Daily Grasshopper

What possessed me ?  I still have no idea.  I decided to do something I normally would not do.  Try something taht scared me.

I signed up for a Thai kick boxing trial class at a pretty serious Dojo. 

I walked in and every one was in matching outfits, except for the color belts that they wore.  Everyone was wearing the same expression of determination and intense focus.  I was afraid.

The gentleman, Oscar, who was getting me started  asked me a series of questions which I assume I answered.  I was so intimated I didn’t really hear him.  He ended his welcome with, “Any questions?”

I blurted out, much louder then intended, “Is anyone going to hit me.  I do not want to be hit.  I am actually opposed to hitting.”    Truthfully I sounded more like I said I am opposed to spitting because I was licking the sweat off my upper lip as I blurted all that out.

He assured me that no one was going to hit me.  And the class began.

It was harder and at the same time easier then I expected.  All the faces that looked like they were ready to kick my A**, were actually the faces of confidence and support.  As we individually tried to perfect the moves taught to us, we moved as a symbiotic organism. 

Before the class ended with bows and encouragement, there was one finally test of strength.  We were to get in a push-up position and just before we hit the  90 degree angle we were told to stop and hold that position for a minute.  The catch was that if any of us released before that minute was up, the timer started over.  I did not want to be that one person.  I looked around and saw everyone’s calm reserve, including those I thought would struggle.  Everyone made it, everyone worked together.  Everyone new that the mind would give up before the body-so keep your mind strong.

Will I go back?  I am not sure.  It is a commitment.  But I did take away a couple of things-I can do things I thought I couldn’t do.  I can work alone and collectively at the same time.  And shaking up what you “normally” do is good not only for the body but for mind and spirit as well.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do what you are afraid to do.”

Namaste,
Krissy