Struggles

I believe we each have struggles of one kind or another.  Some may be bigger and more complex; others may seem small in comparison.  No matter what the struggle is, it is real and legitimate to the person going through it. I wonder if we would treat those around us differently if we each had a sign around our neck stating what we suffer from, struggle with or worry over.  Would we continue to judge people based on our own perception and lack of knowledge of what is really going on in a person’s life?  Would we act with more compassion, empathy, forgiveness and patience if we could really see the inner turmoil of someone in front of us?  Or would we go out of our way to avoid uncomfortable conversations and situations, deny that we heard or saw anything of concern and then plead ignorance when a person’s struggles finally take them to a drastic place? How could we change the lives of those around us just by listening and reaching out to those who are silently screaming for help? 

This week I find myself struggling with the loss of a wonderful young lady, a 13 year old with beauty, talent and so much potential.  I am desperately trying to understand something that seems to have no answer.  I find myself going over many different occasions wondering if I missed seeing any sign that there was something wrong.  What could I have done had I been aware there was a need?  How did so many people miss seeing she needed help?  I worry about the world my kids are growing up in.  They seem to be a generation full of opportunity but are in a world that is expecting them to grow up before they are ready.  They are dealing with issues that kids are not mature enough or equipped to deal with, ending with drastic results.  I turned on the news this morning and the first story is about a First Nation Community declaring a state of emergency after a number of suicide attempts reported over this past weekend.  This community alone has reported 101 suicide attempts since August.  How has this gotten so out of control? What message are people hearing that makes them believe they are not worthy and that there is no other answer? 

I desperately urge all who read this to pay attention to those around you. Talk to your children. Make a point of knowing what is going on in their lives.  Leave no doubt in their minds that you love them, are there for them and that they can come to you with anything.  Don’t be quick to dismiss things that may seem insignificant to you but to a child or teenager may just seem like the end of the world.  Truly listen and help them grow up confident knowing they are worthy; they have a purpose and more than anything that they are loved.

 

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

 

Progression In A Personal Challenge

About 8 years ago I found myself dealing with a torn rotator cuff.   I learnt quickly just how much I had taken being able to do simple tasks on a daily basis for granted. At my lowest points I found myself unable to even tie my shoes or hold my keys or a cup of coffee, sleep was impossible with pain and then there was the numbness that flared up leaving me more fumbly (don’t think that’s a word) and accident prone than normal.  When I didn’t’ think it could get worse I was proven wrong.  With one shoulder out of commission the other one had to compensate and was used for EVERYTHING!  Before long I wasn’t even sure which shoulder was in worse condition.

I have over time, and many times by mistake, been learning of the things that aggravate it as well as the bigger things that put me back to dragging my purse and drinking out of a straw.  As much as I have pat myself on the back for not quitting completely, I have found that I have developed some bad habits while unconsciously trying to protect from a re-injury. I have lost muscle strength (especially in the micro muscles) and have a considerable loss of flexibility.  Unfortunately I remember all too well how low and discouraged and in pain I felt at one time and have felt the need to do everything possible from going back to that place.  With that mind set I have sometimes been afraid to push it beyond what I need to in order to get stronger and progress.

 Sooo… as one of my personal requirements this year I have added strength training to my workouts.  In becoming part of this year’s team this personal challenge really was a no brainer.  No matter what weapon I considered, I needed my shoulders, therefore, I needed to strengthen and build.  Three days a week I have added free weights and bowflex exercises to my training routine.  I have had to adjust as I go along and humble myself to using the 2lb weights for some exercises (they truly look small and resemble more of a childs toy).  After 2 months of commitment to these exercises and mindfully working on technique rather than racking numbers, I can honestly say I feel a difference.  It may not be a visible difference to some, however, I know that I can now do Stick form or swing my Escrima sticks around every day without paying for it come bed time.  

I am still practicing progressing wisely and still doing the best I can to listen to my body. I realize that it’s a process and will take time but I am encouraged by the small steps, even though they seem to go in both directions.  Although it is hard for me to admit and I would have argued differently at one point, a great amount can be learnt from injuries.  What you choose to learn and take away from the experience is individual and up to you.  It can be discouraging and humbling but it can only take you out completely if you allow it to.

So today I am grateful for the small steps and progression I have been able to make.  I promise to put my escrima sticks down before numbness sets in to avoid taking out my fellow team mates or the kwoon mirrors.

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

First Class With My Escrima Sticks

So my first class with my escrima sticks has come and gone.  I have not yet found the secret to loving these things.  I have hit myself in the forehead a couple of times, the elbows more than once and have been building the bone density in my shins on a regular basis.  These babies are proving to be a little unlovable at the moment.  As I mutter under my breath and rub my injured body parts, I am constantly reminding myself that 4 years ago I found myself in this same position.  My weapon of choice that year was the nun chucks.  That first class was not pretty.  I was hitting myself repeatedly and was out of control (thank goodness for foam chucks and hockey helmets) .I found myself almost immediately thinking I can’t do this, these things hate me, I need to change this up.  Probably more out of stubbornness than anything, I stuck with them.  After practice, practice and more practice I started to see progress and growth and with that a change in my attitude.  Now I really enjoy them.

Unlike 4 years ago, I feel a kind of discouragement and frustration to a certain point, but have no thought of this as impossible or too hard.  I have experienced that just because something is difficult does not make it impossible or not worthy.  Don’t we tend to appreciate and respect things we have had to work the hardest for?  Don’t we feel just a little more elated when we accomplish something that challenges us rather than those things that come easy?  I am learning that if I want to change the outcome, I need to change the investment. I need to have patience with myself and continue to work past the stumbling blocks and continue in a forward motion.  Practice, practice, practice! I’ m going to love these sticks yet!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

Congratulations!

One of my favorite parts of our Chinese New Year celebration is hearing candidates’ tell what Kung Fu has done for them.  I always find it interesting to hear just a small portion of the journey that led these people to this point in their life.  Each of us has come with different life experiences, circumstances and perspectives and this chance to speak can be eye opening and inspiring to those who hear it. 

The common thread in every speech, every year, by every candidate is the list of people to thank.  I believe by this time everyone realizes that the accomplishment of earning a black belt is never done completely on one’s own; there is usually a list of people who have each played an integral part of why we are where we are.   Those we surround ourselves with help determine our success.  As I listened to this year’s candidates, I was deeply moved by the heart felt appreciation given to their parents.  These notes of thanks were the perfect example of the effect dedicated, supportive and loving parents can have on the success of their children.  We cannot underestimate the power we have to influence those around us, especially our children.  

I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when listening to the two young people standing up, as I have watched these two grow from their first days in kung fu.  I feel very privileged to have witnessed their progress and success.  Congratulations Sifu Vanderham and Sifu Csillag.  And to the two not so young people, Sifu Krebs and Sifu Fuhr, a huge congratulations to you guys!  And for their promotions to next degree, congrats to Sifu Vantuil and Sifu Regier!

I stumbled on this picture last week that I haven’t seen for a while.  From the look on Sifu Krebs’ face he has enjoyed putting people in headlocks for quite some time, especially family members!

Alana Regier

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 

Motivation for a Year

As the year of the Monkey kicks off and banquet preparations are being made, there is excitement in the air.  People are enthusiastic about getting numbers started, new challenges underway and are fascinated with new shiny weapons.  If only this excitement was so easy to maintain throughout an entire year.  For some it will be an incredible year full of mountain tops.  For others it may be an incredible year of a different makeup, one that will frustrate, discourage and challenge them further than they had originally written down or anticipated.  A year is 365 days that is guaranteed to see change for everyone in one way or another.  Circumstances can change in a heartbeat for any one of us whether that is in our health, finances or motivation.  It is how we choose to react to this change that is going to determine how successful our year will be. 

Personally this year is turning out to be a bit different than I expected already.  For starters, my decision to join the rest of you monkeys is a little later than most.  And now as of Wednesday last week, our youngest son not only restarted kung fu after two years dedicated to soccer, but has now also made the decision to become a monkey as well (maybe it was seeing me throwing my escrima sticks around that dazzled himJ) .  I now have a motivation and unexpected training partner that makes me smile and is already pushing me.  I only hope he remembers that I am over three times his age!  I'm excited to be doing this with you Kayden!

Alana Regier

http:/alanaregier.blogspot.ca

The Samurai

This past week I have spent time studying with our youngest son on the history of Japan.  What I believe was extremely cool was that the study sheets sent home went beyond facts like the country  being made up of over 3000 islands and 73% of the country being mountainous,  and  required the students to dig a little deeper.  They had to first understand the history and tradition but had to think beyond general info and put themselves in the position of a Japanese citizen of a particular class and explain how they would feel and how they would view the changes that were happening in their country in the 1500’s – 1867.  Then on the flip side, they had to try to understand how someone from the western world viewed this unknown country whose society seemed so dedicated in protecting their people and traditions.

 Part of this unit of study included the watching of the movie ‘The Last Samurai.’  I have watched this movie more than once but found myself watching it again this week with a completely different perspective and appreciation for this culture and the Samurai class.  This movie portrays a side of this ‘Warriors’ life that is tranquil and peaceful, one that is intriguing and attractive.  It is a life with known purpose and complete dedication to that purpose. I found myself going a little further than the text book and did a little more research.  Many people would guess the translation of Samurai to be ‘Warrior’, associating them with war and violence.  In actuality the translation is “Those who serve” or “To serve and attend.”  The Samurai did follow an unwritten code known as Bushido meaning “Way of the Warrior”, however, this code held a list of values/virtues that one would not necessarily relate to a warrior.

The values of a Samurai include:

-          Integrity

-          Courage

-          Benevolence

-          Politeness

-          Sincerity

-          Honor

-          Loyalty

-          Self-Control

Although their role was to protect their leaders and the people of their domain, and their status in society was very high, they lived a rather simplistic life.  A life of dedication and loyalty while striving for inner peace and that in the world around them.  Living by this ‘code’ and upholding these values was their way of life.  They truly believed in and committed themselves to their role.

I believe in our world of entitlement and privilege we fail to understand the same depth of commitment and dedication as these Samurai of old.  However, we are fighting battles of a different makeup, those of intolerance, lack of compassion, selfishness, weakness, dishonestly, unaccountability and the list goes on.  It is definitely a world that could use more of each of these virtues.  I think as martial artists, and more specifically Silent River students, we need to consistently and deliberately uphold this list in our day to day lives. We need to understand that our training involves much more than the physical aspects and that we need to give the required attention and focus to those qualities that are more related to the building of strong and positive character. Can you imagine what this world would be like if everyone dedicated themselves to constantly strive for and uphold this list of the Samurai?

Alana Regier

http:/alanaregier.blogspot.ca

 “The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love and friendship.  Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited.”

Ueshiba Morihei, The Art of Peace            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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