Sifu Laurie's book launch on Saturday night attracted more people than could fit into the studio. It was standing room only for many attendees, including the latecomers, such as myself, who had to stand outside the studio for the presentation. I dragged my daughters to the event, as I recognized a wonderful opportunity for them to gain a clearer picture of the world of the writer and writing. I feel that the reason that we do not pursue our passions in our careers is because of a lack of knowledge of what is involved, a lack of exposure to others who have gone ahead, and a lack of reference to how one's personal strengths and aspirations measure up to what is out there. I wasn't expecting my daughters to come away from the event deciding to be writers, but I was hoping they would come away saying, 'Yes, it is entirely possible that I could do this too.' Mission was accomplished somewhat; Jill came away pumped and inspired. Janet came away with a wonderful anecdote, involving a sifu's struggle with a giant chocolate covered strawberry, that was stuck to it's doilie, and was difficult to consume in a delicate manner.

The wonderful thing about Silent River Kung Fu is the diversity of its members, and thus, the diversity of opportunities that can offered to eachother to enhance our personal growth and that of our families. Frances Moore Lamme, author of Diet for A Small Planet, and renowned world food activist made the following observation. As adults, who desire to grow as persons, to give back to the community, or bring about change in something that they are passionate about, we have no place to go to learn how to effectively succeed in these types of aspirations. There is no university course that teaches one how to mobilize a community to bring about change for the betterment of society, the environment, the world. Lamme does, however, point to something very crucial; and that is the community groups of like-minded individuals. These groups provide a 'safe environment' of mutual support and trust in eachother's journeys, passions and endeavors. I believe that Silent River Kung Fu is one such group.

Sometimes I think it is important to focus our attention on the people who exist 'at the fringes' of Silent River Kung Fu. Sifu Laurie has been away for extended periods of time, and in her classes, interfaces with a smaller group of students. Yet she has brought so much growth to my daughters through her activities in Malawi and writing, and solid support to myself through her knowledge and strategies for physical fitness challenges. Sifu McKinnley also, is one to pay alot of attention to as she travels accross the country, yet sends us so many thought provoking insights, and spiritual challenges. Sihing Bachand may not realize it just yet, but she too will have plenty to inspire us with her present journey. The difficulty for me at this point in the paragraph is finding a way to end it, because the more I think, the more I see examples like the three I just mentioned. Everyone one of us has so much to offer eachother, we just need to pay attention.

On a somewhat related note, I am reading a book which is a collection of essays. Here are some words that I thought were worth writing down.

'Life is a journey that you walk with other people'. Wangari Maathai

'Get in touch with your passion. Passion is always a driving force in any success.' Russell Simmons.

'Any religious belief or teaching that is not based on humility and compassion should be looked at very skeptically and warily.' Moby