Hey hello. Seems like a fine time to write a blog. It's finally quiet in the household. You know these last few weeks have been real eye openers. Every where I have looked a new lesson or its just new. It's a great thing. Like taking the dog out to the boat launch at sunset to do tai chi. Or impromptly organizing an end of school party with a bunch of kids. Even something like watching the oldest boys face when I roll him his new bicycle for Kicking grade two in the face. It's a f-18 bomber bmx dad! Whoa! That's cool. Can I show it to my friends? Heck yeah kid. Go on and have fun! Man, what great experiences. It's time well spent. And really, it's only because I've done some work. Ya know elbow grease in the mind. Oh kThe gifts we receive! Beaut!
Today, I started my new schedule. Modified for the summer. It's called "better than yesterday." Started off with some weight training. Man it felt good to pick up and set down heavy stuff. Ahh, it wasn't that heavy. I'm working on repairing and strength ting my shoulders, as issue number one, and just to gather more strength and endurance. These were goals I wanted to start hitting before everything imploded. These are also the goals that made the cut. The majority of goals has not changed. But some personal ones have defiantly evolved. And it starts with the shoulders. I talked to a few different people about strengthening the micros, and all had good sound advice. All of it was about the same. Take some pressure off the joints and work different directions than what you are doing. Nice! rotator rotations and shoulder flys it is. Nice and light. Let's get things going, but, not be silly about it. Rounded things off with upright rows and bench press. Sparatic first weight day, but a weight day at the end of it all. Tuesday I'm going to shoot for form reps, deadlifts and heavy bag time.
Bane training, bike riding and finish the night up with Kung fu in the front yard. Escrimas flying around. The form has just flowed back into place so nicely. There is a part of the form, that I didn't purposely or mindfully change, but, it is now much different. I don't feel the need to change it back or modify it. I feel it was a great improvement, just the way it is, I kind of just want to know where it came from..... Non the less, I will take it. Man do I love my escrimas. Just frighten love them.
Like, I said, just before sunset an impromptu trip to the lake with The Bane, for tai chi. That was great. Unfortunately, I could not remember much of tai chi, but, meh, do what I can and have fun doing it. Some thing I was looking at for the summer is taking tai chi sat mornings. I have had great success with what limited time I have with it! There were times tonight that I could really see inside, and when I thought about it, everything became blurrier. So, I would like to continue working that angle and see if I can "clear things up there"
Did you catch it?
Speaking of my horse, this has been a pressing week. Rebelling, nipping and barking again. We finished up his classroom training two weeks ago I think he is missing it. I do believe he is telling me. So check this out, on the last day there was a training test. Just to see where and how well your dog is doing. Bane took top dog! Heck yeah he did. First place! He even earned bonus points! Haha! What the heck happens at home then? Haha! No, he's getting better. He have kept persistent and positive with him and it's coming. Way better at nipping the wife's arse. Much more accuracy! Haha! She hates that. But he's trying to tell us something, only we speak English, not dog. Every time he wants to play soccer. I wish he would learn to just go get his ball and bring it. He doesn't need my command to do so, but, we are training him, so yes he needs that command. I guess I don't know what I'm talking about. Geese Louise, it's my first go at this and that dog is doing well. I was kind of disappointed when I was told to stop wrestling with him. I said what? I wanted to push this lady to the ground. This little lady always smiling, loves Bane. Weights less than Bane but has this weird majic wand or something and every dog melts for her, just about. Not Bane, not at first. He was like pfft! Get outta my face. And we went for extra training class and she was there. That one hour lesson just us and her, was a game changer. She helped, the wife whip Bane into shape and he has had a different attitude since that day. It's cool. No, it's a miracle! Now Bane and the trainer are good buddies! Well, we are done so we don't go just to hang out, but level two is starting in August I think and we will be there for that. It would be awesome to have Bane at a position of like show dog training. I don't want to do shows, no, but just have Bane trained in such a manner. That would be slick.
Finally, I have quadrupole checked the calander and yeah nothing is standing in the way of me being there on Saturday! I'm excited to get out in public and whip off the form. Heck yeah, Saturday looks like fun! I don't really know what we are doing, but what ever we are doing sounds exciting!!
I'm not overly concerned though. My form will be on fire. I'm quite confident in that.
Well, it's now early early morning and my pooch is dreaming up a storm. the cats eye messing me and I'm doing the same to her! Soon, it will be time to continue on the path of awesomeness that is life!
Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
Monday, 27 June 2016
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Today
Well, hello there. How ya been? I'm still doing great thanks. The nights are done with and the ped-way is up. You're welcome! I heard this ped-way was on the news! Never saw it, but that's cool. I put it up, with some great help and that's satisfying enough for this guy.
So, lets start here. Quite honestly I thought I sent this blog off the other day, but it sat in draft mode, for the last four days. Lately, things have been going well. Since I have wrapped up my work, I have been trying to slow down and simplify life. Back into demos and more practice time. But life has a funny way of re-setting your plans for the day. And, I have been embracing the constant change that is life. The way, I can not remember anything, and yesterday's are great reminders to check my schedule. Make sure I have days to do what I want. I wasn't able to get exactly what I wanted to do done, but, I still made some progress in life. Its also, been a great reminder to adapt. I could have gotten angry and pissed off with missing another team gathering, but I did not. I made the best of an unwanted situation and moved on. Build that bridge and move on.
It's funny. Things that need work or need to get done, keep hitting me in the face, and I'm learning to just accomplish what I can and move on. No resentments because I can't get more done then I figured I should. Today I am able to just accept the pace of life for what it is. It's fast enough to keep your days moving quickly, but, it's slow enough to allow you to smell the flowers if you so desire. One thing I am really grateful for today is the power to pause. Especially with my dog. See, one of my biggest character shortcomings is my frustration. Frustration usually turns to anger in seconds. Lately, upon awakening I ask for the strength to meet frustration with acceptance and breath. I will ask for love when met with hate. I will ask for the courage to understand situations that I can not control. I get that we shouldn't ask for selfish things or gains, but, it never stops hurts to ask. Every day, I always get that challenge of frustration. Especially when working with Bane. Whether it be putting on his leash or just doing certain excesses with him. But, the difference today is, I can honestly see, when I get upset or angry he flips his lid and getting anything constructive out of him just doesn't happen. So, it's all about intention and firmness, not who can be the biggest jerk. A far cry from Frustration and pulling out the old willow stick!! No, no, today, I talk to animals and people. Might be a long one sided conversation, but we talk. Bane will be jumping and flipping and flopping on the end of his leash. And I'm just standing there staring off into the distance, holding the leash until his temper tantrum is over with. Sometimes, his other favorite game, is to "playfully" nip your arse and run away. Then trying to get the lead on him is a huge challenge. But I stay steady and calm. Constantly talking to him. I refuse to run around like a douche yelling "come here come here" chasing Bane. You don't win. So I take the game away and stand tall and gently re-affirm that his actions are wrong and to lay down. Sometimes it can take up to twenty minutes, but, in the end he always lays at my feet and the leash goes on, with little to no fight!.....when he wants to.......
But, like I have said, today things are different. It's hard to describe as its all new right now. That's atleast how things feel. After doing all that work to cleanse my mind body and soul, everything is different. Kung fu, people places, conversations. It's all different. Definatly for the better though. I picked up the escrimas and things have changed. To be honest it shocked me, just how things have changed. You see, doing the work I have accomplished, you expect things to change and be different, and it is. There is some much more room in my head now, that Kung fu and others subjects like that have just flourished in my mind. The flow seems so much cleaner, even though the form needs a ton of work, it just feels right. The mind has a way easier way of seeing these things when it's not polluted by ignorance. This is really cool. the escrimas have a mind of their own now and it's really a lot of fun playing and practicing with them. Like moves and tech niches that just come out of no where. Great times.
Even just walking down the street with the family its like, I don't know. It's like strolling through the clouds with intents of having some hand to hand combat with Zeus. Just taking it to Aries with an open hand slap, or maybe having an arm wrestling match with Hades. Haha. I'm not walking down the street all amped up ready to throw down, but it's just my confidence. It feels standing in front of a hundred million people. The spotlights on me. I got one chance. You can hear a pin drop. Then they are all cheering for you. You're nervous, scared but pumped. The crowd chants your name because it all comes down to this one step....and you take it. The crowd dies down and fades away. And after all the hype and the hysteria, you catch your breath and think "it wasn't that bad after all." And you're whole perspective has been altered thus bringing a new reality! this reality where peace is the norm. Calm collective thoughts are on high alert. You intuitively know how to handle situations that once baffled you. You have seen the storm through. The noises quiet until silence. And then out of no where; quietly and quickly, Behold! The sounds of serenity! Such beauty! Sounds are clearer. The Suns a little sunnier! Smiling is more contagious.
Ah what a nice thought, eh?! well, if we work for it, it will materialize
Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
So, lets start here. Quite honestly I thought I sent this blog off the other day, but it sat in draft mode, for the last four days. Lately, things have been going well. Since I have wrapped up my work, I have been trying to slow down and simplify life. Back into demos and more practice time. But life has a funny way of re-setting your plans for the day. And, I have been embracing the constant change that is life. The way, I can not remember anything, and yesterday's are great reminders to check my schedule. Make sure I have days to do what I want. I wasn't able to get exactly what I wanted to do done, but, I still made some progress in life. Its also, been a great reminder to adapt. I could have gotten angry and pissed off with missing another team gathering, but I did not. I made the best of an unwanted situation and moved on. Build that bridge and move on.
It's funny. Things that need work or need to get done, keep hitting me in the face, and I'm learning to just accomplish what I can and move on. No resentments because I can't get more done then I figured I should. Today I am able to just accept the pace of life for what it is. It's fast enough to keep your days moving quickly, but, it's slow enough to allow you to smell the flowers if you so desire. One thing I am really grateful for today is the power to pause. Especially with my dog. See, one of my biggest character shortcomings is my frustration. Frustration usually turns to anger in seconds. Lately, upon awakening I ask for the strength to meet frustration with acceptance and breath. I will ask for love when met with hate. I will ask for the courage to understand situations that I can not control. I get that we shouldn't ask for selfish things or gains, but, it never stops hurts to ask. Every day, I always get that challenge of frustration. Especially when working with Bane. Whether it be putting on his leash or just doing certain excesses with him. But, the difference today is, I can honestly see, when I get upset or angry he flips his lid and getting anything constructive out of him just doesn't happen. So, it's all about intention and firmness, not who can be the biggest jerk. A far cry from Frustration and pulling out the old willow stick!! No, no, today, I talk to animals and people. Might be a long one sided conversation, but we talk. Bane will be jumping and flipping and flopping on the end of his leash. And I'm just standing there staring off into the distance, holding the leash until his temper tantrum is over with. Sometimes, his other favorite game, is to "playfully" nip your arse and run away. Then trying to get the lead on him is a huge challenge. But I stay steady and calm. Constantly talking to him. I refuse to run around like a douche yelling "come here come here" chasing Bane. You don't win. So I take the game away and stand tall and gently re-affirm that his actions are wrong and to lay down. Sometimes it can take up to twenty minutes, but, in the end he always lays at my feet and the leash goes on, with little to no fight!.....when he wants to.......
But, like I have said, today things are different. It's hard to describe as its all new right now. That's atleast how things feel. After doing all that work to cleanse my mind body and soul, everything is different. Kung fu, people places, conversations. It's all different. Definatly for the better though. I picked up the escrimas and things have changed. To be honest it shocked me, just how things have changed. You see, doing the work I have accomplished, you expect things to change and be different, and it is. There is some much more room in my head now, that Kung fu and others subjects like that have just flourished in my mind. The flow seems so much cleaner, even though the form needs a ton of work, it just feels right. The mind has a way easier way of seeing these things when it's not polluted by ignorance. This is really cool. the escrimas have a mind of their own now and it's really a lot of fun playing and practicing with them. Like moves and tech niches that just come out of no where. Great times.
Even just walking down the street with the family its like, I don't know. It's like strolling through the clouds with intents of having some hand to hand combat with Zeus. Just taking it to Aries with an open hand slap, or maybe having an arm wrestling match with Hades. Haha. I'm not walking down the street all amped up ready to throw down, but it's just my confidence. It feels standing in front of a hundred million people. The spotlights on me. I got one chance. You can hear a pin drop. Then they are all cheering for you. You're nervous, scared but pumped. The crowd chants your name because it all comes down to this one step....and you take it. The crowd dies down and fades away. And after all the hype and the hysteria, you catch your breath and think "it wasn't that bad after all." And you're whole perspective has been altered thus bringing a new reality! this reality where peace is the norm. Calm collective thoughts are on high alert. You intuitively know how to handle situations that once baffled you. You have seen the storm through. The noises quiet until silence. And then out of no where; quietly and quickly, Behold! The sounds of serenity! Such beauty! Sounds are clearer. The Suns a little sunnier! Smiling is more contagious.
Ah what a nice thought, eh?! well, if we work for it, it will materialize
Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 5 June 2016
A New Life
Good Sunday to you and you! How in the front door you doing? Man, I'm flying. That's right. Flying high, alright. Yesterday, I had every intention to be at the parade. My buddy calls me up and is like, okay will. It's time. It's time to finalize the last step of preparation. It's time to get dirty, to get down there in the trenches and solve these questions and problems. It's time! And so, I made a call or two and made arrangements to drop the hammer on the demons. Abandon everything yesterday and go drink too much coffee and have a long deep talk. With all the earnestness at my command, I walk with my higher power and delve into the demons one last time. One more time to silence the voices. One more time for that one skeleton left behind. One last time to walk into the darkness, so I can squint and welcome the light. Last time though. Last time. Because a job done 99.9% is not done. That 0.1% near killed me. Not anymore! Hahah! I warned that demon, not to ever mess with me again. And yesterday, I stomped him into the mud, roared up at the gods, pounded my chest, let the whole world know that Im back. "And the devil looked and saw at how evil goodness is" Left him in the mud and took all his power from him. Took it all and gave it up. Humbly saying, I no longer wish to have this burden on my shoulders. No longer will I stay awake at night. No longer will I allow you to have any more room in my heart, my soul or my mind. No longer am I the actor, the director and the producer. Today, I'm full of greatness, that has been given to me. I am here to say Stand back and watch. I'm here to show the nay-sayers just what exactly a motivated man, with nothing to hide, is capable of! Man I am on fire!
Now, the preparation is done. The voices are non-existent. I can sleep. I can think. I can only hear me and my higher powers voice. I can sit and breath. I can be "me". Whatever and whomever that is. I always knew I had this calm collected person inside of me. This individual who was hiding and chilling waiting for the opportunity to come on out and get to re-introduce himself. Someone I lost at the tender age of twelve. Today is about action. Today I get to let go of my short comings and work on leaving them over there, or up the roadway from here. Where ever, just not in me any more. The action is the hardest of the steps. Staying true to our words. Not looking for the easier softer way. Steady to the course and just keep working towards the end goal. I do greatly understand that just saying here this is yours is not going to help me with anything. No, my part is still there. My part is the biggest. All of my short coming, I must stay aware and ready to fight for the right thing to do. No matter how uncomfortable it makes me, I must stand tall.
With this preparation work being finalized, now I can look at and re-focus on what matters and where I want to go. To the top. That's where I am going! Anyone want to come with me. Lets turn our attention to Kung fu now. This year I have fought and struggled with I Ho Chuan. Terribly so, but, I will not loose focus. Kung fu still means the world to me, so, without tearing the frail fabric of life apart, I am here to re-affirm myself in I Ho Chuan. There are some commitments I can not commit to, and I am okay with that today. I will still do everything in my power to obtain the numbers we have been asked to hit, but I won't stress over being five months behind. Because really, I can not do anything about it. I can only worry about today. And truly I can not even worry about today. Only about right now. And now, I'm writing a blog. Later, I will worry about later. Haha. Get it!
So, there we have it. Willie's back. And better. Like version 10.2.8 or something. I don't know. Thursday nights are still a no-go, but I can still let everyone know what I am doing and how I am making out in the physical side of Kung fu. I will step back to being a teammate. I am not going to say I will or will not do this or that. I am not going to make expectations come out of thin air and try to hold myself accountable to something that doesn't exist. There is a plan and a process, I just need to trust in it. Believe there is a plan for you and start working towards the end goal. Oh boy, this is going to be fun.
Before I go I want to leave you with this. This has been keeping me alive for a while now, and hopefully it might help you!
"If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past or wish to close the door on it. We will comprehend the serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience ca benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will dissapear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and econimc insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that our higher power is doing for us, what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not! They will materilase,
sometimes quickly sometimes slowly. They will always materilaze if we work for them."
- Anonymous
Well, everyone, thanks for your time and thank you for your patience.
I will see you soon
Humbly yours
Mr.Duncan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)