This morning, I hurried to the temple for training, having overslept but grateful for being pain-free and eager to continue with my day. However, doubts clouded my mind as I entered the empty training ground to practice Ba Qua and Tai Qi. I said to myself, “Is there truly value in dedicating so much time to something that might never bring financial gain? After all, I still struggling to eliminate the debt and pain of poverty I created through unprofitable investments over the last few years.” Despite these doubts, I reminded myself of the mental and physical fitness, sense of accomplishment, social connections through teaching, and the sense of discipline, focus, and purpose the training has provided. Then I said to myself, “What else could offer more tranquility, a creative outlet, connections with others, an escape from the chaos at home, and the chance to create meaningful moments in a quiet space of solitude while persisting in patience?”
What about you? Do you have something you enjoy doing that you hoped would reward you with status, a sense of accomplishment, connection with a community, pleasure and peace, and financial well-being and freedom at some point, but currently feels unproductive and fruitless?
Musings on Martial Arts, Taoist Philosophy & All Things Wellness Related. 