“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” — Lucius Annaeus Seneca
School Holidays in Perth are over, so our kid’s classes are now back in full swing for Term 1. Each week we discuss a Black Belt Attitude topic with the kids in our Warrior Talk, as I indicated last week the 1st topic will be Facing our Fears.
Remember, you don’t need a black belt in martial arts to have a black belt attitude, we can all learn and apply a black belt way of thinking. It’s great to be reminded of these simple yet profound ways of relating, but don’t keep it to yourself! Pass it on, we see incredible changes in people who are touched by small acts of unconditional kindness and service.
FACING YOUR FEARS
The 1st Warrior Talk for the year will be on facing your fears and living your own truth. Knowing that you should be brave and face your fear is one thing, stepping up to the plate and doing it is another.
Don’t resist the moment or pretend the fear isn’t there. It’s important to acknowledge that the fear exists. Accept it, label it, name it out loud, but then shift your gaze and see it as an opportunity to move beyond the moment rather than something that stops you in your tracks.
DOJO ETIQUETTE
Just a quick reminder for everyone of a couple of important points on how to behave in the dojo.
The dojo is a place of learning, growth and self-understanding. It’s not just a hall, a room or a mat. As such, it’s important that we respect it from the moment we walk in, to the moment we leave. We do this by coming to attention and bowing, both on our way in and out. This is a great way to remind ourselves to be fully focused on all our thoughts, words and actions while inside the dojo.
Kids: while you’re inside the dojo, whether training or waiting for your class to start, or waiting for your siblings to finish their class, please don’t talk. It disrupts other classes going on. If you need to talk, please step outside the dojo if it is safe to do that, i.e. if your parents are there with you.
Parents: we would kindly ask, once you’ve dropped off your kids for their class to either wait outside the dojo, or even perhaps visit the nearby shops and cafes and return to pick your kids up at the end of their class. This will ensure that we uphold our duty of care for the kids and minimise disruptions to class.
Adults: training commences the moment you enter the dojo and finishes when you leave. The dojo is not a social club, so please keep talking to a minimum during class. In the dojo the noise and fuss of our everyday world is quiet and we can let go for a moment our worries, concerns and preoccupations. We can become present and still and be. Everything within the dojo is designed to keep you present. When you are present in the moment you are living now.
Have a great week, and see you in the dojo.
EVENTS
Don’t forget you can stay tuned in to all the latest dates and events at WestStar Martial Arts on the new Events section of our website. We’re constantly updating the events page with all the latest happenings and important dates.
The dates for our first Gradings of 2016 will be posted soon.
MONDAY MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE
Even the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference in someone else’s day. Smile at the next person you see, stop and allow someone to walk in front of you, let someone go ahead of you in the queue at the supermarket. Everyone has their own ‘stuff’ to deal with, so make a conscious effort to brighten someone’s day.