I have observed and often wondered, whatever happened to the gentleman and the common courtesy reflex we all used to be equipped with? Like holding the door for someone, giving up a chair or making room for a woman thats pregnant or with a child or the elderly. I have witnessed on many occasions a lack there of in public and in some rare times even in our kwoon. (mostly from patrons) Letting someone that hasn't been taught or new to driving in the lane and not cutting them off because they have to turn or they might get in front of you. Driving past someone that is stuck or broken down in the dead of winter, with the attitude "well at least its not me" or my favorite "I don't have time" Don't get me wrong there is a lot of people that do help and have respect for others. But unfortunately there are also many that don't. Thats why I'm grateful for my parents and silent river. I have always had a fairly good handle on my morals and respect for others but since I have been training at silent river they have become more refined. The influence and all the efforts from black belts, sihings, and students have done for the public and each other is inspiring and deeply humbling After a while as you train, a person seems to develop a sense of automaticity, you leave the kwoon with the intention to help others and you don't even have to think about. You wake up and carry on throughout your day doing all kinds of the little things and yearn to become and educate yourself on the big things that will help others. You shun from the self entitlment mentality, refrain from being judgemental, and will give up some of your free time to volunteer and help worthy causes. Its like a recharge of happiness and in some cases you are making a difference in someones life that they won't forget. Just another great thing kung fu has done for not only me, but many others.
Brian Chervenka
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