Ethics

 I am reading a book for school right now called "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat"by Hal Herzog. It's great so far, it's much more interesting than my pharmacology text book and it's an area of interest for me. It brings up a lot of questions about the human animal relationship and why do we have the ideas we do about certain animals. Something I have realized more and more as I continue my education and get more real life experience working is that although it was a love and interest of animals that drew me to this field I often do things that many would see as cruel, and there are times that I don't even want to do what has to be done. It brings up a lot of questions for me. I wrote my dad after a really tough day last week and this was part of his response.
      " I thought of you having to deal with the death of the animals. A real paradox for someone who is learning to help them and repair their bodies. It seems of real significance to me though as I spend some time thinking on it. I think of dogs or animals that I have had to shoot or deal with because of the realization or understanding that it has to be done. The taking of so many lives of animals has not made me more hardened to life but rather to appreciate it more and even love animals more if that makes any sense ? It is a profound moment in our lives when we take the life of anything really. That's the way I see it. I guess I see this as an important step in your journey to handling the life and death of the animals you will come into contact with. Of course this is only based on my little life's experiences but I thought I would share it with you anyway ! I hope you can see a moment of profound discovery in your experience with this. With the gap or "hole" left in your thoughts of this experience comes a spot for great growth or wisdom if you let it in and don't allow just the negative feelings to dominate."
     So why am I posting about this on my kung fu blog? What does this have to do with anything? It just reminded me that a struggle with anything- ethics, your belief system, a thrust kick, an injury that keeps you from training, whatever, is a chance to grow and change for the better. What would your life be, or your training be if it was a wide flat path with no obstructions or detours along the way? Adversity makes us stronger, pushing ourselves to do the seemingly impossible doesn't just make us physically stronger it changes something in your mind too.
Sifu Andrea Prince