Living in my Little Oasis

Heyo team, lots of reflection and looking back on the past that occurs in this post. 

I wrote a blog back in February last year titled “Little Oasis”. In the blog, I commented on how the reading week had given me several days to be at home and how I was able to attend nearly every single class in that week. I likened this experience to an oasis, as I only got to experience it few and far between. I also reflected on the importance of understanding that times change; I used to be on the mats several hours a week, and then I wasn’t. That is okay. 

Nearly a year later, I am back living full-time in my little oasis. With school being totally done, I have determined that I currently have only three priorities in my life (for better or for worse). One of these priorities is my Kung Fu. As I am sure everyone knows, I spend a lot of time on the mats throughout the week. I attend every class, and I even try to get on the mats outside of regular class times. I can make the excuse that I am accommodating for lost time, but in actuality I believe I have developed a dependency on the energy I get and the effort I exert from practicing Kung Fu within the Kwoon. 

There are countless reasons as to why being at the Kwoon is more preferable to remote training, that anyone who has spent some time away from the mats could attest to. All and all, it is simply so much better for my engagement and mental health. On the topic of engagement, something I had to be mindful of is that I did not lose my blogging habits as I regained the in-person connection of the Kwoon. I am proud to say that I am still doing okay on that front *insert thumbs up*. 

This is another reminder that times change. Now, I am afraid of the times in which I may be required to miss a night of in-person classes. I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to attend classes in person, but I do not know what five years from now has in store. I get jumpy thinking about it. Another example of the importance of living in the moment and the “where am I, what am I doing” mindset, I suppose. All things I am getting better at. 

Speaking of getting better at things, I am pleased with my progress. When the regular “how is everyone doing” question pops up at meetings, I tend not to answer. In previous years, I did not answer because I was ashamed of how poorly I was doing. Now, I do not answer because I believe I am doing well, and that there is very little I can talk about that I have not already covered in blogs. It feels redundant to say anything. I mean, including the issuing of the monthly mini challenges (which I have chosen to count as blog posts, given the context of the requirement), this post marks my 64th blog during the IHC year. And there was a period where I went nearly an entire month without a post. This is something that never would have happened in the past. 

While I know I cannot become solely dependent on my Little Oasis, I would be lying if I said that my growth did not improve exponentially while I was in it. I am a stubborn plant; I will continue to grow and thrive, no matter my environment. But when placed in one as nutritious and healthy as an oasis, I believe I can flourish with new potential. That is my aim; to continue growing in the moment and not become burdened with the heights I am trying to achieve, but to be content with the growth I gain day-by-day. 

• Push-ups: 840

• Sit-ups: 560

• AoK: 17

• Katana: 15

• Snake: 13

• Sparring: 18
  
• Distance (km): 17