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...

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.

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)

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)

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)

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!

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!

Ungrateful?

I just had a chat with a friend earlier, who is also a coach. He was sharing that there are some clients that are never satisfied with the training programmes he provides to them. To them, he is never good enough. Then he questioned, why do they pay and have him train them in the first place? I told him that that's a really great question which I can't answer it myself either as I do wonder about that at times myself.

I shared with him that he is not alone. I have had my fair share of clients who are never satisfied with the training I've provided. It really doesn't better if we have taken them in when they were at 'ground zero' (injured, post-surgery, unconditioned, unfit, etc.) and we have helped them to become a lot more mobile, attain their range of motion, strength, fitness, achieve their goals or beyond. To them, they gained their physical abilities all by themselves without your assistance. All successes are through their own efforts and they are quick to point fingers at the coach for their own failures. Without evaluation and reflecting on one's own actions first. It really does not matter what we do as they won't see it because they can't look pass themselves.

I told him to take heart and shared that what I always choose to do is to train all my clients unconditionally and to the very best of my abilities. Even if I go beyond the call of duty out of the genuine goodness of my heart, there will be individuals who decide to insult or mock at me or my programmes, and I can't control that. What I can do is decide on how I respond and think... What these individuals think of me is none of my business! They are free to move on and choose something else that they deem is 'better'. Never engage in their negative and self-centeredness with these individuals. I pick and choose my battles wisely at every single moment.

I told him "Welcome to the world of the service industry"=o) And I reminded him that there maybe a few 'bad eggs'. However, always look towards those who are positive and is willing to work together to achieve their goals. Even if it just one individual, it is enough to 'wash' all those negativity away. I told him that I have been very fortunate to have a beautiful group of runners for this upcoming marathon. They have also been most co-operative to allow us to assist them in achieving their goals. It is such a joy to be part of their journey. It makes all the nasty experiences disappear.

Please do not misunderstand... Coaches are not individuals who are looking for recognition just because they train you. Coaches usually train others with a passion. And it is their job to do so as their trainees would have paid them to do. It just makes it difficult for coaches to train any individual who attends training sessions grudgingly or would only engage in exercises they fancy which makes the goals set out impossible to achieve. In addition, should you decide that the training no longer works for you, move on and do not continue to crucify the coach.

Having shared all these, I would like to Thank all the Fifth Ray runners who have maintained their positivity during the training sessions all these months and years and who have worked together with us at Fifth Ray to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. It is for these individuals that we always strive to better our programmes and services. And provide them with the best programmes we possibly can.

Life is like running a marathon!

Whenever I train myself or others for a marathon race, it is the journey that I learn the most from. It has never been the race itself. The race is usually completed in a matter of hours while the training journey lasts for months or even years. Over the years, it has been the journey that has presented the most challenging of circumstances - physically and psychologically, for self and training others.

I am always thankful for all the challenges as they have certainly made me stronger and have broaden my perspectives on things and life as a whole. It is so interesting that how we deal with our marathon journey reflects how we actually deal with issues and challenges we face every day in our own lives.

I have come to learn that life is not a sprint! We can not simply sprint our way through with blinkers on to get to that one destination. Life is a magnificent gift given to us to test our endurance, patience, and perseverance, very much like training for a marathon. We usually have a BIG overall plan or objective for ourselves and we make smaller plans or check points along the way. It's pretty much how I plan the marathon trainings for myself and the Fifth Ray runners. Life is fragile and it is so important that we value it. If we choose to abuse or neglect ourselves, life can be short-lived and that is truly a dis-service to the beautiful life that you have been blessed with.

Mental Tenacity

No matter what you do in life, you need to have mental tenacity. It is the ability to sustain your focus to complete a particular goal or task that needs to get done. Often times when the going gets tough, we will find excuses or procrastinate or even talk yourselves out of it. It's amazing how many people I have met that have talked themselves out of what needs to be done.

The most common excuses told to me are "I can't do it!"; "It's too difficult for me!"; "This is beyond me!"; etc. Even if you think something is too difficult, give it a try, you never know how you can surprise yourself. So many people have so much potential and yet they limit themselves just by their own thinking and perspective. Your mind is really powerful! Half the battle is already won by just how you think!

As a coach, I have often been told that I don't understand when it comes to training. hahaha... Isn't it interesting?? I find it very interesting because I've been there and done that. When I train others, I would have weeded out all the mistakes I have done on my own before. As I do not wish for others to learn things the hard way if I can possibly help it. So I know exactly how they are feeling and what they are going through. For now, I do the same training as my runners. People can argue that there are variations in speed and experience but if you streap everything away, we are all just doing or giving our best. So the difference between each of us is really the mental tenacity.

In order to improve and better ourselves, we need to 'push' ourselves beyond our comfort zones. If we constantly stay in the zone that we are comfortable with, there is a limit to fulfilling our full potential. I don't promise that the experience is pleasant or easy but at least give it a go!! Run faster or longer (calculated and planned, of course, for injury prevention) because you never know what you are truly capable of until you do it. So what if you reach the time you have set for yourself? Work towards achieving it... You will eventually get there when done correctly. However, for some it may take days or weeks while for others it may take months or years. What's more important is that we all get to our own destinations eventually =o)

So be courageous! Don't allow yourself to live in your own little mind world with 'blinkers' on.

Half Full or Half Empty??

It's really interesting how mankind's consciousness is made to look at the bleak or negative side of situations instead of the bright and positive side of things. This same consciousness applies to life as well as during run training. The same mindset is used in all situations, is it not? Let me share with you =o) Am sure most of us are guilty of this...

We will 'beat' ourselves up over the sets we did not complete or we ran badly in. We do not look at the sets that we have completed and that we have put in our best efforts. So instead of looking at the glass half full and the gift that we have been given to complete those sets that we did, we focus on the glass as being half empty. On top of that, we make ourselves feel terrible about ourselves. Why do we do that to ourselves and dwell in negativity? It's time for a change =o)

Often times when I do not manage to complete a given set for training or I did not run it as well as I would like to, I just tell myself I'll do better and run harder at the next training session. Then I let it go... Sometimes, we are just not up to the physical challenge on that particular day or week. We all have our 'good' and 'not so good' days. The 'good' days are reminders for us to know what we are truly capable of. The 'not so good' days are for us to be mindful to focus on the positive side of things - on what we have completed and how blessed we are to be able to complete the sets that we did =o)

I am always happy to be able to wake up to a brand new day and be able to put on my running shoes and go for a run. Remember... as you are 'beating' yourself over what sets you did not complete or how you should have ran faster, there may be someone out there who would give anything to be able to just run or to simply complete part of the sets that you did. Think about it...

The Challenge!

The last few weeks have been fun as I am finding that one Fifth Ray runner after another is challenging and out pacing me during our run sessions. Every time I run close to keep pace with them, they would pick up speed and run faster. Previously, they would maintain their pace or even at times slow down. Since, I've been injured, they are all out running and beating me during our run sessions! They are taking me on when I am down!! haha... Kidding!! But I actually Love it!! The sense of drive in them to challenge themselves... Using me as a 'target' or benchmark to better themselves has been fun. They are showing themselves that they are capable of a lot more than they have previously perceived themselves to be. I have to up my game now to keep up with them ;op It's healthy competition as we cheer and 'push' each other to the next level. Until our next run sessions... Keep it up Every One!! =o)

Sharing with others

I've not been busy training for the marathon as I am slowly recovering from my calf strain. However, I have been busy sharing my experiences and knowledge with others about healthy and fitness living as well as training/running 10km, 21km and marathons. It is certainly a pleasure to be given the opportunity to share with the staff members of both local and global companies and corporations the importance of a healthy workforce. Thank you very much for listening and sharing your own experiences with me. I hope to interact and share with everyone! =o)

Recovery...

It's been about 3 weeks since my last posting... Before the army half marathon, I injured my left calf. So it's been a recovery journey for me since then. Am not 100% yet but I am getting there. Soon enough! hahaha... Keeping positive thoughts!

It was a really strange injury as there were no signs or symptoms. It just happened! Just like that!! I was running comfortable and felt really strong. Then it happened and I had to stop. It is interesting to think how strong and fragile our bodies can be at any point in time. Honestly, I think it was also my body's way of telling me to slow down. I've been pretty full on with work and squeezing in training. So I am taking it slow now.

I must say that it can be quite a challenge. I have to be really patient and not hurry to get back into shape quickly as the injure may re-occur. And we don't want that! I certainly don't. So I have had to be really patient. From rehabilitating my self back from water running to running on the ground to running without pain. From there it was running continuously for 5mins, 10mins, and so on until I got to 60mins or more. The speed in which I was running was slow... A pace at which I am really not used to initially but it was necessary. I must admit that I am very fortunate to be recovering and healing fairly quickly. I have managed to pick up my pace a little however, it is still a far cry from the speed I used to run. Patience!! I am patient! And it is key to recover! I know I will get back to where I 'left off" soon enough.

I do have to share that I am kind of enjoying this recovery and healing period. It's been a learning journey in itself. It has taught me to be really patient and to always think long term, even on days when I feel good and want to run further and/or faster. I have been reminding myself to think long term! Also the thought of not wanting to be laid off running for weeks on end or months has helped to keep me in check ;op So that itself is enough to keep me patient!

Now, I am just happy that I can run. Even, if it means running shorter distances and at slower speeds, I am contented =o) Like my professor used to say "Be thankful for small favors"! So I am very thankful for being able to at least run! Yippie!! I am back on my feet again. So for anyone out there recovering from an injury, take heart... Do all the right things and You will see the light!!

Race Day! - Part III

All the Fifth Ray Runners are Back! And all in good times too! Congratulations to all! A number of the runners clocked personal best times and sub-2hr half marathon times. Excellent achievements! You deserve a pat on your back! =0) Rest well... See you all back on the track on Tuesday.

Rubina experienced some tightness in her right quads and Charlene managed her ITB syndrome well during the race. Well done, ladies! You fought a brave battle =0)

Race Day! - Part II

I am sitting at the cafe feeling butterflies in my tummy and rather distracted as I constantly look at the time on watch! Truly feeling like an anxious coach waiting for all the Fifth Ray runners to complete their race! Keeping positive thoughts that all are having a smooth and uneventful race. Looking forward to each and everyone of them crossing the finishing line. The first of the Fifth Ray runners should be finishing soon. Will web on my way to welcome them back soon.... Look out for Part III!

Race Day! - Part I

It was a difficult decision not participant in the half marathon race this morning. I was really looking forward to running the race with the Fifth Ray running group. However, it was not to be. I pulled my calf muscle on Thursday and it was a toss between running this race and be laid off for a few months or to give it the rest it deserves and think long term. As you can tell, I have chosen the latter =o) There's always another race, another day!

Although I was not running in the race, I was at the Fifth Ray meeting place to cheer on the runners. I am now at a cafe sipping my drink and blogging as I am waiting for time to pass to welcome the runners back to the finishing line. I must admit that I am very amazed at the number of participants who are streaming into the cafe and the long queue at fast food restaurant next door. All these individuals had number tags pinned on their chest. Hence, they are not supporters but rather participants for the race. Obviously, proper pre-race nutrition was not being practiced =0) Each to it's own but I do wish that these individuals will be better informed about proper nutrition and hydration pre-race for their future races. One can but wish for the good of others =o)

The race will be flagged off in 5mins! All the BEST everyone! Enjoy and have a great race! More updates later.

Living A Beautiful Life

My cousin just shared with me a youtube clip which I would like to share with everyone. It truly shows that in any given situation we are in, we really have two choices. ONE is to choose to be miserable, complain and focus on what we do not have or TWO is to choose to be happy, count our blessings, be thankful for all that we DO HAVE, and live the beautiful life we have been given.

The clip shows a young man's Spirit to live his life to the fullest and best of his ability with what he DOES HAVE is inspiring and moving. He has made our 'challenges, struggles, frustrations' (if we have the right to call them that now) pale in comparison.

Life is what WE make it out to be; NOT what life brings to us!!

Enjoy the clip and be inspired to live your life beautifully:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9DilOIZMu4&feature=related

Liu Wei - Armless Pianist - China's Got Talent 8-8-2010

A HUG To Remember...

I had a session with a 6-year old Autistic boy today. It was our 10th session and a much celebrated one maybe just to me but a celebrated one nevertheless =o)

We have always made good progress during our sessions. The sessions have helped him to establish good eye-contact when speaking and spoken to which is something very difficult for most autistic children. His attention has also improved significantly and he is now able to conceptualize verbal instructions given.

However, the icing on the cake is what happened today. During the session, he initiated a conversation with me and we were able to carry out a two-way conversation briefly. I was over the moon as I usually have to probe for a respond which is usually a 'Yes' or 'No'. Today, he looked at me and pointed to the wall and said "paint". I responded "Yes, do you like it?" He said, "Yes." I asked "Who do you think painted it?" He pointed at me with a smile and said, "Auntie". It may have been monosyllabic on his part but to me, it was a conversation and a far cry from our usual yes/no interactions.

And there is more... When our session was done, we said bye. He played with my hair and then stood at the door rubbing his eyes and looked upset. I held his hands and asked him what is wrong. He looked at me and gave me a HUG! My heart melted - was he trying to tell me that he was sad to leave? I don't know but of course a part of me wish that it was so =o) Then his mother said to me, he is really comfortable with you to be touching you and hugging you. I can't help but think how blessed I am to be given these rare windows of opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child. I Simply Love What I Do! =o)

Live YOUR Life!

I had a conversation with a friend the other day and we happened to chat about living our lives courageously. My friend lamented that very often we live our lives based on the expectations of others around us and end up being too cautious with the decisions we make that define our lives.

My respond to her was "Others may have expectations of us... However, we are only to live up to our expectations! Because we live our lives for OURSELVES and not for others!" Many of us get caught up in the web of trying very hard to please the people around us that we forget to live our lives for ourselves.

This is not the first time I have had such a conversation with someone and I feel that it is really important to share...

I am always from the standpoint that we must be complete within ourselves before we are able to give to others with all our hearts. If we live our lives for others, often times we come from emptiness as our very own happiness is based on the happiness of other around us. But are we truly happy? Think about it. But if you are truly happy and whole within yourself to begin with... You will be more complete as a person and will be able to bring and give happiness and joy to all around you with you even trying. Isn't this a better choice? =o) So make the right choice for yourself and Live YOUR Life!