Homeless not Soulless

There has not been a day missed at work where I have not encountered the homeless.

When I drive my car I park east of Boyle Street and walk to Canada Place. I walk right past the Salvation Army, Women's shelter and a myriad of characters.

I haven't been living under a rock, I know major cities have an inner city population of homeless and poverty stricken individuals, however, when you experience it for real everyday, I find it to be a shocking reality.

I am new to the downtown lifestyle and the fast pace busy people that surround me. I notice my seasoned coworkers do not even notice the wandering individuals begging, sitting or mumbling around them. I wonder if it is just a matter of time before I start to numb myself to the obvious as well.

Its strange, there is a regular group of homeless ( I say homeless but honestly I do not know if that in fact is true, I know its not fair to label someone like that without really knowing but I will go with it for the sake of discussion) Anyways, I see some these individuals the same I would see my co-workers , everyday, around the same time.

There is "sidewalk" guy he sits just outside the Salvation Army and uses the same line all the time "Excuse me ma'am, I'm hungry, some change, money for a cup a coffee?'...I gave him my banana once but I think he was disappointed and put it to the side. There is "pizza guy" he gets himself in trouble at the food court going from table to table(manages to get someone to buy him a piece of pizza the odd time). There is "grandma" lady, she has her cigarette outside the Salvation Army building. She doesn't say much but she always makes a big spit in the road standing from the sidewalk. Finally there is "can of coke guy" , he buys one can of coke and around 10 am everyday sits in the same place and drinks his can of coke while looking like he is deep in thought. I have to say he catches my attention the most. He looks very sad,his hair is long and gray and matches is beard and mustache. He wears a winter jean jacket and jeans. He keeps to himself and seems to be looking out past the crowd of people thinking about something.

I sit and wonder what his story is, actually I wonder what all of their stories are? What happened? Are they happy? Do they have family ?

It bothers me, alot.

These people are or were somebodies child at one time. Did things go bad that long ago. Could you imagine your child growing up and ending up a lost soul. How do these people slip through the cracks?

The irony is, I work in a government building, people come and go in such a mad rush and most times don't even notice the guy on the sidewalk.

Its just like the Christmas commercial where the people in poverty blend into the wall as shoppers hurriedly rush by.

Is it just a matter of time when I won't notice them either? Will I become complacent? The problem with complacency is it sneaks up on you.

I offer eye contact, a smile and above all respect, I don't want to loose that . I believe you cannot pass judgement until you walk a mile in someones shoes.

These people are homeless not soulless.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

Its June and almost the half way point to the end of February.
I looked over my log book of stuff and for the most part I thought I was on track, until I turned to the page of Forms.
I have not even cracked 200 reps and that spells trouble. I estimate I will need to do about 3 or 4 reps per day to meet the goal by February. I am not sure what happened, I think half the time I practice in class and forget to log what I have done.
So starting this morning I include repetitions of Kempo at the gym as part of my routine.
I get some funny stares and one older gentlemen said to me afterwards "You have some interesting moves!"
"Moves" or "Forms" its just terminology. He did continue to say that I kept his work out more interesting because he had something different to watch.
Hmmm, could I log that as an act of kindness?..Ok maybe I am stretching that one.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Cananda

Humble Guy versus Ego Guy

People have so many characteristics and different personalities and this is a good thing. We all fit together like a puzzle adding our own color to the big picture.

My favorite character trait has always been the humble personality. These are the people I am fascinated by the most. There is only a handful of people I know who are cut from this cloth and they have and still do make a lasting life time impression on me.

There is difference between acts of humility and an individual who truly possesses a humble spirit in who they are.I can't help but wonder and admire how they conduct themselves.

The six people I know who are like this all seem to have alot in common.

They are quiet yet assertive when required. They are highly skilled in the areas of their occupations and their hobby. They are not as you would say "a jack of all trades" rather specialized in a few. They completely lead by example. They are so calm they have a peace within themselves or a least that is how they appear to me. Lastly, but for me the most important is how approachable they are, maybe thats why I find myself migrating to them in the first place.

I think if a person could master their Ego ( kill it all together, for that matter) and just leave self -esteem and assertiveness in tact, could you wake up tomorrow and start living your life with clarity.

I find..., actually, I know when I have let my Ego and pride step into my conversation and conduct the outcome is biased and favoured. A humble person leaves their ego at the door and is receptive to all possibilities and is better able to judge their decisions with clarity, compassion and right thought.

There is more to the "Humble Guy" then meets the eye. Its like they have figured it out. They answer questions but only if you ask. They have an opinion but want to know yours too. They are always busy perfecting but they have time to share with you.

Who are these people?? Where did they come from??

They are Great!! ...but they will never tell you that.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

The Adaptable Routine

Early mornings have become a way of life for me now.
In order for me to keep up with everything... pushups, situps, mileage weight lifting, forms, kicks, etc the best time for me is before work.
What I mean by best time, is the likelyhood of stuff getting done is early morning, it does not mean its the best time in an affectionate way....4:30 in the morning is the best time to stay in bed!
I have found trying to find and stick to a new routine has been difficult but something worth pursuing. That being said, I strongly believe your routine has to be adaptable for things that come up in life on a daily basis or an event that is coming up that is planned ahead.
For instance, lets say I slept in today , OK...actually I did sleep in today.
Now what? Does that mean my workout is scratched for today?
What I like to do is stay positive and before I tackle any thing in the morning is set up a new game plan for the day. I know what I need to get done, now I just have to be creative and adapt my time accordingly.
Routine is important, however, if the routine is so set in stone that even a minor disruption can upset it, the routine is not healthy.
You can easily find you fall into a negative state of mind and stress yourself out if things do not go according to your plan.
As much as routine is important to accomplish ones goals just as important is the ability to adapt through flexibility and versatility.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Support and Connection

This past couple of weeks have been difficult at best. I have pulled a lat/shoulder muscle which is aggravated by push ups and just trying to build a new training routine around a full time job has been challenging.
Getting to the evening classes hasn't been a problem but I have found myself a little unprepared. I always go with a theme in mind and set the class up in that direction. This week was no different, however, I found myself exhausted and trying to decide at the last minute how I would structure the class for the evening.
Funny thing, I was looking around to pick someone to do the warmup when at that very moment Sifu Davies walked up and offered to conduct the warmup focusing on the horsestance. Shortly after Sifu Prince approached me about the speed drills he had mentioned to me earlier and wanted to demonstrate.
First, it so happened this would compliment the fitness aspect of the curriculum, perfect.
Secondly, more important was the fact that these two individuals gave me the support I needed when I needed it the most. I did not realize this until afterwards. I had a sense of relief, enthusiasm and a feeling of connection with other Blackbelts who were supportive when it really counted.

I tend to do things on my own, quietly chugging away and this works fine when you are riding a wave and everything is going according to plan.
When plans and limbs get derailed being a loaner has its drawbacks.
I opened my eyes and realized I am not alone and this is my way of saying thanks.
I know both Sifus would tell me they were just doing what they like to do and it was no big deal.
They just made me realize I do appreciate support whatever way it comes and it gave me a feeling of connection again to my peers.

Sifu Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

Work Ethic

This has been my first week at my new job and it is a very different world.
These past days have been all about trying to figure out a new routine in a working environment that is foreign to me.
My background has always been blue collar, out in the bush or in a shop environment with grease and oil.
My new position is in the government (as an evil Aviation Inspector!) and this environment is quite the opposite. I am new and quite frankly I don't know a thing!
I don't even know how to properly answer the phone and introduce myself...but what I do know is good old fashion work ethic and how to display respect for those who have the experience and have come before me.
I rely heavily on this because I need to earn the trust and respect of my senior colleagues to show me the way around Aviation regulations.
So what is good work ethic? I am glad you asked...
Everyone says its common sense but sometimes I think some reminders are helpful.

Show up a little bit early or a least on time, all the time.
make sure your uniform, I mean your attire is clean and well kept.
Greet people in the morning or bow every chance you get using eye contact.
Show enthusiasm when some one takes the time to help you with something and a comment of thanks goes along way.
Come to class with all your gear or make sure you have paper and pencil in hand to take notes, don't expect someone to supply you with something you should have at the ready.
Apply yourself with focus after given direction, goofing around and unrelated chit chat wastes everybody's time and is disrespectful to your Sifu..I mean supervisor.

I may have crossed from work to kung fu but it was only to remind myself that as a new guy or rookie I still have my work ethic to offer even if I don't have the skill yet. This too, goes for a student in the school.
Lead by example and show good etiquette and work ethic.
You will shine in the eyes of your Sifu( and by no means am I talking about myself, you want to catch the eye of Master Brinker as a diamond in the rough) You will reap the benefit of your hard work and this character quality will benefit the young individual who takes it into adulthood and their budding professional lives.

Okay, I am done lecturing, I just think as a school some basic conduct gets lax and a little reminder is good once in awhile, for me too.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Days like These

Its days like today where taking a deep breathe and staring at a blank wall for a few seconds is all I need to regroup myself.
This week has been building into a fury of change, activity, good emotions and bad emotions.
Its easy to feel overwhelmed and when too much is coming at you at once, its hard to deal with everything rationally and with proper thought.
Its like the walls are closing in and daggers are coming down from the ceiling...panic!
A deep breathe and putting myself on the outside looking in helps me to prioritize issues and deal with them in a logical manner.
This means take care of myself first so I can better handle other issues.
No matter how busy I get, time must be made to keep me healthy, physically, mentally and spiritually.
That is my priority in order to be as effective, productive and as caring as possible.
Deep breathe, blank stare.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain , Alberta