23rd April 2010 - Desperate times.

So!

I've decided to get a bit more proactive in my aspirations and goals currently, I've had enough of "where" I am in my living and how I'm doing it. That may sound glum but it's not meant that way.

I'm happy enough, but I still feel so far away from reality and truth in relation to my nature and what needs to be done in life. Happiness from comfort isn't enough.

I want truth....

I need truth. 

Our wants generally are so far away from what we truly need. I've had enough of obligation, give me necessity.

I am posting to kick start a change, or, to get the ball rolling a bit faster.

Piece by piece I want to de-construct my life. break it down, go to real basics, and then rebuild, being true to myself and the the environments I am in.

I believe our society and general culture to be losing grasp of what is important to us, as human beings and as children of the earth. I can no longer be a part of this by how I'm living.

We are born to grow, learn, live, love and share.

I've made a start on things over the past few years but in essence it's not enough, or fast enough for my liking/needs and I am going to get it sorted. 

I've been learning so much over the past year, searching for truth, trying to love those around me, trying to shake the fear away, and doing what I can, with my limited experience, to help others to do the same. 

We are all on a journey, we are all learning, we are all in essence, children of this life, this world and the Universal Power that fills and unites us.

I have learned to be less hard on myself, and to trust the process of life. I have become much more reflective in order to make the most out of my experiences, so I can share them with others, to help themselves. It was a part of why I started this blog back in 2006 although back then, perhaps I didn't see it's use.

So, over the next few posts, I'm going to share where I feel I've come, where I'm at, where I need to go etc; I hope, sharing these things with you can help. Feel free to challenge me and my thoughts, adding to our collective experience, learning to live and love in this life, a little better. 

Give me only what I need, and let me shed the rest. Time to trim the fat, and get comfortable the freedom, living the truth gives us. 

I'm far to used to this prison and the shackles of my greed.

It's got to start with what I have, and my attachments to these things, I believe myself to have little right to have these things while there are others on their life journey lacking. 

Love does not look like my life right now. 

I'll leave you with two quotes which were shared through love to help us help each other.

"Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived." Shane Claiborne

"My life is my message." Mahatma Gandhi

We can all be so much more.

I will keep this blog updated and relevant to this cause/ journey. I am doing this because I believe living what we believe in to be right, not for my own gain, not for my own feeling of worth, or because I'm blindly following some thought or any other excuse you can think of.

I am trying to do and live what I believe is right.

Peace and Love.

Brad

11th -29th Jan 2010: "We're sending you back, to the future!!"

What a great film!?? (In case you don't know, the quote is from all time awesomest film trilogy, "Back to the Future")

In the film; 2015 sees flying cars, sleep algorithm generators and hover-boards; we could get there is 5 years right? ;p

So it's now January 2010 (albeit at the end), a time where everyone talks about diets, training, plans, goals, 'last year was rubbish', and the list goes on with the changes they wish to make, commonly being making this year, ‘different from last year'.

But what does 2010 hold for you?

Wouldn't it be great if I could tell you, or, if someone could tell you what your future holds?

Maybe I can...... I'll get to this a little bit later.

Regarding this blog post: I usually have some experience in my living and movement that awakens something deep within and so I write to share it. But tonight, I am writing to write and update, and funnily enough, it's just shooting out of my fingertips, so lets see where this is going ;p. (started on the 11th Jan, finished today and funnily enough experiences over the past two weeks have contributed to the content of this post. Providence!)

--- Quick Life Update---

Christmas has lost it's childhood charm without a doubt, I have over the past years asked for nothing pareticular as effectively, there is little I need or even want, and I'd rather we give to others who are in need. This year was obviously different, as for me, Jesus and family have been a real focus and really trying to remember and understand the reason for the time. On the 28th I did a "panto in a day", in which we are given the scripts etc; and have to organise and do everything to host a pantomime for that same evening; this of course was great fun. (Few pics are up on facebook.)

29th December Saw me reach 1 Year of Dreadlocks. (Thank you Kate and Amy <3)

New years was excellent, with Church friends and newer friends, got to see some amazing views of fireworks across the Southend night sky from their high up flat and just in general have a good time getting to know people and chatting about all sorts!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Had the first week off of work off as I have holiday to use up so was nice to chill out and think about where I'm heading and what I'm doing and try to work it out... little progression there, heh.

Saturday 9th saw the BPCA AGM which went amazingly, covered the surprisingly large amount we did in 2009 and created many very promising plans for 2010, progressing and making a positive impact in the Parkour community, so on that front... keep an eye on the BPCA site and check your in-boxes over the next few months.

Work’s been going very well since heading back getting much more organised and in turn, more useful for Young People’s development. My Youth Work NVQ is being assessed currently, resulting in me being a qualified youth worker. Might have more Youth Work to do in the near future working for another Youth Service; might be moving out soon, coaching opportunities on the way, travelling options, and God showing me so much in life by putting faith and trust in Him.

-----

So that's me updated, back to the topic, what does 2010 hold?

I once again wish to express, I do not consider, nor do I claim to know and have all the answers to everything in life and world, I’m still figuring so much out, myself! However, my experiences have and do appeal to, and help others, so in the  words of a favourite author, “life and it’s lessons are only made useful if shared”, so again I wish to share with you, my brothers and sisters.

Do with my words as You, feel is right.

I don't know all the ins and out's of your specific year. But there are some things I do know, almost with a certainty.  If you listen (or read) and test what I’m sharing, I'm sure it will help you become a more rounded, understanding and happier person in 2010 and beyond.

So what are you going to face? Let me tell you...

Uncomfortable situations, fear, uncertainty, hardships, loss, gain, good times, change, undeserving feelings, pain, love, happiness, getting older (can't avoid this one), being hated, being loved, heartbreak, adoration, misunderstanding, bliss, confusion, anxiety, grief.... and hugs. (End this incomplete list on a good note ;p)

Life is full of these things, 2009 was probably held of these things, and this year will probably be the same, it will be good, and then it will knock you off of your feet, in ways mentioned above and more.

 

But what are these things really to us?….. Good or bad? Wanted or avoided? Put simply....They are the challenges present in our lives.

Now in response  to what’s been said so far, you might say, "I could've told you that"…. I hope you can, it's a good indicator of the statements' truth. Time and time again however, You and I forget, or simply do not see the importance of these things, the necessity of them all, whether we feel or believe it at the time or not.

Let me tell you my thoughts and tested beliefs as to how to approach these issues in order for us to live a happier 2010 and onwards. These are ways I have tested and been living. I believe them to be worthwhile practices and approaches to start to explore and live more of your life, I pray they can do the same for you.

--First Step--

Awareness and Attention

How many times have you likened a bad situation you've had to one a friend is going through, in order to show them how it's all worked out, one way or another?

This is a simple example I know, but it's a common situation where your 'mishaps' have helped another.

Of any "resolutions" or changes you're thinking of making this year, I think the biggest one would be to think and pay attention to what is happening, both the 'good and bad'. At least pay attention to them, if you can write them down. (One habit I have gotten into is keeping a notepad handy for any thoughts that I feel may have future use or any thoughts in general, they are put there for a reason and there’s no real harm in writing them down, “all knowledge ultimately leads to self knowledge”, even if you don’t use what’s written to much use, you can at least compare it to you now and see how far you’ve come.)

It sounds simple and it is.

Why do I need to pay attention to what is happening??

Whether it is now, or 10 years from now, if we have paid attention to what is happening, often the lessons materialise, enabling us to help ourselves and others in the future.

Sometimes we may learn a lesson instantly, in which case, we have some instant gratification and justification from this way of thinking. Sometimes, however, they do not happen at that exact moment, but that’s fine too. Often this is because we aren't ready for that knowledge or lesson yet, we've not experienced enough for us to safely learn and live out that lesson. Accepting this strengthens our character and spirit and teaches us faith in the process of life. (This  I have learnt through my life experiences both before and more so after finding my faith in Christ. Believing in God’s plan for me in life, putting my faith in Him for process of my life)

We have God-given emotions and feelings, we should accept and celebrate them, but I believe balance is key. Sometimes we rush into emotional responses and forget the important factors involved. Thinking of the situation in a third person’s context is useful to see how emotion may be clouding your judgement. - On the other hand, emotion is there for a reason, so listen, question and weigh up each side; practice balance.

By all means express your emotions, but sometimes taking some time out and looking at a situation objectively can help you assess the situation a little more clearly, and help others in a much more fulfilling way.

--Second Step--

Reality

There are lessons and things of use that come out of all that is and all that happens, however, we often don't have the eyes to see them. This, I believe, comes from lack of attention, as has been explained above. We remedy this by hearing, not just listening; seeing, not just looking, and feeling with our hearts. The next problem is that when we see what is, often we shut off, resist and hide....

Why do I hide from problems by avoidance or covering them up with other problems?

Why's it so hard?

Why do I give up and let the bad things consume me and long only for the 'good things'?

I'm going to tell it as it is.

 

• Because we are afraid, tired, faithless and weak (not just physically).
• Often, we are equally afraid of failure, and afraid of success.
• We actively resist change.

The need to overcome a problem forces change, which requires effort, and energy.

The first issue is that in our lives, we tend to waste our energy on self destructive habit’s and behaviours. We waste it and live in fear of needing to change ourselves, and use some of that energy. (Habits and addictions such as need of refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, drugs, talking, being afraid, poor posture, lack of sleep, too much sleep, lack of exercise, over-exercise, junk food consumption; etc. These habits use our energy to carry out and repair from the damages they cause.)

It is easier to let problems take us down than it is to confront and learn.

Here’s a quote I believe explains it well:

 

“Most people live, whether physically, intellectually, or morally, in a very restricted circle of their being. They make use of a very small portion of their possible consciousness, and of their soul's resources in general, much like a man who, out of his whole bodily organism, should get into the habit of using and moving only his little finger. Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater our vital resources are than we had supposed.”

It's easy for us to say "I'm tired", "I can't", "I don't believe".

Aren't these choices? Aren't these things that we say to ourselves, because deep down, we're afraid that if we try we might fail, or possibly more likely and crazily, afraid that we’ll succeed and have to change ourselves and our, currently comfortable situation.

Our choice, to let 'the bad things' take us down, gives it greater power over us.

I have learnt over my life so far, that should we ignore the problems and avoid it at all costs, we do not equip ourselves with the skills needed in order to overcome our future problems.

“He knows not his own strength that hath not met adversity”

Some of the more challenging obstacles in life such as death and loss are not easy things to deal with, I know, and I am not saying don't grieve or pretend it didn't happen, but acceptance of what it is, for what it is, is the first step to overcoming. Resisting change will only prolong the pain and difficulty, we must develop courage to push through.

When we see the situation realistically, you can effectively overcome the problem, otherwise it's like fighting an illusion or ghost, it's not really there.

We tend not to see the real obstacles and challenges in life.

The physical obstacles I face within my Parkour training are only obstacles if I allow them to be I put them in my way to develop my strength. Money is only an obstacle if I say it is... We need to break down the walls around/ between you and the real obstacle. (This is something further backed up by words spoken at church over the previous weeks, many people seeing many thoughts and visions of walls needing to be broken down)

Our attachments to objects and our beliefs on success, failure and change are often the biggest barrier. Dig deep, explore the terrain find the real issue.

--Third Step--

Action

We have established that paying attention allows us to immediately or in the future, learn a lesson from our problems. By looking deeply into a problem and exploring where the real problems lie, we can create a game-plan to overcome the problem. And this is where the third step, action, falls in.

The solution to future happiness is not easy, but if you want happiness, you have to work through it, and spend a little energy. Surely happiness is worth the effort? You have to see the challenge through, and take the lesson from it.

Use your own experiences in testing this one… Who wanted to do work when they were at school? Very few I’m sure, but looking back I’m sure you wish you’d have done so, or could go back and try harder etc..? Why aren’t we applying that same lesson to every part of our lives?

Lets bring this back to a real life situation...one I experienced at the weekend.

Situation: (I felt God needing me and me needing to ask God to guide me in a gap that needs to be filled at my cousin’s wedding). After discussing faith with my aunt as she decided to ask about it all to which I did openly and honestly (Steps one and two). I then felt the need to head outside for some air. There was a group of young people out drinking and throwing glass bottles around so I decided to walk and head in their general direction. I was listening and working out if I should talk to them or not (Steps one and two), when I remembered a quote by Martin Luther King Jr,

"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."

I then went over to talk, not to lecture, not to tell them off… but to talk. We discussed goals in life, choices in life, society, why we do what we do and what we can do to solve issues, for a good 30-50 minutes. (Step three, action)

Outcome: If they listen and change, then great I succeed, if they don't change and laugh of all I said and we discussed I still succeed. I faced a challenge, and did what is right, strengthening my confidence and faith in self and in God.

The first two steps allow you to see more in what you do, and aid you in finding the real success’ and failure’s from the choices you make with the third. Even if we try and 'fail' in situation in life, we can turn it into success, we've successfully found a way that doesn't work right now and strengthened through trying.

Why do we struggle to speak with those who we may be able to help? It is not our lack of ability, because we can do these things... it's our attachment to the illusion of failure and fear of change, etc, mentioned in the first 2 steps. To not do something in a situation that requires action, will result in failure. Whereas to do something, to act... has a chance of changing things (no matter how small a chance do it anyway, Mother Theresa said “We can do no great things, just small things with great love”, by all means aim for heights, but do the small things you can do right now and your efforts will spark others into action and to growth) ... it is our choices that decide how we move onwards, choose to do it, and put all your love and energy and heart behind it.

We will also be developing our situational understanding, problem solving skills, perseverance and courage should we make the choice to continue onwards with other situations. But in order to do this we must act, we must do, we must choose to live.

Life is a practice of action.

This then enables you to keep moving onwards, allowing you to keep grasp of where you are, strengthening your mind, body and spirit to deal with these problems in the future.

As we explored earlier, things happen, good and bad, on and off, continuously, the problems we face through action gives us the strength to get us through other problems in the future.

Life is a training ground, either suffer it or learn from it to/ and move towards happiness.

-Last Step… (before another first step)-

So we've acted and after a while, we've overcome a problem, what now? Do we blindly repeat the same action for many different situation? Sometimes we may be able to, but the greatest strength and realisation comes from weakness, and acceptance that you have more to learn.

To recap and adapt what you have achieved, enables you to move forward, and gain strength, to work with the forces of life and to not stagnate. This of course requires your to act, to test and accept this as a truth and to use it to continue to benefit your life.

As new situations arise, new problems approach and new obstacles challenge you revisit the steps above and gain a realistic grasp of where you are.

-----
So to recap, how do we have a happier 2010?

1. Attention: Look at what's happening, take it in, the good and the bad, write it down if needs be.

2. Be realistic: See issues for what they are, we need to knock down the fake walls around the issue and see what the real problem is.

3. Action: Do something about it when you feel ready, if you are not, make small steps/goals to achieve each day, working to overcome the issue, and eventually you'll get there.

4. Reflection: Be humble, enjoy the work and what you have achieved, but understand that it was for that situation. Reflect and improve, and move back to your very first step, and a very unique and life strengthening situation.

----What does 2010 hold for you?----

You will face some sort of challenge this year, some loss of form of upset, (Ironically this can come from not getting what you want, or getting exactly what you want).

The question is how you're going to face it. Blindly and randomly, or by taking a simple, adaptable approach to make the best out of a difficult situation.

Are you going to suffer the challenge at hand, or have faith, charge through with eyes wide open, and believe you’ll come through stronger?

This is what works and has worked for me for some time, so I wished to share. By all means test what I’ve given you above, and improve it, make it your own, I’d love to hear your thoughts and testing.

(The more observant among you may well notice that Buddhism contains ‘4 Noble Truths’, which are very similar to the process’ mentioned above. There are truths and methods for life in the world, I have come to realise the above points through my life experience and exploration within my life and faith. God teaches us to love and grow together. Anything that can be used to glorify God and His word belong to Him.)

Much love and I pray for success for you in 2010.

Hope to see, train and learn with many of you this year.

13th Oct '09:: Parkour Practice Application

Hey all, thanks for reading previous entries, seems to have got people thinking which is great!

This post is in relation to my previous post and the 2 comments by my friend, Elliot, This can be found by clicking here and by scrolling to the bottom of the page.

I'm going to 'bold' Elliots points for reference, I do urge you to read my previous post, and the comments, as this won't make all that sense without the reference.

Parkour's Practical Application.

Thanks for the response Elliot as I said throughout, these are my thoughts and I don't expect everyone to conform and agree, they won't even if I was 100% "Right". People choose what they wish ultimately. The purpose of this post is to be a perspective for others, to test against their own views currently, to take what's useful and to challenge (and if needs be, leave) what they perceived as not.

We've spoken about much of this before and it's great that it's still being challenged.

My "Parkour" training consists of learning things for the benefit of self and others. Of those things, some are essentially useful to me so I can be of use (Strength, general knowledge about how I work etc), and some things are with a more direct approach to others, not just in the physical 'doing and moving' realm, but within my communication and other interpersonal skills, and also in knowledge, ie, within learning and training First Aid for example, which can be very useful day to day within my environments at least.

The physical aspect of my training focuses on practicing what others may struggle with, so I can help, day to day, increasing strength and general adaptability in any skill. I am to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ so to speak. There are many needs in the world and to people, and Parkours idea is to be able in any situation, using the medium of movement as an essential part of life: to learn. I feel it is an open enough area for all to agree it's a good life 'ground-rule' to practice overcoming given obstacles. I understand that we may well, and probably will never, have ALL skills, but what’s wrong with aspiring towards that? All knowledge ultimately leads to self knowledge. Parkours approach keeps yourself and others' needs in the picture, which would indeed keep the things practiced relevant and useful.

In relation to your comment on working, I do volunteer and work for others in my time, so I'm not saying one thing and doing another for the record. In my 'free time' I'm training and learning things which I feel may be of use to others. I am still developing this and doing what I can to give to others, and finding more effective ways of carrying out my goal/aspiration.

Regarding Belle, why not agree? The methodology is the practice of overcoming obstacles, which would indeed benefit self and others. How is it a bad thing to be a bit more thoughtful towards other peoples needs? Parkours ideal is a natural one, (self and human continuation) but we've been brought so far from our real environments of life by society, we don't see what’s 'useful' (I understand the term itself is indeed open to interpretation and is personal, but 'Realistic', should be coupled with all terms in my opinion, using experience). Parkours approach can be used to test its own methodology and it will overcome those challenges one way or another. Parkour works. An example being, ‘We’ see money as THE means to live, not the means to get food to live etc… the approach we take makes a huge difference and Parkour helps you more accurately assess the problems faced, which is a large early stage to overcoming. We no longer question and explore enough to impact the situations. We accept, resist and do little about the situation, through lack of confidence, experience and practice overcoming problems.

Regarding ‘the founders’, I feel that initially and maybe still a little now, there was little understanding of why or how it works, but we as a community and friends have been working to understand this. The issue is that the physical took over the spirit and mentality of Parkours practice, and as such, they did not become effective memorable examples of what Parkour is, only what it can achieve (through showing success and ‘end-result movements’). This is without the understanding of how, or the thought processes needed to instigate and learn from the movement, or of the other intricacies the journey/practice. I’m not saying this is the ‘wrongs and rights’, or if it’s 100% true, I don’t know, but I’m using what I’ve seen and learnt. The methods and ideas we’ve been developing are proving themselves, and being agreed by practitioners from their experiences and approaches. This should have been done form the start, but physicality was seen and overused, out of proportion to other required areas.

The methodology and mentality of Parkour, by its nature, is set, to firstly give focus, (learning to overcome obstacles for self and others) and yet open enough to interpret (Into your life-environment). Everyone’s obstacles will be different, that is accepted and a given, and Parkour allows this. It's not DO THIS DO THIS, it's one method, Practice solving problems to solve other problems, in movement and life.

HMMMMMM?!

The point I'm getting across on this tangent is that, yes, I am saying the Parkour approach is healthy for all, as all experience obstacles and challenges, and as such the practice of overcoming challenges will be beneficial to self and others. Yes we are all different, but the same basic Parkour approach will benefit all, and communication of personal beliefs contribute to a challenging and developing, learning environment. Parkours approach develops its practice. This in turn challenges the individuals' thought processes and the 'solutions' can be better assessed from having external perspectives from others, to better understand realistic usefulness to a given challenging situation/environment.

As you were pointing out throughout, Correctness and acceptance of people’s differences are important but I feel there are bigger truths for the world, society has caged us, too much, driving fear into us to not try and find any kind of universal solutions; be they full or partial guidelines for life, bringing us away form the ideas of closeness and community; we are all children of God, we are all the one and the same, we are not our nationalities or religions, we are human beings. Parkour is itself 'incomplete', and that’s why it works, there is no absolute right and wrong, only the ideal of learning to overcome obstacles, to help solve other obstacles/challenges. The idea stimulates practice, and develops areas which in most societies now are lacking, as we have many things to do things for us, or we expect someone else to do it for us. Your exploration of my thought continues this.

“"If we have an alternative that we know would be beneficial to them and others, surely we should at least try to share, or help them find the answers?" The thing is that often in our attempts to try and make some sort of change we actually become part of the problem, with our attitude that we know best, whether or not it is verbally communicated overtly as such. You cannot teach or help someone who isn't ready, or open and receptive to that help.”

As true as this may be in terms of readiness, leaving it be may and probably will not actually solve any of their problems, sometimes you have to experience that discomfort of 'another way' to find a better conclusion or at least to see that there is another way, we should and are there to 'plant a seed' or share an idea. Indeed people's choices and actions are their own, that’s how we were created, but if something is worth sharing and a truth, I still see nothing particularly wrong in sharing so that they may help themselves. Again, for many, we needed the irony of being told to “find your own way” before we can see it. Was it for the better or worse? For me and I think all who explore movement it’s at least for the better, all information is inherently that, take what’s useful. The practice of useful things will generally be useful to all for life. Why are most practitioners starting in their teens? At a time where they are understanding their choices are their own and things they believe are different to others...? Parkour encourages this and welcomes people to try their way.

"If you step back and imagine that not everyone trains or lives for the same reasons as you, then perhaps you will not judge other people's actions so harshly or with the same set of ideals you judge yourself. That way maybe you can accept that there are many practitioners who don't do as you do, and there are even more people in the general population who choose to live differently, and perhaps maybe not care about the same causes or things as you."

I do reflect and can accept this, it is the case currently and as such it has to be accepted, it doesn't mean it's right, or the best way, nor does it mean there aren't other ways that could benefit them. To resist what is, is to create undesired stress, which will make you less effective to act. I can however, as can you, continue to give opinions or suggestions if they so wish, if they don't, then, help those who do want help; but, within reason; I'd still do what I know deep down is right.

Look at climate change or the conflicts in the world, I'm sure there are many people who would say that they "don't need help" and that "there are no issues here". But you deep down know otherwise, I'd do what I feel was right for the given situation, for it's better to have lived and risked with love than to die safely and without love. Yet there are those dying for their love for one another and breaking law to help people see what they need to for future generations to live. (Greenpeace current actions comes to mind)

"The best things to do, with the best things in life are to give them away". It's their choice to accept what you have to offer or not. Should we share and it benefit, then great.

Should they not acknowledge it or listen, they've lost nothing and only gained in information, which leads to self knowledge.

This I feel here IS wherein a ‘problem’ lies. As you pointed out, some situations require a decision to be made and a problem to be solved in that situation; which may well mean you doing it for someone. But the key as a coach or as someone to share Parkour itself, is to give incomplete solutions and assist others in trying for themselves and finding their own solutions. This is ironic of course that you have to be told that “you can do it for yourselves” but it is the case, whether we are told it be parents, friends, books, films, documentaries, teachers or coaches. Again, we’ve been brought up in a way of complete answers, and commonly there are none. Parkour is a ‘complete’ idea/mentality to develop personal solving of problems or further developing incomplete solutions. A discipline, a practice, and an art, in that, solving problems IS personal and expression is outputting in solving problems.

A agree you need a foundation before you can do something for others, this (In my opinion should) come through general upbringing and learning from the environment; we then need to be challenged and encouraged to overcome the challenges presented, not always given the answers but guided to help solve them ourselves. This is happening more rarely in today’s society because of a lack of practice in challenges and well, lots of reasons from my experiences and discussions! A big part of it as mentioned earlier, is that this society is brought away from life and doing what needs to be done, there’s a covering over the 'real stuff' we need and need to develop, bringing us away form the ‘living' and learning environment.

You said, "If people have fun 'moving' and experimenting, then that is what is of most value to them. The bigger picture isn't some universal truth, but rather your own very personal ideas."

– I Agree, I’m not trying to tell anyone what not to do, I’m putting a perspective out there. Should anyone never have some experience or influence to develop greater understanding, there’s little reference point for their life journey, we are social and we live with people so it is inevitable. The main things I feel it IS important is that we become ‘good’ examples for people to maybe aspire towards, aspiring towards use, first, then aesthetics if desired, but use can and will always be bettered with realistic and useful training applications, scenarios and environments. There are plenty examples of selfishness and doing things for self in the world, but not enough for others and for love.

“"Time spent in preparation should be realistic to your situations and life." In most people's lives Parkour training will not make it any easier for you to benefit someone in your daily life”

-- With this I strongly disagree. Well I agree that most people's IDEA of Parkour training does not help them.

The Parkour practice, is the practice of overcoming obstacles, solving problems, learning from the mistakes made and bettering oneself for others. If ‘practitioners’ are not doing this then they are not practicing Parkour, not completely at least. Parkour will in fact help in other unpractised/new obstacles being faced as you should then be prepared for doing so. The real practice of Parkour will make it easier for you to benefit others and to do so safely, after all it's been practiced. I have seen many examples of how Parkour has done this, one such being, communication skills improving due to an improvement in confidence and analysing the issues/obstacles stopping them from doing so. In other areas I've seen and heard, of physicality improvement due to Parkours application; people being better at Piano playing or various martial arts styles, skateboarding, juggling, roller-blading, or football coaching, without practicing them specifically. Facing and solving problems, using the Application of Parkour, allows the body to better cope with challenges, improves the mental capacity for overcoming obstacles and strengthens the spirit for doing so too.

The Approach makes the mind and spirit stronger and adaptable, through useful training. The processes from the approach achieves this, not just the practice of some movements and hanging out with friends. I understand the examples I used in the original blog post were a little extreme,(7 Guys attacking your/family etc) but they are things that can and may happen, realistically. The amount of fights that break out in and around my area is silly, again it’s environmental, but you can use realistic predictions using past experience, how you previously overcome other similar obstacles for the future. Should you not have any, one should take small steps and stages to develop a movement and experience repertoire.

“The goal is really the bi product of the journey itself, and in comparison any goal reached will constitute such a minor part of your life it's almost insignificant.” –

True, we are all tiny in relation to God and the Universe, but we are here nonetheless, this idea fails at its own test as without some sort of goal why bother moving or doing anything at all, and if it is all insignificant, why not just end it now? We ARE here, and so we should do something with ourselves, we have the means to do so for a reason, it is a goal to move towards. What do do and what your personal goals are, then falls into personal beliefs and what have you, but for me, I think it’s not only worthwhile for life and afterlife, but to actually do something to help another, is good practice as 99% of the time, people would want the same help if they needed it. (Do unto others, as you mentioned earlier).

Parkour teaches us to face and overcome; the way of action, to do something rather than avoid and/or do nothing. The rest of what you said about goals, yes, we should have them, but should we be too heavily focused we are missing what’s going on, our journey needs to be continually tested to make sure we heading towards our goal and to learn the lessons to achieve future goals. I agree with that aspect at least. The bi-product is the friendships made, fun in other aspects of life/challenges, confidence, goals, desire, physcial development (In skill, looks, muscle growth, flexibility, toughness); and the list can go on. Parkour and it's application, overcoming obstacles is the goal, and the above, which most seem to think are the reason for, are a plus....

“It seems like you are taking helping others to an extreme where it overrules your own happiness.”

I mentioned this earlier above, but yes, I am to an extent. Of some things I may do, I might not enjoy them directly but this comes down to the Parkour ideals again, if I do and practice, achieving my goal of being useful to others, it justifies the practice of that which I enjoy less. This is a very useful skill as some/many obstacles and problems, in training and life, may well require things that are very difficult to enjoy, but most happiness comes form the idea of success over failure, and the absence of problems. Should the practice of that which you don’t enjoy, aid you in the future to succeed, using past goals and experiences to back this up; Parkour works and you’ll have a motivation at least to battle through.

In this context, should we be living examples, embodying what we have learnt and showing that Parkour is the fundamental method used, it is encouragement for others to practice Parkour, understand its use, and use Parkour to make a HUGE impact in the world and within people's lives, there's so much more to the practice than just going out and moving. Movement is just the means to learn how to overcome obstacles as it impact everyone's lives in one way or another.

Thanks for reading, any questions or ideas please get in touch!