Training for 23 Oct 2024 Did I train today? Mind Power Course training Especially focused on levels of consciousness, alignment, the energy body, and belief. When will I train next? Friday, 25 Oct (probably back to more physical training) Observations: - I feel that the first 9 videos in the Mind Power Course are kind of essential to watch early on (probably why they're the first to follow the "Start Here" intro 🤪). I'm sure there is nothing wrong with jumping ahead to some of the physical exercises, but the Mind Power videos definitely offer some greater context for really how best to approach any of one's studies here. - The grasp of anything "spiritual" is really elusive to me and, frankly, not something I'm interested in exploring, so I really appreciate the alternatives for considering those aspects within the entire framework of learning Wing Chun. - I love @Sifu John Cogan's discussion of belief and aligning your intentions. It's so easy to get cynical about the mistaken perception of "mysticism" in the older martial arts, but it's much simpler to understand that it's all about positive mental attitude. If you think positively about a desired outcome you will recognize, more readily, the opportunities and circumstances that will help facilitate that positive outcome. Conversely, if you have negative thoughts, and allow your internal resistance to dominate, then you will latch onto those obstacles and circumstances that you know will prevent that positive outcome. Negative thoughts compound on themselves (much like unpaid taxes). - Side note: I really want some fish & chips now and my favorite are 4,000 miles away 😠

Training for 26 Oct 2024 Did I train today? SNT - Stance & Guard with movement SNT Form (3x guided, 1x unguided) When will I train next? Mon, 28 Oct Observations: - Who knew you could sweat so much from just standing still? - Practicing as slow as possible (uncomfortably slow) really helps, especially with the Form. - Actually started in the morning but had to stop and try again in the evening because I just could not stay focused (or, more to the point, felt very impatient). - Advice to 2-Weeks-Ago-Me: don't fall into the gamification trap of trying to unlock "levels" - there is so much amazing content to work through, and so much of it that you're not anywhere nearly ready for! Journey, not destination, dumbass!

Best? Or Beast? (Or both?)

Peace, especially the internal sort. Also, hope.

Honestly, I feel bad (perhaps physically AND mentally) more often than I feel good. However, if I practice some radical self-honesty, the bad moments are (relatively speaking) minor nuisances in the greater scheme of things, and the good moments (again, relatively) are inordinately more joyful than the bad moments are painful (and therefore more worthy of my focus). tl;dr A+B>a+b ... I think?

I really appreciate my one-on-one call with @Sifu John Cogan . I felt like he really listened to what I had to say and understood me. If you have the opportunity, I encourage anyone who is thinking about scheduling a call with him to just do it. Very valuable insights and I feel even more inspired to continue on this journey which I’ve only just begun.