Arcane Performance - Blog

Arcane Performance

Transition

One of the biggest challenges I face as an instructor, is combating the same challenge that my students face themselves. The false dichotomy of Can/Can't. The illusion that there is a pass/fail on life. A (select only one choice) note to pervades our every task.
The most simple solution to this linguistic issues is adding the word, "yet" at the end. "A man can never step in the same river twice. For it is not the same river and he is not the same man." Everything is transient, in motion and adapting. Neurologically, your brain is continually forming new pathways and pruning pathways to do not serve. You body is adapting at a genetic level to the challenges that we as people most regularly face. This includes adapting to a sedentary lifestyle, and it takes time for the body to adapt to other styles of life.
In stead of shaking our fists at the sky, why not give your body and mind a better direction to adapt in?

Location, Location, Location
It's said that true warrior doesn't have a favorite location. The creation of a "good location" instantly creates it's opposite. What is wild, is the concept of the dojo, WuGuan in Chinese. Particularly in the west, this creates a mental trap. A barrier from getting all that the martial arts has to offer. For the creation of a single place of learning, instantly restricts the rest of the world to "other."
Students struggle to grow properly because there is a position lock on their willingness to practice what they are taught, or that they don't want to create a habit that the master can't fix. Yet the eyes of the master are heavy, and many things are embarrassing to practice in front of people and would feel more comfortable to practice at home. Thus, continues the cycle.
My brother and I used to do combat games in airports. I practiced my Tumbling Fist while waiting in the subway. A man once asked me if I was alright because I practiced Qigong in line at a bagel shop. If you can stand eyes on you as you grow, every instance of waiting can be an instance of growth for you. Yes, people will look, and judge, and grow none themselves as they sit idle.

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