I am missing the relief from my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes cancelled in honor of the holiday weekend. What happens in there is pure magic. The energy exchange is like nothing else I know. My need to roll today- is intense. The commitment to honor and humility on those mats is something close to♥ god and religion, for someone like me. (more…)
I am practicing saying no to anyone causing needless complexity. Anne Lamott, in a graduation speech, wisely suggested to the graduates: "Refuse to co-operate with anyone who is trying to shame…
Resignation is not acceptance-- and with my family of origin, this is especially challenging. The collective action and message which remain consistent from them: "eff you, you are unworthy and bad--…
I simply cannot find the words to describe all the ways in which Jiu Jitsu meets our family’s needs at sensory, spiritual, and social levels. There is something so humbling and safe, and empowering in this martial art. If I had my way, classes would be three hours instead of one. My boys feel similarly and we enjoy coming home and Jiu Jitsu-ing each other. The connection, self-esteem, and confidence that happen in our studio/class defy articulation. It is not friendship so much as kinship. And I wouldn’t call it a fellowship, because I believe that requires social-talking, where this requires talking only when necessary to learn a new position or submission skill. (more…)