The art of perception


Today I made a comment about feeling better about each day that I have been given. Being able to see the good in any situation is the ultimate form of kung fu. Through mastering this technique we are able to let the light within us shine affecting not only ourselves, but the attitudes of those we come across. The truth is that even the most powerful of arts can not be understood until we first go through painful training.

Those around me see me smiling and may believe that everything is going my way. The look on my face says content, success and excitement. I have been chasing dreams for as long as I can remember. I have learned to relish in the frustration of self development by using the discipline attained from my martial arts training. Yet even my training is not the way that I yet desire it to be. In my eyes I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of my objectives. I find myself receiving news that would be disappointments to many on the daily basis. Outside accidents, arguments and misunderstandings are unavoidable even to the highest level of kung fu masters. So what's with the goofy grin?

My reality is not something that I will ever be able to control. I am even less able to control the opinions of those around me. The strength of perception is not held in avoiding conflict, but facing it. Tomorrow it doesn't matter if it rains, snows or the sun doesn't come out, I will still train martial arts. The same can be said for what I decide to see in every given problem. If I lose my job, will relish in my extra time. If I wreck my car, I will relish in my appreciation of my other belongings. If my goals fail, I will relish in making new goals.

Relishing in good things is not enough to erase pain. You are a fool to think that there isn't a time to morn, cry or even be afraid. After that feeling has been given its proper attention, we must return to our training. It takes far more strength to be positive than negative. Those who do not follow their dreams will always think of themselves as cowards, making all other forms of success only surface level. You must remember no matter what happens that you will be joyful tomorrow. Your joy as your training should never be dependent on the weather. Face the storm with a fearless grin. Everyone deserves to be happy, but unfortunately not everyone is strong enough to own up to it.


Comments

DM21 said…
Man, your blog is inspirational. I've been following you for a bit, but never left a comment. Keep it up, I enjoy reading your inspiring words.
October 28, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding my Qi: The Story of Robert Jay Arnold

Image
(Note: It's been about ten years since my last serious blog entry so this is a bit lengthy. Get a soda, some chips or coffee and enjoy the trip. Thanks) To Qi or not to Qi, that is the question. Myself I have never been a skeptic, but always a realist. Whatever works in terms of self-defense, was adopted into the arsenal. But effectiveness has always gone hand in hand with truth. Is Qi something real? Or just an ancient Chinese parlor trick used to bring in more students. This is my journey, my search and discovery. A highlight from 4 years old to 40; my evolution in the martial arts. I began my training at the age of four, under my militant-ass father, strictly for reasons of not getting "dusted" by the other boys on the playground. My brothers and I started with Taekwondo and boxing, but my father and old school Korean instructor weren't as concerned with the art in terms of how it looked, as they were with self-preservation. "How can you k...
Read more

The Image Nation

Image
As children we are taught the importance of imagination for the purpose of keeping busy, being creative or just having fun with friends. More than likely because it is introduced to us at such an early age, it’s generally depicted as childish or even worse…a form of fantasy. We often forget that our bodies in many ways are like a universe, made of 30 trillion cells with different functions, most of which are automated, keeping us alive without us needing to understand the extent of their purpose. However, every so often a thought about what we are made of can help us understand a hint of our value, direction and most importantly, perception. What does it mean to perceive something? How is it different from seeing, viewing or witnessing an event? The word “per” as one definition states is containing the largest possible portion of an element. This means as a “per son” you contain the most of who you are. The word “ceive” means to obtain or to get something. In short, we coul...
Read more

Part 1: The White Jade Tiger 白玉老虎 （英文板）

Image
 In my free time I enjoy reading and translating Chinese classical novels. Here's the first scene from one of them. If you are interested in something like this, please leave a message. Thanks and God bless.  This story is called The White Jade Tiger, written by Gu long. Published in 1976 Chapter One It's an enchanting spring day, an exceptionally important day for someone in particular. Willy Zhao, lays on the warm bed attempting to regain strength after the long ride. His steed, powerful and quick, had taken him over 200 miles in a relatively short time. Still, afterwards he found the need to rest his head on the soft and fragrant sheets. The bed belonged to a woman, Shanna, who is even softer and more fragrant than the luxurious mattress. Every time she knew she would meet with Willy, she attempted to make herself even more desirable. The rays of the sun shine through the window,  the breeze carries in the aroma of the abundant flowers surrounding the house. As Willy l...
Read more