Happy sunday to everyone. and a happy fathers day to the dads out there. You know, trying to write this blog with need for speed blaring in the background is really kind of tough. But all its all good. My oldest hasn't left my side all day thus far. Friday I was mowing the lawn and the youngest was following me a round pushing his big dump truck. It sure is a nice feeling. This last week has been really good, man I tell you what. T-ball wrapped up on Thursday night, and it was a real good time. I am pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to work with those kidos. We decided to have a kid versus parents game and that was awesome. The kids were fired up play their folks. I remember those games a s a kid and it was a lot of fun to play dad at hockey. Nice to be on the other side of things. It was sweet how it worked out. Each parent tried to hit it to their child so their kid could throw in the out at first. Really neat how that worked out. I know my boy was pumped to get me out at first. Because of this experience, I threw my name in the hat as a coach for next year. I mean, why not? This year the league asked if I could because no one else could. Absolutely I said. I had no idea of what I was walking into. Next year, I hope to take away worry of there being enough coaches. Not a huge time commitment, but it is a huge personal commitment. Trying to improvise so all kids get to try all positions, but trying to keep others engaged in the practice. Everything worked out beautifully. Good times for everyone.
Kung fu was awesome again this week. Lots of great numbers this week. It is always exciting when adding up numbers and some hit 1100 range. Right now, life is firing on all cylinders. Everything is working great. Lots of balance, and therefore time is so much easier to divvy up. I have another rough draft of what my day is supposed to look like, but, I don't know what life has in store for me, so it is a rough draft. I am finding that, slowly I am getting faster at adapting to the change in my life, and therefore my numbers, are staying much more consistent. And I have been working hard these last few weeks, that's the meat and potatoes of it there. Working to make time for what matters.
On Friday night, I picked up the broadsword for boot camp. I get home and started to play with the sword. I did a few moves from stick form, and then I did the entire stick form but with sword. There were a few places I need to change a movement or two. But overall, the weapon change was very smooth. Man alive I love building and practicing forms. It blew me away at how viable the stick truly is. Yesterday sifu again told me that the stick is the father of all weapons. I have heard this I do not know how many times, but until I experienced it, I could not understand it. Awesome. Now, I want to continue on my stick form, but also build a sword form. Here, is where I need to realise something. That too much of a good thing can be bad as well. If I overwhelm myself by making up expectations that do not exist, I will push myself away from what I love. You see, I should just practice moderation and stick to the stick form, and simply play with the sword instead of outing all this un-needed stress in my mind. Then at the end of the year I would probably be standing there confused as to what to do with myself, and disappointed in the choices I made. So, moderation wins again.
Yesterday, I got help with a combination I have had sketched down for some time now. That was nice to have that combination pounded out. The thing I like about combos so much is if I change my feet just a little bit, my hands change that much as well, and a different strike might work better. As our harmonies say movements to be, they truly are. When we absolutely let go and let the kung fu take over, it is amazing at just how our bodies flow. I am no guru of kung fu or any thing like that, but I feel I do have a good understanding of spiritualism. The sense I believe, tell me that if I continue to let go and practice the principles to the best of my abilities, each and every day, great things will happen. Great opportunities will continue to present themselves. Just one catch. I need to work very hard for these good things in life. Otherwise I will not even know opportunities just passed me by. Good stuff, man, good stuff.
I am looking forward to boot camp. This will be my first go at it. I am pumped. Again I have no idea as to what I am getting myself into again, but I am positive its going to be wickedly intense. Broadsword forms, and wing chun and self defense theory and then I have been told something like a black belt test. Holy man, I am probably going to puke. But it will be worth it. hahaha! This going to be lots of fun. I can not wait to see just how well I will do, as to how I may think I will do. Well, that's not really true. I carry the thought process today that I will succeed. Whether I actually win something or learn a lesson in defeat, I am always trying to better myself. As a result, I succeed at what I set out to do, one way or another. Fantastic! Kind of cocky I know, but what do you do, when being confident in something. I have done some reading as to what "champions" and "winners" do. You know the people you see who are just successful. And yes it is very true that they work hard, but the also think highly of themselves. They have a self-confidence of themselves that just stands out. With a lot of these kinds of people, they don't need to talk about how great they are, they are just great. Their awesomeness just seeps out of their pores. But it all started in the mind. Ali said one day he would became the champ, because he always knew, if he worked hard now, that later he was going to be the champ. He became the champ because he believed in himself. Now, I don't desire to be number one in the kung fu world, but, I do desire to be the best that I can be in the kung fu world. And that, I do not know what all is entailed of that, except for lots and lots of hard work and a positive, I will prevail mind set. I see this kind of confidence in a bunch of the people I get to train and work with. Awesome stuff!
Well, I am going to eat mini donuts at the farmers market today, so I will catch you on the flip side people
Have a nice day and thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Thursday, 18 June 2015
The Good Life
Hey team I just had to share this. We had our t-ball wind-up tonight and it was a fantastic evening. I have this absolute consuming feeling of gratitude. The kids where amazing and all of them made leaps and bounds in their ball skills. I have learnt so much from these random children that where specifically placed in my path!! Absolutely amazing!! This is one of my proudest moments as a useful member of society. You guys should have seen it. The look on those kids faces when they received their team medals, and when they played their parents!! wowee! And then the kids are all like "you have to hit too coach" and of course i did and they made sure to get me out at first base! I was doing running man poses while running to first! Hahaha. Just beautiful!! Oh and one kid gave me a thank you card and flashlight and another gave me an invitation to go to his birthday party on sat afternoon!! That's just simply amazing. Those kids near had me in tears. Fantastic!!!
What an awesome experience. Another of those "this is the good life" feelings
Okay well, I will see you Friday night. Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
What an awesome experience. Another of those "this is the good life" feelings
Okay well, I will see you Friday night. Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 14 June 2015
A Good Week
Good morning today. Another fine day in the beach here. So, I have not been working much lately which is awesome, I do not like working. I don't know who does to prefer to spend their time at some filthy job site, but I don't. This week is another one for the record books. This week I was able to get a well rounded workout in, as per our numbers. I made progress on everything this week. It has been about a month since I have been able to claim that. My stick form is coming along so well, that I decided to tear it completely apart and put in some wicked new moves, that I learnt at class on Wednesday night. So, on Friday, I had two, sometimes three of my own forms running through my head, then throw the added stress of that demo and I was all over the map. I consistently forgot my new and old moves, so I worked the form the best I could. I was getting real upset with myself, about messing up my form. To try to combat this, I, simply just stopped trying to fight my new form and worked the old one during the demo. But, with having experienced the demo a few times, I have a great idea of what to expect, with these forms. So, I am able to try and fit my form to the music. Using the tools we were given Friday night. Like when to stop and start as per the music. I can try to create this form so it works well with the music. I am very confident that with practice and time, this new form will fit the spot I have been assigned. Also, I understand that I may have to move my form from spot to spot in the demo and I have taken that into account as well. I hope to have this form come out as incredibly versatile. I hope it is as awesome as what is running through my head. I look at my stick form like this, It is the same form, just looking at the situation differently. Same four opponents, almost the same attacking order, just a different circumstance at hand. Honestly though, I really just enjoy creating forms and combos. That is a lot of fun. It is. Trying to take out these imaginary opponents with creative, but effective strikes and spins. I haven't lost a fight yet against the shadows, but they are getting good. They know what I am doing before I do!! But seriously, I do enjoy creating forms. I get to see first hand at how well, I understand my techniques, weapons, and kung fu. It is really cool. I have all sorts of notes and scribbles about new moves, old moves, abandoned moves, moves I yet to try. I am excited for this form again. It is gonna be real sweet.
Been a fairly quiet week, for me. Nothing to spectacular this week. Built some shelves out of an old crib we had kicking in the garage, and some yard work. Lots of kung fu and lots of family time. With this next week coming up, there are a few things coming to an end. Kung fu in onoway will be shutting down for the summer (boo!), but I get to come to stony plain for classes, soon. That's swell. I do enjoy coming to stony to train, despite the travel and lost family time. I do enjoy seeing everyone in class, and it is nice to experience some of the other instructors and their view points on different topics in class. If it were not for summer time I would miss the opportunity to work with different people. So I look forward to learning something for lots of you in class.
Sifu's words are still resonating in my ears. The opportunities we have here, the extra-ordinariness of our lives and of I Ho Chaun. That was a very powerful message. I do not have a lot to say about this today, as I am still processing the conversation. Quickly, though, the whole mastery process, forces us to be at the top of our game at all times. At least for myself. Lately If I miss an opportunity to be nice to someone, or if I am not training at the intensity that I need to be, I am not completely fulfilling my end of the bargain. I am half-arseing things. That's right we all agreed to take on this challenge. Now we need to keep pushing. Mastery, I feel, has no room for "well, that might be good enough." Or almost there's. Or any other clichés about half efforts. Slowly I am feeling the transformation inside me. If I am doing a gig at work and I feel it is not up to my mastery level ,or awesomeness, it is not good enough. I need to restart and do better. I will get better at getting better. That is inevitable. Like I have heard before: We might be the reason someone signs up for kung fu. We might be the story that changes someone's live. So why not give them the reason or the excuse to change. I don't want anyone to be how I used to be, but I can be used as an example of what we can become. We must be the change we desire to see in others. If anything, we, can show what awesomeness looks like.
Well, until next time sports fans
I am Mr.Duncan
Stay classy Stony Plain
Been a fairly quiet week, for me. Nothing to spectacular this week. Built some shelves out of an old crib we had kicking in the garage, and some yard work. Lots of kung fu and lots of family time. With this next week coming up, there are a few things coming to an end. Kung fu in onoway will be shutting down for the summer (boo!), but I get to come to stony plain for classes, soon. That's swell. I do enjoy coming to stony to train, despite the travel and lost family time. I do enjoy seeing everyone in class, and it is nice to experience some of the other instructors and their view points on different topics in class. If it were not for summer time I would miss the opportunity to work with different people. So I look forward to learning something for lots of you in class.
Sifu's words are still resonating in my ears. The opportunities we have here, the extra-ordinariness of our lives and of I Ho Chaun. That was a very powerful message. I do not have a lot to say about this today, as I am still processing the conversation. Quickly, though, the whole mastery process, forces us to be at the top of our game at all times. At least for myself. Lately If I miss an opportunity to be nice to someone, or if I am not training at the intensity that I need to be, I am not completely fulfilling my end of the bargain. I am half-arseing things. That's right we all agreed to take on this challenge. Now we need to keep pushing. Mastery, I feel, has no room for "well, that might be good enough." Or almost there's. Or any other clichés about half efforts. Slowly I am feeling the transformation inside me. If I am doing a gig at work and I feel it is not up to my mastery level ,or awesomeness, it is not good enough. I need to restart and do better. I will get better at getting better. That is inevitable. Like I have heard before: We might be the reason someone signs up for kung fu. We might be the story that changes someone's live. So why not give them the reason or the excuse to change. I don't want anyone to be how I used to be, but I can be used as an example of what we can become. We must be the change we desire to see in others. If anything, we, can show what awesomeness looks like.
Well, until next time sports fans
I am Mr.Duncan
Stay classy Stony Plain
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Closing a Door....
Why hello there! What are you doing today? I hope its enjoying your life in whichever way you see fit! What an awesome day today. That parade was really cool, man. I had a good time. Seeing everyone with a singular goal coming together. Sure it is just a parade and it seemed easy to accomplish the parade, but still, we had to work to get the parade done. It was really cool to watch both Sihings jump ahead and do their weapons form and then the crowd starts cheering, and ohhing. Awesome! I do enjoy watching everyone succeed. The happiness everyone feels from scaring children with the lions. Awesome! I become filled with inspiration and joy seeing people winning. I got to step back for a quick note. As noted before I came from the loosing side of things. Always loosing, always getting beat down by life and people. Yes, in the last few years since facing life on life's terms I have had success. But, since joining I Ho Chaun and really trying to commit to what I.H.C. stands for in life, have I found real success. There is a difference. A huge difference. When sobering up and all you have is not getting wasted, that is a huge accomplishment. Almost four years later and I still feel a huge sense of awesomeness when I wake up and remember the day before. Waking up without guilt or remorse. Today, I am beyond those goals. Don't get me wrong sobriety is still, number one in my life, hands down with out question. Beyond that goal you might ask. Well, yeah, to an extent. I do not have to completely put every ounce of energy into not getting wasted. Obviously, I have time to do other things, like kung-fu. Kung fu helps very much with re-iterating the fact that I do not have to get wasted. That i can be amazing if i choose to be. There just is not time for anything else but kung fu and my family. And its not just kung fu, it is a way of life. It is more than a year long commitment to mastery of kung fu. I am very happy Sifu Brinker reminded us of that yesterday. Thank you for that. I forgot the main purpose of I.H.C., to be brutally honest. Yes I re-affirmed myself last weekend. But, with sifu's words and the actions of others yesterday, I really feel good about I.H.C. again. Hahaha, that's an understatement. Yeah I am really into "it" today. Just absolutely jacked to be alive. And just blown away that I have the privilege to do some awesome kung fu today. At my leisure!!!
Okay, so I want to get real honest with everyone here today. Now, yesterday, I had a moment during the parade, that just blew me out of the water. I near came to a complete stop and just stared. Yes this blog has a lot of the past in it, and for good cause. That is where I have been on and of since half way through the parade. This is something I very honestly was not going to talk about here on the internet, or with any of you people, but, if I want to be apart of the silent river kung fu family, then I believe I need to come clean about this topic. I hate secrets and I hate holding them when I know that they are going to impair me. Again, this said individual has been on my mind a lot in the last few weeks. Yesterday, I am walking, like everyone else, in the parade. We are about 20 minutes into the walking down the street thing. And out of the corner of my eye, there is this girl with beautiful long golden blonde hair. She has these amazingly huge eyes, and the look on her face as the lion comes her way is one of absolute joy. Jumping and laughing. I was stunned. I had to take a second, a third, and a fourth look and was like "holy happy horse poo, that's my little girl" I wanted to run back and re-introduce myself and, I wanted to take her by the hand and have her walk up front the pack with me. I wanted to sing her the lullabies I have never been able to sing I wanted to hold her like I have never been allowed to. I wanted to put her on my shoulders and shout at the crowd "This is my baby girl. Look to see how beautiful she is!!" The last time I held her in my arms, she was one and a half years old. The last time I saw her, that wasn't rushed to be finished quickly, she was almost three. She is now ten years old. So yeah, I had a flushing of all sorts of emotions in the system. I tell you what though. Yesterday was not the day to be imposing my will on her or her grandmother. I lost that ability years ago. I was asked to leave her life, and I did. When I say I was a degenerate in the past, with a legacy of violence hatred and booze, I meant it. Leaving was not an easy decision to make. I was not daddy material and where I was, I did not want to be. Cowardly.... I know. I lived with that demon for years. Honestly, I would have caused so much more damage if I stayed. The best thing I ever did for her was walking away. That may cause some hatred or anger in some people, and that is fine, feel how you feel, I don't really care when it comes to this topic. You where not there. That was all I had to offer was a terrible attitude and a mean right hook. I do not have the words to properly explain where I was, especially on the internet. I will face to face if you so desire. You see, I know in my heart and soul that my baby girl will want to learn what her father is all about. And when that day comes, I know I will be able to properly give the answers she desires. There are no explanations that can justify myself for how I used to be. But, I hope her grandmother and her can see the changes that have happened and continue to happen. I pray that one day, the work I have put into changing my life will be recognized. I will not ever ask for forgiveness, but I do desire a second chance. One day, one day I will prove to her and everyone else from my past that people can and will change. I hope she can see, that I needed to loose myself to find out who I really am. I am just happy that I sobered up when I did. I would not be here today if I sobered up at a different date. This is how my journey is laid out. Life is the way it is supposed to be. Just dandy. I now have an alterative motive, to use kung fu, The Program, and life lessons to really excel as a man. I want to show everyone that life is amazing and so are you. Now go do some push ups!!
I desire to use mastery as my elevator to the top of my spiritual being. Mastery, to me right now, is recognizing the extra-ordinariness of our beings, and we all are extra-ordinary, now we build from there. Anything we do, everything we say, must now be top notch. Its okay to make mistakes as long as we can be gracious enough to accept our mistakes and grow from there. For me, I have to continue being awesome in my words. To continue to choose the proper thing to say, no matter what I feel I should say. To say that one thing to that one person that will build them as a person. To construct relationships out of love and respect, not fear and pain. Strip away the fear, and its all the same love. I cant change loving all of you, you all are too important to me. Even if I barely remember your name. I remember, that love is patient, love is kind, and that we all need some loving, in this beautiful thing we call life.
Now as for kung-fu, I crushed my goals of one thousand push up and sit ups. Awareness, was kept very high this week and A.O.K.'s flourished again. Keeping a daily journal of what I do and what I eat has been exceptionally helpful. For instance, when we started this journey, I drank one maybe two glasses of water. Today, I feel sick if I only drink one or two glasses of water. Being visually aware of what goes into our bodies, is huge start to living better, as I have read, numerous times, I now understand. Being nice to people is certainly much easier as time goes on. Especially, when i have to be accountable to everyone else, not just me. Today, I am much more likely to stop and help or compliment someone, just because I should "Hey there guy" I shouted across the parking lot Friday afternoon, "Nice truck man, boy that is a nice truck!" "Thank you" he shouts back. That was neat. In fact I feel bad if I do not compliment someone when opportunity arises. Weird, I know. Another thing I never thought would happen to me. There are new emotions that, I have never felt before. Some days it is too much and I want to just hide. But, I can not, nor will I stop progress. No more. That would be retarded. Especially after the taste of the good life, that I have had. And if I look at things from my favorite spiritual side. If I get in the way of progress, than, I am saying that I am greater than you and my higher power. I am saying I know what is best for me and you. That is fuelling the ego again. That damn ego will kill us. One way or another.
Man, I just can not get over the gratitude I feel, from hanging with the fellow I Ho Chauners. Every time I am training with a black belt or higher ranking belt. I still say to myself, "I can not believe I am training with these other people. Wow. How did this happen?" Maybe it is the lessons I try to take away, from each and every meeting. With each and every blog I read. With every conversation that is had. So much gratitude and even more humbleness. I am so thankful for I Ho Chaun. Even more thankfulness for Silent River even being here in stony plain. Fantastic! What a blessing I have been handed. "Here man, try this" my higher power says. I am like "well, you know best, so thank you G-man, thanks for you thought of little me!"
Finally, after reading Sihings blog, I too am going to start using you black belts a lot more. His blog made a lot of sense to me, and I too am going to commit to building those circular patterns that kung fu works on. So, Next time we are in class, I am going to be picking a lot of brains. Time to get out of mine and into yours. Bwhahaha. This is going to be epic!
Oh stay strong and stay cool Sifu Beckett. I am sending all the energy I can your way. I hope you get better soon. And I hope to see you even sooner!!
Well Thanks for your time.
Have a great day everyone
Humbly yours
Mr.Duncan
Okay, so I want to get real honest with everyone here today. Now, yesterday, I had a moment during the parade, that just blew me out of the water. I near came to a complete stop and just stared. Yes this blog has a lot of the past in it, and for good cause. That is where I have been on and of since half way through the parade. This is something I very honestly was not going to talk about here on the internet, or with any of you people, but, if I want to be apart of the silent river kung fu family, then I believe I need to come clean about this topic. I hate secrets and I hate holding them when I know that they are going to impair me. Again, this said individual has been on my mind a lot in the last few weeks. Yesterday, I am walking, like everyone else, in the parade. We are about 20 minutes into the walking down the street thing. And out of the corner of my eye, there is this girl with beautiful long golden blonde hair. She has these amazingly huge eyes, and the look on her face as the lion comes her way is one of absolute joy. Jumping and laughing. I was stunned. I had to take a second, a third, and a fourth look and was like "holy happy horse poo, that's my little girl" I wanted to run back and re-introduce myself and, I wanted to take her by the hand and have her walk up front the pack with me. I wanted to sing her the lullabies I have never been able to sing I wanted to hold her like I have never been allowed to. I wanted to put her on my shoulders and shout at the crowd "This is my baby girl. Look to see how beautiful she is!!" The last time I held her in my arms, she was one and a half years old. The last time I saw her, that wasn't rushed to be finished quickly, she was almost three. She is now ten years old. So yeah, I had a flushing of all sorts of emotions in the system. I tell you what though. Yesterday was not the day to be imposing my will on her or her grandmother. I lost that ability years ago. I was asked to leave her life, and I did. When I say I was a degenerate in the past, with a legacy of violence hatred and booze, I meant it. Leaving was not an easy decision to make. I was not daddy material and where I was, I did not want to be. Cowardly.... I know. I lived with that demon for years. Honestly, I would have caused so much more damage if I stayed. The best thing I ever did for her was walking away. That may cause some hatred or anger in some people, and that is fine, feel how you feel, I don't really care when it comes to this topic. You where not there. That was all I had to offer was a terrible attitude and a mean right hook. I do not have the words to properly explain where I was, especially on the internet. I will face to face if you so desire. You see, I know in my heart and soul that my baby girl will want to learn what her father is all about. And when that day comes, I know I will be able to properly give the answers she desires. There are no explanations that can justify myself for how I used to be. But, I hope her grandmother and her can see the changes that have happened and continue to happen. I pray that one day, the work I have put into changing my life will be recognized. I will not ever ask for forgiveness, but I do desire a second chance. One day, one day I will prove to her and everyone else from my past that people can and will change. I hope she can see, that I needed to loose myself to find out who I really am. I am just happy that I sobered up when I did. I would not be here today if I sobered up at a different date. This is how my journey is laid out. Life is the way it is supposed to be. Just dandy. I now have an alterative motive, to use kung fu, The Program, and life lessons to really excel as a man. I want to show everyone that life is amazing and so are you. Now go do some push ups!!
I desire to use mastery as my elevator to the top of my spiritual being. Mastery, to me right now, is recognizing the extra-ordinariness of our beings, and we all are extra-ordinary, now we build from there. Anything we do, everything we say, must now be top notch. Its okay to make mistakes as long as we can be gracious enough to accept our mistakes and grow from there. For me, I have to continue being awesome in my words. To continue to choose the proper thing to say, no matter what I feel I should say. To say that one thing to that one person that will build them as a person. To construct relationships out of love and respect, not fear and pain. Strip away the fear, and its all the same love. I cant change loving all of you, you all are too important to me. Even if I barely remember your name. I remember, that love is patient, love is kind, and that we all need some loving, in this beautiful thing we call life.
Now as for kung-fu, I crushed my goals of one thousand push up and sit ups. Awareness, was kept very high this week and A.O.K.'s flourished again. Keeping a daily journal of what I do and what I eat has been exceptionally helpful. For instance, when we started this journey, I drank one maybe two glasses of water. Today, I feel sick if I only drink one or two glasses of water. Being visually aware of what goes into our bodies, is huge start to living better, as I have read, numerous times, I now understand. Being nice to people is certainly much easier as time goes on. Especially, when i have to be accountable to everyone else, not just me. Today, I am much more likely to stop and help or compliment someone, just because I should "Hey there guy" I shouted across the parking lot Friday afternoon, "Nice truck man, boy that is a nice truck!" "Thank you" he shouts back. That was neat. In fact I feel bad if I do not compliment someone when opportunity arises. Weird, I know. Another thing I never thought would happen to me. There are new emotions that, I have never felt before. Some days it is too much and I want to just hide. But, I can not, nor will I stop progress. No more. That would be retarded. Especially after the taste of the good life, that I have had. And if I look at things from my favorite spiritual side. If I get in the way of progress, than, I am saying that I am greater than you and my higher power. I am saying I know what is best for me and you. That is fuelling the ego again. That damn ego will kill us. One way or another.
Man, I just can not get over the gratitude I feel, from hanging with the fellow I Ho Chauners. Every time I am training with a black belt or higher ranking belt. I still say to myself, "I can not believe I am training with these other people. Wow. How did this happen?" Maybe it is the lessons I try to take away, from each and every meeting. With each and every blog I read. With every conversation that is had. So much gratitude and even more humbleness. I am so thankful for I Ho Chaun. Even more thankfulness for Silent River even being here in stony plain. Fantastic! What a blessing I have been handed. "Here man, try this" my higher power says. I am like "well, you know best, so thank you G-man, thanks for you thought of little me!"
Finally, after reading Sihings blog, I too am going to start using you black belts a lot more. His blog made a lot of sense to me, and I too am going to commit to building those circular patterns that kung fu works on. So, Next time we are in class, I am going to be picking a lot of brains. Time to get out of mine and into yours. Bwhahaha. This is going to be epic!
Oh stay strong and stay cool Sifu Beckett. I am sending all the energy I can your way. I hope you get better soon. And I hope to see you even sooner!!
Well Thanks for your time.
Have a great day everyone
Humbly yours
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Re-affirming
Good Sunday to everyone. Heck of a storm we had last night. Too bad I was sleeping. I really do love thunder showers. In any event, It is hard to believe that it is the end of may already. Kind of mind blowing. Yesterday, I had taken the day to just relax. Something I have not been able to do in a few weeks now and it was wonderful. I seriously, laid on the couch and watched the Daredevil on Netflix. Fantastic show. I really enjoyed the show. The people who made the show really did stick close to the comic book, which is really cool. Producers do not do that much and it ruins the film or the show. Growing up, I had quite the collection of comics as a kid. daredevil, punisher, I like the darker characters. A little more my style.
So, with this month wrapping up, I feel good about I Ho Chaun so far. Seriously, I have made progress in the non-physical aspects in this challenge. Things that I knew I could do, but never really tried to do. As in, working with like 14 kids, or not erupting all over someone, when my life and welfare are endangered by someone's negligence. The physical aspect of I Ho Chaun, will continue to get better I am sure of it. I am recommitted. Yesterday was a fantastic breather and I now look forward to smashing my way through June. June has made me mad, so I am going to break it!! Yesterday, I took some time to re-read some of my old blogs, and that was nice. I could feel myself getting ramped up. Using those old words to reaffirm myself in this challenge. So I look forward to continuing to push myself on a daily level. In fact I was adding up my numbers this morning and made a commitment to myself, just this morning. This week I will break 1000 push ups and sit-ups. That will happen. I looked at my numbers from the first few weeks and saw the numbers I was producing and said, I am going to do that again. I am taking this challenge back and smashing it into the ground and then stand on top triumphantly.
These last few weeks was a host of all sorts of emotions, deep valleys and really high mountain tops. But I survived. Like I have said before I have learnt a lot about myself, I am really happy that everything worked out the way it did. I had to almost completely dis-engage from kung-fu, in order to be the father/husband, I was needed to be. Where I feel I grew the most was not being a jerk, when I was needed to be supportive. Being there for the family, not doing what I want and then being ignorant about helping. That was a pattern I wanted to break, but was not sure on how, until opportunity arose. I do believe I broke that cycle and started a new one. Fantastic.
So we have a parade and demo coming up in less than a week. I know I can be ready by ensuring my form is at peak. And I will get it there. I do actually want to get in front of strangers and show them just how cool, kung fu and everything it entails really is. As for being in the parade, I do hope to get a chance in the lions, but, also, if I am needed to wrangle children or if I can not be in a lion, then so be it. My part is to support in any and every way possible. I did start to wander away from the group in the last few weeks. And to be honest the accident and caring for my family, gave me the reason to do so. That is a dangerous place to go. Slowly, dis-attaching myself, leads to dark and lonely places in my mind. Dark lonely places, lead me to dis-like people. Dis-liking people leads me to building resentments towards you and others. Resentments lead me to no longer trying to grow and change, and thus I start dying again. Shudder shudder!! Yuk! No thanks. Now, that I have tasted the good life, I no longer desire my old life. I desire what ever new path that will be set forth in front of me.
I was talking with a good friend of mine earlier in the week. I asked him about these feeling of "Meh" The feelings that help you dis-engage. The feeling of mediocre keep flooding my mind. "Doing okay, is good enough" You know the thoughts. I knew right away that, feelings like that, just are not for me any more. So I want to be rid of thoughts and feelings. So his advice to me was that, I should find what I am grateful for. Once I know what I am grateful for, strive to be a better person, to further grasp that feeling of gratefulness on those said items. For example, I am grateful for not having to drink today, because of a group of people who helped and loved me un-conditionally. I will strive harder out of gratefulness. To prove I was worth their time. To show others that this does work, if we work for it. I will do better, I will strive harder, I will push like I pushed in those first few months in sobriety. Man, I fought like hell, to not drink for those first few hundred one day at a time moments, and now, I am going to start fighting like hell for my kung fu. Today, I do not see much of a difference in not drinking and doing my kung fu. Both are exceptionally good for me. And if I quit doing both items, I die. There is no more going backwards. Backwards is not the direction I want to go. Nor, will I. Not today and not tomorrow. There is only growth my friends. Growth in the mind the body and the spirit.
Speaking of which, time to go do push-ups, and sit-ups!! Hahaha!
Thanks for your time
Humbly yours,
Mr.Duncan
So, with this month wrapping up, I feel good about I Ho Chaun so far. Seriously, I have made progress in the non-physical aspects in this challenge. Things that I knew I could do, but never really tried to do. As in, working with like 14 kids, or not erupting all over someone, when my life and welfare are endangered by someone's negligence. The physical aspect of I Ho Chaun, will continue to get better I am sure of it. I am recommitted. Yesterday was a fantastic breather and I now look forward to smashing my way through June. June has made me mad, so I am going to break it!! Yesterday, I took some time to re-read some of my old blogs, and that was nice. I could feel myself getting ramped up. Using those old words to reaffirm myself in this challenge. So I look forward to continuing to push myself on a daily level. In fact I was adding up my numbers this morning and made a commitment to myself, just this morning. This week I will break 1000 push ups and sit-ups. That will happen. I looked at my numbers from the first few weeks and saw the numbers I was producing and said, I am going to do that again. I am taking this challenge back and smashing it into the ground and then stand on top triumphantly.
These last few weeks was a host of all sorts of emotions, deep valleys and really high mountain tops. But I survived. Like I have said before I have learnt a lot about myself, I am really happy that everything worked out the way it did. I had to almost completely dis-engage from kung-fu, in order to be the father/husband, I was needed to be. Where I feel I grew the most was not being a jerk, when I was needed to be supportive. Being there for the family, not doing what I want and then being ignorant about helping. That was a pattern I wanted to break, but was not sure on how, until opportunity arose. I do believe I broke that cycle and started a new one. Fantastic.
So we have a parade and demo coming up in less than a week. I know I can be ready by ensuring my form is at peak. And I will get it there. I do actually want to get in front of strangers and show them just how cool, kung fu and everything it entails really is. As for being in the parade, I do hope to get a chance in the lions, but, also, if I am needed to wrangle children or if I can not be in a lion, then so be it. My part is to support in any and every way possible. I did start to wander away from the group in the last few weeks. And to be honest the accident and caring for my family, gave me the reason to do so. That is a dangerous place to go. Slowly, dis-attaching myself, leads to dark and lonely places in my mind. Dark lonely places, lead me to dis-like people. Dis-liking people leads me to building resentments towards you and others. Resentments lead me to no longer trying to grow and change, and thus I start dying again. Shudder shudder!! Yuk! No thanks. Now, that I have tasted the good life, I no longer desire my old life. I desire what ever new path that will be set forth in front of me.
I was talking with a good friend of mine earlier in the week. I asked him about these feeling of "Meh" The feelings that help you dis-engage. The feeling of mediocre keep flooding my mind. "Doing okay, is good enough" You know the thoughts. I knew right away that, feelings like that, just are not for me any more. So I want to be rid of thoughts and feelings. So his advice to me was that, I should find what I am grateful for. Once I know what I am grateful for, strive to be a better person, to further grasp that feeling of gratefulness on those said items. For example, I am grateful for not having to drink today, because of a group of people who helped and loved me un-conditionally. I will strive harder out of gratefulness. To prove I was worth their time. To show others that this does work, if we work for it. I will do better, I will strive harder, I will push like I pushed in those first few months in sobriety. Man, I fought like hell, to not drink for those first few hundred one day at a time moments, and now, I am going to start fighting like hell for my kung fu. Today, I do not see much of a difference in not drinking and doing my kung fu. Both are exceptionally good for me. And if I quit doing both items, I die. There is no more going backwards. Backwards is not the direction I want to go. Nor, will I. Not today and not tomorrow. There is only growth my friends. Growth in the mind the body and the spirit.
Speaking of which, time to go do push-ups, and sit-ups!! Hahaha!
Thanks for your time
Humbly yours,
Mr.Duncan
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Penny for thought
Hello there. Just a quick note. Tonight was the first game of the season for the tee-ballers. What a blast. I had lots of fun. It's amazing how much fun can be had in two long, but short, innings. The majority of the kids were right into it, but some were just having fun. Awesome!! I had a smile on that lasted the entire time. Ear to ear I'm telling ya! We are now half way through our season. I would like it if the season lasted for more than six weeks but, maybe it's best as long as it is. There are numerous lessons some one can take away from these times. Like patience and improvising to keep them interested. These kids are three to seven. Fourteen of them little.... That's a lot different views. It's been a great challenge thus far and I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with these kids. Hey, I even gave a little pre-game pep talk. Haha. That was really neat-o. fantastic!!
I have read this phrase numerous times. I like it, so.... When we approach situations with an open heart and a willing mind, we will be amazed at the results before we are half way through.
Thank you for your time
Mr.Duncan
I have read this phrase numerous times. I like it, so.... When we approach situations with an open heart and a willing mind, we will be amazed at the results before we are half way through.
Thank you for your time
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Calm This Storm!!
Good sunday everyone today, and your damn right its a fine day today. These last three weeks have been terribly hard on the mind and motivation. It feels like I am the only person doing stuff in the house, but that's not true, at all. I have just stepped up my game, and am trying to make my wife's recovery as easy as I can. You know, journeyman stuff. Do not even know you are doing awesome, and continue to be awesome, even when your awesomeness comes to attention.
Today, is a day that we can officially close one door in our car accident journey. We have done absolutely everything we can to ensure our side of the street is neat and tidy. We now have to wait on everything else. Which we have no control over, so, I can now start to relax and re-focus on kung fu. Yesterday I did not make it to pandamonium because the wife and I where out test driving and shopping for a new vehicle. We bought a nice, newer gmc, pick-up. Before we left to go shopping, we made a pact, no matter what deal we are given, or what any dealership says we will test drive three vehicles. And we walked away from one real good deal, while we were given the its now or never speech! I really wanted to express that, that individual should pound his words and ideas on what we should do, straight up his secret place. But I did not. I tried exceptionally hard to be polite, to give every one the respect they deserve. Whether, they are good people or not, they still need to be treated properly.......I can not believe that just came out of my mouth! After all, they are just trying to make some money as I am, when I am hanging and banging iron about.
So this week, was all about the spiritual and mental growth. Little to no actual kung fu happened. I was wrapped up with the family and that is where I needed to be. Standing up tall for my family, not out back doing forms and reps. A couple weeks ago, in a blog I mentioned that I had not done a lot of growth except in the physical part of kung fu. Well, that is no longer the case. I realize now, that these last few weeks was an opportunity to grow internally. I asked and my higher power gave. I am glad everything has worked out exactly how it has worked out. Everyone is physically and mentally okay. So, really, I just needed to be cool and learn my place.
I was chilling with some great friends on Thursday night, talking and sharing experience, strength and hope amongst ourselves. I shared with them, what I feel is my place in this car accident. Its out back. The strong silent support that you need sometimes. The support you need that does not involve words. It involves silent love. My place is to the side, supporting my wife and kids. Not on the front lines. Not this fight and not needed. On Friday night, I was still kind of struggling with that idea, and I figured that I should have control of what and where our next vehicle comes from. So before I started to spew my vomit of hate all over the place, I asked for help from another great friend of mine. I had a good idea of what was coming my way, but all of the time, I need to hear those words. Again I was re-enforced my place in this situation. To the side, ensuring that my support is there, but not vocalized. Just be there to help guide the ship. Make sure bills are paid for, and be cool man, just be cool.
So, yes, my numbers have fallen, but, I am learning so much more than how to count. The fact that I can do 1000 push-ups in a week is really cool, and I have not done that recently, but the fact that I don't have to even get frustrated and angry over vehicles and all other petty stuff, is amazing. I have learnt so much in I Ho Chaun so far, and only about 25% of what I have learnt is kung fu movements. (forms, strikes, etc). Really the rest is about being a proper human being, not a bag of meat. Learning to feel peoples positions in life. Learning how to deal with people, with out the urge to smash someone's head into my fist. Just, deal with people. Wow, who would have thunk that? Willy is learning what calm and collective thoughts are. I am learning to breath in a stressful situation. Not hold and bulldoze through. This is an amazing journey. Thanks to all, for your patience in these trying times and now, that my live is almost back to "normal" I will be around far more than before.
One last quick note, I am so grateful for Him keeping my plate full. The struggles the heart-aches, the pain, the progress and the break through. Every single day has made me who I am today.
Thanks for your time today.
See you soon
Mr.Duncan
Today, is a day that we can officially close one door in our car accident journey. We have done absolutely everything we can to ensure our side of the street is neat and tidy. We now have to wait on everything else. Which we have no control over, so, I can now start to relax and re-focus on kung fu. Yesterday I did not make it to pandamonium because the wife and I where out test driving and shopping for a new vehicle. We bought a nice, newer gmc, pick-up. Before we left to go shopping, we made a pact, no matter what deal we are given, or what any dealership says we will test drive three vehicles. And we walked away from one real good deal, while we were given the its now or never speech! I really wanted to express that, that individual should pound his words and ideas on what we should do, straight up his secret place. But I did not. I tried exceptionally hard to be polite, to give every one the respect they deserve. Whether, they are good people or not, they still need to be treated properly.......I can not believe that just came out of my mouth! After all, they are just trying to make some money as I am, when I am hanging and banging iron about.
So this week, was all about the spiritual and mental growth. Little to no actual kung fu happened. I was wrapped up with the family and that is where I needed to be. Standing up tall for my family, not out back doing forms and reps. A couple weeks ago, in a blog I mentioned that I had not done a lot of growth except in the physical part of kung fu. Well, that is no longer the case. I realize now, that these last few weeks was an opportunity to grow internally. I asked and my higher power gave. I am glad everything has worked out exactly how it has worked out. Everyone is physically and mentally okay. So, really, I just needed to be cool and learn my place.
I was chilling with some great friends on Thursday night, talking and sharing experience, strength and hope amongst ourselves. I shared with them, what I feel is my place in this car accident. Its out back. The strong silent support that you need sometimes. The support you need that does not involve words. It involves silent love. My place is to the side, supporting my wife and kids. Not on the front lines. Not this fight and not needed. On Friday night, I was still kind of struggling with that idea, and I figured that I should have control of what and where our next vehicle comes from. So before I started to spew my vomit of hate all over the place, I asked for help from another great friend of mine. I had a good idea of what was coming my way, but all of the time, I need to hear those words. Again I was re-enforced my place in this situation. To the side, ensuring that my support is there, but not vocalized. Just be there to help guide the ship. Make sure bills are paid for, and be cool man, just be cool.
So, yes, my numbers have fallen, but, I am learning so much more than how to count. The fact that I can do 1000 push-ups in a week is really cool, and I have not done that recently, but the fact that I don't have to even get frustrated and angry over vehicles and all other petty stuff, is amazing. I have learnt so much in I Ho Chaun so far, and only about 25% of what I have learnt is kung fu movements. (forms, strikes, etc). Really the rest is about being a proper human being, not a bag of meat. Learning to feel peoples positions in life. Learning how to deal with people, with out the urge to smash someone's head into my fist. Just, deal with people. Wow, who would have thunk that? Willy is learning what calm and collective thoughts are. I am learning to breath in a stressful situation. Not hold and bulldoze through. This is an amazing journey. Thanks to all, for your patience in these trying times and now, that my live is almost back to "normal" I will be around far more than before.
One last quick note, I am so grateful for Him keeping my plate full. The struggles the heart-aches, the pain, the progress and the break through. Every single day has made me who I am today.
Thanks for your time today.
See you soon
Mr.Duncan
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