Time Ever Flowing

 The concept of time is one I have always been fascinated with and enjoyed thinking about. Even though some consider time a simple concept to attach to the fact that the world is constantly moving forwards, I like to think it is a broad and encompassing term with many layers. Today I want to talk about time in correlation to mastery and "readiness", and how that differs from person to person.

To start with, I believe no one person acknowledges the "flow" of time the same, akin to how everyone has a unique fingerprint. For example, an old classmate of mine, an individual whom I have known since the age of nine, got married late last summer and announced earlier this week that they are expecting their first child by December. To me, this seems hasty. And if it were me, it would be hasty. But that is only because it is me. While it may still be hasty for them, it may not be. It may be perfect timing. Only they know for sure, and I think there is some beauty in that as well. Not only does every individual interpret "being ready" for certain life events at different phases of their lives, there is never a guaranteed "right answer". Just another fancy way to interpret the whole "life is a box of chocolates" metaphor, I suppose.

So how does this relate to Kung Fu? For me, I think there are two major takeaways. The first is one I am sure we all have heard Sifu Brinker state in his own words countless times; while you cannot rush or slow time, you can always utilize it better. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. In exactly a year from today, we will each have experienced the exact same amount of seconds passed. It does not matter how you spend it, time will pass all the same. One aspect of my interpretation of mastery is about being conscious of this and utilizing your time as effectively as you can, as I believe this is one of the most decisive factors a person faces when conquering mediocrity. 

Another big thing for me is that, as I talked about above, while time flows the same for each of us, none of us acknowledge it the same. Do not compare your usage of time to that of the person next to you. Rather, compare it to the you of yesterday. As someone who struggles with ego, this is an important reminder for me to focus on myself and my own progress, not that of someone else. You may still improve chasing others, but bitter is the fruit grown in unhealthy soil. And I do not believe bitter fruit to be the product of mastery.