To Where From Here

Last weekend was the integration weekend of the 4 month Peak Performance course I just completed and yes, that means that I completed an I Ho Chuan goal. When one completes a course, the thought is that the course is over. Not this time. During the weekend a topic covered was where to go from here. During the course there is support (other students and coaching), structure (the course itself), and expansion provided from the content itself. Now that the official structure, support, and expansion have completed, what was the game plan to implement our own? That got me thinking about the structure of the Kung Fu curriculum. From white belt to Sihing the support is provided by the black and higher belts as well as other students, the structure and expansion are provided by the curriculum itself. Once one achieves Sihing, the structure and support are still there and the expansion is via realizing how much one doesn't know and therefore fill in the gaps if one wants to carry on and grade for black belt. From what I see, after black belt is achieved the question can be asked "where to go from here?" and to insert a plan that provides the structure, support, and expansion in order to keep one engaged and active.

The challenge and gift for me this year has been my injured shoulder. The challenge has been the limitation in the physical activity I can do and how far and fast I can progress. Believe me, watching the dragon dance practice with me not in the tail was tooth grinding.  It's been 3 steps forward: 2 back, 12 steps forward, 3 back type of deal. I often remind myself to be patient and heal this right the first time. The gifts (and there are a few) have shown once I slowed down and was still enough to recognize the opportunities and learning that are waiting for me. Am I embarking on new ventures? You bet! I have 2 more courses coming up as well as a 10-month coaching program where at the completion I write my exams to be a certified coach and where that leads me, who knows? Embark on the journey and see what shows up.

It is frustrating that I am not as physically active as I would like to be, however there are other aspects, such as my glass art, my website, and my chocolate, where I am making progress and headway. I have come to the conclusion that not all things can forge full forward at the same time. Some things need a resting and/or brewing period and right now, that is where my physical activity is. It won't stay that way forever, just is right now.
Sherri Donohue
My Blog