This fall my family has been blessed with a litter of border collie puppies. In fact this is the very first set of puppies the lord has blessed our family with. I remember the day they were born like it was yesterday. That day my wife was working evenings and our female dog was busy trying to find a place to "nest". We finally realized what was happening and made her as comfortable as possible in our horse trailer. Later that evening (I think about 1:00 am the next morning actually) my wife came home and woke me up with "Mia is having her puppies!!!". Naturally I jumped out of bed and went outside to witness the birth of seven beautiful little puppies. It was amazing to see them grow from what my wife like to call "little sausages" to these magnificent 12 week old puppies! It was just amazing to watch these puppies grow and it reminded me of watching my children grow.
Well today my wife and I drove to Red Deer to meet with one of the last puppies owners. It was a sad time for us but as soon as you saw the faces of the new owners you couldn't help but feel happy as you just knew some ones day was just a little bit brighter.
When I look at my training in Kung Fu it reminds me of the the experiences above. We all start out as white belts (new born puppies) and then step by step, moment by moment we grow in our Kung Fu just like these puppies have grown in life. I look at my Kung Fu differently now than when I started. I look at my training as a process. One step at a time just like these puppies taking their first step on the path of their life.
Ian Repay
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Adaptability....Real life Kung Fu
This week at the 9 am class, Sifu Brinker talked about adaptability and style Vs function. What never ceases to amaze me is what we learn in the Kwoon is so useful in real life. I think so many people look at martial arts as either just self defence training, kicks or punches. I also think for some people that is just fine if that's what they want to get out of their training. However if you really embrace Kung Fu and what our school really teaches then you are going to not only improve your kicks and punches but you are going to improve your life skills as well. What I love the most about our school is this aspect of training. The aspect of taking what we learn out of the kwoon and into the world. However this is not for everyone and I have spoken with people that don't like to have to do this and only want to come for the work out. I guess that is fine but you are not really going to get the most out of your training in my opinion.
I rambled on a bit there and never really talked about what motivated me to write this blog.
In my work life, I am the regional sales manager for most of western Canada. We have a major distribution center that we just built in Calgary and I have a small sales office in Edmonton. Here is where the adaptability comes in. The GM in Calgary has instructed me to shut the sales office and move to work out of our house. I have two reps including my self that share the office in Edmonton. I find that by having a common space it allows us time to meet as a group in a private and comfortable setting. This allows us to share experiences and ideas and grow as a team. With the shut down of the office I am fearing that we are going to lose that connection.
I have just realized that my fears could be justified if I don't adapt. I could work from my home and become bitter and disconnected from my team in Edmonton or I could embrace this change and adapt. Before Kung Fu I am pretty sure that I would have gotten bitter with my company and resisted the change. Now I see things more clearly. Why put so much negative energy into something I can't change? Why not take the negative energy and circle it around (Kung Fu again) and put a positive spin on it by adapting and embracing this change? That is what I am going to do. I am going to find creative ways to connect with my team such as weekly breakfast meetings, perhaps do some hands on baking training with a customer with my team present which is a win win for the customer and my team.
There are so many ways to adapt to this change and this can only happen if we are in the right state of mind.
Thank you Sifu for continually training our minds and showing us how to take our skills "out of the Kwoon and into the world".
Ian Repay
I rambled on a bit there and never really talked about what motivated me to write this blog.
In my work life, I am the regional sales manager for most of western Canada. We have a major distribution center that we just built in Calgary and I have a small sales office in Edmonton. Here is where the adaptability comes in. The GM in Calgary has instructed me to shut the sales office and move to work out of our house. I have two reps including my self that share the office in Edmonton. I find that by having a common space it allows us time to meet as a group in a private and comfortable setting. This allows us to share experiences and ideas and grow as a team. With the shut down of the office I am fearing that we are going to lose that connection.
I have just realized that my fears could be justified if I don't adapt. I could work from my home and become bitter and disconnected from my team in Edmonton or I could embrace this change and adapt. Before Kung Fu I am pretty sure that I would have gotten bitter with my company and resisted the change. Now I see things more clearly. Why put so much negative energy into something I can't change? Why not take the negative energy and circle it around (Kung Fu again) and put a positive spin on it by adapting and embracing this change? That is what I am going to do. I am going to find creative ways to connect with my team such as weekly breakfast meetings, perhaps do some hands on baking training with a customer with my team present which is a win win for the customer and my team.
There are so many ways to adapt to this change and this can only happen if we are in the right state of mind.
Thank you Sifu for continually training our minds and showing us how to take our skills "out of the Kwoon and into the world".
Ian Repay
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Attitude
I would like to share with you a bit about attitude. My 90 year old grandmother fell and broke her hip about two months ago. This is pretty tough on anybody and at that age most people could throw in the towel and say why bother any more. However, my grandmother has about the most positive attitude that I have ever seen. Not only did she not give in she stayed positive and kept smiling. She is now up and walking and pretty much looking after her self just two months after a complete hip replacement! Come to think of it I have never seen her angry anyone (other than my grandpa)! She is always smiling, helping her neighbours and and her family. It is amazing to see and she sets a great example for people with out even trying!
I believe that she is the way she is because she is so positive. She has and continues to live her life the way she wants to and does it all while smiling. I think we all need to do our best to look at life with a positive outlook and stop getting down on ourselves. I know that I tend to "sweat the little things" a bit to much.
Now when we look at our lives and think we have it hard and life looks so daunting, keep in mind the following thing about my grandmother that I haven't told you yet.
She has lived all 90 years of her life with out the ability to hear, she is deaf. What an amazing mother and grandmother and I am so thankful to the Lord above to have her in my life.
Ian Repay
I believe that she is the way she is because she is so positive. She has and continues to live her life the way she wants to and does it all while smiling. I think we all need to do our best to look at life with a positive outlook and stop getting down on ourselves. I know that I tend to "sweat the little things" a bit to much.
Now when we look at our lives and think we have it hard and life looks so daunting, keep in mind the following thing about my grandmother that I haven't told you yet.
She has lived all 90 years of her life with out the ability to hear, she is deaf. What an amazing mother and grandmother and I am so thankful to the Lord above to have her in my life.
Ian Repay
Monday, October 4, 2010
I HATE MONDAYS!!!
What a day this Monday was!!! When people say "I HATE MONDAYS" I can relate!!! From the time I left the house for an early meeting with a customer, I realized that I had my keys and my wife's keys in my car. I had to turn around go back home and then rush back to the city for my meeting. Not a great way to start the week.
The meeting did not go well. The relationship I thought I had (both personal & business) was not as solid and meaningful as I once thought it was. Because of what happened it will never be the same.....which had first upset me and now saddens me...... The rest of the day spiraled down from there. It seemed that I could not get my feet underneath me at all today. A lot of reps needed my time across the region, insane amount of email and just a huge demand for my time. I really think I got a glimpse of what Sifu Brinker must feel like at the Kwoon.
I did take the time to check Kwoon talk (where did that time come from???) and saw the post by Sifu Brinker on "Effortless Effort". That five minute clip was great and it seemed like he posted that just for me and was talking just to me even though I know that it was meant for all of us. Sifu is exactly right in the fact that we need to take the time to train (even a little everyday) and apply our Kung Fu in all aspects of our life.
How could I have used my Kung Fu today other than put my customer in an ARM BAR???? The meditation and breathing would have helped me catch my breath and regain my composure. The breathing techniques we learn in class can be used in real life situations to help control anxiety and help calm our selves so that we don't let emotions dictate our responses.At the end of the day we need to keep our wits about ouselves when other are losing theirs......this is where my Kung Fu and my training steps in.
Ian
The meeting did not go well. The relationship I thought I had (both personal & business) was not as solid and meaningful as I once thought it was. Because of what happened it will never be the same.....which had first upset me and now saddens me...... The rest of the day spiraled down from there. It seemed that I could not get my feet underneath me at all today. A lot of reps needed my time across the region, insane amount of email and just a huge demand for my time. I really think I got a glimpse of what Sifu Brinker must feel like at the Kwoon.
I did take the time to check Kwoon talk (where did that time come from???) and saw the post by Sifu Brinker on "Effortless Effort". That five minute clip was great and it seemed like he posted that just for me and was talking just to me even though I know that it was meant for all of us. Sifu is exactly right in the fact that we need to take the time to train (even a little everyday) and apply our Kung Fu in all aspects of our life.
How could I have used my Kung Fu today other than put my customer in an ARM BAR???? The meditation and breathing would have helped me catch my breath and regain my composure. The breathing techniques we learn in class can be used in real life situations to help control anxiety and help calm our selves so that we don't let emotions dictate our responses.At the end of the day we need to keep our wits about ouselves when other are losing theirs......this is where my Kung Fu and my training steps in.
Ian
Monday, September 20, 2010
Family
I am sitting here in front of my laptop reflecting on something as simple and sometimes as complicated as family. We all have families and they all come in different shapes and sizes. Some like my wife's are HUGE and some like mine are small. There is something to be said about a close loving family that I hope we all have the opportunity to feel part off. What I l like most about families is that you can just be you, no pretending, hopefully no show boating and especially no COMPETING with each other! Just you and your family.
I have over the past four to five months become part of another family, my new Kung Fu family. When I joined Kung Fu I didn't join it hopes of becoming part of a new family but it just kind of happened. I don't really know how to explain it. I have read many blogs from various Sifu's, Sihings and students and they all talk about this thing called their "Kung Fu Family". Until recently, I couldn't relate........
However there is such a positive energy with in the Kwoon that it is hard not to become enveloped in it. This positive energy is a large part because of this family. Families look out for one another, help each other in times of need, laugh, cry and are there for each other. I recently took part with the Kwoon renovations. I helped paint the ceiling and I can tell you (and my wife) that there was more paint on me that on the ceiling. Sifu Brinker was right about the fact that by helping, you would feel like the Kwoon was now a part of you. I feel that way every time that I walk in now and glance at the ceiling!!
I feel extremely happy that I now have a new family, my Kung Fu family.
Ian
I have over the past four to five months become part of another family, my new Kung Fu family. When I joined Kung Fu I didn't join it hopes of becoming part of a new family but it just kind of happened. I don't really know how to explain it. I have read many blogs from various Sifu's, Sihings and students and they all talk about this thing called their "Kung Fu Family". Until recently, I couldn't relate........
However there is such a positive energy with in the Kwoon that it is hard not to become enveloped in it. This positive energy is a large part because of this family. Families look out for one another, help each other in times of need, laugh, cry and are there for each other. I recently took part with the Kwoon renovations. I helped paint the ceiling and I can tell you (and my wife) that there was more paint on me that on the ceiling. Sifu Brinker was right about the fact that by helping, you would feel like the Kwoon was now a part of you. I feel that way every time that I walk in now and glance at the ceiling!!
I feel extremely happy that I now have a new family, my Kung Fu family.
Ian
Monday, September 13, 2010
Eating right
When I was a bit younger, I could eat anything I wanted and I seemed to LOSE weight and had energy to burn. Now let's get one thing straight right off the bat, I don't think I am fat nor do I think I have a weight problem. I do think eating right is so much more important that losing weight. There is a common saying that goes like this "garbage in, garbage out". It is so true when you think about what you are putting in your body. If you eat a bunch of junk food you are going to feel very sluggish and your body won't perform that way it should.
Now consider a formula one race car. Do you think it would perform at it's peak with regular 89 octane fuel from any corner gas station? I don't think so. These cars are highly tuned machines much like our body. They require premium gas to perform at their optimum peak efficiency. So do we need quality fuels like fresh veggies and fruit, whole grains and complete proteins.
It is not easy eating the right foods as we are all so busy with our lives. It requires care full planning to insure that we eat the right food but also to eat them at the right times of the day and in the right amounts. It makes no sense to skip breakfast and lunch only to eat a huge meal at supper. I believe our bodies are meant to eat a bunch of smaller meals all the time. This will help keep the blood sugar levels in your body at even levels with out that horrible spiking.
Ian
Student of Kung Fu @ Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta
Now consider a formula one race car. Do you think it would perform at it's peak with regular 89 octane fuel from any corner gas station? I don't think so. These cars are highly tuned machines much like our body. They require premium gas to perform at their optimum peak efficiency. So do we need quality fuels like fresh veggies and fruit, whole grains and complete proteins.
It is not easy eating the right foods as we are all so busy with our lives. It requires care full planning to insure that we eat the right food but also to eat them at the right times of the day and in the right amounts. It makes no sense to skip breakfast and lunch only to eat a huge meal at supper. I believe our bodies are meant to eat a bunch of smaller meals all the time. This will help keep the blood sugar levels in your body at even levels with out that horrible spiking.
Ian
Student of Kung Fu @ Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta
Monday, August 30, 2010
Letting go.....humility and starting over.
Throughout my life I have been faced with many people saying "your to small", "your not smart enough" etc. You try and block these things from your mind and tell yourself "I don't believe them". However these things tend to stick and especially if you been told this when you are growing up as a child. Life can be cruel and people crueler. For most all of my adult life I have set about proving people wrong and self justifying that I have succeeded and these people where wrong. But really what is success? Is that fancy car that you bought that shows people "Hey I am a success!!" or is that title in your work that has "Director or VP"? I think too often we measure success by what the material things we have acquired and what titles we have achieved. But is that really success?? I used to think exactly that. I used to measure my success around material things and titles. To me it was a very easy way to prove to myself that I had made it and show other people look at me!!
I no longer measure my self the same way. I have a sense of humility that I never had before. It takes work to change your thinking and it must be a continual every day thing. What I truly love about Kung Fu is the positive attitude that people have. The sense of humility that not only our Sifu's have but pretty much everyone at the Kwoon has. It's energy helps keep my ego in check and helps grow my humbleness that is so important in not only Kung Fu but life.
It was only five years ago that my personal life came crashing down. I realized that I was very very selfish and had a huge ego. I had to hit rock bottom to truly realized what I was and what I had become. My wife is an absolute angel!! With out her I would not be here today and I fear that I would have stayed on that destructive path that I was on. She along with my children are the most important things in my life I know I don't tell them that enough, but I am working on that!!
When I started the new chapter of life five years ago a dear friend and colleague shared with me the 10 commandments of human relations that I would like to share with you.
1. Speak to people - there is nothing as nice as a cheerful greeting
2. Call people by name - the sweetest music to hear is one's name called
3. Have HUMILITY - There is something to be learned from every living thing
4. Be friendly - if you want to have a friend, be one
5. Be cordial - speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure
6. Be interested in others - you can like almost everyone if you try
7. Be generous with praise - cautious with criticism
8. Give your word - then keep it
9. Be considerate - of the feelings of others
10. Be alert to give service -what counts most in life is what we do for others
Ian
I no longer measure my self the same way. I have a sense of humility that I never had before. It takes work to change your thinking and it must be a continual every day thing. What I truly love about Kung Fu is the positive attitude that people have. The sense of humility that not only our Sifu's have but pretty much everyone at the Kwoon has. It's energy helps keep my ego in check and helps grow my humbleness that is so important in not only Kung Fu but life.
It was only five years ago that my personal life came crashing down. I realized that I was very very selfish and had a huge ego. I had to hit rock bottom to truly realized what I was and what I had become. My wife is an absolute angel!! With out her I would not be here today and I fear that I would have stayed on that destructive path that I was on. She along with my children are the most important things in my life I know I don't tell them that enough, but I am working on that!!
When I started the new chapter of life five years ago a dear friend and colleague shared with me the 10 commandments of human relations that I would like to share with you.
1. Speak to people - there is nothing as nice as a cheerful greeting
2. Call people by name - the sweetest music to hear is one's name called
3. Have HUMILITY - There is something to be learned from every living thing
4. Be friendly - if you want to have a friend, be one
5. Be cordial - speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure
6. Be interested in others - you can like almost everyone if you try
7. Be generous with praise - cautious with criticism
8. Give your word - then keep it
9. Be considerate - of the feelings of others
10. Be alert to give service -what counts most in life is what we do for others
Ian
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Back at it
Last night I attended class and it was GREAT!! It was so nice to walk into the kwoon and see all the people that I haven't seen for the past three weeks. The feeling I got was that I was truly missed by some people and that is an amazing feeling. I got a chance to speak with Sifu Shipalesky before class and we both shared how difficult it is to keep everything in balance. Everyone has their challenges keeping their lives in balance and from time to time they get do get unbalanced.
I have a business mentor that keeps reminding me of the following and I think it is so true. He says the following, "If you don't balance your own life, life will balance things up for you and you probably won't like the results". To me this rings so true that we have a responsibly to do our best to keep things balanced.
Yesterday was a big step forward in regaining the balance in my life as Kung Fu has become a big part of the equation. I also must say that my loving wife and children play a huge role in my life. They keep me grounded and focused on what is most important in my life and that is my family.
I have a business mentor that keeps reminding me of the following and I think it is so true. He says the following, "If you don't balance your own life, life will balance things up for you and you probably won't like the results". To me this rings so true that we have a responsibly to do our best to keep things balanced.
Yesterday was a big step forward in regaining the balance in my life as Kung Fu has become a big part of the equation. I also must say that my loving wife and children play a huge role in my life. They keep me grounded and focused on what is most important in my life and that is my family.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Lost......balance.....
Hello Everyone,
Here I am sitting in my hotel room in Calgary at 12:45 am and I am reflecting on how I have lost my way in Kung Fu. I have not been able to attend many classes lately as I have been called away on business for most of August. This has been an important time for me in my work life but my personal life and my kung fu life has suffered. There is an empty spot in my life right now and it is a result of my not being able to attend my classes. Kung Fu has become a really big parft of my life and it is hard to explain to anyone that is not involved in martial arts........ I really don't know how to expalin it other that it gives me balance in a very hectic world. I am very busy trying to balance my work life with my personal life and my kung fu life and it is not easy at all. For the past three months I have fully dedicated myself to kung fu and managed to balance my life. Recently my work has taken over my life and everything is out of balance.
I need to get it back into balance and Sifu Brinker and all the other Sifu's have helped keep the balance in the past. Sifu Brinker has said balance is sooooo important in life but it is so hard to achieve and I am really struggling to keep it all in check.......
I am spending the next three days in Calgary but I hope to get back to classes this week and get thinks back into balance and get my training started again......
Ian
Student of Kung Fu
Silent River Kung Fu
Here I am sitting in my hotel room in Calgary at 12:45 am and I am reflecting on how I have lost my way in Kung Fu. I have not been able to attend many classes lately as I have been called away on business for most of August. This has been an important time for me in my work life but my personal life and my kung fu life has suffered. There is an empty spot in my life right now and it is a result of my not being able to attend my classes. Kung Fu has become a really big parft of my life and it is hard to explain to anyone that is not involved in martial arts........ I really don't know how to expalin it other that it gives me balance in a very hectic world. I am very busy trying to balance my work life with my personal life and my kung fu life and it is not easy at all. For the past three months I have fully dedicated myself to kung fu and managed to balance my life. Recently my work has taken over my life and everything is out of balance.
I need to get it back into balance and Sifu Brinker and all the other Sifu's have helped keep the balance in the past. Sifu Brinker has said balance is sooooo important in life but it is so hard to achieve and I am really struggling to keep it all in check.......
I am spending the next three days in Calgary but I hope to get back to classes this week and get thinks back into balance and get my training started again......
Ian
Student of Kung Fu
Silent River Kung Fu
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