27 July, 2011

Difficulties with Change - Part I

My sincere apologies for the LOOOOONNNGGGG silence! I have been really busy with our latest addition to the Fifth Ray family. Fifth Ray @ Newton! It is a full facilities gym with numerous group classes. Do come check us out at 55 Newton Road, #05-02, if you have the time.

The past four months have been a huge learning curve as with anything new I decide to embark on. A real eye-opener! Well... I am a huge believer that only with challenges will I learn and grow. As a wise man once said, 'Welcome adversity' ~ Sai Baba.

With our new center, the administrative and physical changes of the center have been the easiest. The most difficult has been that of human emotions. I have had the opportunity to observe how very contented people are in their comfort zones. They don't seem to have any ambition for change or to better themselves. They seem most happy within the confines of the 'world' they so perceive.

It is also amazing how attached people can be to an idea or something or even someone. Any actions of change would result in a huge uproar of negative reactions. I use the word reaction instead of response because the attachment has developed into an unhealthy fixation. Almost like a baby being ripped from his/her mother's bosom.

Change seems to have such negative connotation. People do not take kindly to changes. I find it really interesting why people lose the clarity of mind when faced with changes. Why do people not give change a chance? I often teach the children in my classes that they must always try something new at least once, how can they decide if they like it or not if they don't? They never know until they give it a fair 'trial'. After trying, should they decide that they do like it, that is great and now they know. And if they don't, then move on and hold no ill feelings.

In life, we must always be objective and give everything or everyone a fair 'trial'. It is about looking and seeing things with a pair of fresh eyes each time - not one of prejudice or bias.

"Always in Motion is the Future" - Yoda

Tune in for Part II...

08 March, 2011

Fear can cripple...

I am about to share a recent observation I have made and I am sure there were times in my life where I probably responded in somewhat similar ways.

When changes around us become too unfamiliar and we decide to take a different direction in life, fear can sometimes take over us unconsciously and begin to cripple our judgment/perspective. What I have recently observed has prompted me to blog about it as I feel that it will 'speak' to everyone.

Whenever we allow ourselves to be filled with fear, we end up crippling ourselves and not see the truth or reality as it is. We become distrusting individuals, constantly thinking that others are out to take advantage of us.
We become clouded in our judgment and insecure about ourselves. We feel a need to 'protect' ourselves and our interests. But in reality there really isn't anything we need to 'protect' ourselves from. Because NO ONE is out to get us or put us down in anyway. We become totally irrational in our thought processes and totally paranoid. We feel a need to 'prove' ourselves and be superior when there is really no need too as those around you already know your worth. But we don't see it. The situation becomes one where it is difficult for others to reason with us. A sad situation to be in but often times so true. Ultimately, the fear that has gripped us so intently ends up destroying perfectly wonderful relationships (work/friendships/family/romantic).

And you know what? Most often times, we do not even realize that we are just doing just that. This is a gentle reminder for all of us to be constantly vigilant to deny any fear in us as much and often as possible.

In any direction in life that you make, there are uncertainties and unknowns. Set forth with a positive foot forward... make the change you want for yourself... Changes will constantly take place around you but it will not change who you are or your worth, unless you allow it to.

12 February, 2011

Embracing the NEW....

Happy Lunar New Year everyone! It's been about a month since I last blogged. Trust that you had a wonderful new year and break =o) I managed to take some time out over the festive season to chill and relax for a bit. January was a very hectic and busy month for us. We were doing some re-structuring of our programmes and of course our move to our new premises at 66 Kallang Bugis, Level 6.

I am looking at 2011 as a year of embracing change and welcoming the NEW for us at Fifth Ray. Just barely a month into 2011, we have been presented with many new opportunities. Very exciting ones indeed. Hence, the silence during the last one month.

As with anything in life, we always need to take that first leap of faith if we want things to happen. After taking that first step, all else will follow its course in due time. The first step is always the hardest and it is also one that no one else can do it for us. So if you, like us at Fifth Ray, have dreams and goals you wish to strive for... Take that leap forward!

Wishing all a Fantastic 2011 and a year where you live your dreams and goals! =o)

11 January, 2011

Risking Everything for a Dream that nobody sees but YOU!

I have often spoken about how running a marathon is similar to how we live our lives. It is a long journey of endurance and perseverance where we are constantly challenged to keep our thoughts positive and maintain our positivity at every single moment. A brief moment of being distracted or the lack focus can cause us to move very quickly into negativity which can compromise our marathon performance or how we live our lives, so to speak.

Over the weekend, I watched the DVD "Million Dollar Baby". I was totally inspired! The storyline maybe about boxing but it does relate to our attitude in all that we do. Be it running a marathon or how we live our lives. One particular quote by Eddie Dupris stood out for me, "...it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you."

The quote speaks so clearly to me... It is the attitude which we have built Fifth Ray on. We have a dream for Fifth Ray and we can so clearly see that dream when everyone else around us may not. It is also the very same attitude that we bring with us when we coach or work with every single one of our clients. We will do everything within our power to assist them to achieve their dreams (safely and free of injuries) whether they see it or not.

If you have the time, do take the time to watch it and but inspired =o)

07 January, 2011

Getting Rid of the Old to Make Way for the NEW!

It's been about a month since my last post... We have not been missing in action but rather we were filled with too much action within a short space of time. The past one month has been very hectic for us due to the renovations of our new center at Ture (66 Kampong Bugis, Level 6) and re-structuring of our existing programmes and designing new ones to better serve our clients in 2011.

The past one month has been a time of getting rid of the old and making way for the NEW! Literally, from physical things like old equipment to programmes, to even mindsets and perspectives! Personally, I find change in any aspect allows us to challenge ourselves, learn new things and broaden our perspectives. In some sense, change does liberates one to welcome new ideas, new perspectives to enhance one's growth. To make positive changes in life takes courage. Hence, we are yet again taking another leap of faith for more positive changes in Fifth Ray.

We, at Fifth Ray, certainly hope that you will be part of our exciting and wonderful journey in 2011! All the best for the year ahead. Thank you for reading my blog in 2010 =o)

06 December, 2010

Day After

Am really happy today... For one all the Fifth Ray's runners ran really well at the marathon yesterday! They were all excitedly exchanging their race experiences with each other last night at our post run dinner. Every one was cheerful and chatty! (You should have heard them) hahaha ;op There was a point during dinner when I sat back to listened and looked at all of them I could not help but feel joy within my heart. Almost like a parent looking at how their 'children have grown and achieved their goals they had set out'. Am really proud of each and every one of them for taking on the challenge and maintaining their tenacity to the finishing line! Well done, runners!

Second, am actually surprised at myself for completing the race. Hahaha... I had sustained a calf injury 12 weeks ago and I could not get back to regular training until 6 weeks ago. For a number of training runs I had to stop short of the planned distance. I knew I could run the distance but I can only manage it at a much slower pace than I would desire. I've not been able to pick up my pace since the injury as it will place a strain on my calf. I have been very cautious not to place undue strain on my calf too. I am always for running pain free and be able to run for many years to come =0) Hence, I actually went into the race prepared that I may have to bill out half way if I feel my calf being strained. I always feel no race is worth putting myself on the sidelines for months on end.

To my surprise, my calf was slightly tight but Pain free. I was really comfortable throughout the run and felt like i could pick up pace. I tried to pick up pace a few times but backed down as my calf tightened more. I did not want to strain it again and be put out of action. Considering the circumstance, i thought I ran fairly well! Hahaha... I think I surprised all the Fifth Ray runners too as I have been training with them and I've not been able to run so comfortably as I did yesterday for quite a while. I had fun running with all the Fifth Ray runners and experienced the challenge with them - Running the journey with them =0)

For all who ran congratulations! Well Done! Rest well and have a good recovery!

04 December, 2010

Butterflies in my Tummy!

One more day to the marathon and I have butterflies in my tummy. The butterflies are not for me but for the Fifth Ray runners who are running the roads tomorrow. I am so excited and anxious for all of them. At the beginning of their journey, they all shared with me their individuals goals. After months of training, here we are, just ONE day away from them realising their dreams. It is just so exciting!! =o)

I must salute each and every one of the Fifth Ray runners running tomorrow. They kept their goals insight and worked hard each day to move closer to their goals. Even after months of hard training, their resolve to achieve their goals never wavered. They constantly kept their focus and continued to be the best that they can be. Tomorrow is their day to reap the fruits of their labour! I am just so excited for them! Can you tell?? hahaha... I should be running along side a few of the runners tomorrow and I can't wait. They are ready and prepared for the race!

To All the Fifth Ray Runners running tomorrow, I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to each and everyone of you. I have had an amazing journey with all of you in the past year. The 5am training "Good Mornings" from each of you never fails to start my day on a beautiful note. Your dedication is remarkable and it is YOU that keeps me going! When assigned with your training for the day, the "OKs", "I'll do my best!" and "I'll try my best!" are admirable. Every time each of you take to the track or roads, you display an indescribable purposeful determination and perseverance. You have all been exemplary in the way you have carried yourselves and taken on the journey to realise your dreams. I can't thank you all enough for you have enriched my experiences as a coach and my life. I know you will accomplish what you have set out for yourselves. It's a knowing deep within my heart. I believe you will achieve your goals.

I will be "RUNNING" with each and every one of you! If not physically, it will be in spirit =o) GO! GO! GO! See you all at the Finish Line! Fly to the end!