The Aspen Grove

I have been surrounded by the aspen tree all my life.  Most people aren’t aware just how unique these trees are.  Unless you take the time to notice, you may not see that this is a tree that does not typically grow as an individual but rather is surrounded by many, standing in a grove.  This grove of trees has a unique connection.  Their root system is interconnected with one another, which enables them to share nutrients and resources in order to support and give stability to one another.  This unbelievable strength, support and persistence will even allow roots to stay dormant for years before deciding to push their way to the surface.  An aspen groves root system can even withstand fires, which to the human eye look like complete devastation, only to at the right moment have new growth appear and a new forest start.  This is also a tree that serves others beyond their own species.  They will provide everything from cover, homes and food for animals to medicinal purposes for humans.  It truly is amazing!

As the start of a new I Ho Chuan year approaches and a new team goes forward, I believe there is a lot we can learn from this tree.   Like the aspen, we can feed each other’s growth.  We can offer the support and resources that will give each of us the stability to stand on our own.  With this support, we will be persistent and successful, sometimes even in directions different than the ones we had in mind from the beginning.   As a group standing together we will initiate change in those around us.  We will stand out and serve our community and the lives of those both near and far.  We will make a difference J 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Another Monkey

One of the biggest things I have learnt from Kung Fu is the importance of not only setting goals but of attaching deadlines with them.   I am a play by the rules kind of gal and like having expectations set along with a magic date.  In some weird way I think I kind of thrive in that kind of atmosphere.  As a Sihing and as being a member of the I Ho Chuan I had very specific dates.  I knew what was expected from me, had a date given and with that I had to come up with a plan and follow through if I was to be successful.  In making a goal and setting out a plan, I had a purpose behind what I did.  Best put, purpose gives clarity to confusion.

And here comes in the gift of the I Ho Chuan.  Here is a challenge that will not only push you beyond the ordinary, but will help give purpose to what you do.  Of course there is the set of team goals but then there are the personal goals.  These are the goals that are handpicked by you.  They are individual and have great meaning and significance to us individually.  These are the goals that help you fulfill YOUR purpose in making the change you want to see in your life and in those around you.

I have not been a part of the I Ho Chuan team for the past two years.  I have been a silent member trying to go it alone, cheerleading for each person who was on the team, while trying to maintain my own engagement without a team.  I have kept up my logging with situps, pushups, leg lifts, km’s and now squat thrusts.  I have continued with journaling, however not publically.  I have found myself sitting in on the I Ho Chuan classes that Darcy has been able to make, all of the time wishing I was on the floor.   Although timing in life may not be perfect, with an encouraging word from Darcy and thumbs up from Kayden, I am now going to be part of the upcoming Monkey team!  Whoo Hoo! J

 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca