Like Minded People

You cannot always surround yourself with like-minded people. You can control most of whom you interact with by way of picking your friends, family members you choose to spend time with and even by way of the career you choose and the particular employer you work for.
I believe the people whom are on the same wave lenght as you are a source of stability,purpose and peace.
However...
it seems to me the real challenge is to interact and deal with people who are not of the like-minded category!
What better way is there to promote change then to be different and be an example from the normal flock.
Mediocrity and indifference can only be changed when the opposite is seen in a tangible form.
At work I am surrounded by lots(not all) of people who I would call the opposite of "like mindedness" (sorry for making up terms).
If you really want to make a change, this is where you need to be.. in the circle of people who you would find the most unlikely to bond with, agree with or share the same ethics and morals as.
Lead by example, care and empathize with calm and confidence. You may find more people are like minded once they are reminded of the things that really matter.

Jc masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Muscle Cramping

For the past year I have experienced a frequent amount of muscle cramping. It was never a problem before and I could not relate to others when they told me of their experiences.
This is no longer the case.
It is not the usual leg cramping, its an abdominal muscle cramp. The upper right muscle below the rib cage, to be exact.
I have done some research to try and resolve the problem but it appears it will not be an easy fix.
With any muscle cramp, it can be any where from mild to drop you to your knees pain.
Whats the solution?
Not sure...everyone is different and the cause and triggers vary.
Simple remedies can be proper rest periods between exertion, plenty of water and stretching before and after training, basic and good practice.
However, it can also be a sign of improper mineral balance. More specifically calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Some research claims, depending on the right or left side of the body can indicate which mineral is low or too high (not sure about that, requires more reading up on).

Upper abdominal muscle cramping seems to be rare or at least there is not the usual sports medicine articles that speak to the issue.
In the meantime I am paying attention to my diet to see if it has an effect and to watch for certain activities that trigger the muscle spasms.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Yumm...me like food

I was checking out the new UBBT food tracking journals.

Wow!

I think I eat twice as much as all of them. It has definitely guilted me into looking at my eating habits.

I snack all day, for the most part its wholesome and healthy but I may need to revisit my portions.

And while I am reflecting on my eating habits, I have to confess, I also equate a really hot day with a really cold beer...or two.

So tomorrow, I will pack the same lunch box but keep the portions on the not so gluttonous side.

But with all due respect to the UBBT members, I am sure I would be a corpse in no time if I followed some of your daily diets!...eat something would ya ..I m feelin guilty.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Tough Guys and Skipping

I used to associate the skipping rope with little girls and school. Until the movie "Rocky", funny how movies can change your life, especially as a kid.
So now I skip on a regular basis. Its part of my conditioning training. I have not perfected some of the fancy drills and footwork yet but working on it.
So whats the advantages of the skipping rope, basically it builds your stamina, agility and endurance. All very important when in a sparring bout.
If you start working on complex drills it improves your foot work and coordination...plus you look really cool!

Pick up a skipping rope, try doing a minute in between your forms and kicks, etc.
The length of the rope should be right for your height. Stand on the centre of the rope, and lift the handles upward. The point where the handles meet the rope should be level with your armpits
May sure its light gauge rope for speed.
Best of all, it doesn't cost alot nor does skipping take up much room.
Work hard, train hard but have fun!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Dont forget about your Health

I thought this to be interesting.

Sometimes we take our health for granted, thinking it is like a rubber ball, as in the analogy above, but in fact it is fragile and if it shatters as described by Mr. Dyson, all other aspects of your life suffer.

Sleep well. eat well and move well.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

Life is Good

We have been managing to get out with the 5th wheel alot so far this year. Last week we were out to the Lake where a friend of ours keeps his float plane. Raymond was grinning from ear to ear until he realized mom isn't really good at taking off on the water. (I'm a little rusty to say the least!)

Anyways, all is good but I would like to request an 8th day of the week, it seems like I cant find the time to work on my grappling and weapon forms enough, speaking of rusty.

Good to see Sifu Frietag back, although I cant understand a thing shes saying and once more thanks to Sifu Prince for the "Physout" site. Its kept me in check reasonably well.

So things are good and I am going to savour it unlike what I usually do, which is become suspicious that its just the calm before another storm!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Reality Check

My husband came home from a car wash fund raiser yesterday.
You see, his coworker 's wife just had a baby less than 2 months ago and things went from bad to worse for them.
His co-worker is from Sri Lanka. They have gone through many challenges just to get to where they are today.
But this is truly a sad story.
His wife had some complications during child birth, the babies legs required some surgery but even more tragic was the coma like state she went into and still has not recovered from to this day. She occasionally looks up at the ceiling but it is the only response she has given for 2 months , doctors do not know why and he fears they will give up. They have a little 3 year old girl already and no permanent family in the country to help out.
My husbands co-worker is now faced with the dilemma of sending his children back to Sri Lanka, he must stay here with his wife as there is no way to bring her back home as well.
My husband says he his distraught, exhausted and running out of options. Coming to work has been his only way of taking a break from everything.

As a group of guys working with this man, they have pulled together to try and help out in anyway they can. My husband says there is no grumbling or the usual complaining about anything from the group as a whole.
Its been a reality check for everyone and touched everyone in a way that they look at what is really important in life.

Its a sad story with yet no resolve as I write but I felt compelled to tell it just the same for you never know when your world can come crashing down around you. Be thankful for the important things in life and try not to get brought down by the petty issues.
If you are enjoying time off for the long weekend, keep this family in mind, spend the time with your family and hug yours that much more closely.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada