Darcy Regier

February 4th, 2012 - I Ho Chuan Meeting.

2012-02-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

This years I Ho Chuan group is such an invigorating bunch.
It is a bunch that I can’t help but want to be around. As we all spoke of our
journey for the first month, I heard more than just words; as I looked into the
eyes of the members as they spoke, I could see such desire, spirit and heart.
We are all entered into this challenge for our own personal reasons and from
the way I see everyone I feel that there is something that I can take home from
each and every one of my teammates! I
heard once, that you need to stick by people that you want to be like or by
someone that you have the potential to grow from. That in a nutshell is what I
wanted to say during the meeting.

As we are all aware this is a personal journey, within a
team setting! The team is there for support and for motivation and with the
team before me today, I see great things. The team is comprised of all sorts of
personalities, backgrounds, ages, strengths, weaknesses, leaders, followers,
listeners, talkers, talents....not to mention support! The great thing I see is
a bunch of hungry individuals, hungry for life and people who truly want to better
themselves. The spirit of this years team, hence the “year of the dragon”, is phenomenal.

I don’t want to turn this blog negative, but for comparison
purposes, when I walk the streets and do not see the same people as I do in the
kwoon, I see two different worlds...one I want to be in and one not so much.
The people who stick with SRKF are a part of what draws me back to the kwoon........thanks
team!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, I Ho Chuan, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Mixed Thoughts

2012-02-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

My thoughts this past week have been all over the map.
Traveling....through different parts of the world.
Thoughts of investment, the investment mistakes I’ve made
and investing to secure my families future.
Purchasing land for future investment....dreams
Mutual funds....the future they were supposed to bring and
what they actually brought.
Friends....communication...understanding
Family...communication...honesty...honor...responsibility...commitment....love
...time...priority...direction...help...listening...
Personal boundaries...confidence
Humility...empathy...
History...present... future...importance of!
Reading and importance of
Health....balance of many...consistency
Life...presence...purpose...short time...in the moment.
To me this means...maybe a bit of confusion, but also maybe
a list of challenges!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, I Ho Chuan, Stony Plain,
Alberta, Canada.

Grounding

2012-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

There is continual mention of troubled individuals taking their lives and mention of behavior from people that just isn’t right. It makes me think of myself and my younger years; the things that I did, the way I felt inside and the things that I thought about that nobody knows of. I think of the path that I could have taken in life. It’s scary knowing that the majority of the people that I walk past each and every day could be thinking or feeling the same way.

My feeling is that there are many lost people circulating this globe, without direction. There are many who alter their minds with drugs and alcohol, trying to escape. There are many that try to sooth their souls with other addictions. It is very difficult to be and exist in today’s world as we see it if you’re not in control of your mind. The problem with controlling your mind with drugs or alcohol is, it is temporary and there are always negative impacts.

From personal experience, my belief is that it starts with the parents and there interaction with their children. This may seem like a strong statement, again this is my personal feeling and seems so true from what I have personally experienced and since seen, as an observer of this world that surrounds me. Children tend to be like their parents, they tend to act like their parents and need to be taught by their parents. Building a foundation for a child is key in the development of a healthy mind. With a strong foundation, a person develops boundaries, a person develops confidence, a good self esteem, and awareness of what’s right and what’s wrong and gives them the crucial start to life.

Individuals who start off lost in this corrupt world without direction, have a very difficult time finding themselves and usually take the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance is typically the path that doesn’t require a lot of effort, it is the easy out path.

Individuals who start off strong, will want to continue to grow and better themselves and in turn want to better what is around them. With a strong mental being......ego issues, humility and empathy will become assets to your personality.

The road will not be straight and narrow, until a person finds out who they are and what is required to change to become confident and in control of who they are and their every action.

The short and skinny is that life’s journey, without a well grounded foundation, can take many undesirable paths and as time goes on the rehabilitation can be a lot like trying to teach an old dog new tricks...not impossible, but may not come very easy. If a young person is given the tools and shown the correct way, they are much more likely to continue on that path.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung fu, I Ho Chuan, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Hey Team!

2012-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

I just feel the need to write and get the year started. My wish is to make this a better year than the previous two. I hope to have more communication with my teammates and attend more monthly meetings.

Just want to wish you all the best this year. Stay in touch?

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, I Ho Chuan, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Day 365

2011-12-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to submit another blog entry before today, but time just flew by and here we are on the last day of the UBBT. That in itself is a reminder of the short time that we have to get to know ourselves.

This year was a good year for me, it seemed as though my main focus had been on mental training. I focused on maintaining a consistent conscious awareness of my emotions and mental being. With the mental training at the forefront, my hopes were that this sort of disposition would compliment and assist me with the personal goals I set out for myself this year.

I have felt a huge shift in my life...I don't believe its just because of the more positive outlook that I have on life in conjunction with what a lot might call the law of attraction, but what ever it is, it is working for me.

With the changes that I have made mentally in my life, I have noticed a shift in my kung fu...this to me is still two of the same, but because I have focused more on allowing kung fu to assist my old life, instead of trying to fit my life into kung fu - I have to word it as there being a shift in my kung fu. My next challenge will be to further myself, by incorporating my mental learning's into such things as sparring. An adjusted approach into my kung fu training should bring on a whole new realm of sight and possibilities.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

The Beginning of the End or is it the End of the Beginning?

2011-12-17T18:34:00.000-08:00

The year long UBBT is nearing the count down. We have two weeks to make this a finish to remember. Soon it will be time to reflect on where this challenge has brought us...was there growth, gain or achievement? Did the challenge go smoothly through the entire year...? Did you challenge yourself to build yourself or defeat yourself? There are so many questions to ask and so much to learn from this test.

The question that I had to ask myself at the end of my first year was, "is this the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? "Beginning of the end", meaning - the continuation of the first year and "end of the beginning", meaning - end of the what could have been a life long self learning tool.

I obviously chose the "beginning of the end" and will again next year.

Too many people choose to stop learning and stop challenging themselves. I see what that does and personally I think its best to keep your mind active, continue to learn (about yourself) and grow within.

All the best to my teammates, keep on learning!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Finding My Place in My Life

2011-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

First is a disclaimer that this blog is based on my personal opinion and experiences and is not intended to be used as a guide or scale for your life, but is just my food for your thought. LOL!

Most of my blogs link together one way or another, but anyway, I wrote awhile back on how I felt, that we could have control of our thoughts, if we so chose to.

Choosing to gain control of yourself is really self awareness and finding yourself; amongst living in the moment, living with intent and purpose. I have found that there are obviously things in my environment which have an impact on me, but it is how I choose to react which dictates the outcome.

This is not a written challenge, and maybe it should be, but I always want to become a better person, a better me. I feel that as I build in that direction, that most of everything else becomes easier. My stress level decreases and along with that is a multitude of goodness. The goodness typically just seems to linger, of course a good linger...like lint! I could use the word cling but I think linger best describes how It feels, it’s like an aura.

There are times when I lose my focus, and what happens....ya, stress builds, hopes, goals and dreams are lost in the back of my mind, even the smallest things that were easy to control become a challenge. At that point, I have found it very important for me to communicate. The people who communicate with are people who I trust, good listeners, also people who aren’t afraid to tell me the truth, whether it momentarily offends me or lifts me.

When I manage to stay on track, the feeling is overwhelming. When I say stay on track, for me that involves, how much and what I eat, my strong work ethic, communications with friends and family, exercise, maintaining goals, my kung fu training (physical), everything. Really if I look at this list, it is really, so much about mind control.

I know myself well enough, I say “well enough”, because I don’t feel that I know everything about myself and don’t know if I ever will. Wouldn’t that be cool to know everything that you were capable of? Off topic, but...I know myself well enough to know where my boundaries are, what impacts me in a good way and what impacts me in not such a good way. By staying within my boundaries and focusing on in a nut shell...who I want to be and what I want from my life, life becomes that much more pleasurable, it becomes easier, not a threat or challenge.

I can 100% fore sure say that one of the major influences to my personal betterment has been kung fu. Some might say.... How can kung fu do that much? There has to be something else to attribute your success or feelings to? Really the way I see it... life is a huge mind game! Once you are capable of controlling the main switch board, the smoother the operation of all the connected components.

Look at all the people affected by mental illness, this is not a game, but it is part of the realm of life; part of which we have the ability to alter. I feel that 80-90% of my kung fu training and benefit is mental. So, what I said earlier was essentially that my mental stability, self awareness and stress levels, are in a good place and is having a dramatic affect on who I am.

I still have lots to work towards and improve; goals to meet and challenges to face, but I like who I’m becoming.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

What kung fu has done (is doing) for me?

2011-11-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have thought about this question even more after accepting my black belt than I did during the preparation of that paper.

Oh man... wireless................I had what I thought was a good entry, and it just got wiped out, except for my first sentence.

The short and skinny of the long lost entry, is how I've come to realize how I see and feel kung fu serving me. I don't feel like the individual who started at Silent River with the low self esteem (which still stayed with me for about 4 years into my training). I see the change in how I'm being perceived....and I for the most part feel more confident and in control of my emotions. There are of course moments where the sun doesn't seem as bright, however overall I feel an inner peace, a calming, and I'm going to run with it.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

What to Say...?

2011-11-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

My new job has kicked off, which has pulled me further from home and for the most part, for longer durations, but it is the scheduled days off which I hope will make all the difference from my previous 20 years in the oilfield.

My personal challenge this year is to further my advancement in my kung fu, while being away from the facility for about 60% of the year. My attendance is going to be a wreck, but I will have to shine in other areas to prove my worthiness. Always a challenge to keep me at the forefront of who I am and even more so, who I want to be.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Law of attraction......desire.....persistence...

2011-11-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

This last couple weeks has been a God send.

Last week I received confirmation of employment with a different company. The major bonus which this job is a scheduled work rotation and hopefully consistency in our house. This is huge for me, because I have basically lived on-call for the last 19 years. Our family has followed through on a couple events which were planned, but for the most part we flew by the seat our pants, very seldom being able to commit 100% to anything. This long awaited and I feel deserved opportunity, is one that I have been working towards for a very long time.

So, this week I've been tieing up all the loose ends for my business month end, wrapping up all the outside stuff in preparation for winter, and just overall personal preparation for my new job. A lot has been accomplished in the past 7 days, along with becoming more attached to and committed to my personal needs. Kung fu and family have been a lot more in the forefront, which really has a calming affect on my mental being...such a great place to be!

Something that I have really identified this last while is how my stress has impacts not just on my wife but my oldest son. My son seems to mimic my feelings, which is terrible knowing that he is dealing with virtually the same things as my wife and I. With this major change in my career, I hope that it will be something which will be for the betterment of my entire family....I'm sure it will and in so many awesome ways. I'm so looking forward to the change that this could have on our home and the emotional state of my family.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu - UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Keep Going.........................

2011-10-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

I thought I better make a mark. Life throws us lots of curve balls, in the end they are good, depending on how they were handled (and your perspective!). My life has always been hectic, mostly self inflicted, so I'm starting to think that I strive on that sort of busyness. It's time for me to live up to this and take it for what it is. This is what keep me lean....not skinny..lean! I can't keep still and there has to be change. Don't get me wrong, I love stability, but I need change, I need to learn....i just need to move!

The thing is, if your like this its so very important to know when to say when and to know how to rest! That may sound goofy, but many who have the same personality will know what I'm talk'n about.

In the end, I think this is what is going to keep me alive until I'm into my three digits. You just can't stop. But............don't forget to enjoy the journey and rest. All the best!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Journaling - 10th month

2011-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

My personality dictates the topics I chose, which is indicative of why I write. Blogging to me are entries of sporadic thought, which is why I journal, because I feel that most of my entries are more personal.

Journaling is a mind release, it helps me keep more on top of my thoughts and issues; it gives me a second view, allows me to hit things from another angle and approach the issue without emotion, with hopes of relief, finding an answer or conclusion.

Today, I chose to write of something that in my eyes is straight forward, it has to do with structure and systematic layouts. To me the structure of kung fu is similar to that of the military, there is an implemented structure, which is intended to be followed by all; it incorporates rank, set guidelines, humility, empathy, respect, honor and trust (maybe not equally the same or in that order, but all equally important).

I feel this structure and what kung fu stands for, falls in well with what I believe and my personal morals. If I didn’t trust and believe in the system, it would be very difficult to honor and wouldn’t bother me to see rules not followed. The system and criteria, which aid in maintaining this order within the kwoon are etiquette, non-individualism (refrain from wearing personal affects while on the floor of the kwoon), no swearing, the consistency in appearance (black), respect and trust in one another, humbleness and egoless acts. For this to be implemented and for respect to be gained from this system, it must start with and be followed by the black belts; with a trickle down effect to the rest of the student body.

With varying personalities, reminders of these expectations do sometimes have to be mentioned to the lower ranks, however to higher ranking students the proper mannerisms should already be engrained and seen as learning tools by the new and younger members of the school.

I find myself set back when order is not followed and there is obvious disregard for kung fu, what it all represents, its instructors and the system.

In most work environments, there is equipment and people to operate this equipment, complications arise with both, the thing is, equipment can be fixed, people not so much, at least not by others (they can be directed, but the alteration is dependent on the individual). People need to be aware enough of themselves and how they are being perceived, to fix themselves. Humility and being empathic are personal traits that most of us must be conscious of. Personal ego’s can affect ability to be humble and impact your capacity to learn and be taught.

With the Pandemonium approaching quickly my thoughts and reasoning for journaling on this topic have become that much more clear. We are extreme promoters of empathy, which is essentially, “understanding and entering into another’s feelings”. Without humility and the personal ability to bring oneself to this place, there will be limited growth in this sector.

I wrote on this subject because of the negative impact egotistical acts has on my training and involvement. Journaling on this topic, I hope to bring this concern forward and for myself I hope gain knowledge and wisdom, which will enable me to constructively redirect individuals, so they can see themselves and the feeling of others more clearly.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta.

One of Life's True Wonders

2011-09-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

For those who have been around awhile, this entry may be more clear.

These past few weeks (actually, longer than that, its been years, but its starting to surface more than it ever has...), I have not played out my life in my personal favour. For me it starts with survival; making life happen financially, career, children.....top of the list stuff! After that me....the problem was, and is, more than was, is the available time for me. I burnt myself out and didn't realize how far gone I was until I came out of it. It took nearly a month before I had energy, before the care for myself returned, before clarity sank in.

During this time, my mind began to mislead me and take me in a direction which was truly not in my best interest. It was not until I met and spoke with a true friend. When I speak of true friend, I don't mean the one you've necessarily known all your live, or the one who has been your neighbour forever or the one that you hang out with day in and day out, to me a lot of those friends can still be acquaintances. The true friend that I'm talking about is the one that you can sit with and have a truly constructive relationship. The friend that can tell you the truth, the one who you trust, the one who will listen, the one who will always be there for you, the never ending caring and love.

The friend I refer to was there for me and has always been there for me, for as long as I have known this person. To me, finding this true friend, has been one of my lives true wonders.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Stability

2011-09-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

The word stability takes on many meanings, it's kind of like balance! In my life, stability is out the window without balance and if I tossed in contentment, then soon comes the realization that change is required.

We all have our own life story, challenges, priorities, schedules......, which can all be altered to a certain degree. For myself, the altering and prioritizing has not made a lot of difference. What it boils down to for me, is time, and even if there were 30 hours in a day, my next issue becomes rest.

The importance of rest for both the mind and body has become very apparent to me. Therefore, to reach contentment within my life, there has to be an alteration as to where I designate my time.

As I sat down for breakfast after running in the Rotary Run this morning, Mrs. Poultney began to speak about suicide and suicide prevention, and more particularly about her 17 year old son who committed suicide in 2004. She spoke of her passion to heal a hurting world and spoke of all who were listening, as survivors of "suicide". This statement really hit home with me because of its hidden truth, not because I'm at a mental state of self destruction....yet, but because of the stresses of this world, its fast pace, its instability and uncertainties. Mental illness impacts all of us and with stress being the number one killer of man kind, the correlation is obvious; I believe prevention is possible but requires awareness and action prior to the onset of some sort of irreversible state. I don't want to just be aware of the potential of being affected by severe mental illness, I want to do what my mind is telling me to do, right now.

Crap.....I just lost a huge portion of my write up! I guess I should have started in Word...

I wrote on how I recognized my limitations and life deficiencies, through challenges that I have put myself through. Challenges have a two fold benefit, first off, they allow you to push yourself beyond your limits and also allow you to recognize your limitations and of course open up windows on how to alter your process. Both are important, without my recognition and awareness of my limitations and life deficiencies, I wouldn't have become aware of the changes which I need to make.

Spreading myself too thin has been a mental struggle and has lead to interruptions in thought processing, focus and coherence, disrupted sleep patterns and unnecessary stress and aggravation. Seeing the onset of these self destructing signs has opened my eyes.

I can't seem to come up with a closing statement, other than it has been an awkward topic, knowing the changes that I'm going to make.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta.

From Tour of Duty to Mind Stablization

2011-09-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

The summer holidays are almost over for the kids and as a family we haven’t really had any sort of vacation. A few days ago, we finally managed to head out on a quadding/ camping trip. I’m writing this entry from our trailer; within my peripheral is a beautiful view of the mountains and soothing my soul is the sound of the trickling creek. This trip was a much needed get away.....with different reasons for each of us.

This year has been another of the same for me. Not until recently did I realize the stress being created from the inconsistency and uncertainty of the work provided from my career. Being aware of the subtle impact on my spiritual being is key, even more important, is knowing what it takes to relieve and stabilize my mental being. For certain reasons, a lot of the stress being brought on through my career is unavoidable.

There was a point in my life where a regular sleep pattern, didn’t seem necessary. As an individual, I have taken the responsibility for my being and the recognition of my deficiencies. I’ve become fully aware of the necessity of adequate R and R. A sufficient amount of daily sleep for my mind and body is about eight hours, however after working triple time for an extended duration makes it impossible to get the required rest to rejuvenate my depleting levels. I don’t believe there is a vitamin or supplement which can recapture this lost essential need.

Even after three days of being within the mountains, the fresh air, minimal responsibility, daily exercise, good regular eating and a healthy social environment, rejuvenation of my mind and body is still not evident.

Quadding within the mountains has always given me a major adrenaline rush along with a total mind release, and never after 15 years of quadding any sort of physical set backs. Coming into this vacation, I literally felt beat, my mind function was noticeably well below normal as well as my typical endurance level.

The first day we arrived at our vacation destination, we set up and got ready for quadding for the following day. The second day, we tore off and quadded for nine hours, it felt great.........at least until the next morning. My throttle hand, wrist and forearm took on a feeling that was totally foreign to my body, it is believed to be tendonitis. My arm only feels to be half functional, the simplest tasks, like blowing my nose have become a challenge.

I’m quite sure that the onset of tendonitis in my forearm is due to the extreme depletion of my immune system, it was brought to a point of zero healing ability.

I have always worked myself to a point of physical depletion and personally still do not think that is at all a bad thing. But what I need to focus on is sufficient mind and body healing, starting with adequate rest! I personally think that lots of people underplay the importance of natural rest, and resort to vitamins, supplements and energy enhancing drinks and foods to replace the natural building and healing that only a well rested mind and body can achieve.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Being Real...!

2011-08-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a true believer in the fact that each and every moment is individual and will only come once, however can and will come back to bite you in the butt!

In my school years I had a teacher, who was also our neighbor on the farm, who after a visit would quite often say "its been real". I always saw him as the cool adult, so I just pegged that saying as being his and part of "his" usual vocabulary, however as I think back, I wonder if he was onto something.

When I read other journal entries written by fellow students, I see the mental struggles that we are all facing. We are all looking for that magical cure. I'm not certain there is one, partially because each moment is a new moment, the factors to the equation are never aligned in the same manner.

In my opinion, the cure lies within being real, stay true to yourself, know when to speak and when to listen and not to react with emotion. Create a foundation and know your boundaries, a basis to the situation must be determined. Rely on honor, integrity, honesty, quality, knowledge and humility....... stay confident and in control of emotion ....... You (I) must continue to pursue and go beyond the ordinary, continue to grow and learn; and respect not just others but yourself (myself).

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Awarness of balance to a grounded individual.

2011-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

One thing that kung fu has done for me, is made me more aware of my "self". It has made me more aware of my inner being, what makes me tick and why. The trick is the ability to control it, which takes me back to my previous blog entry. If you read that, you will see the progression or non-progression of events taking place in my kung fu/ life.

I have felt the build up coming on for a while. The past two months I have worked about 800 hours. This is where for me things get ugly; I feel grounded and I know where being grounded is for me; I'm also aware of balance and where I am on the scale. I hit bottom a while ago and kept pushing myself through. I've tried to recapture myself but it got a way on me... I blew a gasket today.

Work for me has been ugly stressful so far this year, rain for the first two months (next to no work), then none stop work for the past two months. I have been assigned contractors who don't practice the same quality of work, and haven't meet my standards through this duration, which means micromanaging my projects (that's another story)..............all of a sudden, SNAP! The worst of it is, I felt it coming and I let myself down. I lost self control and finally blew up at the contractor!

What have I gained through this, besides a few good pay cheques...not much! My family life has suffered, my kung fu has suffered and my spiritual maintenance has suffered, even work sucked because it had become work (the enjoyment disappeared) and I'm still sitting on the bottom of the scale. I have my justifiable reasons for going to work, just like everyone else.

I need to listen to my body and most of all take action. I got too caught up in pleasing the people who supply me with work, the money and keeping my family feed! The last one is important, but there needs to be a balance.

This occurrence was a big part of me challenging the UBBT this year. Last year, I became overwhelmed with everything, "balance", actually it has been that way for about 17 years. When I work the hours I do and the long durations, short run balance is difficult to achieve.

Weird place to end, but I just needed to release.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Control

2011-08-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

For the last while I've been thinking about this word that gets tossed around the kwoon on a regular basis, at the same time wondering why it is not used as much outside the kwoon.

I believe that many take the word 'control' as, a physical term. The ironic part is that it is purely mental.

The majority of my thoughts lately have been about controlling my emotions. Controlling anxiety, anger, what generally stresses me and altering those feelings. When I think of control inside and outside the kwoon, I find them to be one of the same. We recognize a lack of control in the kwoon and address it! Do we recognize it the same outside the kwoon?

A martial artist who can't control his or her emotions outside the kwoon, is failing inside the kwoon. Being involved in martial arts is not just about training in the kwoon and leaving it there, it is a way of life.

Exercising and conditioning the mind is a full time practice. With the fast paced, stress filled world that surrounds us, this sort of training can not just remain in the training hall.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu ,UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Posting My Training .....

2011-08-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Because my schedule is always array and I don't make it to the SRKF training hall on a consistent basis, when I do arrive, I'm quite often asked how my training is going. It seems to be a common question asked amongst the kwoon family and is totally understandable, because most of us don't know one another on a personal basis, so we ask about something that we have in common.....makes sense.

The thing is, not every one's answers are based on the same journey or on the same goal. So, even though I may not be spending as much time on my curriculum training, that I'd like to or need to, I may be at the top of my game with my mental conditioning and spiritual well being. Part of the thing is, I do what I can...! My schedule is always loaded, my career leads my personal life in different directions, which is where my balance is a challenge to maintain. Unlike most, my life is not balanced daily or weekly, I work on a 3 month balancing regime.

For me, my training is always with me in everything I do; be it in the quality of my work, more efficient at work, not to mention the consistency in being a better husband, father and overall person. Continuing to be more empathetic and understanding of people and my neighbours. To me this is part of my training. When I maintain balance, growth and success are consistent and easier to achieve. When I better manage my stress and spiritual being, I find balance is easier to maintain and a pleasure to achieve.

When I'm not practicing forms, going over curriculum, or doing what I do when I'm in the workout facility, I have numerous other things in my life that I struggle to master. There are many things in my life that I feel I can work on that will make me a better person at home, at work or at the studio. Training is continual...the mind does not shut off!

Managing my mind, breathing and stress level, is a key part of my kung fu training, so when I'm not physically able to practice the physical part of my kung fu, I always seem to find the time and the space to exercise my mental being.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Grande Cache "Death Race"

2011-08-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

The 11th Annual Grande Cache Death Race took place this weekend, within one of the most beautiful, invigorating, natural and pristine areas of Alberta. I had the opportunity to be a spectator and volunteer helper. The experience was one that will never leave me. My brother-in-law ran this race solo this year, which gave me a first hand look into what was involved as a supporter and station helper. I can't comment on the run itself but it was apparently excruciatingly challenging and beautiful at the same time. The environment was invigorating and contagious to say the least.

The length of the race was a total of 125 km, it was divided up into 5 legs, with check in points at the end of each leg. The race can be run solo or as a team comprised of as many as 5 runners. Each leg has its own cut off time, if you don't make the set cut off time...then you don't continue. The total length of time given to run this race is 24 hours. The race starts at 08:00 hours Saturday morning and continues through until Sunday at 08:00 hours or earlier, that depends on the runner.

There is also a 5 km race for the 15 years and under group, "Kids Death race", which is held on Sunday. The entire weekend is filled with fun stuff for the kids and young at heart.

Supporters, spectators and death racers came from far and wide; there were local racers and some which came from as far as Europe. The participants varied in age form 16 - 70, it was as uplifting and invigorating as anything I've every experienced.

There was a certain amount of irony which played out for me, in relation to hanging out with people who have similar interests, goals, respect and appreciation for their surroundings and personal well being, partially because I met people who knew people who were once a part of my life; also because I was in a congested, overly populated and confined area with people in my face every step of the way, the irony is that it didn't bother me, these people were polite, considerate, cared about who they were and where they were (they were like the people who I surround myself with at SRKF). Typically, I'm not the type who could enjoy the confined quarters with people on my heals and on my toes at the same time, but it was all good, the environment was awesome, right from 07:00 hours Saturday morning until the time that I closed my eyes at 07:00 hours Sunday morning. As I helped on the last leg of the race, waiting for Vince to approach me from the dark of night, death racers were passing me with smiles on their faces and still showing their appreciation and saying thanks to the volunteers who stuck by them through the night, it was amazing.....!

My brother-in-law, Vince Krebs, was truly inspiring, his persistence and mental engagement through this race was......how do I put this into words!....Let me put it this way, he is the younger brother I wish I always had, so the heart felt proudness that I felt was overwhelming! To jog beside him through his final 400m of the 125 km race and cross the finish line with him was awesome.

The insight from this experience, as I watched the runners at the check in points, viewed what they ate, and how they utilized their few minutes of sit down time, leaves me to believe that like most things that seem unattainable, is a huge mental game. These people fought and fooled their bodies and reprogrammed their brains every step of the way. As, I said, before nothing but inspiring......

This weekend and experience has enlightened me to my next yearly challenge, it will be to train and compete in the "Death Race". I will never know..............if I don't try!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

The Unknown....!

2011-07-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

What does it take for the magical magnetism to draw you to your mental or physical need? I don't mean that new Triumph or Harley....! I mean life altering, bettering yourself needs!

I often think about all the positive that I have brought to my life through kung fu and through the people who surround me in that environment. I see the benefits and rewards and I see how this can help others.

I'm stumped as to how to approach whats on my mind....

I was there once or twice....and I see it being played out in front of me, the neglect, disregard for oneself, apathy and the looking for the easy way out, it is really hard to witness and just stand by. Where does is stop, and start up in the other direction? For many, it never seems to rewind and get better, for some, it happens when it is nearly too late. The unknown for many is just an easy way out, if the answer is not staring them right square in the face, then there must be only one way. If personal change means work or expending energy, the effort is thought to be for nothing.

How do people view their values? Do we all have or realize what our values are? Is prioritizing values important, what comes first and why?

What is the main influence to self destruction and on the other hand, preservation? What about stabilization and consistency?

The unknown, gets treated as an excuse or safe haven. I've run into people at work who pretend to know nothing, that way, there will be no responsibility thrown on their shoulders.

Most of us become complacent at one point or another, we get drawn to the dark side. The mind gets lazy, bored, stressed and without the awareness, it compounds.

The mind is the unknown, which I feel makes all the above that much more complicated. Keeping ones self aware and educated is key to many of the unknowns; working on prevention, rather than maintenance.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Breathe, breathe.....

2011-07-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

Looking into one of the most taken for granted essentials for life on earth.....breath!

During a couple of the classes, I asked the question, " What are the benefits of embryonic/ abdominal breathing?" This is a question that most have to think about or research, because the simple fact is that, because we continue to live and function the way we breathe, that we don't think about breathing more effectively with more qualitative results. There are numerous benefits to breathing as we did when we were children.

Meditation involves deep breathing or abdominal breathing, within a quiet calming environment. Meditating calms the body and mind, relieving stress and tension throughout the body. Abdominal breathing increases the oxygen supply to the body, having many benefits. Breathing into the diaphragm not only exercises this muscle, but massages and soothes the adjoining organs and digestive system. More oxygen in our bodies allows for quicker healing. Increased oxygen to the brain allows for more responsive thought processing.

To many people the benefits of quality breathing are not practiced; if practiced, this alone, could relieve a lot of aliment which is currently being treated with drugs, which in most cases complicates the matter even further.

I read that it takes the average person about six months to retrain their body and diaphragm to recapture the abdominal breathing process. The cost for most of us to better this portion of our living is desire, trust, patience, persistence and consistency. It's ironic, all terms that we hear through our kung fu training on a regular basis.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Watching My Children Grow

2011-07-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

The influence has to come from some where! It's when the influence is carried through that shows the real success.

In my opinion or at least under my roof, it starts when your children are born. Leading my boys and showing them right from wrong has always been a major role for me, as a father. I strongly believe that the parents are the main role model for their children, as much as we may not believe that at times....! There will be many influences, good and bad, but with a good strong consistent upbringing, it will lead to a concrete foundation.

My oldest son has made me a very proud father. This past year in school he has shown me what he truly posses inside. Brandon received three awards during the year end school awards presentation, first, a citizenship award, second, leader in the recycling program and, third, a Little Brother Big Brother Mentorship award. The personal qualities which each of these awards represent are all representative of what my son has surrounded himself with and what we as parents have stressed to be qualities of a model citizen.

Leading by example initially comes from the parents, not that I want to take credit for my sons accomplishments, but there are many who chose not to guide their children with the thought that they are the future. As parents and people who are guiding and shaping the future, it is our responsibility to make positive change through our actions and see that it is followed through.

Brandon is a prime example of progressive positive change. He has made me very proud as a father and his guide.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Doing the right thing!

2011-06-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

Where do I start....First off, we were looking for a cat to replace the one that went missing. This is not a cat.....!

There has been a whole lot of discussion in the past years about adding a dog to our family. We did it before, and I just don't think I was ready. Our boys, at the ages of 12 and 7 asked my wife and I if they could get a dog, they searched the SPCA site, rescue animal sites, newspapers..the list goes on. It got to a point where we said to our boys, "Put together a proposal, as to what you boys will do to make this happen". So they did just that, our boys sat us on the deck, this one beautiful morning and presented themselves with dress shirts and ties on, our youngest's was a clip on, their hair was combed. They presented themselves well and proceeded to recite from their clipboards all that they would contribute to make sure that all parties were satisfied if we got a dog. All parties meaning, first off the dog and second the parents.

The presentation was well done, but it was missing a few details. We asked that they take their proposal and include a few things and think about a few situations and give detail as to how they/ we might handle it. They came back, within hours, with answers and a calculator that was just a smoke'n. We (the parents), said, that for the next couple weeks we would assess their behaviour and their diligence in maintaining their regular chores and go from there.

Well our boys knew, as well as we did, that their consistency in getting their regular chores done without being told continually was not to good. Without any further word on the matter, the yearning for a dog had dissipated.

To tell you the truth, I know I wasn't ready. I had my reservations because I wasn't sure if our family could commit to this responsibility...we are already run ragged, I didn't want to be tied down, I didn't want to have to reconstruct my yard and didn't want to have to close everything off from the dog for fear of it destroying our yard... bin there and did that!

So...it's not a CAT! What happened was, we responded to a cat Ad in the local paper (also a dog in the Ad). The elderly owners of this cat and dog, could not longer give the animals the attention that they required, and thought it was best to find homes that would be able to do that. Well my family, minus myself, went over to see the cat (So I thought!) but ironically enough became attached to the dog.

When I saw the looks in the eyes of my family, when they wanted to discuss "Lady", this was the dogs name, I couldn't say no.... I didn't say yes, but there was more discussion. My boys walked down the driveway to the bus that morning with their heads hanging low and their hearts pumping at about 18 beats per second.

My wife and I discussed the situation again and decided that we could make this happen. She made a call and we were going to have the dog before the boys got home from school. It all happened! The dog was at our house, our boys walked up the driveway and could not believe their eyes when they saw the dog in our yard.

Lady adapted very well, other than the cave she dug under my shed the first night. I was less than impressed...and thought what in the world did I just do!

The important lesson that I experienced out of this whole ordeal is that it is not about me...or the cat (we still need to find a cat!). It is about what the dog has done for my family. When I write about mental health and mental fitness, promoting awareness, I consider this act of purchasing this dog part of my way to help my family on a better route to bettering their mental health (me included...I hope!)

What really brought me to writing this entry, was the impact that this dog had on my neighbor. Just quickly... my neighbor is a little older, very kind soul, loves to help people, but has struggles with his health and from what I see, depression. Well, just yesterday my wife was walking our dog and our neighbor was driving towards them, he stopped his car so quickly, jumped out of his car...nearly falling on his face and lunged at our dog and couldn't let go. His eyes were apparently just full of life and joy, when I see and hear what has happen with the presence of our dog in just a few short days, I know I can suck up my poor me attitude and fill a few holes...and a cave!

By the way, I'm not to fond of the name "Lady", I prefer a mans name like "Cowlick", you'd have to see the tuft of hair on the top of her head to understand.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Past, Present and Future!

2011-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

I heard this on the radio, " You can learn more about yourself by looking into your past, than your present!" I find this ironic, because I continue to change and grow in the present, but at the same time I learn about my present from the past. It is so true and weird at the same time!

It is how we deal with our past that reveals who we are and what we are made of. So, if we never challenge ourselves or go beyond the ordinary or beyond our arbitrary limits....how will we ever be able to figure out who we are... our gifts, talent, strengths or weaknesses? How will we be able to correct ourselves and proceed to "Mastery"?

For many years I can say that I never went much beyond mediocrity. I now often wonder what I could have done with myself, if I would have been more aware of this concept as a child or young teen. I wonder how I would have proceeded through school!?

As a father of two boys, I find myself trying to relive my past through them, in many different ways. I'm continually trying to teach them and guide in ways that I wish I had been. My challenge will be to instill this revelation within them; with hope that they push and challenge to become more aware of themselves, so that they do not think that they have lost opportunity once in their adulthood.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Treating the Cause, Not the Symptoms

2011-06-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Kung fu has awakened me to many things in my life. One of the things that I can appreciate the most is the awareness of mind and body, mostly my mind. The connection between the mind and body is very complex, but when I came to realize the power of the mind....not understand....but realize, it has made me a lot more aware of how I can work with who I was/am and strive to become a more controlled individual.

Many times I have viewed my personal challenges the wrong way and attempted to correct the symptom and no the cause. Realizing and reassessing the occurrences which circulate my being has allowed me approach many things from a different angle. For that, it has allowed me to be more free mentally and approach certain things with reduced stress and aggravation . In turn, with better success.

I'm still a work in progress, but being more aware of my mind and its power is allowing me to approach life from a more controlled mind set.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Our Companion.

2011-06-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

We inhereted a cat when we purchased the acreage, which we presently reside, her name was 'Missy'. We quickly became part of her family. When she took us in nearly 5 years ago, she was 9 years old. About four days ago, is when we last saw her. She was a faithful old cat, who loved to hunt, at the same time was a bit of a chicken. Every once in a while she would find this playful side and would jump and dart at toys. As far as we know she never roamed very far, so as for where and what happened to her is unknown.

She will be missed by the whole family, because she was just that...a part of our family! She used to join us, when we sat by the fire pit outside...up on her stump! But knew to keep her distance when we ate outside. She had this sharp little meow, more like a bark, it was the get over here a give me some attention meow!

I have never been a big cat lover, but this old girl and I had a bond...maybe because I found myself feeding her when my boys forgot, which made her fell like I was her new servant. It had been this past year or so, that we became close friends. She used to nuzzle up to my feet and rub my legs until I began to repay the attention - then flop on her back. It was those moments where I would get lost in time. There was stress relief, while spending time with her, that I never admitted to feeling.

She is missed.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Update on Latest Challenge

2011-05-30T20:22:00.000-07:00

I challenged the motorcycle road test last Tuesday, and successfully passed the test. I'm not sure if I had more faith in myself than my neighbor...? You see, my neighbor has his class 6 drivers licence, which was awfully convenient for me, we met at the end of our driveways and he proceeded to follow me into town, like a chauffeur / drivers instructor, so that I could get my bike to town to take the test. When we arrived I said to my neighbor, "I really appreciate what you did, but I will be fine from here, carry on to work and I'll talk to you tonight", he replied, "that's okay I will stay just in case you don't pass..........." I was appreciative and at the same time a little set back. I swallowed my pride, humbled myself and thought..... you're right!

It was funny...thinking back through the test, there were a few times where I said to myself - relax, drop your shoulders, loosen your grip, make yourself comfortable, be extra aware of what's around.....! Sound familiar? I find myself riding the bike with, not a cocky attitude, but with confidence. It's a weird feeling of relaxation and solitude...it's great!

Kung Fu as my way of life, brings another challenge to the fore front.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

SRKF - Tiger Challenge

2011-05-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

There was something for all to take home from this event, the coordinators, the competitors, the spectators and the parents and or competitors. One thing that all have in common, is commitment. All of the above mentioned played a part in making this a successful event.

I see this event as a tool of growth and it should be seen as that from all who committed themselves to this event, in one way or another. There are many ways of viewing growth and achievement from the different people involved. As instructors, coordinators and judges, there is the reward of seeing first hand the advancement, dedication and growth of the students. The competitors are given the opportunity to challenge their past year of hard work and put themselves to test. Part of the achievement which is overlooked by some competitors is just facing and overcoming the fear of performing in front of others, not matter what the outcome of the event this is a huge step and accomplishment for many. The spectators and parents...this should be moment of admiration for all who perform, this could be an event which takes you from the couch and boosts your commitment to exercise and pour a bit more commitment to your health....a tiny nudge to maybe be a training partner.

This was a great event for me this year. I had been dealing with hip and knee issues, which had nearly taken me from performing this year. The struggle with my health issue attacked me both physically and mentally, this last while, I believe it was my mind holding me back more than my physical limitations. There comes that time when a person needs to challenge their mind and body, which is what I did. Being a part of the tournament this year, allowed me to judge, compete and also see a couple members of my family compete. It felt great, it was exactly what I needed.

I feel, the tournament is about personal commitment and challenge, growth, humility, respect, honor, self control, pride, teamwork and hard work.....which was demonstrated by all who played a part, from the unseen to the people in the ring.

Thanks to all the Sifu's and volunteers for their commitment in making this event happen this year! Congratulations to all competitors!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Finding the way

2011-05-16T21:49:00.001-07:00

Apathy has become a word which I have being trying to work out of my dictionary,it started with a pre-existing neck issue that I had before starting to study kung fu. The condition of my neck had been so much of a concern, that I was considering quitting kung fu. My second set back was knee surgery. The twist to both of these physical and mental setbacks, is that, it was the injuries that made me a stronger and a more aware individual. It was through wanting to know more about the human body, how it works and more specifically how I work, that kept my journey on track.

The mental and physical challenges which I have encountered, at least from my perception are making me stronger and more informed. It is through many different avenues of research that has brought me to where I am today.

Being okay with just living with ailments, is not for me, I'm a very active guy and am not going to be imprisoned within my body. Through the channels of research that I have ventured down to mend myself, it has lead to ongoing days of a preventative health regime.

Some of the more general topics that have brought me to the life style that I presently support have been reviewing my blood type, food intake, family medical history, acupuncturist treatments, chiropractic treatments, massage treatments and most of all is self awareness and trying to live more for the moment. The power and capabilities of the mind have intrigued me, which has lead me into reading about mental illness, stress, stress relief meditation, stretching, breathing, exercise, nutrition, diets...., supplements, organic foods, genetically modified foods, herbal cleansing............the list goes on.

All this to say, through my personal struggles and ailments, along with the growing sense of empathy in my soul yearning to understand and grow, has made my journey worthy and of great value to the continued health and life style of my choice.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu - UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Two less wheels, fresh air and a smaller foot print.

2011-05-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

I purchased a motorcycle last week, which I'm pretty exited to start riding...legally! This week I will write my learners, get some riding time in on the new machine and go for the road test.

What I wanted to point out is that, this is another challenge that I probably would not have pushed myself into, if it hadn't been for the life style change through kung fu.

For me there are pros and cons to this decision, some are obvious, such as the increased danger on the road, another insurance and registration cost, something else to store, another unit to maintain...., but also pros, such as, more economical transportation, the feel of riding a bike..within the elements, the lighter imprint which it leaves on the environment. I also got a wicked deal on the old girl and if I keep her on two wheels, I should still get my money back even after another ten years of riding.

I really look forward to the winds calming down and the opportunity to get this bike on the road!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Apathy...shouldn't be an option

2011-04-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

In the past I have dropped the ball when it came to forwarding my opinion...when I had the opportunity to aid in change. Voting to me was an option, not something that I ever saw as a privilege. With the Canada wide voting turn out at the polls at less than 50%, it really made me give my head a shake.

As to why the turn out is so low, I can guess and I can give my opinion, but that is not my place or my part or maybe not even my right because I'm one of the guilty party. If I want change I must act on it! Being passive at times like this gives no right to voice opinion in the end.

First, I need to educate myself on what is happening in Canada and I need to be aware of what the governing parties are promoting. One of the hard things to accept about voting is that voting is based on promises, and in the past, a lot of promises have not been followed through; it has made me loose trust, I have become apathetic and refused my right and obligation to voice my opinion to change what I didn't agree with. So, if I back pedal a bit, because I don't agree with what is taking place...I've been throwing away my right to make a difference. Hmmmm....

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Living for Today

2011-04-10T19:08:00.001-07:00

As the days pass me by, quicker and quicker, so it seems! It leaves me wondering why...the amount of hours in a day have not changed! As a matter of a fact I utilize more hours in the day than I did in my younger years, so it would stand to reason that the days would seem longer and would go by slower (because I'm not sleeping them away...?)

Is it that I am living too much for tomorrow than in the present...? I'm aware of the importance of living in the moment and not letting my life pass me by.

One thing I hear my self saying quite often is, "I can hardly wait to be debt free!", recently it has been, "it will be nice to see all the snow melted and have green grass again!".

I believe I'm still very much living in the future. I'm literally pushing the days through my life. I have been pondering over this for a few days now, wondering why this is taking place. Is it the mental state I'm in? Is it a state of depression? How long have I been doing this to myself and why? Is it like the fading away of embryonic breathing, something that naturally takes place without awareness?

Living such a scheduled lifestyle I believe plays a big part in this phenomenon. We are all thinking about the end of the work day, the end of the week, the holiday coming up.... Time is of the essence, we are always trying to get 25 hours out of each day, always racing the clock...! Whats up with that?

Living in and for the moment is essential and even more importantly to recognize your situation before it is too late.

For me, writing these blogs is a way for me to visualize my short comings, which enables me to see things a bit more clearly. Without the self awareness I think it would be very difficult to change. It's like self therapy for me and if it strikes a chord with anyone reading them, I consider that a double bonus.

At the beginning of UBBT 8, I wrote a quote in my journal by Mahatma Gandhi, "The future depends on what we do in the present."

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Challenges Beyond the Challenges...

2011-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

There are certain times when it is more prevalent as to what is in charge, the mind over the body or the body over the mind!

I have really found this past three months to be a real emotional challenge, it has taken a lot more effort to complete tasks than I'm sure it ever has. The last two sleep deprived months have not helped my energy level any. I spent February 16th-20th in an environment which did not agree with my respiratory system and have since then been battling lung irritation and sinus infection; my nights are restless with coughing and my days are long, draggy and I can hardly wait to hit the pillow, which is where the cycle continues itself. I can't seem to sleep enough hours, to catch up and everyday seems to be getting tougher.

I realize the importance of sleep, which makes my issue that much more of a challenge to overcome. Sleep deprivation can have many side affects on the human body; inability to function at work, mood swings, lack of focus, weight gain (adrenal gland activity) - cholesterol level increases and eventually cardiac issues; stress of all sorts - body chemistry imbalances, organ stress and excessive activity.

My knee and hip inflammation/ pain has also been a side affect to the sleep deprivation and in turn has added to my lack of sleep with the throbbing pain and continued flipping and flopping which is associated with this.

At this point I'm going around and around within this vicious non-mending cycle. I went to the doctor today and was told that my respiratory condition has to run its course (it has been more like a marathon...)My hope is that this respiratory infection subsides and my sleeps get better. I purchased arch supports for my shoes today with hopes that I can alleviate some ankle, knee, hip and back pain and stress. And by the end of the week the ambient temperature could be in the double digits....the sun will be refreshing to the soul. The potential outcome looks very inviting!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

First Day of Spring...!

2011-03-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

It is a little hard to believe that it is the first day of Spring today, with the consistent two foot depth of snow throughout my yard and the four to six foot tall accumulations of packed ice/snow piles. To top it all off another 3cm snowfall again today. However, always a positive to what can appear as negative; this moisture is such a blessing and will truly be appreciatted once Spring truly does arrive.

My wife and I went out today and picked up some seeds for our garden. This has been a long awaited event for us. Its been about 5 years since we've had our own garden. Last year I turned over a portion of our lawn and fenced it off from the deer, moose and rabbits. Purchasing the seeds has not brought us any closer to Spring, but the process is underway and Spring will before us before we know it.

Patience is a virtue to enjoying many facets of life, therefore I must be willing to accept what I can't change and search within to see the positive.

When I look around us, to other parts of the world, it is not very hard to accept another snowfall, I'm truly fortunate!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Who am I...where am I... and what am I doing?

2011-03-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

This past couple weeks has been a bit of a struggle for me. I felt like I was standing in the middle of a baseball sized hail storm and in no direction was there refuge. I mentally put up a block that I could not hurdle over. It took the full two weeks before my mind was willing to see past the blinders and view my situation from the other side of the street.

This epiphany, at least that is what I will refer to this as, was about who my kung fu is for. I can out right say that when I started studying kung fu it was for me, at least that was the way I viewed it. Many people say that kung fu is an individual activity...in my journey, that has not been the case. So, through this eye opening revelation, it dawned on me that my journey is not about me, as ridiculous as that may sound! This past couple weeks, my ego got the best of me and made the worst for me. I truly see my journey as being for the people who surround me, however, I do realize that I need to secure my own stability and self being before those around me and the environment I create will benefit. I have always been a person with a giving heart and I'm not sure how I didn't put the two together until now. This could put a bit of spin on how I visualize many things and an insight which will hopefully keep me engaged.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada,

One in Five Canadians........this could be you or I!

2011-02-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

We all know of someone who has suffered from a physical ailment, two or three times or something new after each sparring match. Do we bug them, tease them or make fun of them? No! Or if you know of someone who has had a heart attack or stroke.....do we tease them? No! We console them.... we help them....we nurish their needs and offer assistance. People with physical disabilities are no different than those of mental disabilities. Nobody wants to a disability of any sort, so why the stigma on individuals with a mental disability. Maybe if more people read the facts the mind set would change. In an article that I read, which was published by the "Canadian Mental Health Association", it was written that, one in every five Canadians will suffer from one mental health disorder or another, twenty percent........!

In our kwoon we have roughly 300 members, if this statistic is accurate, that means that 60 members of our kung fu family will suffer from one form of mental illness or another.

Awareness is one thing. Awareness will hopefully make us be more compassionate, more involved, make it easier to lend a hand, help us all understand what sufferers are going through... but there has to be more. In this same article, it is written that nearly all mental illnesses are treatable. I took that as meaning medication.

When I see medication, drugs, anything that is going to alter our complex natural body chemistry, I think not! Do a lot of people have a choice? Right know I can say I do, but if I'm one of the 20%, will have have a choice....I don't know!

What I do have a choice with is, how I live here and now! As I wrote on my last entry, "apathy"! Take control of your lives, hold yourself accountable for how you treat your mind and body! Educate yourself about what you eat, journal your exercise.....have purpose! Live like you want to, why the one step ahead and one step back process!

And for goodness sake, remember that statistic "one in five". How it all happens is relatively unknown, but remember it could be you or me! Hold that near your heart when you see an individual who is one of the five...show compassion and support! Change the awful stigma about mental illness, sufferers of mental health are no different than you and I...and remember it was not by choice.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Package of Gum

2011-02-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

In the console of my truck, I have had this package of unopened gum that has called out to me a few times, and for some reason I keep answering back, "I don't think so!". I like to chew gum, probably for the same reason as most of you. Lately I have had a real problem with aspartame, processed foods and additives in general. So I decided to do a little more research on the topic.

I have been searching for aspartame free gum on the internet for a while now and found a few different kinds. The aspartame free gum which I have tracked down is Glee gum, Dentyne Classic (cimmamon), Thrills and another that escapes my mind. I find the flavor doesn't last as long and it becomes hard after being chewed for a certain length of time. But the thing is it contains no aspartame.

I have been doing some research online and it is unbelievable as to what can be read about aspartame and some its other deadly partners! I'm not going to go into the affects of aspartame, and that the body converts it to methanol (wood alcohol) and then to formaldehyde in the body. Oh ya, I won't mention the affects it has on a young developing brain.... No, I'm going to leave that up to you. I strongly encourage you to Google it and find out for yourself.

For the aspartame, sweetner users or diet pop drinkers, there are some interests articles that actually say that, these products have the reverse affect, you gain, not lose! Wow! And part of my tax dollar goes to...........!

I feel terrible knowing that I give aspartame gum to my children and that to a certain degree I was aware of it's terriblness. We don't buy diet pop and hardly pop at all, but a person must read labels...even at that, it is hard to tell what is in these processed products because of the different names given for the same poison.

Now that I've got you thinking about the deadly sweetners, don't stop there do some research on MSG (glutamate) and how that 'excitotoxin' meshs quite nicely with the aspartame.

I know one thing foresure, that package of gum in the console of my truck, it won't be heard from the console any longer. Adios....

Kung fu has taught me many things, one of which is about apathy. We need to research and be more accountable for our actions. We can not always rely on our parents or governing bodies to look after our best interests, hey.... just referring to our health on this one. The government has proven to fall short on many things, so just because it's legal, doesn't have the cross bones label on it or can be bought at the grocery store, it doesn't make it good for you, healthy or non-toxic.

Do your research!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Who am I?

2011-02-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

I feel that I am learning more and more about myself all the time. I have overcome many things through my childhood and into my teens than many who knew me ever thought I would.

We are raised the way we are raised, there is a point in our lives when we do not have control of certain things and it is often difficult to understand or control at a young age. This can lead to some rather rough years through our teens, over and above the hormonal changes. At this point, as I see in my children, is a very critical and delicate stage. This can be a point which can make or break a teen. This is a point where guidance, listening, understanding and compassion, are required. For some parents these are the times when we need to set our ego's off to the side, humble our selves and be the person we were meant to be, and learn....

As an adult, we often get caught up in our own lives, our own experiences, our own journey; there is so much to learn and so many to learn from....

I continue to learn from a couple young gentlemen who are 30 plus years my junior. It is a very humbling experience, but at the same time so satisfying. I believe that there is not a person on this earth that I could not learn something from, maybe not all positive but maybe how to be more positive.

What I find the most profound, is that I continue to learn from myself! Do we ever truly know ourselves? This is one thing that has struck a chord with me...personal challenges...Kung Fu....UBBT! By challenging myself I continue to learn about myself, I have learned to appreciate and like myself. I know that sounds kinda weird, but at one point in my life I was heading to a very dim place...not totally dark yet, but it had its moments. I finally saw the light when I met my wife, Alana...you see, another challenge. I don't mean this in a bad way towards my wife, but it was definitely a challenge. I was not brought up with a lot of affection or much of a foundation, so I needed to learn, and i did! I felt as though meeting Alana was the first day of the rest of my life. The great thing about looking back at all this, is my growth. I'm saying this with humility and honesty, these challenges which I have faced made me who I am today. What makes me feel the best is having the ability to continue to learn about who I really am, what I am capable of and who I can be. The challenges I face through the UBBT and through my everyday kung fu life, have made me see so many things through different eyes.

Darcy Regier, UBBT, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Not just this year....

2011-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

I just read through the SRKF UBBT members most recent journal entries and found it to be a very profound and inspiring read. Not that anything really blew me away on an individual basis, but as I sat back, staring at my computer screen wondering what I could write about, it hit me!

What I just read was truly amazing both individually and as a whole! What is happening here is like a dream! I have never been involved with or surrounded by a group of people who truly live with purpose, people who thrive on bettering themselves and their families, people who have hearts of gold, people who yearn to learn about themselves.....I could go on and on. This sort of stuff does not go on in the other world; I was going to say "real world", but that is so wrong, the real world is where we are at and a world that I will be a part of until the end of my time.

This is my second year as a UBBT member and even if it is my last year as a "team member", I will always be a part of this team. My challenges will not cease at the end of this years journey...

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Altering My Routine

2011-01-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Scheduling and working challenges into your lives can sometimes be a bit of a challenge in itself. We are creatures of habit and quite often get stuck in routine along with the fear of change. Life throws us curve balls and gives us no choice but to alter our direction and routine in order to get back on track.

Winter work is about to take me from home and go into overdrive. This re-direction will take my test into a test of its own, it will reduce my training time down to about one third of what I've been accustomed to over the past month.

This altercation will take me to a level in my test which will force me to time manage and eat for maximum mind and body energy. Maintaining a diet to aid in inflammation control and continued growth and progress will also be a challenge, while consuming camp food. Total body awareness will be required to maintain my previous months results without injury or setbacks.

I will post my progress.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

The Journey Feels good!

2011-01-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

In my opinion my test is going well. Most of everything is back on track, my kilometers are still a bit behind but I hope to have them at par before long. This is odd because I like to run and walk!

I have had to alter, not a goal, but how I reach that goal. The goal had to do with increasing body mass within the major muscle groups of my body. The challenge was to build using a Bowflex, not that I'm going to stop using the Bowflex, but I will be concentrating equally on how and what I eat. I will be focusing more on what I eat before and after class or any workout. I believe that because I've always been lean and active, that I have continued to burn off muscle that I create. This has turned into a very unique and fun challenge, it has made me even more aware of when, what, and how much I eat, in relation to my activity.

Our family has altered part of the regular grocery items, to products which cost a bit more but contain a great variety of nutrients and are more environmental friendly (vegetarian products).

I have also altered my push up and sit up challenges. I'm still working o those muscle groups (core and upper body strength), but with more focus on the Small muscles. My focus is on building balanced muscle mass, with increased overall strength and concentrating on a more thorough balance stretching regime.

I feel as though I set a few of my goals with the right intent but with a method of approach which needed refining. I feel good with the new direction of my progress and journey.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Week Two or Too Weak!

2011-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

As I slip through the second week of my challenge. Some of my goals are behind a bit, which is primarily due to what life has tossed my way this past couple weeks. This doesn't worry me nor due I feel weak, at this point I'm feeling quite strong, mentally and physically.

At this stage of the challenge it can be too easy to say, oh ya...I'll catch up, there's lots of time! To tell you the truth I think I've heard my subconscience say that this last week. But tomorrow is the unknown and we are living in the present. I will have to work a bit harder on that and wipe that silly stuff from my mind. I think this is how it started last year and got away on me.

The team moral seems strong, I feel the extra motivation, the positive comments and competitive spirit. It can be tough to get the one on one conversations happening, but with the new SRKF-UBBT site this should increase the communication and keep "the team" strong.

I came into writting this post with a blank and as I read back through it, you can sure tell...

I'm going to end this here. To anyone who reads this I would like to say just one thing. Live for today and prepare for tomorrow. Stay on top of your goals. My goal for this coming week is to get everything back into the "yellow", Physout members will understand what the yellow is all about.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

First Week of UBBT 8

2011-01-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

The New Years challenge gave this weeks UBBT a kick in the pants with 2500 push ups and sit ups, by the end of the week, the total was over 4000. It shouldn't be a problem maintaining this pace as long as the unforeseen doesn't get into my path...better not get to cocky. My other personal UBBT challenges have been set up, with the preliminary behind me and the testing underway. A couple steps behind in a couple challenges, so I better pick up my heels before this becomes an issue.

Journaling acts of kindness was part of this challenge last year which I personally didn't feel comfortable with, but with an altered perspective as to what should be achieved from journaling this challenge, it doesn't seen to be an issue this year. This challenge is going well, with all the added entries from snow shoveling. While on that note, the snow shoveling has been consuming a lot more time than I have to spare, it is starting to wear on me and becoming an experience which is much less rewarding as time goes by.

The problem with team challenges and events is that it only takes one to alter the result, if the entire team is not following through with their commitment, it becomes individual effort. Supporting team members is important and also a challenge for me this UBBT. To be quite honest, I need to find a quicker way to contact teammates on an individual basis. In order to live a balanced life and be successful in this test there must be balance all the way around. Time management is key, there must be purpose in all we do and there must be rest to success.

Defining my schedule and working my challenges into my life still requires some fine tuning.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

The Winter Blahs!

2011-01-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have never really looked forward to winter, which deep down creates some unrecognized stress. For me it's never really been a season which I've overly enjoyed and I think partially because it never seemed to offer anything to keep me joyfully occupied. Ya, I love to skate but...I need to change it up a bit. I also grew up in the flatlands of Saskatchewan and never got into downhill skiing.

This year I decided to make an effort to change how I feel about winter......I purchased ice fishing gear. Two days later our family went out, set everything up and all had a great time. We left later in the afternoon, that day and only sat down to actually fish for about 45 minutes, but it was exciting. We learned how not to set up the tent and later the better way. It was all good. We'll be out again shortly.

It is another activity which our entire family will enjoy, bringing us to all get a bit more out of winter. Hopefully, this will offer a bit more enthusiasm once winter approaches, through the coming years...for my wife and myself and also for my boys and their families to come.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

End of Another Year.

2010-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Ending another year brings assorted thoughts. For some they are thoughts of accomplishment, for goals which were completed throughout the year; for others disappointment, another year older and no accomplishments or goals set to acknowledge.

Some people use the first day of the year to set goals, "New Years Resolutions". Which is good...however, I believe most do not meet there expectations, because they wait 6 or more months to set a goal on that specific date and they lose interest. It has become like a ritual for most. I believe to set a goal that you truly want to accomplish, it should not wait until January 1st. Putting off setting goals can lose its purpose and intent.

In a way, I have not been much of goal setter, I believed in consistent action, avoiding rationalization and procrastination...just get it done! However, through my last couple years of kung fu my focus has altered. I still believe in just getting it done and not prolonging the setting of my projects or challenges, but what I have added is the documentation and journaling. On many levels I did document, but not on personal achievement level.

As you are fully aware documentation and journaling holds you accountable, it keeps your challenges in the forefront, allows for your progress to be measured and if publicized may allow for support from friends or teammates.

My suggestion for goals setting is to not wait for a specific date... just get on it! Make sure to document, journal, set up your challenge so that it is measurable and not out of reach and most of all stay consistent and do not quit. You will run into stumbling blocks, just keep your chin up, work through it and move forward. Another tip would be to try and get ahead of the ball, so if you do run into a stumbling block, that you have some reserve to fall back on.

Setting yourself up for success - no matter what your challenge may be consider the main factor to success. Your focus, desire, mental energy and stability, this must be kept at check. Find out what it takes to keep your mind fed and stress free. Maintain the thought process that your challenges are all for the betterment of yourself. Challenges should not be viewed as work, otherwise they will feel that way - find the joy in what you have set out for yourselves.

Have a great successful year!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

A Special Gift!

2010-12-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

There is usually two Christmas gatherings once you become married. Our first gathering took place this past weekend. The function was held at our home, which was very nice spending Christmas under our own roof.

We had friends and family over for a couple days, we played cards - always interesting to see what this can bring out of family members; we ate and ate and ate...; we socialized and relaxed - I never seem to realize how tired Iam until I sit and try to visit, my body just wants to sleep...I'm just not used to stopping until it's time to go to bed. The second day, family and friends came over to enjoy some sledding. The children had a blast and burnt off a few calories. The part that still excites us all is the passing out of the gifts.

I'm typically not a person to dwell on gifts or even a person who looks forward to receiving gifts. Don't get me wrong, it is great, but I get more of a lift out of giving and watching people open gifts. There is occasionally that one gift that you just can't put down. I received that one gift this year. This gift is a true work of art; it was hand made by my brother-in -law; it is a gift that I can use for the rest of my life and which I have every intention.

It's always nice receiving something which is practical and lends itself to your life style or personal interests. My intention is use this gift and take it to the next level. Check it out!

Darcy Regier, Silent RiverKung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Children....their future!

2010-12-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

It is great being a parent...from my perspective, a Dad, however, very demanding of time, resources, sleep, etc., but all worth it. The part I love the most is teaching children, offering all my experiences and knowledge to give them a kick start. I have two boys, ages 13 and 8. The part that can be most challenging, is children giving you the opportunity, to offer your knowledge and wisdom. I feel this can be achieved through the building of a good foundation and it starts the moment they reach the outside world. Good foundation building from the parents involves many things like, understanding, listening, love, patience, dedication, persistence and perseverance; once the foundation is in place, there is continued building and support, preventative maintenance and maintenance (mistakes will happen).

A good part of character building comes from learning and building from your own mistakes, however, learning from someones else's mistakes can be easier on the heart, sometimes less draining on the pocket book, consume less time - it can save a lot of grief.

I remember when I was young......I'm thinking 7-17 years of age, and maybe this is why this comes to trouble me sometimes; I never had a lot of direction and positive learning experiences as a child. So, as a self reformed individual, who has overcome potential self destruction, I want to give, share and help our modern day children or pre-teens who are in need of direction (doesn't just stop at children). The part that hurts is when you offer all that you can and in return there is not even common respect or acknowledgement of your efforts, it blows me away.

This is when I look at myself and wonder what I can do to make a difference, how can I reach these people, how can I alter my approach. I wouldn't give up on my children, so why on other children who are struggling for guidance and fulfilment...! Another challenge, there is a separate set of rules when educating and dealing with children who are not yours.

In just the last 20 years or so, in many ways, times have really changed....in my opinion, for the worse. It is busy, everything is fast paced, leaving lots of excuse for neglect. What gets neglected...? The children. Parents of today's society needs to step back and take a good hard look at their fundamentals; what is our purpose here on earth? What role is expected of our children and how can we help them achieve their place?

As a dad, who strives for excellence in what he does, I also take great pride and responsibility for my children; in what they do, how they act and what they become. For myself, and I will speak for my wife on this one, as well, we believe this starts with a good foundation; like a skyscraper, if the foundation is poor it will never meet it's full potential.

This brings me to an outing which our family attended few nights ago. It was a Christmas concert, which a large number of students and teachers put a lot of time and effort into for it to become an enjoyable and entertaining event (an event of reward and achievement for the young performers). During the concert, there was an extreme amount of noise in the back of the gymnasium, which at one point one of the teachers had to redirect his attention from the performers, to the back of the gym and ask that the noise be stopped. Yes, it was children and they were being extremely disrespectful, but they didn't realize that they were doing anything wrong. The problem really boils down to the parents. Where is the control and direction? Parents are not doing their children any favors by letting this get out of hand. This carries on to rewarding children with candy and getting children to cooperate by offering pop or candy and it's just the start, as I'm sure you're fully aware. Children continue to push their boundaries, they will push until they reach there destination, which is usually not in their best growing interest.

Parents need to raise there children with values, with guidance, affection, love, support, direction, they need to be friends, they need to listen to their children's thoughts and problems...it shouldn't be like an employee/ employer relationship. Parents need to alter their way of thinking. Years back, many parents raised their children to become workers on the farms and weren't thought of as much more than workers. In my opinion, children deserve to be treated with respect and given an earned amount of freedon, however in order for the child to move forward in life with a good foundation, direction and all the above are required, there has to be a lot more effort from the builders of these little people.

My point to all of this, is that, for the most part the success or downfall of society lies in the hands of the parents. Children can only carry forward with what they are shown or taught. Parents need to step up to the plate and be parents; they need to be there for their children in body and spirit, they need to lead by example (good positive example), they need to be there to help build their children's foundation, they need to give love and kindness, children need and want direction, children need support, attention and positive encouragement, children need opportunity, children need a friend in a parent-with that comes continued communication, trust and respect for one another, they need discipline...the list goes on and on. There is a lot to being a parent of a successful child.

I don't have educational credentials to quantify anything that I have just written, just the background as a child who knows what doesn't work and the experience of a hard working parent who goes over and beyond to be a good parent. My success or non-success has not yet been proven, but so far things seem to be on track.

Make a difference for your children and their future!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Trials and Challenges for the heart and soul....

2010-12-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

As I was sitting in front of an empty screen trying to figure out the direction to head with this entry, there were two thoughts which hit me at once. Ironically they both meshed together quite nicely.

This morning at the Sunday service, the sermon was directed at perseverance through trials and altering your focus from this being a bad experience to that of being one of joy and praise.

I related that to not only my spiritual being but to absolutely everything. If this is something that I could successfully administer into all my trials and challenges....there wouldn't be any real challenges. What I'm saying, is that, I believe most humans see challenges as work, something that takes effort, something that usually is exhaustive and consumes energy...I'm sure you get my point! We usually don't see things that we truly love doing as challenges, we can carry then through with less effort. Well, if only we could change our mind set about all things that we do, and saw them for all the benefits which they provide to us. Which ties into 'purpose,' which I wrote about in previous blogs, as well as the 'power of the mind' and 'mental illness'.

As I think about the term challenges, for me, they are about bettering myself, my family, things around me or a work project. So I see no reason why spiritual or physical trials or challenges can't be full of joy.

The other thought which tied into this, was a challenge I set on myself, which was to learn to play guitar. About six months back both of my boys were enrolled into guitar lessons, and I was to be next.... as soon as I could fit it into my schedule. I'm still not enrolled due to work, however what has worked, is learning from my boys. This has been a great experience for both myself and for my 8 and 13 year old guitar instructors. But this is where this ties into the blog.....It's how I see this new learning experience, I truly want to learn..I've wanted to play guitar for 35years. On the other hand, I don't see quite the joy and enthusiasm from my boys. Don't get me wrong they love it and are doing great, but I think I just love it more...!!!! The differences in our feelings towards this and what we are getting out of the guitar lessons could be many things, but are definitely relevant to the joy and true appreciation to having this opportunity to learn and be a part of this experience.

I'm going to take on this challenge, which seems to be something which can be easily administered into my thought process. I will attempt to see all the challenges bestowed upon me as just that (a gift!). I guess I'll see just how easy this is...I'll keep you posted.

P.S.. Working with and learning about the workings of the mind is something that I'm passionate about...I think we all should be, this has been a part of my mindset since losing a buddy about 14 years ago to mental illness. Maintaining sanity, a more stress free life and controlling mental illness....CHEMICAL FREE, is something I feel strongly about and is a goal for myself, as I will continue to search and try to better myself in that direction so that I can live a higher quality life as I reach my more vulnerable years.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

UBBT 7 is rounding the final bend...

2010-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

First off, it can only get better. It was a rough year for meeting my UBBT 7 goals, which I'd set out at the beginning of this test. However, on a positive note, I had a great year at work. This year I starting consutling for a new company (with familiar faces). The volume of work which came my way was fabulous, on the down side it consumed an unreal amount of my time, which took a lot from my personal life (kung fu, UBBT and family time). As mentioned in previous blogs, this is pretty much the norm for me in the oilfield career, which I have chosen.

The roughest part for me was not so much bombing out on my challenges, but the thought of this being a team effort. I missed a couple team meetings and was not engaged with my team members. Without the engagement their is no team!

To be quite honest, it wasn't until the last UBBT 7 team gathering that I saw, heard and felt like there was a team in that room. It was inspiring.....I actually went into the meeting with the intentions of pulling myself from the UBBT 8 challenge, because I didn't want to pull the team down. Through some discussion with the members, I started to see things differently...You see, at times I can be my own worst enemy. I never pulled my weight through this test and from my teammates perspective, I thought they were seeing just that. I was told differently and changed my mind, realizing that taking this test next year would be the best thing that I could do for myself.

I will hit UBBT 8 at a different angle next year, first off, by taking on challenges that work with my life, instead of trying to work my life into the test/ goals. I will also stay engaged with my teammates, I know this will have a huge impact on my journey and my end results. I'm looking forward to UBBT 8, but first off, finishing UBBT 7 off with a bang.

Just wanted to say thanks to the team that I saw on November 20th, it was truly an awakening moment for me. Thanks Team.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

I Just Don't Get It!

2010-11-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

I had a conversation with my mother this morning, probably one of the best ever, as we are not very close. The reasoning for that is primarily because our values are so different. But our discussion today hit a nerve, in a good way...and a bad way. It was good to see that we saw eye to eye on a worldly topic that I feel needs so much attention, but at the same time it was terrible to hear the details and present outcome.

My step father has taken on a part time job managing the garbage dump (not a transfer station, a dump) for a small town in Saskatchewan and its surrounding area. I've been to this dump many years back and it was far from being a pleasant site. Now, speaking from the perspective of a person who deals with conservation and environmental issues, it was and is an area which requires attention on so many different levels.

I must say that even though my step father and I agree to disagree on many things, this one I can say, I'm proud to stand by him. He has taken this job to a person level, like many things that he has challenged through out his life. He has taken the initiative to go over and beyond the call of duty....according to the town staff and the locals which bring their waste to this facility. Members of the town staff have been out to take pictures of the noticeable positive impact which he has made on this facility. What has really struck a chord with me are some of the comments and negative feedback which he has been faced with, by some of the people bringing their garbage to this facility.

Changes implemented were in regards to garbage separation, for recycling and implementation of consistency in procedures for dumping. You have to understand that this is a very small community and anyone taking on this position and who is willing to make the required change is going to offend people...possibly your neighbor. What it boils down to change! The people wanting to use this facility will have to put more effort into how they dispose of their waste, it may take a little more time to sort, and they wont be able to just back up to the huge excavation and throw everything into one pile.

I just don't get it! With all the research, all the publications, all the studies, the awesome resources we have and the technologies that circulates this globe and there are still people out there who don't want to take that extra step towards positive change. There are still people out there who will throw there garbage beside the garbage can.....

Awareness is one thing, but it is action that is required. For positive change to take place it starts at home, it starts with each and every one of us. Everything we do either has a negative or positive impact. We need to find a way to put a positive twist on all we do. There should be good intent and purpose in all that we do!

If teachings, schools, studies, articles, the news, publications, community programs, the fact that the world is in a self destructive mode are not enough to alter the negative ways of humans... What are the options? Are there any humane options? What has to take place in order for eyes to open and to see, what the next couple generations have to look forward to?

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

True Companionship

2010-10-24T20:40:00.001-07:00

My career takes me from home 3 months at a time. At one point in my career 7 months of straight through billing time. I do this for a few reasons, it's my job which I truly enjoy, it offers my family a fair income and it gives me a chance to make a positive change in our environment. It's not your average job. It is not an occupation for all. But this sort of career would not be possible without my lovely, trusting, selfless and hard working wife. Scarifies are made by both of us, we work equally as hard, away from or at home. We appreciate one another, realizing what it takes to make it in this fast paced world.

When I take off for work, to work out of town, it is our decision. It is not that I want to or like working away from home, it's just what the job calls for. This would be very hard and stressful, but with trust and true companionship, the process works out well. There is something truly amazing about our system. I can come home after 3 weeks and fall right back into the home routine, in that respect, it's like I wasn't away.

As for my sons, this is tough, I miss special events and just the everyday hugs and being there as a father, to see them off for school or to say hi when they get off the bus. Again, my boys are remarkable, and I feel that the relationship we share is based on love, trust and a strong foundation. We respect one another, we are friends, we talk with another, not to one another.

I feel true companionship is based on honour, respect, trust, love, good communication, empathy, honesty... just to name a few.

I just want to add that I'm truly blessed to have the family that I do and that I love them very much. It is truly a blessing to know that when I'm away from home that my boys have such a great mother to watch over them and take care of them. Also, once again boys, I'm very proud of both of you, I'm sure you'll never cease to amaze me.

Love,
Husband and Dad
Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Scary Stuff

2010-10-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

No this is not a Halloween blog! It's even scarier.

It's about stress....Stress frightens me. It is all around us. Everything has stress living and non-living; plants, animals, buildings (structural stress), undercarriage of vehicles, the stitching of pants that are too tight......Everything has a tolerance and breaking point. Engineers do what they do to keep things sound, to meet codes, to follow standards and to keep things safe from deterioration or breakdown.

What do we as humans do to ensure that stress doesn't eventually break us, either physically and or mentally? Our ability to handle stress will very greatly from person to person. Some people can handle mental stress a lot better than others, or hide it better than others. Some can handle physical stress better than others (pain thresholds are greater, mental will power and training is crisper).

The more I think about it, the more I believe that stress is self inflicted. We have the ability to feel what we feel, we can be nasty or we can be pleasant (no matter the siutation!) The power of the mind is beyond comprehension. In my opinion, there is no one who will fully understand the workings of the human brain. There is so much unknown about disease, mental illness....Oh ya, just take 2 of these before you go to bed and you will be fine in the morning. No, I don't believe the body works that way. We are very complex, a structural engineer can not make us stronger, doctors have their place, but they can only do so much.

I feel that we are our own builders, caretakers or preservers, if I can put it that way. We have the ability to make ourselves feel better and live longer. Remember no freebies, also remember progress wisely (you are really the only one who knows how you truly feel). Stress relief is from within, we have control of how we feel, we have control of what we introduce our bodies too. In the beginning it may just affect how you feel until the next morning, but in the end it may have a long term affect.

Another thought to ponder, physical release is mental release, mental release is physical release and mental release is mental release... So what controls what?

Breath strong, long and deep. Learn to relax. Learn your body, work with it, not against it. If you have pain, no when to say when. Don't sweat the small stuff! Learn to enjoy and find positive in everything you do. Remember your random acts of kindness. Exercise you mind and body!!!!!

In conclusion, mental stress is a huge killer and I believe the king pin to a lot of ailments which many people face today. Take the healthy road to stress relief, live in and for the moment and truly enjoy your life.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Reward!

2010-09-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

This is a cheap shot at a blog entry. Since Sifu Shipalesky's blog entry on the random act of kindness, I can't get this picture out of my mind. It brings me back to a movie which I truly enjoyed for the same feeling that I got from this entry, "Pay it Forward". I'm terrible at remembering movie titles and it has been probably a decade since I've seen it, I believe that was it.

Through the past years as a member of Silent River Kung Fu, I've tried to explain to my mother and step father what Silent River is all about, but they don't get it.....Partially because in the small town that they still reside, Kung Fu is just in the movies and what is promoted here at our facility is not seen by most, except for the people who we touch within our community.

Sifu Shipalesky has brought a great thing forward, it's something that I've wondered about while shoveling snow for the elderly and through the Pitch in Projects. Are we raising awareness? Are we being the example? Are we seeing change and a rippling affect yet?.........Yes, the school is making an outward change in our community and I believe in more ways than we are fully aware.

All I can say is I hope that Sifu Shipalesky's blog hit home with you, as it did me.

Reward is not always about a trophy, but that feeling in your heart!

Darcy Regier. Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta. Canada

Bits and Pieces...

2010-09-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

First off I apologize to my UBBT team members, my attendance in class and availability to journal/ blog has been non-existent. When I say there is always time for kung fu, I mean one aspect or another; I say that because it is a way of life. It is unfortunate that my busy work schedule, which I entered into this year at the end of June, pulls me from what is most important in my life. But this is how it goes, life has it's challenges. Mine at this point is staying in touch with my personal life while working up to 120 hours per week. Being as my job and hours involved are a bit out of the ordinary and to say the least draining, I feel I'm doing okay. There has been zero balance in my life this past three months, but that has not the time frame which I reach balance. Balancing my life has worked more on a yearly schedule, rather than daily or weekly. My family and other personal fulfillment's will come again and allow me to find that balance, but right now, my focus is financial and work.
...............................
Just follow up on a couple recently written journals. The surgery (s) on my lacerated foot took very well or I should say the last of the two. One important note to mention on that, which was a huge part of requiring the second surgery is, 'try to avoid herbal cleansing while going through any major body tissue healing'. I have about 95% of the flexibility back in my foot and it feels good.

..............................................
I recently bought a black berry and had both my email addresses set up on it. This thing stays on 24/7, so I was getting emails from Sihing Wiebe nearly everyday, if not, then twice the next day. I have to say it was great! It made me feel like crap, for not being there to participate in the kwoon renovations this year, but at the same time connected and proud of how this family pulls together and volunteers all their valuable time for something so great. Thanks to all who made this annual event a success. I'd personally also like to thank Sihing Wiebe for keeping me in the loop.
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It's not easy being away from your family, especially when the value is recognized and when time just seems to be moving so quickly. Recognize and broaden your awareness as to what is taking place around you, with that a greater sense of value and appreciation will be achieved.

Good Night!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Self Awareness

2010-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Not one person is a like, therefore we must take it upon ourselves to find out what makes us tick. This is very important, for the simple reason...you have to live with what you are creating. Your individual body functions and requirements will dictate how you feel emotionally and or phyically. We need to think quality and longevity! If your body's reaction to something you did or ate is negative, it will be pained, create stress and go into, what I'm going to call, preservation mode. This preservation mode could be something, such as swelling in knees (water build up), tendonitis, shin splints, head aches, migrains...these are after affects of stress on certain parts of your body. Being conscious of and staying mindful to what your body is doing (telling you), can help you minimize further damage, take proper corrective actions and allow you make future alterations.

Physical and mental challenges are great ways to learn what your strengths and weaknesses are, the problem for most of us is that we continue to focus on the better of the two. Try to stay mindfull of your body, strengthen weaknesses and build as a whole.

One thing that I try to keep in the fore front is the power of the mind. Number one for me is to minimize mental stress. Some of things I do to accomplish this are eat a well balanced diet, balance work and play, stay active mentally and phyically, think positive, quality rest (lacking in this department, but doing what I can), etc., to make this happen I need to be aware of my inner self. I'm back where I started and beginning to get a head ache; its either, I should have been wearing my glasses while on the computer, I need a glass of water or I'm just getting tired.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta. Canada

There is always time for kung fu..........

2010-08-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

My life as a martial artist is quite different from most, but not all... I remember the first question I asked Sifu Brinker, it was about kung fu working in my life as an oilfield consultant, because I knew there would be challenges with my attendance. As a junior belt, I saw kung fu as being more physical, therefore thinking that if I wasn't working my body to a point of exhaustion that I wasn't going to grow.

The first long term project which pulled me from the facility seemed like eternity, I was feeling like all that I had worked so hard for and train for, was going to be lost. My work days in the field as a consultant usually run from 05:30 to 23:00 hours, leaving not a lot of time for anything else, other than a few hours of sleep. This is when I realized that my focus had to change, if I truly wanted to be a martial artist.

My focus, from the facility to the field, had changed from more of a physical conditioning to mental training. My mental training included everything that supported good health, good eating, embryonic breathing, meditation and stress management. I soon felt the importance of mental training and as time went by, I realized that this was essential to my growth as a martial artist. One aspect of my mental focus training that helped me gear in the direction I did was to see the positive in what was going on around me, rather than the negative. This alone, revealed to me my gains and progress. As the years progressed and journaling became a part of my training, all of what I gained through my mental training became that much more apparent.

Kung fu has become a way of life for me, it doesn't just happen at the facility, it is part of my on going thought process. Some factors which help keep this in the fore front are consistent action, journaling, staying involved with the kung fu family with one thing or another, hanging out with people that have similar interests, staying in touch with Kwoon-talk, managing my diet, physical and mental conditioning.

Right in Front of Me

2010-08-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

My chosen occupation has always had it's setbacks when it came to spending quality time with my family and following through with my desires and personal time. Until this summer, I have had the privilege of taking my oldest son out to work with me for a good portion of his summer break. This opportunity has given me a new perspective on how I see things, how I follow through with my needs and seeing things from more of a positive side.

A couple months ago I asked my wife if she felt like she had been fulfilling her life or if there was anything that she felt she was missing out on. She said, she felt like she was fulfilling her desires, but I sure gave her something to think about, becasue this question surfaced again a couple weeks later.

I feel it and I've said it before, I'm content with my life, but at times find myself looking for more. I think this feeling of looking for more has resolved itself while working with my son this last couple months. Actually, the first sign hit me without realizing it about 6 weeks ago, it was when I had this feeling that I was trying to live out my life in my boys. I actually wrote a note and was going to blog on it, because of how this self awareness hit me.

The time I spent with Brandon was a real eye opener, it was more than just quality time with him it was an opportunity. An opportunity which not many fathers get, it was so much about self awarness, quality and living for and in the moment.

My yearning for more is all right in front of me but I've been blind to so much, it's like I've been staring right through my life that is sitting right in front of me.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Get there, enjoying it!

2010-06-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Motivation, or a lack there of...is that just plain lazy? Is lazy, mental or is it physical? Is it tired muscles or brain? Is it the muscles that lead the body or the brain that leads the body? Yes, the brain that leads the body. So when there's a lack of motivation, what do you do? Rest... Eat and drink healthy or do you take mind altering substances to give your brain a false kick start. It's all in your head or my head! Right? But what is it in your head that causes you to draw back, it can't be just lazy!

The power of the mind is expressed continually through martial arts training. So, to get past the mind block. What can we do? We have already set our goals? We know where we want to be by the end of the set time frame? We have all the resources? We have support. Your physically capable and feeling okay. We can make the time to achieve our goals..... but it still doesn't happen. Could it be something like balance? For anything to function properly, there must be balance, there must be some sort of equilibrium. There could be many things in your life, that are throwing your center off. It may not be a lack of motivation...it may be a lack of balance.

I have found for me, sometimes the busier Iam the more I can fit into my schedule. As goofy as that may sound. I'm like a ball rolling down a hill, the more momentum I get the more distance I cover in shorter period of time.

Don't let the words "lack of motivation", pull you further into a hole. Think more along the lines of balance and equilibrium in your life. Taking a mentally constructive approach, to realigning your approach to your training will help you reach goals and the journey will be more rewarding if you get their being content with having taken the constructive path and enjoying your walk. Nothing like reaching the end of a project or goal and not believing in the content or how it was achieved.

Exercise for the mind, stay drug free.....Be mindful! Don't forget to smell the flowers! Don't sweat the small stuff! Be happy! Life is short, try to maintain that there is a positive for every negative.

I'm curious and just thinking on paper, you don't have to respond to this, unless you really want to. Do people blog to be heard? Blog to ease there mind? or blog in hopes that someone may learn from their experiences?

p.s.
By the way, the last surgery on my foot is healing great. Continue to learn and progress even wiser.

Darcy Regier
Silent Rver Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Getting your Balance.

2010-05-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

These past couple weeks, I've been thinking a lot about where I am in my life; my accomplishments, my beautiful wife and our marriage, my two healthy well behaved boys, my personal possessions and beautiful home. I compared my present debt load to my age and figured the years of payments until I'm debt free. Everything in my life is great, I realize I'm more fortunate than nearly 85% of the worlds population. With all that in mind and I'm still feeling like I'm missing something. I'm still feeling quite content, but just off!

A few nights ago, before the two day rain, I was sitting by the outside fire enjoying the evening, the fresh air and the soothing sound of the chick-a-dee's. There is something about a crackling fire in the natural surroundings of nature and all its beauty that takes my mind to places that no other environment will. I gazed around without a worry or concern in sight, and came upon the realization of how beautiful our yard really was, it had been about two years since we moved to this acreage that I saw the same thing. I thought to myself, is this what I feel I'm missing? Is it all that I have that I've been taking for granted? That was fore sure something that I needed to alter, but didn't think that was my stumbling block.

In a couple days I head off into the field again, consulting for a new company, working along side numerous people I've worked with years ago. I've been working like a mad man trying to complete some side line work I picked up, to keep me going until a gig like this came along. So to make this work, I've had to alter my schedule and push aside my personal passions and activities (one being kung fu). There are inconsistencies in my life, there are roads less traveled calling my name, but I think what I'm feeling is an imbalance. I made adjustments in my life but haven't been counter balancing.

Balance in life is among us every step we take, literally, but do we think about it? No, at least not now, but we sure did when we were learning to walk. What about your diet? Your marriage and friendships, what makes them survive...balance and compromise!? The tires on your vehicle are balanced to keep them turning true and smooth!

Balance is something in my life which I overlooked until about 6 years ago. I now partially know how and why I lived the way I did. When I altered my life to go beyond the ordinary is when I started to recognize my moments of imbalance, before that I teetered and fell, over and over again. I feel that getting to know yourself both in mind and body can keep you in balance and will allow you to catch yourself before you fall.

Darcy Regier

Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Perception

2010-05-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is a term which has been tossed at me a couple times throughout my training and one which I continue to think about quite frequently. The thing about perception is that there are two views, yours (how you think people are seeing you) and how they are actually seeing you! These two views can be totally opposite, but for the sender this is sometimes unrecognized, which can really distort his or her journey, goals and relationships.
An incorrect perception can be very difficult to recognize, for the sender as well the receiver, with an exception, a professional or friend... People who spend a lot of time together, or people who take the time to get to know one another, discussing personal issues and likes and dislikes; these people can recognize false perceptions in one another. Sometimes it is not until they are 'constructively' pointed out that these false perceptions can be corrected or presented in a different manner.
Correct perception of certain actions, personalities, etc., is not a simple task. This sort of ability usually comes with a lot of training and education. But for the untrained, I believe empathy will take us to a new level of understanding.
Empathy is the projecting of oneself imaginatively into another's personality in order to understand him or her better.
Perception is only as transparent as you wish it to be. With compassion and empathy, ones perception will be less distorted and real. Through constructive communication this could lead to a positive transformation for the misinterpreted.
Everyone has their own individual inner story, which most will not reveal, except for what is seen in how we display ourselves. It is not so important to break into that safe or inner being, but with empathy, to open new doors of understanding, opportunity and constructive communication.

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Blank....

2010-05-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

I totally dislike writing, so pretty much every time I sit down to blog, it is an effort. Especially today! Especially having to write about myself. I have always been, what I used to call shy, it was more like emotionally crushed. My life as a child sucked... I was quiet, didn't like to speak in public, actually didn't like to be heard at all, just smile and listen, which hasn't changed a lot. What bothers me the most is getting shot down, for helping...going out of your way, out of your comfort zone, to help someone and BANG! The recuperation never gets any easier.

-----Off to dry dishes, maybe something will trigger a topic or two.------ Fifteen minutes later, still nothing.

My emotions are a bit off and have been for three days. I spoke with a friend about what has been bothering me and feel much better, but still don't feel like blogging. Especially about what has my mind tied up at the moment. I'm going to stop here, because I'm just wasting time. I need to go relax, maybe grab a book and leave my life for a few minutes.... and then to bed.

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Developing Strong Values

2010-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend Silent River Kung Fu was part of the Annual Pitch-In Canada, in Stony Plain Alberta. Pitch-In Canada is a garbage clean up program, which has got millions of people across Canada participating in making this place a cleaner and more pleasant place to live.

It is truly amazing to see how much garbage there is to pick up when you grab a bag and go at it, head down - butt up....Actually it is not amazing it is disgusting! How does it get this way or more so, why? Is it a matter of not caring about living within dump like conditions? Is it pure ignorance to the environmental impact that this litter creates? Someone else will pick it up....! It's just a small piece...!It's just a tiny cigarette butt, it's okay if I just mash it into the ground, as long as it is extinguished! Just open the window and release, out of sight out of mind! No conscience.....?

Fresh potable drinking water is obviously less abundant than it was a short 10 years ago. Buying water as child, and to top it off paying more for it than regular gasoline, was unheard of and if someone would have said this would be the case by year 2000, that person would have been labeled as a lunatic. This is part of the painful truth within this self destructing world that we live and there are so many people that just don't seem to grasp what is taking place in this world. Why do we continue to move forward in a backward motion? As consumers and people of this fast paced world we have little choice but to live as our neighbors. But we do have a choice to reduce our footprint that we are making on the environment. It's a matter of choice and making ourselves accountable for our actions.

Making the right choices are not difficult, part of making the right choice and change is through education. Who do children take most of their direction from? Parents...! Who do we say is our future? Our children...! So, we as adults are in a sense the future, its a matter of educating our children, building their foundation, instilling strong values, leading by example and maintaining consistent action.

What I witnessed this Saturday morning during of garbage cleanup was all of the above. I witnessed parents making a difference. There were parents picking garbage along side their children, who were not only cleaning the soil surface and making our community a more aesthetically pleasing place to be a part of, but more importantly were building responsible, accountable children, instilling strong values and developing foundations which will once be our future.

For such a simple project, there was so much to learn and take away from what was witnessed that day. This was my second year being involved in this clean up and will not be the last. These parents and children made me proud to be a part of this event.

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Speedy Recovery

2010-04-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I went under the knife and had my second hernia repair, this one was just above my navel. My limitations from what I can remember of my first, which was groin area, are different. There are a few factors which have made this a different experience, I mainly mean from a pain tolerance perspective/recovery time. First would be that the surgery was not in quite the same area, however still a surgery which has negative impact on your core area just the same. My first surgery was nearly twenty years ago, at which time I was not involved in kung fu. Twenty years ago I did not know, listen or understand my body as I do today, nor did I care to understand. I thought all healing was the same, it was out of my control, so just let it take it's course.

Seventy-two hours since the surgery and I feel remarkably well. Prior to leaving the hospital, it was strictly enforced that I fill the recommended prescription and diligently take (2) Tylenol-3 tablets once every four hours. I must add that I am very stubborn about subjecting my body to drugs ( I strongly feel that the negative impact from most medication is much harder on your system than dealing with your pain or ailment). Yes, I agree there is that condition or situation where it is a last resort and neccessity. Anyway, I took the pain medicine three times within the first thirty hours, primarily to aid in my sleep. The pain was tolerable so I cut out the meds entirely, focused on eating well, staying moderately active and most of all staying relaxed and breathing into my core (trying to keep my chi active) and everything relaxed. If I were to have masked the pain would I have been able to gain from this experience?

I have been lifting certain things which may have been slightly over the suggested weight range in this portion of my recovery, but with energy redirection. This injury/ surgery has been the start of a new dimension for me, in both healing and channeling energy. The pain in my core has made me a lot more aware of where energy is coming from when I lift two pails of water or when I move different portions of my body. It has allowed me to focus on redirecting my energy, through different challenges this week.

I feel that staying mindful of tension release through breathing has played a huge part in my speedy recovery and the ability to still carry through with some of the things which I have...I must add, when my wife hasn't been at home. Without inflicting any other pain on myself, I'm going to end here.

Darcy Regier

Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Getting it Straight!

2010-04-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I had created my own Ning site, which is where I had been creating my posts. I had been copying and pasting to the UBBT site but not to the my blogger location. So, this is the reason for the influx of postings at one time. I was finding this process a bit overwhelming because there was also the Kwoon Talk Ning to contribute to and also the Google (Kwoon Talk). It was to a point where I wasn't sure if I was coming or going and was starting to neglect my entries.

I hope I've got this figured out, because sometimes it's the little things in life which create stumbling blocks and turn into hurdles in the end. Asking for help or assistance can be rewarding and alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress.

In the case of the UBBT 7 challenge, it is not just an individual effort, so if anyone is suffering from what is probably just a stumbling block, bring it forward. There is a lot of help and assistance available throughout the team, you just have to let someone know.

This posting issue of mine seemed to little to bother anyone about, but it was enough on my end to set me back. It was time consuming, stressful and pulling valuable time from the rest of my training. In the end pulling from my teams success... I apologize and promise to be more up front when I have set backs.

Darcy Regier. Silent River Kung Fu. Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

Handling Spring Break-Up - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Winter work is nearly over, largely due to, migratory birds moving in and caribou and moose protection areas now in affect. It can be a trying time of the year for many, with layoffs taking place and guys being sent home, for a few months or maybe until October.
Last week I returned home from Fort McMurray, which was my place of employment through the winter. It's time again to submit resumes and search for work. With the economy and oilfield work as it is, finding work in your field of expertise can be difficult. This is when we usually have to humble ourselves and accept lower paying jobs and maybe something away from our field of expertise.
Opportunity to make a difference is there no matter where or what we are doing, which is the positive side to the senerio. There is always a chance to learn and diversify. Being content with who you are and where your life is heading, will make lifes choices fall into place and much easier to handle.
Spring break up while working in the oilfield, has been a stressfull adventure for me, for many years. I never seemed to know when the work was going to stop or start, I was always at someones beckon call. For the past two or three years something has changed within me. I don't feel the stress as I did, my contentment with life and faith that things will come together has really strengthened. I give most of that credit to kung fu. Kung fu has done things for me that I never would have imagined.
Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Altered Workout - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Being pulled from your comfort zone can sometimes take a while to adjust; the same goes for routine workouts or schedules.
Another winter at work has pulled me from the kwoon. This year I'm in a camp which is equiped with a full size gymnasium, weight room and stationary running room (thread mills and bicks, etc). This year I've also got a training partner (Vince Krebs), who is all studying kung fu. With this facility and a training partner, it has been quite easy to adapt into another training routine. This time it is after a day which runs from 05:00 - 20:15.
What we've done is incorporated a sport into our kung fu training. Recently, we have been playing 'Kung Fu Badminton'. It's pretty much badminton, with a twist. We rally for serve as you typically would, but when you serve, your opponent is face down on the floor (with racket out of hand). He then jumps up to return the serve as the server is in the midst of his serve swing. The game continues as badminton, until the rally is complete, who ever lost the rally, hits the floor for ten off something. Last night, the ten of something was your choice sit-ups or push-ups. Tonight we will be incorporating squat thrusts. While rally loser is doing his 'ten of something', the other is stretching, kicking or if he's feeling bad for his losing partner, hits the floor with him. It has been a blast! It has been a great workout and most of all keeps us in tune with kung fu and what it means to us.
Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu - Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Reaching a Mile Stone - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T06:59:00.001-07:00

What does 'reaching a mile stone' mean? Completion...? The end of the first page...?
Last night was the Silent River Chinese New Year celebration and Black Belt ceremony for 2009 candidates. The night was truly spectacular, a night which I longed for and thought about since the beginning of my kung fu journey; the acceptance of a black belt status. The journey itself looking back involved a fairly lengthly portion of my earthly existence, however for me 'Just the Beginning'.
Thinking about the impact and change that kung fu has had on my life to this point and the continued way of life to follow, I wish this influence would have taken place as a young child. The way of life, I refer to is a life of positive motivation, assured direction, confidence, self worth, desire, purpose, empathy, humility, worldly awareness.....If only this could have been a part of me 37 years ago, I could have made that much more change and reciprocated the goodness of my early wisdom. I would have been a more successful individual and up to this point lead a more rewarding life. I could have brought awareness and been a part of positive worldly change. But it is never to late to make positive change.
The road continues and the direction we take is in our hands. The overall way of life that surrounds us has been lead by majority and mediocrity. Our future and the future of our children is essentially in our hands. We need to go beyond, live with purpose and lead by example.
Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Kung fu at Work - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

No I'm not going to write about the push ups and repetitions of forms that I've been completeing in the bush amongst the wolves.
I've been the designated spokes person for a large percentage of our daily safety meetings. Our meetings include an average of thirteen men, who have all heard the generic safety meeting. By generic, I mean routine, the same old same old.......'Wear all your PPE, good communication, make sure all guards are in place, work safely, and so on....'. My spin has been incorporating Kung Fu....without anyone realizing where my basis lies. A good portion of my safety speech is about health, 'Health and Safety'! Makes sense, doesn't it? It's kind of strange, but through the past 17 years in the patch, I have never attended a safety meeting that touched on Health. In my safety meeting, I've incorporated stretches, eating nutritious meals, taking enough for lunch (low blood sugars), mental stability through focus, intent and purpose. I have even used the, 'Ask yourself two questions approach, Where are you? and What are you doing? Quality, was also another avenue which I took today - with focus, health mind and body comes quality work, a satisfied client and in turn a happy employee.
Kung fu...the rewards are endless, even to those who surround the practioners.
Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Third Attempt - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have started a blog, twice tonight, deleting the first one because I didn't like where it was going and the second I lost confirming a definition of a word I was using in my blog. I have run out of time tonight to take on a third attempt because I must get some rest, which is a part of what I need due to what I was trying to blog about. I'm wondering if it's the air that I'm breathing that's adding to the difficulty of getting this blog together????

What I was trying to get out there was this; working in areas which are out of your comfort zone, areas which you feel are unsafe and unhealthy. You have the right to refuse unsafe work!!!!!!Have any of you ever approached your employer with this phrase?

I'm presently working in an environment which my body does not agree with, in fact an environment which many of my fellow co-workers find unhealthy and offensive. I need the work to support my family and pay the bills. I really appreciate good healthy living and maintaining a healthy body and mind. With all that is triggering my senses, I find myself asking these questions, Where am I? and What am I doing?

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Planting the Seed! - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Life takes us all in different directions, lead at a very young age by parents and friends (through peer pressure). The influences can be both good or bad, the line of sight or route chosen depends on your own foundation (leader or follower). Some people find their way early in life, some later in life and some never. There are many who seem to search and search, but don't really seem to find what they're looking for. Life slips by many people without them really living a fullfilled life, without finding their defining gifts.
A viable seed which could lead an individual on the right path could be planted by anyone. I know of a certain individual who had been a smoker for roughly 15 years, who quit at the drop of a hat. One day spending the day with his very young daughter, he peered down at her to see her holding a pencil crayon as dad would hold a cigarette and pretending to suck on it as dad did. It was not unitl this time did he realize the influence he made on his daughter, nor did he realize the power of his daughter. He quit that second and never looked back! The little girl gave up pencil crayons and never took that action any further.
We all have the power to be a positive impact, to be leaders and make a positive change.

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Being a Better Person for Yourself and Others - Darcy Regier

2010-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last week with a crew of strangers in the world of Syncrude. First off, I must say this place is amazing, by far the largest project I've ever been a part of. There are better than 2000 people working at this one facility at all times. I will post some photo's at a later date. Getting back to my topic, there are people of varying races and nationalities; people who appear to be hating life and others who just seem to be surviving. Many don't seem to have purpose, but move like robots, without emotion; just living one day at a time, just working for a paycheck. I feel this to be much more evident within this last week because of the large quantity of people I've encountered within this project area in such a short time frame.
During meal time, during short walks from the dining room to our rooms or at the salad bar , I have gone out of my comfort zone to reach out and speak to others. It has been very rewarding for me to see their eye's brighten just through simple conversation.
We often bring on our own stress and pain through lifestyle, habit, shyness, etc. We can also take on negative feelings from people around us or at the same time positive feelings from people around us.
My 'act of kindness' challenge through UBBT 7, has lead me to broaden this challenge. My challenge is to be a positive influence to at least one person per/day, until this project is over (roughly 3 months or 100 people). The bonus to this is that my day goes quicker, lowers my stress level and makes this place a more joyous place to work, one person at a time....

Darcy Regier
Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada"

Learning From Others Experiences...

2009-12-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

My Kung Fu journey began relatively late in my life, which becomes a lot more apparent to me as I look around our facility and I see young martial artists beginning their journey three decades earlier than I did. My late journey has brought me to many stumbling blocks, which I hope to bring to the fore front, with hopes that some might learn from and be able to hurdle over when their time comes. This post is based on personal insight and experiences, keep in mind that every body is unique in make up, individual requirements and limitations.

As we age... I hate starting this way, but hey, it's a fact of life, there are body mechanics which do not work as well and as smoothly as they do when your young. I will try to keep this as simple and to the point as possible. When we start our training, not a lot of emphasise is placed on great detail/ perfection. As a young adult your body can still tolerate and compensate for poor posture, body misalignment's and slight weight transfer imperfections and that sort of thing. But in most ageing individuals joints, tendons and muscles are not as tolerant to this and will tend to tell you so, but usually after the damage is done.

Through the last 2-3 years I've experienced set backs due to knee surgery, hip misalignment (sciatic and femoral nerve irritation), hernia repair and two more which I'm scheduled for, my good knee popping and locking, continual neck alignments required and loss of strength in my shoulders. For most people, these are not great things to have to deal with when thinking progress in training, however, it depends on how you look at it. These issues have lead me to telling you a part of my training story, with hopes that it may steer you in a better direction. These experiences also pushed me to learn more about my body (aroused me from being so apathetic), it pushed correction and adaptation, it was humbling and really brought the importance of detail in my training to the fore front.

There are many little things to focus on while training which will hopefully eliminate or prolong injury, through your training, which are not just in the training hall but in your everyday life. Maintain a healthy life style, eating healthy (remember: crap in crap out!), posture...think about how you sit in different chairs, think about how you hang your head when you read, think about the excessive stress you put on certain joints to relieve pain in other areas, correct don't protect (if you have an area of your body which requires chiropractic adjustment, massage or acupuncture - just relief in general), get it taken care of, because what usually happens is a roller coaster affect, it will lead to failure in another area of your body. Prior to training, warming the body and learning affective ways to stretch and strengthen are a must. Each and every body is unique, learn your body! During training, body alignment, correct weight transfers and keeping in mind the six harmonies are essential for longevity and on going injury free training. There is one word which could and should have been tossed in long ago and that is, BALANCE. Balance takes on a few different meanings in the realm of martial arts training. The two meanings which I will touch upon are first the balance of muscle stretching and strengthening. Look at your body from more of a skeletal perspective, to maintain proper skeletal alignment, you must work each side and front and back equally. If you don't work your muscles to maintain an equilibrium, this will disfigure your skeletal structure, possibly lead to nerve irritation and undue mental and physical stress; not to mention physical balancing issues, centering problems, on and on. The other aspect of balance is your individual life balance, keeping your priorities in check and staying relatively structured and in order will reduce the unnecessary stress from your mind and body.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada

UBBT 7 is here!

2009-11-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

Our first UBBT 7 team meeting was held on Friday, November 27, 2009. Our leader Sifu Jeff Brinker, spoke of UBBT history, requirements and challenges that we will all face, the importance of teamwork and that we can not quit!!! The meeting was long and full of great comments from the veterans. This year I believe the team consists of 8 non-black belts, one of which is a veteran. Most of the team members had a look of terror, almost the look of "What am I getting myself into?", but at the same time there was an aura of strength and union in room. This test will be great and fulfilling, I can feel it already. I'm looking forward to working with all of you. Thanks to Sifu Brinker for the privilege to take this challenge.

All the best to my teammates and fellow UBBT challengers.

Now lets see if I enter this blog correctly into the UBBT site!

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

Knowing Yourself for Longevity

2009-10-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

This past few weeks has been a real eye opener, in regards to my body's physical state. Through the past 5 years or so, I recognized that my neck required periodic chiropractic adjustments, and if I neglected the signs that I was due, then I would suffer the consequences and deal with other parts of my body misaligning. For instance, if I wait too long to have the upper portion of my neck adjusted, my shoulders begin to click, I suffer minor stabbing pain, discomfort and a loss of about 50% of arm strength. It's like a car, if the owner puts off replacing a loose upper ball joint, sooner or later it will lead to the lower ball joint and tie rod ends needing replacement; possibly the upper ball joint letting loose while driving down the highway, the car going out of control, crashing and destroying the car (self destruction).

We need to recognize our own body ailments, deficiencies, limitations, signs and symptoms of required adjustments, and take care of it more in a maintenance perspective, than rehabilitation. By staying in tune with our bodies and on top of our health, we could live a healthier, longer, more stress free life, while minimizing injury.

I recently visited my family physician, sports specialist (x-rays and consultation) and my chiropractor and last but not least completed endless research on the Internet on mostly my hip issues. After putting all my resources together, a few underlying problems have surfaced. What I have found out, again, is that when suffering multiple ailments at once, they are usually interconnected.

What I originally went to see my family physician about was the loss of rotation and flexibility, in my hips and upper legs; along with that was, stabbing pain on the inside of the legs/ groin area(mostly left leg), stabbing pain in my glutes and lower back pain (more so when stationary for longer periods of time, like sleeping). You might be thinking.... Why did you wait so long before going in to get checked out, especially with all those irritations? The pain couldn't have been that bad! or I really hadn't been in touch with my body. The thing is, I have good days and bad days, one day the pain is relatively non existent, the next, the pain is hardly tolerable. All I'd been focus on is working out the pain on more of a temporary basis, with hopes that one day I'd wake up and with no pain.

Part of my downfall in my personality is to do it or don't do it, no in between. So, during the next class I'm all warmed up and stretched out and eager to tackle our next challenge. The class goes well, I feel pretty good, I managed to complete the majority of the techniques relatively well. The next day I wake up, feeling even more exhausted than when I went to bed, this time a bit I'm a bit stiffer, the pain is still there but not enough that I can't function and all the above. I try to rationalize in my mind, maybe it's just because I'm getting older...did I say that out loud? I hope not!, need to stretch more, need more of a warm up next time, just tired... ya that's it, maybe kung fu is not for me! Maybe I'm not doing enough! All these things go through my mind, they dissipate and my day continues on. Through normal daily routine, I start to feel not too bad, until tackling something out of the ordinary and the pain reminder is back, but of course not bad enough to really do something about it other than momentarily grumble about it.

.....................................................

Finally after, all the previous assessments and research, it seems as though I'm dealing with Piriformus Syndrome or sciatica (pinching of the sciatic nerve) and pinching of the femoral nerve in the front of my left leg. This has lead the muscles surrounding these areas into protection mode and tightening up severely, which has immobilized me by at least 25% over roughly the past 3-4 years.

This condition which has just been diagnosed along with my upper spinal issues, has put me into a state of rehabilitation, which could be a 4-5 month recovery, and will have to be monitored and maintained from this point on. I believe this condition can be attributed to many different factors, first, I'm not going to rule out the possibility of genetic imperfections, lack of rest (muscle recovery), over working my body, muscle imbalance (not paying attention to all muscle groups being worked) and stretching all required muscles and most of all not staying 100% in tune with my body and listening to all the signs for the past few years. I'm not going to say it is due to age and that I have to quit. How I see it is... with age I will have to alter my ways and maybe make some adaptations, place more emphasise on how I complete tasks. Listen to my body and focus on maintenance. Continue to eat smart, treat my body with more respect and think longevity, don't just live for the moment.

Learn from my mistakes and prepare for the future!

Setback or gain? It's your choice!

2009-10-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Throughout my training, especially the last 4 years, give or take, I've been dealing with spinal issues and most recently set backs due to what was acute hip pain (good day/ bad day pain),which has lead into more of a chronic pain. I thought the hip pain originated from misalignment in my spine (over compensation throughout my upper body, therefore forcing my hips out of alignment), so I continued to visit my chiropractor and train and live the way I had previously. But the pain continued, then I began to notice a fairly rapid decrease in flexibility. I tried working a bit harder, every step I took during evening walks was with extended stride with hopes of stretching through the hips a bit more to relieve some of the stabbing pain and hopefully the ache through the night. Through the chiropractor adjustments and muscle manipulation, I received temporary relief. My family physician was visited, with hopes of some good advice and a suggestion of why I seemed to hit this wall. Instead, I was told that the clunking in my hips and reduced rotation was not normal, therefore I was referred to a sports specialist. X-Rays were taken, hip rotation was accessed, as well as muscle flexibility. The consultation lead to further discussion about my life style, activity, rest, eating habits, vitamin/ supplement/ drug intake. In conclusion, the x-ray revealed some mild degeneration of the cartilage within my hips, possibly the start of arthritis and an abnormality in my right femur just before the hip socket; all of which were not great news but nothing which would be a major set back in my life/ kung fu as long as I made some adjustments to my training and supplement intake. The supplement intake was not a hard one to decide on, it was to aid in joint support and lubrication (reducing wear and mobility). The adjustments in my training, were a bit more difficult to face, but one which was essential to the longevity of some of my body parts as well as my training in the martial arts. The required adjustments in my training were not looked at very closely from the start due to emotional set back, I took on the attitude that if I couldn't move forward at mach 1000 , then I wasn't doing my best and progressing at the rate which I have been accustomed too. This is where the next very important stage of my training, takes a leap! What I saw as a set back, has actually become a gain.

There were a few things that I have been avoiding in my training, number one is rest. Your body requires time to heal, through physical activity, stretching or just through daily routine. For the most part the only time my body was truly allowed to rest was when I was sleeping...not enough. Muscle recovery takes from 48-96 hours, for the more advanced they may get away with 48 hours but for the beginners or for people trying new activities 96 hours is more likely the time required for muscle recovery. Stretching routines, as we increase activity and as we age, should be altered and taken as a very important element in our training. Another important thing that I was....I guess avoiding, was the fact that I was getting older and it was time for me to alter my style of training and sparring to allow longevity. It was time to put all that I've learned to more practical use, it was time to advance to the next stage in my martial art training; better awareness, allow the mind to be more of a part, live and be in the moment but train for the future.

As for my hip issue, I don't know if I'll ever be able to kick like Bruce Lee or achieve the flexibility that he did. But what I do know is that I will not stop trying. With a different approach to my training I hope to reverse my hip issue and become a better martial artist.

We all have setbacks in life, at home, at work, with friends, with family, in training and they are usually taken for just that; leaving us feeling depressed, angry, alone, helpless, worthless, sad, sometimes like just giving up. Instead of being pessimistic, we need to be optimistic, focus on the positive, learn from and adapt! Life is a continuous adventure of challenges, if we identify and face them, they can be used to build, if we choose to disregard and avoid, we will never know!

Kung Fu in Me!

2009-09-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

When I set this blog up, it's purpose was for kung fu, but when I begin to write as I am now I don't really have a subject in mind. When I try to think of something that just pertains to kungfu, I draw a blank. Yes, I could just right a blurb on some of my training which may bore the heck out of most of you. What I'm really getting at is that there doesn't appear to be anything in my life that is just kung fu. Kung fu and my life have become one.

Part of what has happened in my life that kung fu has done, is made me accountable for absolutely everything I do; right from how I read someone, to how I walk, how I sit, what I eat, who I spend most of my time with, where we go on holidays and what we do when we get there, and my latest was how I have begun to run a project at work and treat the workers whom I oversee. I'm much more conscious of my health, exercise, setting goals and most of all meeting goals and pushing myself beyond a level I ever have.

To many people who know me and know that I study kung fu, I have mentioned how kung fu has filled a void in my life. But I'm not so certain if kung fu has filled a void or if it has altered how I look at life as a whole.

Kung fu has brought me to the realization that I have rationalized and put things on the back burner all my life. I remember meeting Sifu Brinker for the first time. I mentioned working in the oil field and that they were very demanding of my time, my attendance would be sporadic and I wasn't sure if I could make this work. I don't remember the exact response, however I was told that if I practiced in the hotel, reviewed curriculum, and overall, just dedicated myself to getting in as much training as I could, that I wouldn't be just fine. I have spoke with so many people about this exact thing. Everyone does exactly as I did, so I have to give my example of studying kung fu and working in the patch, and hopefully it will give them the insight to take that step to a better way of life, like I have.

This last 10 days or so, I've been in the Fort McMurray area working. My hours have been from 04:15 (alarm goes off) to returning back to my trailer at roughly 19:00. I then do the necessities; make supper, eat, make my lunch for the next day, do dishes, talk to my wife, complete paperwork/ email it off and have a shower. After that, it is pretty much time to hit the pillow, but not yet, my necessity list has changed it also includes a couple sets of push ups, sit ups, curriculum review (memorization...!) and a run; I've hit the trail running about a 5km route and have still had the inner strength to run this route faster and faster each night.

I have always been full of energy, but through kung fu I have tapped into a part of me that I'm sure I would have missed out on. Kung fu has enhanced all that I do and am....I feel as though I have reached my inner being and become much more content with life and what I'm doing with me.

Oh yes!, my training, I mean what training....it is going great, with all that has been said above, my training has become just a part of me. I call it training but really it is not like work anymore or an effort, it is just who Iam and has become MY way of life!

Summer is here, I think....! But if it's not, don't sweat it, it'll come it always does...right!

2009-06-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Officially summer is not here, however it is finally starting to feel like it. The birds are out in full force, most species of trees are fully leafed out, grass is being cut and we are all spending more time outside enjoying just that. It is a wonderful thing, being able to enjoy what is always there. How often do we take tomorrow for granted? We have so much to be grateful for.

If we could just live a quality life always supporting our values and goals, live with patience, understanding, support, kindness, love, joy, uniqueness and without stress and depression.

To start my blog entry, for some unknown reason I felt like rambling on in a different direction. I believe this is it..........The Rotary Run is approaching quickly!

I'm sure we all know of someone who would love to enjoy what most of us can, but choose to take for granted. So lend your support and join the run.

Entering my journaling in my blog has been a bit of a challenge lately. With all the extra duties that summer brings, with yard work, family activities, children's sports and careers, it seems to have been neglected. I can't forget preparing for the black belt testing!

Black belt testing is nearing quickly! For the past six months I've been hitting all my training requirements and have narrowed down on the areas which I feel require more attention. The fitness is something that can not be neglected, no matter how strong you feel in this area. It does not take long to loose endurance and strength if not consistently maintained. Muscle memory - another good one, which applies to most of everything we do in our curriculum, which means repetition upon repetition. Nutrition and focusing on continued good health (eating habits); must remember the, "crap in crap out", saying, it is so true. Regiment a diet that works for you for both physical and mental stability, one that will keep your body fully nourished and allow for positive gain in your training. Progress wisely but still with intensity; be aware of your limitations and body weaknesses. Work on strengthening weaknesses or injuries, ask Sifu's for advise, keep in mind that you know your body best, "Patience, Trust and Progressing Wisely".

My personal goals which have been touched upon in previous entries are going well, some could use a bit more attention, but I haven't stopped or quit anything. At this point it has come down to prioritizing and balance.

Progress Update

2009-04-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well I can't float...no wonder I can't swim. My swimming lessons started last Monday. We were asked to show our floats, both on our fronts and backs....I can hardly float. But with a little practice (breathing, loosening up and relaxing), I saw gain...I'm not lifeguard material yet, but there was improvement.

My other requirements are coming along fine, I sent in another assignment, rather, recited my last assignment. I battled with this memorization assignment, trying different means of absorbing and retaining, then finally something clicked and I accomplished something that I had never in all my years of school. It felt absolutely great!

The push-up assignment is going well, near 12,000. Running has been a bit more consistent, from 5 - 10 km every other day.

What I have noticed is that, besides living the life of a martial artist, I have been puting in an average of 3.0 hours/day towards my training.

Now that the temperature outside is warming, I'm finding a lot more reasons to stay outside and work, this has pulled me from a fairly consistent reading schedule I had during the winter. I need to pull up my socks on this challenge. More curriculum review is required; I seem to have slipped on techniques and applications and should have taken better notes through my lower belts. Consistently going beyond my limits will help me achieve these goals and requirements...

My Leadership Project the "Pitch In" clean-up will be kicking off this weekend. All is in place. I'm quite confident that this will be a successful and rewarding event for all involved.

Spring Break up is here, intensity increases!

2009-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Winter project in Fort McMurray is complete and early Spring break up is here.

Almost three weeks into the push-up challenge and 20,000 push ups remaining. As I mentioned previously, I do not like to procrastinate...one more written assignment completed as well. This partly comes from working in the oil patch for the last 15 years (I wouldn't want to blame this on my developed personality!). You never know what tomorrow will bring. So, when there's something that can be completed a head of time, that it is.

Personal goals.....My swimming lessons are approaching, first one starts on April 20th. Kempo/ form repetitions are going well. Running and conditioning is underway, along with a lot more hours at the facility, however, I need to log progress a bit better. Reading has remained consistent and meeting goal pattern set out. Prioritizing seems to be working and everything appears to be rolling along smoothly.

Other requirements...I have developed five choreography sequences, found a committed training partner and I'm in the midst of defining for presentation and working on detail. My curriculum studies could use some help, so I hope to get together with a group of Sihings to go over a few things. All appears to be on track, but just to confirm that I haven't over looked anything, I will be setting up a quick meeting with Master Brinker.

Still a lot to do to bring myself to the next level, but I'll just keep on pushing!

Update and Mind Drainage

2009-03-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Well, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" has arrived again, it will surely be due for a renewal by the time I get home. It's that time to get into this book again and get on those questions, for those of you who aren't really paying that much attention to our curriculum, there is a whack of questions. You might want to start reading this book. It is an interesting read, if you don't get anything out of this book, other than checking it off as read, I suggest reading it again.

Push up and sit up challenge, again...Without reading the Kwoon-talk, I thought I'd be cheeky and start my push ups at 00:01 this morning or last night what you want to call that hour or minute of the day. Then I see Sifu Robertson's challenge this morning and no longer felt...cheeky! This is an awesome start to March, especially for us Sihings.

I completed another written assignment and got into another, yes................! And completed my "wish to be considered for grading letter". It will most likely require adjustment before submitting, but it is done for now! This is it for me fellow Sihings, get on board and lets do this........! Still no takers on a Rambo training partner, I might just have to snag my brother-in-law and my wife, they're both pretty crazy and dedicated souls!

Oh yah, "Mastery"......this once has been and continues to be a nightmare. My last attempt at memorization was to tape myself and listen and listen and listen. I really getting, no I am sick of my own voice, my next attempt is to start writting this out (it's not short), so I don't know how many times I can write this out. But, I will try burning out some pens.

All the best in your challenges and continue to fight. One last thing, when you think your tired or at least when th thought first enters your mind, DON'T STOP, quickly take the time to reassess that thought, try to figure out what is tired. I do this when I'm running, I quickly kick my legs a bit higher, they're not tired, I reassess my breathing and focus on deep abdominal breathes, it's also good. The mind.... the power of the mind, if you have gone beyond a limit which you have arbitarily set for yourself, you must mentally and then physically remove it. This will lead to success or as read somewhere... mastery!

Have fun reaching your goals and getting beyond the "arbitrary limits", remember we are all ordinary but it's what you do with your ordinariness and how you use that which will make that difference.

I can not stand being behind, especially since life throws these sneaking little curve balls and has it set backs every now and then. Never been a procrastinator and don't want to start here.

Personal Black Belt Goal List

2009-02-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

This is the list of goals, which I have laid out to complete and or follow until all Sihing assignments are due;
1. Swimming - engage in a class, which will take me to a level where I'm comfortable and confident in deep waters. I have enrolled in a class, lessons will start in April. Might need to purchase some water wings...
2. Work on prioritizing my life (personal duties, career and extracurricular). If this fails, all else will as well. Still trying to single out which category Kung Fu falls into....Way of Life....I'm thinking it's in all! It has to work!
3. Focus on correcting my spinal/ neck issue. Continually stretching and correcting posture. Also started Tai Chi and the Shaolin class to aid in reaching this goal.
4. More reading. At least 30 minutes per day. Doing good on this one.
5. Enhance fitness. Pushing for a high average on the Black Belt fitness. I will be in the best shape of my life!
6. Rotary Run. Complete the 1/2 marathon this year. I'm running and training, but not enough. Come on Sihings!
7. Forms. Yes, the foundation for all. This one I'm slipping on. Fifteen minutes per day is my goal, I'm behind a couple solid days of training. I'll get it..........

Looking for a training buddy? Keep me posted and I'll do the same.

Leadership Based Project - CANADA "PITCH IN"

2009-02-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you are aware, but I have initiated a clean up project for this Spring. The project is part of a Canada wide clean up called Canada "Pitch In", I heard of it through the Stony Plain town office. We, meaning the group that has responded and signed up for the clean up, will be given a designated area within Stony Plain to clean up. To date, we have roughly 50 signed up volunteers. This will be a great event. Thanks to all in advance for the support!

Setting up my site.

2009-02-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

I believe my blog is set up! This is something that I've been thinking of setting up for awhile now, but I'm just not a, sit there and write kind of guy. I will do this, because it will be good for me in the short and long run. My posts may be short form occasionally, but it will get done. Thanks for the extra push Sifu Hayes and your help with getting me started Master Brinker.

I will start by saying, I have full intentions of challenging the Black Belt testing this year, 2009. So far I have set my own Black Belt goals, some of them I'm falling behind, others I'm on schedule and others are in the works. I have been working on the assignments and forwarded my first one. I'm getting geared up to start logging push ups. Last week I received my First Aid and Level C CPR certificate.

In 2-3 weeks this winter project that I'm involved in will be complete and I will return home for awhile. This will allow more consistent training and blogging.....That's it for now.