So, I’ve been thinking about the daily grind.  We’ve created a society that values novelty and quick fixes.  Instant gratification and fast food.  Everything needs to be convenient and stress-free, or we feel disgruntled and unsatisfied.  This applies to our food, our bodies, our jobs, and our relationships.

Yet, we all know that real, meaningful results require real, meaningful effort and time.  How do we put in the time required to achieve excellence, but still keep it fresh?

Be present. Live in the moment.

It sounds like a bumper sticker cliche, but the practice of mindfulness is one of the foundations of Buddhism. And it keeps everything fresh.

I throw hundreds of kicks training and teaching each week.  I estimate that I threw over 500 roundhouses alone last week. Roughly multiplied, I throw about 24,000 roundhouses every year. Multiply that by 25 years… 600,000 roundhouses. You would think that I would be bored by the repetition.  But I still love it.  When you are kicking, you are required to be entirely present.  I breathe, focus on a single point, balance, contract my core for acceleration.  I appreciate every nuance of breath, the movement of my muscles, and the moment of freedom and power when I make contact with the bag.  I try to make every kick count.  And that love for every kick has parlayed itself into a life and career.

Focus on the moment.  Every moment is new, and the moments will create your future.

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness.  If you are attentive, you will see it.” –Thich Nhat Hanh