Tag: happiness

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The Base Layer Of Learning

Steve Rowe

One of the things that came out on the seminar yesterday was the importance of the structure of learning, putting in the important base layers right from the start. We all advertise and discuss the importance of character training in the martial arts and yet many don’t teach how to educate and alchemise the character and only make vague references to it. We should look to the teacher and their senior students to see how the training system has worked for them. The most important base layer is emotional intelligence, as an angry or frightened martial artist is a danger … Continue reading The Base Layer Of Learning

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Tai Chi Is Simple And Easy

Steve Rowe

Tai Chi is ‘simple and easy’, it’s only one thing that we view through many different windows to increase our understanding. The first aware breath you take in neigong makes you better than you were before you took it. Your first lesson where you’re taught to ‘stand tall, breathe deep and focus your mind’ makes you better than before you attended. It makes you feel better, healthier, more happy and positive. From that point on you can only improve these skills. Always practice with an inner smile knowing that you can only get better. It takes years to ‘master’ musical … Continue reading Tai Chi Is Simple And Easy

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The Power Of Silence And Stillness

Steve Rowe

We have to develop and alchemise silence and stillnessIt’s the only way to give life perspectiveIf we’re always moving, thinking and feelingHow can we give it context without anything to compare it with?The amount of time and focus we give to each is importantWhen we develop silence and stillnessWe can see everything objectivelyWe can develop insight and wisdomThis gives value and insight into our thoughts, feelings and activitiesWhen we mindlessly engage in lifeWe’re asleep at the wheelOur locus of power is externalWhen we add the power of silence and stillnessWe’re awake and our locus of power is internalWe’re no longer … Continue reading The Power Of Silence And Stillness

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Knowing Yourself

Steve Rowe

I’ve never been comfortable with titles, grades, certificates and awards. Nothing against them, they’re just not for me. I haven’t turned grades down from people I respect but have upset and subsequently fallen out with people that run awards ceremonies because I wouldn’t associate with them or accept their awards. I know who and what I am so don’t need recognition from others, I know what I’m both good and bad at and that sometimes I’m a twat with an awful sense of humour. I don’t like to put anything between myself and those I teach so I’m not a … Continue reading Knowing Yourself

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A Library Waiting To Burn Down

Steve Rowe

Old Man…..Why are you still here?You’ve lived in a different worldNo internet or computersNo influencersOnly 1 or 2 TV channelsOnly 2 gendersA life of hardshipWearing the mask of ‘manhood’Don’t show weaknessDon’t show emotionDon’t show painDon’t show fearDon’t let anything get to youWalk the left hand pathBe politeSupport and defend friends and familyBe quietly loyalPay your billsLive frugallyBe a warriorExpect nothingBe happy with anythingNow you are ‘old’And ‘don’t understand’You ‘forget’And are ‘awkward’Hoping to die before you’re too weakThe world left you behindWith wisdom that can’t be graspedAnd you’re still hereA library waiting to burn down Continue reading A Library Waiting To Burn Down

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There’s A Hole In My Bucket

Steve Rowe

I’ve always found the idea of having a ‘bucket list’ a bit selfish and strange. Is this the purpose and quality we put on having a life? Shouldn’t we find our meaning and purpose within every moment? It’s the same as having to take a holiday, is our life so mundane and bad that we have to get away? Spend all our time wishing we were somewhere else and being pampered like a child? If our life is so unsatisfying maybe we should look inward and make changes that then reflect outward into each moment so that we don’t need … Continue reading There’s A Hole In My Bucket

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3am Black Dog

Steve Rowe

It’s always at 3amYou wake with a feeling of dreadIt can come from medicationOr lack of itMaybe PTSDOr something happening in lifeOr just plain anxiety and fearEither way it’s always 3am You’ve been asleepAnd the unconscious has been free to roamYou wake with this powerful sense of dreadYour mind attaches reason to itBut that’s not always what it isEvery nerve in the body hurtsNot with painBut with emotionA kind of yearning You distract the mind to ease itAnd think it’s goneBut as soon as you stop the distractionIt returnsEventually you sleepBut when you wake upThe black dog is still sitting … Continue reading 3am Black Dog

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Language Of The Depressed

Steve Rowe

The language of the depressed. You have to listen carefullyDon’t give an opinion unless askedSometimes they just want to be heardJust want their problems recognisedEmpathy is often interpreted as pitySupport is to be there and pay attentionTo help if asked forOr to ask if there’s anything you can do to helpUnrequested advice or help is seen as bullyingThe language is often codedThe problem is depersonalisedSpoke about in the the 3rd personOr approached obliquelyBecause they are embarrassedBy listening and paying attentionWatching the body languageFeeling the energyAllowing them to talkUntil they feel comfortableYou can be the greatest helpBe a good friendAnd help … Continue reading Language Of The Depressed

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Dying Inside

Steve Rowe

Dying insideIs a coping mechanismWhen we are made powerlessHaving the ultimate acceptanceNot wanting or needingTo end the life of the bodyWe end the life of the selfReleasing the need to controlWe yield to life and othersBeing dead none of it mattersWe’re taking our toys homeWe’re not playing anymoreWhen we can’t escape our environmentBe it poverty, politics or disablementIt’s all a kind of prisonWhen there is nothing left for the selfIt diesIs this the same as the meditating monk?The Buddha said ‘there is no self’Is it ridding us of the illusion of life?Is it losing the damaging desires?Is it good or … Continue reading Dying Inside