Roots

So in my recent purging efforts I came across and old gem, a video of a lion dance and demo and the practices leading up to them from 2009. It featured a couple of long haired future Sifu's and past students from Onoway. I was laughing and smiling as I watched it. The amount of long flowing hair in that demo was radical.

A few notable observations- I understand why Sifu Brinker kept telling me I was overly vigorous with my drumming. I feel bad now watching those guys trying to unicorn step to the pace I was setting. Our dance moves were epic- everything from itchy ears to beboppin tails. The commentary coming from the videographer was entertaining to say the least, "this is happening live folks", "Sifu, you're in the way! She's always in the way!", "that guy has some mad skills!". The fight choreography from a couple young girls and the aforementioned future Sifu's was fun to watch.

Watching this video, I was reminded of where we all came from. This here was evidence of my roots. It grounded me, showing me how far we have all come in the past years and I find it cool to see how it led us to where we are now. With my lion dance debut coming up, I don't think this could have come at a better time. One of those guys would go on to become the head instructor of the school. One would become a top lion dancer. One was me.

Even though I am currently engrained in the Stony Plain school, I remember that I came from Onoway. I began in that school gym, was promoted to black in that gym and set a foundation for who and what I am now in that gym.

Kids, Cats & Coattails

So once again, I've been thinking about what this past year has held for me. Although many of my goals were not met I feel that there are areas that I have grown, outside the I Ho Chuan but not necessarily separate from it. I have been focused on becoming a better instructor, especially since I became responsible for the kids. Teaching kids and teaching adults are so not the same thing. Adults you can set a task to and know they will work it out for themselves. Kids need so much more guidance, attention and inspiration. However, they seem to soak in every word when you do have their attention and focus.

I've always loved to read, but I've always been partial to reading material that wasn't necessarily beneficial in any way. Entertainment value, perhaps a life lesson thrown in in the end. Fiction. Recently I decided to make better use of the time I spend with my nose in a book and read something of significance. Something that will help me with my teaching and my understanding of the curriculum values. And so, I've been reading a book about bullying. Surprisingly, I'm more enthralled by it than the novel I was previously reading. It seems to be one of those topics that you think you understand but when the obvious is spelt out for you it gains a life of its own. I've always wanted reach the kids I teach in a meaningful way but didn't realize that I severely lacked the many of the tools.

Next up is a book on diabetes. And although it seems to promise to be less gripping, I don't doubt that it will be a beneficial read.

On a different note, I've been watching the lion dance videos Mr. Helm posted (thanks!) and I can sure tell who is the new kid out there (me). I need to remember the pointers Sifu Lindstrom has given me while at the same time remember where I'm supposed to be, where I'm not supposed to be and what I'm supposed to be doing. The more familiar I get with the dance the more comfortable I'm getting which will allow me to focus on the details. At least I now know you can't see my moments of panic an confusion as badly as I thought. Oh they're there, but not quite as blatant as I feared. One small victory?

I'm happy to be sharing this road with all of you. It doesn't feel like the year should be over yet, I'm just getting my feet back under me. I know I've ridden the coattails of many of you this year and I thank you for dragging me along until I finally rolled off and started walking on my own again.

Problems with Conformity, Problems with Incongruity

This past year I have tried to implement several lifestyle changes, some more successfully than others. Throughout the years I have made changes that many people saw as either selfish or foolish. My motivations have always been the same, and I promise you they are not selfish. Foolish? Perhaps.

It is not easy. Trying to do what you believe to be right. Trying to lead by example. Problem is, when you lead by example that usually implies there are few others that are the example you are looking to be. Which means that most (not all) of the people surrounding me are very different from myself, with different beliefs and different opinions. Straying from the norm leaves you vulnerable, and I have come across my share of ridicule and judgement. Those who do not understand or who live with blinders, they are the ones I try to be an example for and they are the ones least likely to accept me. I feel alienated.

People want conformity. Change is unsteady and requires effort with no guarantee of success. When you do not conform to today's expectations and standards then you risk disrupting the norm, and in the norm people feel safe. Problem is, today's norm is not sustainable, is not ethical and is not survivable.

I choose health over wealth. I have more than I need anyways. I choose ethically instead of conveniently. Food has never tasted better. I choose educating over personal legacy. The next generation can do more for this world than I ever could alone. I choose environment over economy. Without the environment there is no economy, there is no us.