The idea of Phases of Growth came to me during precious and rare moment of enlightenment while running kata. Such events are great (to me) because a “new” thought comes, grows, becomes clear and stays with me even after the kata is done. Sure, we all can get into a zone while doing an activity. You are one with the kata; the movements just happen; no fatigue; awareness of power and yet nothing exists. Reminds me of the thought of No Mind and Zanshin, except I am clearly aware of the mind.
The awareness that came was ‘I have just evolved’. I hope everyone feels such moments on a regular basis.
There is the struggle to learn a movement or topic. Then, the awareness of “I get it” happens. Such clarity. And yes, the room did seem to get brighter as if the sun turned up and a chorus of “Ahhhhh” sung by angels in the background!! Let me write this down before the moment disappears:
Phases of Growth
- Beginner: Learning WHAT to do (paying attention)
- Novice: Learning How to do (determination)
- Intermediate: Getting Stronger/Better at doing (consistency)
- Advanced: Leaning WHEN to do (timing)
- Teacher: Learning WHY to do (giving back)
Begin again (Beginning Teacher, Novice Teacher, etc)
Never Stop Learning! If you do, that is when you have truly stopped living.
That thought, thankfully, wouldn’t go away until I wrote them down. Which is unusual for most such events. How many times have you had that GREAT idea, only to lose it just as quickly as it came? Frustrating isn’t it. It used to be. I have begun to find enjoyment when they come and go because I know it will happen again (and again, and again) as I grow. And, I am getting better at getting them recorded. Before the cell phone, I always kept a notepad and pencil around just for such events. Now, I can record the fleeting thoughts. (Except in the middle of the night when my wife is sleeping!!)
These fleeting thoughts are recognized as messages from the Universe. Some have asked why I still practice karate after over 50 years. I practice just for those opportunities to hear the messages. Some are great. Some are strange. Some seem to be great at 3 o’clock in the morning; but not so much the next day. 🙂
All fleeting thoughts are cherished whether I get to hold on to them or not. Each one represents another step in the Phases of Growth.