The Enemy Within

Think of your worst enemy. Someone who has done you great harm, maybe someone from the past.
In your mind they are to blame for your hurt and hardships and great emotions are conjured up, you may even recall intense anger.
The more hurt you feel the larger the enemy feels, however, it is our own lack of control that is the true enemy. It is our own anger, ego and selfishness that actually harms us. Reacting in retaliation to someone who has wronged you only creates a wound in your own peace and harmony.
Think of how many times anger has escalated a situation to the point of nonsense. Disciplining your self to react with cool and calm keeps you grounded and equipped to judge your conduct with right mind.
Anger is a valid emotion but it should be the spark to fire up the want for change. Anger unchecked, turns to hatred, hatred unchecked turns to bitterness and bitterness leaves no room for peace of mind and body.
It is the enemy within.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Change

Change is hard.
Changing things is even more diffcult when the ones around you oppose the change. It can be too much or mean more work and it is easier to disagree then roll up your sleeves and work together.
Then I realize, this is my perspective. What I want to change seems very diffuclt because the support is not there. I cannot expect others to do what I preech just because I said "make it so".
And so I find myself back to basics. Lead by example.
If my example proves results, even in a minor way, the hope is ,others will support and maybe, just maybe help out.
Change is hard because my will is weak. When you have support you can afford a weakness in your mettle, when you do not have support you have to dig deeper into yourself and forge gently but firmly forward.
Its exciting to think of what can happen when you have both.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta,Canada

Batman and Robin

I was there to help out with renovations at the kwoon but tonite was the first night I was there after the chaos  of reconstruction.
My hats off to Sihing Lindstrom and Weibe for their leadership role. Their hard work surpasses mere tiling and painting, when you view the finished kwoon you can sense the dedication and commitment they put into it. They are truly super heros for what they have produced in such a short time frame. I shall have to call them Batman and Robin from now on. (They can decide which one of them is Robin).
All kidding aside, a fantastic job, I am particularly fond of the womens change room!
Big thanks to you for your sacrifice and hard work. Looks great!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Never be too rigid in your ways. If you set your path without any flexibility you may pass by something amazing.
Keep yourself open to other possibilities, do not have a preconceived idea of what your end result has to be. The end result could far exceed your expectations if you stay humble, versatile and flexible along your steps.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Slow Down

Everyday seems to be a barrage of things to do.Then the next day seems to be another day of much the same.
Sometimes it feels like the perpetual "ground hog day". We focus on completing a routine of tasks. Tasks that become part of a daily routine. Do these routine tasks take up all of your day? or worse yet, you run out of time to finish everything you think you need to do. Can some of these things be delegated elsewhere? Can they wait?
Routine can become all consuming with no room to create, cogitate or accomplish.
Sometimes you need to slow down to accomplish.
Quality over Quantity.
Thought over Information.
Conversation over Texting.
Form over Speed.

Sometimes you need to slow down to accomplish.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Beside you and Inside you

We are always looking for something, something to make our training better, our skills better, our careers better, our home life better and on and on.
Sometimes what we look for is resources. Hooking up with the right people, the right school, networking, researching the Internet, looking for different tools and counsel to help us along the way. How to do this better or how to make something in your life better.
There is an endless supply of opinions and methods  on "How tos".

Everything from "Abersicer...this will give you the abs you always wanted in 30 days!' to an "on line marriage counsellor...fall in love with her all over again!", or the "get rich .. one time only free seminar..hurry don't miss out!", etc etc,

Sometimes what we seek, is right under our noses. Sometimes our need to not miss out on the latest and the greatest clouds what is right in front of you. Sometimes what you think you no longer have is actually beside you.
Could it be the shine has worn off? The novelty is gone and what you really are missing is the discipline and commitment to work at something the old fashion way. Thoughtfulness, purpose, investing in something for the long run.
Practice something until it becomes second nature, not just until you lose interest.
This applies to your training , your spouse and children, your career, the people you deal with or chat with everyday.
Every encounter is a moment to practice focus and thoughtfulness and suddenly what you were so eagerly searching for was inside.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

OK, I 'm not big on sending out video links but this is another one of those clips that hits the mark. I honestly never heard of this guy before, some may find him rude, so maybe watch with out the little ones , but like, dislike or indifferent, I sure appreciate the point he is trying to make.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r1CZTLk-Gk

JC Masterson, Silent River Kug Fu, Alberta, Canada