Monday

While the teachings of a martial tradition may be recorded in scrolls or expressed verbally, those outside the tradition who gain access to this information have little chance of learning much of practical value. Such instructions invariably consist of vague references or riddle-like aphorisms. These cryptic axioms suffice for the conveying of deep secrets because the martial artist who receives them properly has spent an enormous amount of time apprenticing under his master. They have in common, teacher and student, the specialized vocabulary of their tradition, as well as similar experience in the physical actions demanded in learning it. The teachings, however, opaque they may appear to the outsider, have meaning to the initiate and his master because the two have endured the long process of training together.

(Dave Lowry)

Friday

It seems to be the way things are going, people don’t want to commit to anything long term. Above all they don’t want to do the work.

 I’m judging a scriptwriting competition at the moment. People openly say they’ve applied because they think if they win they won't have to do much work and it’ll be an easy life. They haven’t got a clue how hard you have to work or how much hardship is involved. All they’re asked to do is submit 10 pages of their writing. Some of them can’t even be bothered to do that. All of these people are in for a major disappointment, not just in this competition, but in the industry generally. It’ll eat them up and spit them out. Their dreams will be shattered and they’ll blame everyone but themselves. One or two will re-work their scripts and strengthen them, but most won’t.

 It’s the age of entitlement. It’s really stupid and lazy but it’s everywhere. I don’t really get it either. It must be very puzzling for Sifu who is offering gold, when people (myself included) can only grasp tin.


 (Karen)

Wednesday


Of all the people who begin the discipline of taijiquan, only a handful will continue past a year or so. Humility, compassion, lack of ambition, non-aggression, spontaneity and silence are not qualities that our societies value. There is no more difficult journey than the journey to the self.
(John Lash)

Monday

Talk is cheap

If you like to talk politics and watch the news, you probably shouldn't consider kung fu. It is not for you.

Kung fu is all about tangible, concrete action. Putting your money where you mouth is: training hard, integrity, resolve, commitment, sacrifice, dedication, focus, earnestness, clarity, proof, results.

There's no room for talkers. You cannot defeat a punch with hot air...Talk truly is worthless.

What exactly did learning at school involve?

  1. Lessons in class/explanations
  2. Reading text books
  3. Practice in class
  4. Heavy repetition of basic elements e.g. times tables, alphabet, spelling tests
  5. Homework
  6. Revision
  7. Exams
  8. Levels of proficiency
  9. Regular feedback 

Somehow as adults we expect to pick things up easily and skilfully without undertaking the process of learning necessary as a child. Why is this?

Thursday

Many people are so uncomfortable in the absence of noise that they will leave the television on even when no one is watching.

 I have passed people on lonely mountain paths carrying radios that were blasting out rock music. They like the scenery but fear the silence.

 We are overwhelmed by noise pollution which keeps us from being able to relax and which wreaks havoc on our nervous system.

 
(John Lash)

Beyond the beginning

Many people join a tai chi school with lofty ambitions only to reach a rudimentary level of skill and simply remain there. 
Remaining a beginner forever is pointless. No matter how much you learn it is still at the first level of skill. Years of practice don't mean anything if you're still a beginnerThere's been no progress.
If you are sincere about trying to slow down the aging process, you're going to have to keep going. Don't stop at the beginning. Climb.

Tuesday

The root of ignorance itself is our mind’s habitual tendency to distraction.

(Sogyal Rinpoche)

Thursday

Switch off

Try switching the TV off.
Suddenly the day is yours to do with as you see fit.
Switch off the PC.
The phone.
Go around the house and unplug every electronic device you are not using.
Wow; no more background hum.
Your electric meter is no longer spinning fast.