Reinspired

I sometimes find it difficult to remain inspired. I love the martial arts and I can't wait to go back to China when all I have to worry about is my consistent improvement. But I find sometimes I get wrapped up in the monotony of my life. Get up, go to work, go to class, and go to bed. Then get up, go to work, train and then go to bed. I fit time in for some other things in there too, but mainly this is what my life consists of. I get stuck, and instead of finding new and exciting things, I find myself sometimes drawn into the laziness of routine. A slave to pressure to become a complete robot.
I was feeling a bit like this for the past couple of weeks. I wouldn't use the word bored, but a bit discouraged. I was less excited to practice, mostly because I don't think I've been improving much. We had a class on Friday night and Master Brinker talked to us about how it only takes 15 minutes to drastically improve one technique, if you're practicing mindfully with the right intensity. So I've decided to up the ante for myself a bit. I've set some new goals for myself this month. I'm going to finish, 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' and it's corresponding questions, and I'm going to break boards. It's one of the requirements that I'm most uncomfortable with.
Meeting Master McNeil this weekend really made me realize that as much as the physical aspects of Kung Fu are important, so are the spiritual. It takes a lot of spirit sometimes to keep yourself going. To push through the doubts and setbacks, and to grow as a person, as well as a martial artist. Kung Fu has made me the person I am today, and I continue training not only for self defense, but for my future.
So that I can persevere in my personal battle against apathy.