Time Well Spent

   So this blog started with me thinking about yesterdays "potato bake", and had led me somewhere else.

   As we where sitting and socializing, Master Brinker started something that really moved me. He got us all in a big circle and got us to introduce ourselves to each other. Now, I already knew almost everybody there, but WOW, sometimes you forget or take for granted things in your life. This HAMMERED it home for me.

   To hear the length of time that most of the students have been there says something about our school. Where else in your life have you been with a group of like minded people, doing the same (ish) sort of thing, traveling on the same (ish) road, reaching for the same (ish) goal? Some of our fellow students and instructors are talking about decades of their life that they have dedicated to this amazing school and art, decades! Some of the younger students have been going there for most of their life, HOLY SMACK! What a great way/place/opportunity for us to realize that the world is actually a great place, with hope and empathy on every corner. What a great place to help us become better just by showing up for class, EVERY class. What a great way to empower all of us with the skills and confidence we need to succeed.

    The luxury being afforded to us by Master Brinker can not be measured, it can not have a dollar amount placed on it. It is actually priceless. It is immeasurable. The values, the compassion, the comradery, the friendships, the journey to mastery, I could go on and on ( I usually do ), absolutely priceless.

   This is an amazing group of people and I am better for knowing every one of you. Thank you for letting me and my family be a part of something great. Thank you Master Brinker and ALL of the instructors at Silent River Kung Fu, your commitment to the art of Kung Fu is truly amazing and unequaled.