach the issue without emotion, with hopes of relief, finding an answer or conclusion.
Today, I chose to write of something that in my eyes is straight forward, it has to do with structure and systematic layouts. To me the structure of kung fu is similar to that of the military, there is an implemented structure, which is intended to be followed by all; it incorporates rank, set guidelines, humility, empathy, respect, honor and trust (maybe not equally the same or in that order, but all equally important).
I feel this structure and what kung fu stands for, falls in well with what I believe and my personal morals. If I didn’t trust and believe in the system, it would be very difficult to honor and wouldn’t bother me to see rules not followed. The system and criteria, which aid in maintaining this order within the kwoon are etiquette, non-individualism (refrain from wearing personal affects while on the floor of the kwoon), no swearing, the consistency in appearance (black), respect and trust in one another, humbleness and egoless acts. For this to be implemented and for respect to be gained from this system, it must start with and be followed by the black belts; with a trickle down effect to the rest of the student body.
With varying personalities, reminders of these expectations do sometimes have to be mentioned to the lower ranks, however to higher ranking students the proper mannerisms should already be engrained and seen as learning tools by the new and younger members of the school.
I find myself set back when order is not followed and there is obvious disregard for kung fu, what it all represents, its instructors and the system.
In most work environments, there is equipment and people to operate this equipment, complications arise with both, the thing is, equipment can be fixed, people not so much, at least not by others (they can be directed, but the alteration is dependent on the individual). People need to be aware enough of themselves and how they are being perceived, to fix themselves. Humility and being empathic are personal traits that most of us must be conscious of. Personal ego’s can affect ability to be humble and impact your capacity to learn and be taught.
With the Pandemonium approaching quickly my thoughts and reasoning for journaling on this topic have become that much more clear. We are extreme promoters of empathy, which is essentially, “understanding and entering into another’s feelings”. Without humility and the personal ability to bring oneself to this place, there will be limited growth in this sector.
I wrote on this subject because of the negative impact egotistical acts has on my training and involvement. Journaling on this topic, I hope to bring this concern forward and for myself I hope gain knowledge and wisdom, which will enable me to constructively redirect individuals, so they can see themselves and the feeling of others more clearly.
Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta.
