I love so many of the experiences, interactions and opportunities I am honored to have.
Yesterday, I witnessed some amazing people step up to the plate at the Fall belt promotion. One student had just experienced a huge emotional blow just before but showed up and then really showed up*. Another had no idea what to expect and felt the unknown looming large, yet it did not impact the performance. Another forgot something and the realization of that started the domino effect. You could feel the tears and frustration trying to burst out but they did not, and the comeback was impressive. Another was not fully prepared but worked so hard to be there and wanted to demonstrate dedication and a willingness to not succeed (get a new belt). Another is not always able to attend because of work. But the effort shown off the mat and the positive attitude, thoughtful questions, and openness to the process is awesome. Some students chose not to test because they were not ready, they made that choice without me; their ability to self analyze is so impressive. I have such respect for that.
I believe that the only way you fail is to give up and walk off the mat, to throw your hands up, storm off. It could happen.
I do not believe that not earning a belt is failure though, it is an opportunity. We have had students not pass. But I never viewed it as failure and I hope they have not either.
More importantly though, what touched me most in my observations was realizing that these people trust me; young, older, beginner, and seasoned practitioners- their trust in me to maintain a positive, safe learning environment, their trust in me to try* and make the right choices, their trust in my integrity, their trust in me to be there, that trust means so, so much to me.
A friend came and watched the tail end and remarked on the test and it’s conclusion. Those remarks hit home and made me reflect on the community we are cultivating in our space.
That made me smile and feel even stronger and more dedicated to what I am doing and what I am a part of.
Tonight I got to interact with so many amazing, kind, and passionate people and catch up with an old friend.
My life has been interesting the past few months and has helped to refocus the lens through which I see the world.
Be the good you want to see in the world and the world around you will reflect that 🙏🏽
~ Master Staup