Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The Chuck Noland Balance Program...

Well, remember a few months ago, I started a balance training program? Well, have you also noticed that I haven’t written an update in…well, forever? That’s because with all that has gone on lately in my life, and just general exhaustion – both mental and physical – because of it, I just haven’t cared. That’s probably not the right way to phrase it. I do care. Another set of instructions, rules that I need to follow and remember – now that I just can’t get into right now.

Normally, I like instructions. I like to take the necessary baby steps to accomplish a goal I’ve set for myself. In fact, any book or movie that involves someone making very slow, but steady (and creative) progress is going to be a winner with me. For example, I just love how Tom Hanks, as Castaway Chuck Noland, starts out with the clothes on his back and nothing else after his Fed Ex plane crashes. The first step he takes is to make “shoes” for himself out of materials he has on hand. As we watch his saga unfold, he consistently takes these baby steps to create a life for himself, that despite the loneliness (no offense, Wilson), works. Now if this had really happened to someone (and hey, who knows, maybe it has and we just haven’t found him/her yet!) you can bet the events took a heck of a lot longer than 3 hours to unfold! And it probably did not (or does not) seem very enjoyable to the person to which it is happening.

But then there is fire. Remember when Chuck created fire? “I have made FIRE! Fire is what I’ve created. I …have made…FIRE.” He was so proud of himself. And that is how I want to feel about my everyday life and my martial arts life (which are, in fact, the same life!)

I have been occasionally standing on one foot while I dry my hair again. I would look in the mirror as my hair flew up all around me and tell myself that I should be trying to balance instead of just wasting this opportunity to mere drying of hair. So, the other morning, I did that. And I did it again this morning. And you know what, I will probably do it again tomorrow morning. Now that I’m in a more private office, (Remember I started a new job about 3 weeks ago), I think I’m going to bring my big balance ball and sit on it at my desk instead of a chair. I’ve heard that improves your balance and also helps tone your abs, glutes, etc. Small, incremental steps. Steps I’ve created myself.

So, I have abandoned the coach’s formal balance training program. But you know what, I think I’m going to pursue the Chuck Noland Balance Program – take it one step at a time to reach my goals of being able to have better balance. Matter of fact, I will stand up and balance on one foot at my desk as soon as I finish typing this post. And then while I’m waiting for my lunch to heat up in the microwave, I’ll…

Hey, maybe someone will make a movie about my personal journey to order and balance…

I could name my balance ball Wilson…

5 comments:

Diver Daisy said...

wilson . . . FUNNY! :) yeah, I hold in my gut while I dry my hair. It does seem like a task in life that requires you to multi-task (or else you just seem like your wasting time and "blowing in the wind" hehe) In the past when I had a longer cord, I actually did sit ups in the hall while drying my hair. Now that my favorite blow dryer that is attached to the wall (like at a hotel) has died, I have a long cord again. Maybe time to sit up :)
How on earth did you remember his name was Chuck Noland?
Rose

Slop -n- Goulash: Dinner of Champions! said...

Diver Daisy - I remember his name because Castaway is one of my favorite movies of all time and I know I've seen it AT LEAST 20 times. And for the reason I mentioned in my blog - I love the building on knowledge baby steps aspect. Another old, old, OLD movie I love for that reason is "Birdman from Alcatraz" (true story too) about a man wrongly convicted and put in prison who had a little sparrow come to his window one day and it became his pet. The pet got sick so he started studying bird books from the library and ended up finding a cure for a major bird disease. Again, baby steps - learning one thing, building on it, taking another step. That is one of the reasons I think I love karate so much. Ah, more fodder for a blog post! I want you to come back to karate, too! It's just not the same w/o you!

Diver Daisy said...

Ok - you can be the superhero "Research Girl" as long as I can be "Sparkle Girl" :) I am working on getting back but it doesn't look like this session is gonna go for me. I meet myself coming out the door I feel like. I think I'm getting OLD!! How did that happen?? I gotta finish this diving thing. Who knew monkeys went underwater? (on your back)

somaserious said...

What a fantastic post. I have to apologize for not spending more time with your blog. In fact, I haven't been reading enough of all the blogs that I love (yes, your's is on that list). It makes so much more sense to take things bit by bit instead of all at once, especially when you're talking martial arts training. Keep up the balancing! It works wonders. And thank you for all of your lovely comments...

karrie

Slop -n- Goulash: Dinner of Champions! said...

Aw, shucks, Karrie...it's nice comments like yours that make racking my poor pea brain for another post worthwhile! Seriously, thanks!