Trajectory

It is not always easy to stay on course. Working toward a goal can become all consuming so that when pushing oneself it is easy to lose your way in all that activity. Activity and effort do not always correlate to progression.

There have been moments in my journey when I have lost my way. Life and unforeseen obstacles create distractions that not only distract me from my path, but they can also undermine my motivation and commitment to my goals. It is at these times that I have to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other and remind myself that sometimes more important than where I am is where I am going. Constantly evaluating and adjusting my trajectory helps me make the small changes required to stay the course and feed my progression before I need a major intervention to get me back on track.

Mindfulness has become my mastery mantra. Knowing where I am and what I am doing serves me in all aspects of my life. The gratitude I feel for having the mentors and influences in my life that help me stay in the present moment cannot be understated.

“The trajectory of your life is directly proportional to the strength of your choices.” - Marc Chernoff

The Greatest

I was a kid when Muhammad Ali was already past his prime. His influence on me was profound, being a living hero to me right up to his death. His rivalries with Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Joe Foreman made that era’s heavyweight division the most exciting division in boxing. Muhammad Ali’s appeal to me was as much about what he did in the ring as what he did outside the ring. His stand on the Vietnam war, his conversion to Islam, and his tireless bravery and persistence in the face of Parkinson’s Disease set an example that I will always look up to when it comes to living by your beliefs. Up to his death, Ali continued to champion peace and children’s causes while he tirelessly promoted understanding between East and West, Muslims and Christians.

I feel fortunate to have walked the earth at the same time as this great man and I am grateful that he shared so much with the world. We are less without him.

“Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest human beings I have ever met. No doubt he was one of the best people to have lived in this day and age.” - Joe Foreman (b. 1949)

Alabama

Reflection Part 2

A week and a multitude of thoughts later, clarity on the efficacy of SRKF’s Pandamonium is still up in the air. I have no doubts about the need for a project like the Pandamonium, especially when it comes to the martial arts, but I still have work to do when it comes to getting my students and community as passionate about it as I am.

Wildfires and the slumping economy definitely have an effect on people’s priorities but, in most cases, those things are more excuses for poor engagement than reasons. So much mediocrity in the world is a result of apathy and indifference.

I believe in the power of engagement and I believe in the potential of a single act. Laziness makes apathy more attractive than action. By its very nature, inaction guarantees that nothing will change and therefore reinforces the helplessness so many feel when it comes to facing important issues. Yet three daily acts of engagement by a single person can create lasting, meaningful change.

The Pandamonium is not fulfilling its potential. The project is not a 24 hour event but rather a daily commitment to kindness, empathy, and compassion. Our annual event should be a celebration of accomplishment and a reaffirmation of our commitment to our community.

“Apathy is a sort of living oblivion.” - Horace Greeley (1811 - 1872)

Reflection

Many emotions are at play right now. Yesterday’s Pandamonium was the culmination of months of sweat and passion. The energy from the event stayed with me for the rest of the day. It is never a bad day to spend that type of quality time with so many positive, passionate people.

I have been journalling every week for the past nine or so years. I’ve had the odd entry that was difficult to put together but, for the most part, I always have something to say. Today I find myself in the odd situation of having too much to say. Experience tells me that I would be wise to spend some more time reflecting before expressing my thoughts.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” - Margaret J. Wheatley (b. 1944)

Mom

 You gave me my life.
You taught me compassion and the value of kindness.
You encouraged me to be a leader, not a follower.
You showed me the power of single act.
You taught me respect and gave me the discipline to follow through with my commitments.
Through your example, I became a better father.
Above all else, you gave me your unconditional love.

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

The Value of Service

Seven of my students made the trip to Alabama this past week to participate in a project that I have been involved in for almost ten years. Everyone has heard me share my passion for the Alabama Martial Arts Build-Vention through talks, the written word, videos, and photos. Our local newspaper has published feature articles about my experiences there. Regardless of the method used, nothing can convey the value of an experience better than empirical confirmation. Nothing illustrates my point more than the passion within my students returning from their Alabama experience.

The value of service is something that cannot be denied and should not be ignored. Our annual Pandamonium fundraiser is coming up in two weeks and  my biggest fear at this time is whether or not my students will fully appreciate the opportunity this event affords them. The Pandamonium is about awareness, responsibility, empowerment, empathy, leadership, and community. If a person fully embraces the spirit of the Pandamonium, any effort they invest in this event will generate a beneficial return. The more one invests, the greater the potential return.

For some, the Pandamonium will be about writing a cheque. For others it will about creating fun and excitement for the event. With either of these two approaches, there is little value beyond the money raised. For those who put in the effort and come to understand and believe in the potential of the event and apply their efforts accordingly, their experience will be priceless.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)