A Way Of Life

I was watching a programme about the monks at the Shoalin Temple yesterday. What really stood out to me was not their years of accumulated psycho training, but their dedication, patience and focus. Developing these qualities will help us all to become better people. It does'nt matter what we are involved in, it's the way we conduct ourselves in society. Meeting new people you can make a good impression because it's human nature for others to judge and make their own minds up about you, wrong or right. But, only you know you, you owe yourself so much respect it's silly. By respecting yourself and then others, you will come across people with the same thoughts or interests. This is called bonding (making friends). I know the shoalin monks have all their waking lives to train and improve, but so do we. The only difference is that our lifestyle doesn't consist of a huge temple in which to practice. But it does if we treat ourselves as the temple...

Getting back into shape

You've had it with trying to be tough and brave, struggling to cut out the 'bad foods'? Finding it difficult with motivation or time to exercise? Solution to the first half is quite simply this...
1) Have a little of what you want, but not to much. Adjust the balance and you will enjoy your food without putting pressure on yourself.
2) Just a little activity which doesn't need to be athlete level and moderate eating will keep the fat monster at bay, and help you to breath better too.
Eat small regular meals, mainly of the good things which you already know. But have what you want also but don't make them the bulk of your intake. (I love cookies)
Take a walk, stairs instead of the lift. Don't be lazy, park your car further away too. When waiting for the kettle to boil slowly press your self up and down on the kitchen side like a push up-aim for 10. When the breaks come on your soaps just raise your knees to your chest-aim for 10.
This is just a basic start for people who are really struggling with weight issues. Some of you may already be fit. The only thing to bear in mind here is that if you don't make the change now...who will?
Also, deep breathing can help too.
Until next time - peace.

Rusty Nails

'Don't become a rusty nail stuck in ways in which are snails,

deep down you will prevail,

like the lonely ship that must set sail.

You were born to gleam, but you seem to lack steam which in turn means that your soul must try to redeem.

With that gone you have to forge on, your the only one and your life's your own, so make a throne for your grand self to own!'

We've got the whole world in our hands

Someone close to me recently was taken ill into hospital. As I sat there rethinking over previous losses in my family I didn't want to be here, nobody does. I took a good look at all the poorly people in the wards and the lack of NHS support nowadays, me like many was frightened and anxious for a loved one. (Spend the lottery on that instead?) As a spiritual type of guy I got thinking about how happy I am to have started training in the martial arts and even though I still get flu's etc I know I'm doing myself more good than harm. I thought about the human body and about how if you treat it right it will bring you many pleasures. If you mistreat it, it can bring you pain. Pain is what I was witnessing in this place, pain. The only lift of relief is knowing that your loved one is more comfortable and you can finally go home and try to rest yourself. Pain. Do you really like to know what else I noticed too? Young men, maybe teens been brought in after fighting, my guess after a drunken brawl or a vendetta which just brings hate to the world. Pain. So, in between trips to the toilet and tea machine,I wrote in my mind blog for you all to share. And I could only come away with four words ping ponging about...

FAMILY

FRIENDS

LOVE

LIFE

We all know these words and live them, but I left A&E that night thinking...we could all do so much more.

Martial Arts

Martial Art is more than a way of combat or self defense, it is a way of life. It instills respect, integrity and honesty. The true spirit of the martial way fuses together the mind, body and soul. You become one and prosper. There is internal and external, you have a choice. It is an excellent exercise that tones the body, frees the mind and improves oneself. You will may already be humble and caring and that is just the type of person a martial artist should be. You will accumulate increased energy systems and your circulation will be flowing. Chi, or Ki energy will travel through your entire being. It is the art of breathing, the life force that enables you to live. Martial Arts has saved me from becoming somebody who would later go on to bury me today. I intervened my former self with a positive voice, and my actions have proved worthwhile. Martial arts does not make you into a killing machine in the negative sense, but you will have the knowledge how to meet/stop an attack and escape safely. You will learn to put your pride away to walk away, peace is the order of the day. If you need it, it is there. Such force has to be used if there's no other means of escape. If somebody looks at you hateful or calls you a name, please treat this to what it is...just a name. You know you, you know better. A lot of fighters I've met have walked away from really hurting someone only to be called a coward, but really they have done the insulter a favour haven't they? There are the select few who do abuse the skills they have been taught though. I look at myself in the sense that I'm not tougher, but fitter and more understanding of how my body works. I am no tough guy and my wish is to be a love guy. I love making friends and being happy. Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Ju Jitsu, Thai boxing, Kickboxing...no matter what style it is you are still investing in you, and that is a great thing to do. Whatever art you enjoy, be it singing, painting or dancing, as long as what you're involved in makes you happy you will be just fine.

How long will you wait for your Great strength to surface?

How many times have you thought or even felt the desire to be creative? We were all born to create and our imaginations can strangle or rescue us. You are special and unique, a true individual regardless of how many mistakes you have made. You are so capable it's frightening. I too work daily on my own weaknesses as I have many, but there's no help like self help! When you feel really low you have the inner strength to pick yourself back up and carry on. You will face the mighty winds with desire and faith, and you will conquer your every fear. It's in us all...the shadow. It can kill us or live us. Use your mind to plant blossoms and you shall bloom, beware of weeds. Cry if it helps you feel lighter, that's whats crying for. It's not a weakness, but a weaker strength. Man should be judged on his power to help and heal, not fight or destroy. Crying heals the soul. Anger can help if you project it in the right direction, aim that arrow and fire the cross bow! Emotions can drain or they can build, rebuild yourself into a happy person if need be. Be honest and quick of eye, remain slow of tongue in certain terms. Trust others but trust yourself more and you shall open up a gate for others to relish you.

Winter Darts Training

It's that time of year when the cold breeze tests our steel, our faith. Instead of welcoming the winter blues I shall embrace the elements and train. I enjoy running in the fresh morning, where the birds chirp freely and brown leaves blow beneath my footwork. I breath deeply in the crisp Autumn air and suddenly I feel whole, a being engulfed with energy. I'll sprint against the snow and rain, forging on to improve my well being. People don't realise that we as weather are nature, we are all among we. I take in mother natures beauty and better still thrive within it. And when I rest and have my cuppa, I'll know that I used the best of my time in earning my supper.