Lesson Learned

I feel that I have been extraordinarily fortunate thus far in life. I have the opportunity to learn from anyone I choose, to learn anything I choose. I have not been met by the barriers many so many others encounter in life. I have the opportunity to learn and whats more, the opportunity to teach what I have been taught by others, to help extend and advance the knowledge.

I have been studying and teaching for most of my life. Sadly, much of this time I feel has been wasted for I have not come close to meeting my potential. This time however has given me the opportunity to observe and think. I have learned from countless people, many who don't even realize that they have taught me. I remember classes in Onoway where the youngest student was three years old, and he taught me more about natural motion than any of my formal instructors. I remember learning Tai Chi from Sifu Brinker and realizing the potential of energy over strength, although I couldn't formalize it into words at the time. I remember people who would snub me as an instructor, who taught me the limits of a closed mind.

No two people think alike, no two people have the same experiences. This also means that every single person has something they can teach you. Do not limit your instructors, do not limit yourself. However when you compare yourself to the person next to you it is near impossible to keep egotistical or damaging emotions out of the equation. It is sometimes hard, emotions are a powerful influence and they can sneak into any situation. Don't get me wrong, emotions are important tools and absolutely necessary for any type of advancement. Emotions can be strong motivators, however they can be an equally strong inhibitors. You can learn from anyone- the instructor in front of you, the student in front of you, the student beside you, the instructor beside you. The man beside you in the grocery store, the woman across from you on the bus. Each with a different lesson.