Have you ever felt this…..?

Have you ever felt this?

Saturday mornings are always busy in my life.  There is the usual hustle and bustle of getting the dogs up and fed, and making breakfast for Mary before getting squared away for class.  This weekend past however I had a very profound moment as I got ready to leave.

The weather was a bit damp and grey and so I had decided that I was going to drive rather than ride to class.  When I drive to class I almost always put on my uniform before I leave. 

Now for context I have always imposed strict a adherence to uniform standards at the club.  To me one’s practise is enhanced by wearing full uniform (dobuk) with your belt.  Aside from the comfort of wearing purpose-made clothing for the training we do, there is the added benefit of everyone fitting into the culture of the club on an equal basis.  No one has more expensive clothing or better shoes – we are all on the same level within the group. 

This particular morning I was running all sorts of things through my head around the club and some other projects I’m working on: woodworking challenges and events coming up, and the day-to-day stuff that seems to take far more time than it should. 

As I pulled on the dobuk pants I felt a profound physical and emotional response that stopped me for moment.  I pulled the jacket over my head and tied my belt around my waist and had to stop again.  My head was clear.  My emotions were settled. I was relaxing as I stood there and felt the comfort and familiarity of the uniform settle in around me.  The whole process took less than 2 minutes.  I was……happy. 

I stopped on the way to the club for Second Breakfast (mmmmm pancakes at A&W) and arrived about 45 minutes before class time.  I did my usual set up and personal warm up, all with my mind clear and focused on the class ahead.  About 15 minutes before class, students and Instructors began to arrive and by the time class began the room was filled with all my favourite people – students, club members, their families.  The noise of happy chatter and laughter and conversation filled the room.  Some people sat and stretched.  Some practised a technique while others showed a fellow student a pattern they needed to learn.  The smallest children ran and bounced and wiggled through the masses. 

When all were lined up for class, I asked the question if anyone else had experienced the profound moment I had when putting on the uniform.  A few nods from some adults told me I was not the only one but more importantly I saw a room full of people of all ages who WANTED to be there and were eager for a few minutes of emersion in their practise. 

I’ve been wearing a Taekwondo uniform and belt for more than a quarter century.  It has become a symbol of my practise and over time it has signaled that moment in time that I switch from the hubbub of daily noise and busyness to the focus and purpose of my WHY. 

We all have a purpose and a WHY we do the things we do and love the people and activities we love.  I challenge you to find and recognize that symbol that brings you the peace that comes when you know you’re in the right place, doing the right thing. 

If that WHY and purpose hasn’t shown itself to you yet, then keep looking. Somewhere out there is your WHY and the symbol that will trigger your moment of peace.