It's already been a week since we made our way home from the Alabama Build-vention. So many people in and out of silent river have asked me about it since we got back. After trying to give an overview of our trip at least a dozen times, you'd think I'd have a fairly articulate recap formulated, but I don't. This was truly 3 days of my life that have left me truly speechless and humbled. All in all, there were about 45 of us that descended on this small community. We all came together with a single purpose, to create a "pop up" community of martial artists to help another community. I, like most attendees I think, didn't know what to expect, and came into this thinking I am definitely going to give more that I get, after all, that is what this trip was about, right? Well, if was only about giving, then I feel guilty because I took soooo much away on so many levels I don't know where to start. I think that is why I still have problems articulating my experience. I met people from all walks of life, from martial artists to farmers, contractors to students, to locals who just came out to assist and help in any way. A few of the coordinators mentioned several times that about 3 months of work was completed in the 3 days of the build-vention. As we have been discussing all week, as this relates to the upcoming pandamonium, so much can be accomplished if we all work together.
My apologies that this post is all over, but like I said, when I think of my experience, my brain is overwhelmed by so many things it's hard to focus.
If I try to think of one thing that has had the most impact or at least sums up a lot t of the other experiences, it's something that Tom Callos said. He was referring to blackbelts when he said this, but I think it is pertinent to anyone whether you are in martial arts or not. He said, you should 't measure a blackbelt by their skills alone, but they should be measured how astronomers measure black holes, you cover up the black hole so your not looking at it and then focus on everything else around it. The stronger the black hole the more effect it has on everything around it.
I reflect on the people I met on this trip and the combined effects they will all have on the world around them and I am amazed. When I think of how we in the I Ho Chuan, and the entire school have affected and can continue to affect others, I am amazed.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
