08/03/2020
Meditative Mondays: Cycles and Growth
Ving Tsun Kung Fu is very concise. The lack of frills and extras creates a need for repetition in training; the basics are the source of great power, and repetition makes the basics even more powerful. When so much of the work we need is repetitive, it is important to look at what we gain from the repeating. If you are unable to perceive progress, the repetition becomes monotonous. It feels like treading water or wasting time.
Over the years, I have heard the same Kung Fu lessons taught, time and again. Each time my reaction has been different. I will admit to having thought, "I've heard this before; I don't need to hear it again." I will also admit to thinking, "I can't believe I didn't catch that the first time!" The fact of the matter is each time I am shown the same lesson, I am different than I was the last time. Even the frustration and impatience we feel can be reassuring if we recognize that it means we've grown more competent than we were when we were taught the lesson the first time.
Whether it is knowledge or a skill, when we revisit a lesson it is like adding a ring in a tree. The lesson is more established in memory. The skill becomes stronger, and all the prior experience takes on deeper meaning.
Cycles and repetition are embedded in nature and in our daily lives. Failing to appreciate them means ignoring growth. Resenting them means a life full of frustration. But appreciating cycles and repetition means that the process by which we improve can be an interesting and enjoyable experience.