Welcome back to Second Chance to Live. You are always welcome at my table. I have thinking about progress over the last several days. Reality has revealed that with out a seed nothing can grow. I can get excited when I plant a seed, because with time, attention and encouragement the seed will grow. Although I may get discouraged — at times — because the seed is not growing as fast as I would like, I can be satisfied.
In the process of training for my black belt in the mixed martial arts, I have to learn specific Kata’s or forms. Because of the damage to my right frontal lobe, I have difficulty learning sequences. Each Kata requires mastery of a series of specific moves, stances and combinations. Each Kata consists of between 24 to 56 moves, combinations with specific stances to be mastered. Because I have difficulty remembering sequences, mastering kata’s can be very daunting.
I have learned through my process that progress through repetition is the only way that I can hope to learn sequences. The longer the sequence, the longer it takes for me to learn. My commitment to learn the sequence (s) has to over ride my feeling overwhelmed. Determination in the face of not being able to remember the sequence –until I have done the kata a bazillion times – keeps me from giving up on the process and myself. Slowly, but surely I am remembering and executing the moves, blocks and stances.
I have been a brown belt for approximately 18 months. I believe my Sensei (instructor) is going have me enter the 8 month long preparation next March to test for my black belt in October 2008. You may have a specific goal that you are working towards my friend, however your disability or injury may slow your progress. My encouragement to you — as I need to encourage myself — stay in the process. Your process is specific to your journey, therefore resist comparing yourself to anyone. You are enough.
So if you are tempted to give up and throw in the towel, “Do even think about that alternative”. You were born for magnificence. More will be revealed so that you can live the life that you have imagined. Keep learning, growing and enjoy the process. The journey is more valuable than the destination. You will grow stronger and you will learn how to compensate for your disability. You will fulfill your dreams and your destiny will be made manifest because you decided to plant a seed.
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museditions says
Hello, Second. After your kind response and warm welcome to me in the forums (http://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic.php?id=13930&page&replies=18) I thought I’d take a look ’round your blog. I certainly appreciate the inspiration you have been and will be. Congrats on the martial arts training. It is wonderful for focus (one of my issues!) I think each of our seeds grows at a different rate. It’s not always easy to be patient with our process.