Jenny! I read this earlier in the week and I've been meaning to chime in about how this post really resonated with me. I just returned to Tae Kwon Do classes after a 40-year hiatus. It was sort of an impulse decision after seeing a kid wearing the uniform from the karate school I attended as a kid. That run-in brought back a rush of memories and I popped into the old school to say hi to Master Jun Chong, the owner of the school and man who taught classes to me and my brother as kids. He's in his 80s now and still teaches! He suggested I come back and, because I felt compelled to write about this experience, I went to a class and then another. It's been the most physically humbling and challenging thing I have done in ages. The classes are mixed levels so most of the folks in class with me are black belts. I've had to completely let go of my ego and just be terrible at everything as I try to relearn the practice. My only saving grace is that years of yoga and muscle memory have helped tremendously with my balance and flexibility. There were times in class where I've had to remind myself to have a beginner's mindset. That chart you included it totally me. I so prefer to know what I'm doing and feel uncomfortable in settings where I'm not skilled, but I know it's good for me. Thanks for this helpful post.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that Hilary. I'm currently watching my high school age son play hockey for the first time ever and it's so inspiring. He is way, waaaaayy, less skilled and knowledgable than any other kid on the ice but he shows up every day with a good attitude. He seems to relish the challenge of learning something new. I forget about that aspect of beginner's mind sometimes. How fun and exhilarating it is to take on a new challenge!
There are so many things I want to learn and I just need to dive in. Your Tae Kwon Do and my son's hockey are so motivating for me!! There are a million line dances I want to learn, I guess it's time to get started. :)
Also, I saw your post about Corvids and I've been meaning to get back to it. I'm excited to see your take on them. Corvid is a new term for me, which is kind of embarrassing to admit! Haha. I heard people talking about them in Kansas City and was shocked to realize they consider them a nuisance!! We have Ravens in Alaska, sometimes also called crows (although I know they're different) and, in my experience, they are highly revered birds. Especially in the native community. They are so smart and funny. I just love them. Anyway, can't wait to read your post about them.
Jenny! I read this earlier in the week and I've been meaning to chime in about how this post really resonated with me. I just returned to Tae Kwon Do classes after a 40-year hiatus. It was sort of an impulse decision after seeing a kid wearing the uniform from the karate school I attended as a kid. That run-in brought back a rush of memories and I popped into the old school to say hi to Master Jun Chong, the owner of the school and man who taught classes to me and my brother as kids. He's in his 80s now and still teaches! He suggested I come back and, because I felt compelled to write about this experience, I went to a class and then another. It's been the most physically humbling and challenging thing I have done in ages. The classes are mixed levels so most of the folks in class with me are black belts. I've had to completely let go of my ego and just be terrible at everything as I try to relearn the practice. My only saving grace is that years of yoga and muscle memory have helped tremendously with my balance and flexibility. There were times in class where I've had to remind myself to have a beginner's mindset. That chart you included it totally me. I so prefer to know what I'm doing and feel uncomfortable in settings where I'm not skilled, but I know it's good for me. Thanks for this helpful post.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that Hilary. I'm currently watching my high school age son play hockey for the first time ever and it's so inspiring. He is way, waaaaayy, less skilled and knowledgable than any other kid on the ice but he shows up every day with a good attitude. He seems to relish the challenge of learning something new. I forget about that aspect of beginner's mind sometimes. How fun and exhilarating it is to take on a new challenge!
There are so many things I want to learn and I just need to dive in. Your Tae Kwon Do and my son's hockey are so motivating for me!! There are a million line dances I want to learn, I guess it's time to get started. :)
Also, I saw your post about Corvids and I've been meaning to get back to it. I'm excited to see your take on them. Corvid is a new term for me, which is kind of embarrassing to admit! Haha. I heard people talking about them in Kansas City and was shocked to realize they consider them a nuisance!! We have Ravens in Alaska, sometimes also called crows (although I know they're different) and, in my experience, they are highly revered birds. Especially in the native community. They are so smart and funny. I just love them. Anyway, can't wait to read your post about them.