Changes & Stability

Once again this year, my life is full of changes.  I have taken on a new advanced role within Michelin which I'm happy about but it does take a ton of time away from home.  You know you have been traveling a lot when you do actually wake up in your own bed but think your waking up in a hotel room.  I must tell you, I am really developing a dislike for hotels and airports. 

Anyway, other things are changing as well.  My son is graduating from high school in a couple of weeks and this is a big deal for me.  I am very proud with what he has done with his life and I am happy that he has some motivation to continue on with his education at NAIT in the fall.  As a parent, you always wish and hope for the best for your children and I am so happy that he has worked hard to get where he is right now.

I also recently bought a motorcycle!  Some of you may have seen it at the kwoon, and I am so happy.  It's been at least twenty years since I rode and at that time I was much younger and had a different "style" of riding then than now.  Riding a motorcycle may not seem like it has much to do with Kung Fu but I think there are some similiaties.  When I first started riding and training, I was very stiff and had a lot of tension in my body particulary in my shoulders.  I noticed that while riding with this tension, the ride was very harsh and I was fatigued from riding.  I started to realize that I needed to relax my shoulders, my grip, my legs and essentially employ the six harmonies to my riding.  Now my riding is much more enjoyable and relaxing.  When I hit bumps in the road my body absorbs the shock and no longer am I feeling it as much.  Just another realization of how Kung Fu is part of my everyday life, so cool!

An area of disappointment that I have recently struggled with is missing some IHC classes and the parade and demo.  To be straight up and honest with the team, I was exhausted and chose to rest with my family at home.  This has bothered me as of late as I have not missed these opportunities in the past but I just couldn't mentally get the energy to go.  A big part of this journey in my opinion is to be honest with ones self and with the team.  It's not the easiest thing to do but it's important.

I look forward to seeing everyone as much as I can and as work and life allows.  The blogs are great and it's amazing to see the level of engagement both physically as well as mentally and through blogging. 

Ian Repay
Student Of Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta