Sybir

Lessons learned...it's interesting to sit back and reflect, perhaps it is the time of year, when we are to be hibernating. Even though I'm focused on a particular story for Nano, and sooooooo close to being finished, you'd be amazed at how my lessons show up in my writing. Ok, so maybe not ;)

Today, I was asked during our annual Ladies High Tea (the women in my family go out for tea, just us a wonderful way to reconnect to the feminine in our family) if I enjoyed the sparring aspect of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) by my aunt, she'd asked because I was obviously tired having come directly from practice to our tea. She was also curious because both her boys went through TKD training to a certain level, but one seemed intimidated with the sparring aspect. I had to think...in college, I hated it. I avoided it. I felt unprepared and unable to do well. I didn't like getting hit. I didn't want to get hurt. I was a girl. I wasn't supposed to know how to take a hit. Getting hit meant somehow, I wasn't good enough to avoid the hit.

Now, my comment and outlook have changed. She asked what changed.

"They can't hurt me any worse than I can hurt myself."

My mother laughed. She understood. She always does.

Perspective. ..Getting hit in sparring doesn't/can't hurt me any worse than diving off a motorcycle and dealing with healing my shoulder. It is a matter of perspective. I learn each time I spar. I learn each time I teach another how to get a punch or a kick in on me. I've learned from my tournaments, which I'd never thought I'd participate in...who the hell wants to purposely test how well they can defend themselves? And voluntarily get punched/kicked????

Now, I'm a mother. I learn how to defend myself and the little one at my side. My prerogative. When we do self defense moves, I am constantly thinking how can I adapt this to defend two? As much as I would love for our society to be peaceful and loving and geared for the more holistic aspects of life, I am grounded in reality. The big bad wolves are out there...and I'll be damned if any get past my defenses ;) This is not pessimistic, I am anything but a pessimist (just ask ANYONE who knows me LOL). I am for being true to your self, being powerful in the body you were given and being knowledgeable in the mind.

And, I am thankful for those put here to guide and teach me. And, for those who question me. It's all a lesson.

I'd love to hear what lessons you've learned, recent or old...it's an unending process. :)

Namaste

Posted by Stacia on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at 9:47 PM | Permalink