I am not going into the accomplishments here at this time, but I am pleased with the steps I have taken to add some variety to the school in 2010. We have added Yoga, Capoeira, Tai Chi, Aikido, and arts from the Phillippines. In addition to that I am speaking with a meditation group about bringing the stress reducing practice of meditation to our school.

All of this is in line with my vision for the school. That vision includes having students who are well rounded and who practice what they learn about focus and perseverance and commitment to their community. All of these arts will contribute to the growth of our students. (that includes me.) Our students will see me as I am a white belt in all of the arts just listed. More on all of these new offerings in the month of January.

“Sure like what you and the New Way Network are doing with Martial Arts not by teaching “life skills” but by living life skillfully and inspiring others to to the same thing.”

That is when it struck me.  The role I have taken on in the community is one of “living life skillfully” and being an example of this to others.  So I thought I would share with the world what I wrote up as my purpose in life.

My purpose is to use my enthusiasm and patience to teach and lead others to be their best physically, mentally and spiritually for the good of themselves and others.

To do that better I need to share more of my life with everyone and let them see what I am working on and how I am doing with those goals.  You will also see the areas I struggle with and how I either persevere and get through it or fail and start over.   Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone in the world was working on themselves and helping others do the same.

I hope to set an example and others will join me.  I could use the help with my physical workouts and having others to talk to that are interested in the same goals of supporting, inspiring, teaching and leading others to bring out the best in themselves.

I have been in some of the weaker ones in the past couple of weeks.  I would like to pass it off with just the start of school season and all the additional things required of me.  But then, I find when I do put it in motion – many of the other things get done too.  I have had a couple of very productive days in many ways except in the physical ways.

So now I need to bring those things back in line.  For me it is Do the physical first, followed by do for our students, and then the school as a business.  I know that I am a better person, teacher, and business person when I take care of myself physically first.

About 5 or 6 months ago I started doing weight training again.  It has been working really well for me.  First I have a trainer and then second appointed time.  If you have not done any weight training lately, give it a try.  I will suggest Excellence in Fitness in Annapolis or in Arnold.  One of the best I have ever been to.  I am stronger and they hold you accountable for all parts of your fitness.  Till next time if you see me Do something to motivate me to get my tasks done.  Thank you.

When we see someone who is really good at something this quote encourages us not to resent them but rather to recognize them as masters and be compassionate with yourself so that you give yourself the time and room to grow, with nourishment, into your own individual mastery.  All of us are different.  We do not have the same skills, personality or ways.  But at the same time all of us are the same.  We have similar fears, concerns and needs.

There are very few things that no one has done before.  So when we see someone that has accomplished a task or skill and that is something that we want to be able to do, the truth is we can do it.  The only question is if we have the perseverance and determination to follow the steps and examples that the master has done.  If we follow the same steps – we will likely get the same results.

I am testing this myself.  I am learning how to be a better teacher and motivator.  I am studying those that before I may have resented and put down.  But now I refuse to condemn myself, or others, but rather I am working on cutting out the negative talk in my head and stepping into unknown ground.  I have the coaches in place.  Now I must practice.

It has been very hard for me to get back into my routine.  I have moments when everything feels like it is getting there and then there is a breakdown and I feel completely disconnected again.  Does Hawaii do that to you or is it something else?  When we come back from summer vacation it can be a releif that there is more routine in our lives.  Use this time to re-establish your personal routine to a better you.

To get back into routine there are some simple steps to take:

1. Be sure to eat the right foods and get back on your schedule of eating. (5-6 meals a day)
2. Force yourself to go to bed at the same time and get up at that same time.(even on weekends)
3. Begin your physical regimen as soon as possible.  (begin with physical activity with a partner / teammate)
4. Add your personal physical activity day by day. (include a stretching routine)
5. Start a reading routine again.  (be sure to get at least 30 minutes to one hour of reading in everyday)
6. Stay in touch with your mentors or teammates on a daily basis. (this adds accountability)
7. Journal your results everyday.  (this is for you to see where you can adjust and make improvements)
8. Limit & schedule time spent on email, internet activities and television.
9. Schedule time for doing charity work in your community
10. Be sure to celebrate your successes by allowing yourself to do something special for yourself.

Daily working on yourself is a part of living your best life, setting a great example for those watching (read our kids), keeping up both our mental and physical health.  If you are feeling tired or worn out all the time – something is missing in your life.  It may be a good routine of great healthy, ‘Living Like a Champion’ activities.   Join with me in the activity of routine and watch what I am doing to live the best life I can.

We have done some pretty interesting things too like a visit to several water falls, in the water with giant sea turtles and a look at some local architecture. What does this have to do with martial arts? All of these things are a part of life and what I feel like we are really teaching our students is not just the physical part of the arts, but about life. Learning to appreciate everything around us, how to take what we learn on the practice mat into the world.

It is also a time for some down time. A bit of relaxing and rejuvenation for everyone to be ready to get back into the new sessions when we return home. I am very comfortable here. I am re working my own mind for being a better teacher of life art and peace when I return.

It is not my genetic roots, or what my parents did, or anyone around me that can change the fact that I am a human that can choose the response I make in any given situation. The basis of those choices will be on my values that are a part of the inside of me and not on external influences.

I am who I am today because of all of my own life experiences. It is what makes up my good traits and the ones I would prefer not to practice. Gandhi said, “They cannot take away our self respect if we do not give it to them.” I shall not give my peace of mind and happiness to the actions of others.

I shall focus my efforts on those things that I can effect and not on areas of life that I have no influence over. There is no doubt that I will have greater happiness choosing my life than I would, having it chosen for me.

My purpose is to use my enthusiasm and patience to teach and lead others to be their best physically, mentally, and spiritually for the good of themselves and others.

How I came to the conclusion of this unique role, was done by asking myself a few questions.

1. I first named 2 good personal qualities that I felt were unique for me.
2. Then I named a couple of ways I enjoy expressing those qualities.
3. Finally I wrote a sentence or two describing how I saw the perfect world.  What it looked like, felt like, everything that I saw.

Combining the answer of those three items is how I came up with my written purpose for being a part of this universe.  I will continue this project now by looking at my goals and vision to be sure that everything I do are in line with what I believe my unique role is in the universe.  This is the beginning of success and happiness.

If you would like to try this contact me.  It would be interesting to go through this process with others who desire to not just exist, but answer the higher calling.

“Today was decent with a great deal of other things going on.  I am very happy with the combination of the bike and sets and then work on the other pieces of the physical. I also posted an I am today and that made me happy too.”

The I am I posted was on being thoughtful.  Even this part of the test I am understanding better as I practice doing them.  It is not just thoughts but also a way of creating an affirmation of want I want to be, I am, or I am working on being.  It is a way of making me aware of what I should be continuing to work on.

Here is a very interesting fact that I would like to share with everyone.  The more I work out and do the physical part of the UBBT, the more I am able to think clearly about other parts of the school, my test and family.  In fact there is no part of my life that is not affected.  I throw that out there so that if anyone is feeling not so good about some part of their life, I am going to suggest to get involved in a physical activity.  Of course I think it should be our martial arts, but find something that you can do that works you out everyday.  Find an activity that gets your cardio going and is making you stronger.  I believe that you, like me,  will find everything else will become clearer.

I am considerate, caring and attentive.

I am understanding

I am compassionate

I am contemplative, philosophical, meditative

I am caring for the feelings of others.  You can see in the eyes and face of a person the feelings of being joyful or scared, free spirited or reserved.  I am considerate of these, just as if it were myself who was having those feelings.  I remember my own experiences and so I am thoughtful of others understanding that with some assistance, with some thoughtfulness they may be able to grow from their experience with me and then with others.

Being thoughtful does not come without practice.  Thoughtfulness is a practice. I practice contemplation first.  Meditation on the moment.  Sitting with just the practice of putting myself in the other persons place.  What would it be like to….?  How would I feel if….?

I am thoughtful of the possessions of others.  Being careful to treat it as if it were my very own and only prized possession.

I am attentive to the needs of the young and the old, the importance of relationships and feelings.  Asking myself on a scale of one to ten how is our relationship doing this week.  How can I mak it a ten?  There is an understanding deep inside of me that realizes that no matter how much praise I may get for whatever I may do, there is always room for improvment and it begins with being thoughtful.