When practice becomes inconsistent, making excuses for staying away becomes easier.
There once was a farmer who purchased a very expensive seed with the hope that it would grow into a beautiful fruit tree. He found the perfect place in his garden where the soil was fertile and the sun and shade would be just perfect. He took care to water his seed regularly. Every day, the farmer dreamed of picking delicious juicy fruit from his strong and beautiful tree. Shortly after planting, he became curious about the progress of his seed as he had seen no sprout break through the earth. Just to make sure that everything was going well, he dug up the seed and carefully inspected it for growth. Slightly disappointed but still hopeful, he re-planted his precious seed. He continued to water the spot each day, making plans for the future of his harvest. A few more days passed, and again his impatience got the best of him. He decided to dig up the seed and take another look. This cycle continued for several more days. As you have probably guessed, the seed, which held such enormous potential for growth and greatness withered away and died.
Do not let your practice die under the weight of over examination. Learn to be patient.
This is especially true when you are in a martial arts academy. The grass will always be greener on the other side right? Meaning, that the student often looks elsewhere and thinks “If I were only over there I would be a champion by now.”, or “I’ll bet that that instructor or school knows more than this one..... I would be better off over there.”
if you understand the story of the farmer and the seed, you’ll understand how to grow.
The grass is always greener on the other side right? No! The grass is greener where you water it.
