Walking the path with patience

It may be easy to start things - but harder to continue, to maintain and evolve. Walking the path provides endless opportunities to bump into obstacles, and to be challenged with difficulties. Many times we get tired, lack the energy and excitement we had in the beginning, and tackle injuries. Soon enough we understand that these elements, that seem to slow us down and interrupt our rhythm, are an integral part of our practice. With time we will clearly see that these obstacles, difficulties and injuries are our best opportunities for self study and evolution. Yet, during the beginning we tend to see them as a negative affect.

We may hear a voice deep down inside of us begging us to take a break during a class, or telling us to just quit. Many doubts rise to the surface, "is this an effective martial art? am I improving at all? when will I stop injuring myself?" and yet, the answers do not echo back, and we find ourselves dealing with the unknown, and just experiencing the "here-now".
Searching outside of ourselves, in order to find the stuff that feeds us and generate the power to continue, doesn't usually bring the results we look for. It is the recognition that we still have more to learn, as well as the need and hunger for the study, that will give us the energy to continue, to face our "walls".

The "walls" we encounter may be ignored, avoided, or gone around. We often choose to pretend we don't see our weakness, choose not to practice with someone who challenge us, or just stop practicing for a while. "It is all just too hard..."
We can choose meet the challenge, experience it, and overcome it. Yes, it is may take a while, be somewhat painful, uncomfortable or confusing to do so. After having climbed that "wall" we find out it was really a "step" we just arrived at the top of. Then, with this broader view, we can continue on, until we encounter a new opportunity.

Pain, difficulties and fatigue are not separate from joy, learning and health - these are all elements we encounter in life, in our practice. Accepting these as integral parts of the Way, and using everything as a lesson, supports us and empowers us to continue. Keep facing the "mirrors" and working through the challenges. As the path will go deeper and deeper — "Gaman Shinasai", Be Patient.