The power of routine and Week 4 numbers.

We all have crazy days, crazy weeks, crazy months, heck where did 2021 go?  The one thing that can bring normalcy and structure to those crazy moments is routine.  Even if it is only a few minutes here and there.  

This last week started my pre-appointments before my bone marrow transplant.  Even though there was nothing invasive they were tiring and I ended up having naps when I came home.  One of the routines I could keep up during those days were my Acts of Kindness.  Being mindful of the people I was interacting with, trying to be extra kind to them, look them in the eye.  This allowed me to meet "Sue" who is also going for a bone marrow transplant and hers starts exactly one week before mine (different reason but still same process).  We exchanged numbers and just chatted about what we are going through.

Another routine that I utilized was Qi Gong training that Sifu Beckett has been helping me with.  So I was no longer laying and getting a scan, I was focusing on "trying" to feel energy flow.  I say trying because most times its just out of reach but its coming more and more as I train.  This training has also improved my sleeping immensely as I also have been practicing it before bed.  It is a sleep Qi Gong so it shouldn't be surprising that it is working but it still amazes me. 

I've been also been focusing on being mindful of my small routines that I use to rush through.  Things like my nightly routine of oral hygiene,  cleaning the kitchen, and doing my PU/SUs.  It is easy to let your mind wander in those moments and just do the task.  By being in the moment, it allows for these minutes to stick, they do not slip away.  

But the most powerful routine was being able to get in physical training yesterday.  It was mainly my sit ups and push ups and at the time it just felt nice to be doing them but today I felt energized.  Ready to do more. 

We all have routines and being mindful of them, even the most mundane actions, will keep you in the moment and ground you.  That itself reduces the crazy around you.   

Week 4 Numbers

SU/PU - 2,350 /50,000
18Temple - 15/1000
Cane - 46/1000
Sparring 32/1000
KM - 35/1609
AOK - 125/1000
Meditation - 4h 50 min/ 50 hours
Tai Chi - 3/50 hours
Learn a new language - Still haven't started 

There are areas that I need to pay more attention to but by publicly blogging my numbers it makes me constantly aware of my progress.  It's a very powerful tool.

Setbacks and moving forward!

Every two years I need to go for a scope.  This is needed to dilate a previous surgical site so it doesn't constrict and cause issues.  My next scope was due in November but as I should not be doing these types of procedures after my stem cell transplant, I was able to get it done last week.  I am trying to be proactive with all the items that I am able to.  I knew that all procedures come with risk but the benefits outweigh the risks.  I've been through this at least 10 times. Well, immediately after my scope there was a minor issue but this minor issue could have had huge impacts.  I started doubting if I should have been proactive, if I caused issues that would impact my transplant, was I causing a major setback.  I started doubting myself!  Luckily I had the support to help me reset and realize that this was only temporary. 

There are always times when you need to take risks, when the benefits outweigh those risks but there will be setbacks along the way.  Setbacks that will have you doubt yourself, setbacks make you wonder if you have made the right choices.  But without taking risks, you are not moving forward.  You cannot be proactive by just waiting around.  You need to take risks to move forward and be prepared for a setback here and there, otherwise it wouldn't be a risk.  Setbacks slow your progress but you are still moving forward as long as you don't give up.  So are they really setbacks if you continue to move forward?  

Numbers for the Week of Feb 13.  
Although my training will be different this year it will still be a progression forward although slower than before.  Already appointments and procedures are impacting some numbers but others are excelling. 

  

SU/PU - 2,000/50,000
18Temple - 12/1000
Cane - 26/1000
Sparring 22/1000
KM - 26/1609
AOK - 82/1000
Meditation - 3h 20 min/ 50 hours
Tai Chi - 3/50 hours
Learn a new language - Haven't started 

Controlling your stressors and Week 2 numbers!

Time continues to move and there is nothing that can be done to stop it.  But instead of watching time slip by you can take control of the time that you have.  That has been my focus this week.  I am trying to wrap up things at work, my appointments are starting to begin.  I am working on identifying stressors, then determining if there is something that can be done about it.  Putting my effort into controlling the things that I have the ability to control.  I don't know when this changed, I use to worry about so many things that I had no control over.  I find that I am in a quieter state of mind now that I let that go.  

This is the same approach with training, if something is stressing you find the root cause.  Then put actions in place to reduce that stress.  Take control of the things that you can control.  My numbers are stressing me a bit right now so I had to sit and think why.  There is a direct correlation to my sleep.  I am staying up too late and then I am tired in the morning so I'm not doing my morning workouts.  If I don't work out in the morning I feel like I am always behind on my numbers and that adds more stress.  These are the types of things I have control over so this is going to be a quick blog and I am heading to bed so I can do my morning workout.

SU/PU - 1,700/50,000

18 Temple Motions - 12/1000

Cane - 21/1000 

Sparring- 7/1000

KM - =19/1609

AOKs - 50/1000

Meditation - 1/50

Tai Chi/Yoga - 2/50

Black belt speech - Feb 5th Year of the Tiger

 What Kung Fu Has Done For Me!  

By Jackie Kohut

Many years ago, we were looking for something that would assist our children with self confidence and personal growth.  On a recommendation, we entered Silent River Kung Fu and immediately signed them up.  My husband and I sat on the sidelines for a few years before we decided that was enough.  Why not join our kids on the mats.   I was 43 years old and at that time it never crossed my mind that I would become a black belt, I was in it for exercise and stress relief.  Here is a blog that I wrote when I first joined.  It was May 2013.  

Well, completed the first step.  Signed up for Kung Fu classes.  What have I gotten myself into?   I am excited and scared at the same time.  I am sure everyone can understand the excited part, but why scared? … To simply state it:  Old and out of shape.  Starting something like this in my 40's is pretty crazy.  It was probably self preservation that I did not look at the curriculum before I paid for the first month.  The fitness stripe consists of sit-ups, push-ups, squat thrusts, and kicks.  WAIT ONE MINUTE!  I haven't done a squat thrust (otherwise known as burpees) in 30 years.  What have I gotten myself into?  I should get through the first class at least.  First class is in 5 days.  Should I start working out now just to get started?  Probably but likely won't happen.  Better wish me luck.

Now almost 9  years later, I have found something more than exercise or a stress reliever, I found something that changed my life. I have energy to do activities with my family that I would have missed out on.  From back country hiking, to downhill skiing, to sailing, to mud runs.  Family has always been important and with Kung Fu, we were able to grow stronger and closer both in the kwoon and out. We have trained together as a family as well as individually.  I’ve experienced many opportunities such as going to Alabama and joining in the build-vention, connecting in with other martial artists offering their time to help others.  All these things have helped me grow in ways that I never imagined.   Kung Fu is always challenging me to be a better person.  Reminding me that everyday I need to improve upon who I was yesterday.

I can honestly say that Kung Fu has likely saved my life.  I joined Kung Fu with existing chronic health conditions. Crohns, Thyroid cancer and a blood disease called Polycythemia Vera.  As a parent and as a mother, we tend to put others first and neglect our own health.   In 2016 I joined the I Ho Chuan team for the first time.  The I Ho Chuan Program expands our Kung Fu training and teaches us how to work towards mastery.  It teaches us that to help others, we must take care of ourselves and then we can be a better child, a better parent, a better spouse, and a better friend.  These last few years I made my health a priority. This started as trying to keep my blood work appointments, to mindful eating, meditation and Tai Chi.  This year I have also worked through chronic shoulder and knee injuries.  You might think these were a result of Kung Fu but you would be wrong.  These were a result of aging and being active.  Kung Fu gave me the tools to identify and deal with these injuries so they did not limit me. 

They did not stop me.  Kung Fu has taught me to push past my limits, to give a little bit more each time.

Kung Fu has given me many tools that I use in my daily life at home and at work. It has taught me that small consistent actions are what make progress, to be mindful, to never give up, to embrace each moment, and to take nothing for granted.  Many people have been waiting for the pandemic to end but by being mindful I have learnt to embrace each moment every day. I have not lost two years, but rather I have gained two years of growth, and this is a result of the adaptations that Silent River initiated. By learning to be patient and kind to myself, it removed the guilt that used to be the driver of my actions.  By working on mindfulness, I try to look at my actions to see what the true intent is.  Why am I doing something?  Is it for someone else or for me?  Am I truly present?  This has allowed me to be content even through these trying times.  

But how has Kung Fu saved my life? A couple months ago, I was diagnosed with skin cancer and during that treatment it revealed that my previous blood cancer had progressed and shortly after I was put on the bone marrow transplant list. Previously I would have ignored the little warning signs until it was too late, but by being aware and listening to my body, we were able to catch this early.  During my meeting with the transplant team, they emphasized how patients that are in good shape and who did Tai Chi or yoga have better recoveries. 

So not only has Kung Fu helped with diagnosis, it will be helping me with recovery as well.  Kung Fu has laid a foundation to help me through my transplant journey that will start in March.  It has given me physical and mental strength to carry on through good times and bad.

I hope through my journey others will realize that it is never too late to start getting in shape, it is never too late to start eating healthy and being mindful, it is never too late to join Kung Fu.  Age, injuries or health conditions will not stop you from obtaining a black belt, the only thing that stops you is giving up. 

 

I am so thankful for the series of events that have occured to allow me to be here today. Thank You Sifu Brinker!  You have created a school that holds true to traditional Kung Fu and an environment that has allowed me to thrive and grow. To Sifu Rybak who had to deal with me for the majority of my 1-1 meetings.  Sifu Lindstrom and Sifu Csillag who continued to push me past my comfort levels.  Sifu Denis and Sifu Vantuil who planted the seed of Tai Chi and helped to nourish it.  Sifu Hayes who keeps me grounded and striving for more.  To Sifu Sharida Csillag who joined and encouraged me through many of my personal goals over the years.  From 10K runs (yes, we did it more than once) in Vancouver to the 55K Skyline trail hike in Jasper.  To the Bjorquists who got up every Sunday to work on kicks and especially to Kody who I’ve had the pleasure to join on this journey.  To Ms Ward who partnered with me doing physio exercises throughout the year. To Ms Malinda Ferris, who agreed to be my partner even though she had no idea what she was getting into.  She challenged me, questioned me and let me toss her around over and over and over again.  And finally to my family, without their support I would not be here today.  To Simon and Nate who gave me feedback when I asked but let me find my own way.  To Katie who helped time and record my progress throughout the year (and proof read my speech). And mostly to my husband Mike, who has supported me and helped remove any barriers for my training, It is hard to acknowledge all the individuals who have influenced my journey as every interaction has made an impact so I thank each and every one of you.

Achieving a black belt is only the start of my Kung Fu journey.  Kung Fu is part of my life and I can’t wait to see how it will continue to grow this year, and for years to come. Thank you!

Year of the Tiger Celebration and Week 1 numbers

Sifu Brinker has said that obtaining your black belt is one of the most important days of your life.  Even as I approached the Chinese New Year celebration with excitement and nervousness, I did not fully comprehend this statement.  Today as it sinks in, I've been experiencing immense feelings of gratitude, excitement, appreciation, and accomplishment.  I really don't know where I would be without Kung Fu.  I cannot thank Sifu Brinker and the instructors enough for everything that they have done for me! Yesterday will be engrained in me forever!

It was another excellent virtual banquet.   Everyone looked amazing!  Great job Ox team! Congratulations to everyone who received awards, everyone who was promoted and Sihing Bjorkquist!  I found the promotion speeches very inspirational this year.  They gave a glimpse of the path that is ahead of me and that is driving the excitement today.  Silent River has many black belts that are examples of what type of black belt I want to be. There is so much work ahead of me but I am looking forward to the challenge. 

One of my personal requirements this year was to publicly blog my numbers.  I really enjoyed following the members last year that did this.  I had a slow start but looking forward to what next week brings.

SU/PU - 1,450/50,000

18 Temple Motions -2/1000

Cane - 1/1000 (slow start as I'm trying to figure out what form I will be doing so been doing research)

Sparring- 5/1000

KM - 7.5/1609

AOKs - 31/1000

Meditation - 0.5/50

Tai Chi/Yoga - 1/50