World Breastfeeding Week

In defining what is the most important element to success in any endeavour, you would be hard pressed to find anything more important than attitude. This month’s article I will discuss the basic principles of developing, maintaining, and demonstrating the proper martial arts attitude in order to shorten the process of goal attainment. In Japanese, the word for attitude is "Shisei" which is made up of two kanji (Japanese Picture lettering) meaning shape, forces. In other words it is the attitude that shapes the forces in our lives. Modern success coaches state the same thing when they explain that whatever you believe in, with conviction, will become your reality. It is this process, in which the karate student learns the proper attitude in dealing with conflict and begins to learn how to display Tamashi or an indomitable spirit. In reality, it is this attitude that may be more important in victory on the battlefield than specific tactics or strategies employed. At the foundation of proper attitude is the belief that you are guaranteed victory as long as you do not quit. The classic japans saying "nana korobi ya oki" or "fall seven times – get up eight", represents this indomitable spirit or winning attitude. As a student develops confidence through their martial arts training, they begin to demonstrate this winning attitude in a variety of ways, including speech, posture and deeds. The dojo (training room) is filled with the sounds of the karate kiai (yell). The kanji for kiai translates as energy, join or in other words, "come meet my energy." The student learns how to overcome temporary discomforts on their path towards victory. They understand that all worthwhile accomplishments come through hard work and perseverance, and a warrior is the epitome of those qualities. After all, if it were easy, everyone would do it, and then it would lose its value. Indeed the warrior attitude is priceless and cannot be bought. It is only earned through hard work and discipline. The senior karate-ka learns that all actions have consequences and through this process he or she learns to predict the actions of others, simply through the kamae or postures that we maintain. In combat, one never shows a weakness in his abilities, unless of course, it is a ploy used to pull an unexpected opponent into an ambush. On a day-to-day basis, the modern streetwise warrior uses this same tactic of total confidence in every action. You notice it as they walk across the floor or talk to others. There is a sense of total confidence and security, hard to describe, but felt nonetheless. Add to that elegance in action or shibumi, and you begin to see the proper attitude of the modern warrior. Most modern self defense Sensei (instructors, teacher, and coach) understands that criminal acts are more prone to those who demonstrate a lack of confidence through their nonverbal communication. They therefore train their students that by working on their posture and walking with a sense of purpose, they can actually diminish the possibility that they may be attacked in the first place. In some cultures, it is believed that if you learn proper posture then your confidence and attitude will improve. Some believe that if your self-confidence grows your posture improves. Whichever school you come from, there is a direct correlation between attitude and posture. Martial Arts student should remember that the next time their Sensei adjusts their body alignment during kata (forms) training. The way you dress, move, talk and even think all define your attitude. I recently saw a report that several companies were doing away with their dress casual policies and were asking their employees to go back to suit and ties. It is amazing to see that during slow times, getting back to basics and understanding that posture has a direct impact on the bottom line impacts the business world. I can assure you it is equally important in your own personal world as well. Having a proper attitude is not a coincidence. A winning attitude is the result of doing the right things to produce this result. Like karate, attitude cannot be learned from a book or from watching a video. You must find people who have this attitude and surround yourself with them. Attitude is very contagious and if you hang around people with weak spirits, it will soon drag you down. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people with warrior attitudes, you will share in the process of easier victories in goal attainment. Having the right attitude is not a specific goal; it is a process that we work on everyday. You must be diligent in what you read, what you think, who you spend time with and what you do on a daily basis. A proper attitude increases a person's self-esteem and self-confidence, allowing them to overcome their fears and set higher expectations for themselves. For centuries, warriors have understood that if you show no fear then your odds of winning in combat go up considerably. A few understand that having no fear is even better. Mr. Doyle is a 30 year veteran of the martial arts. He has been teaching and educating men, women and children of Mississauga since 1986.  He is married and he and his wife, Lesa (also a black belt)  have two children, Charles (12) and Alexsandra (8).  Academy of Martial Arts, Port Credit www.dojoworld.ca

Port Credit Academy of Martial Arts Open House Sale Saturday, September 20th, 2008 9am -2pm Pop a balloon and get discounts on merchandise and memberships

WALKING MOMS Walking is a good form of exercise and can also add years to your life. Why not get out and walk with other Moms? You can enjoy the social aspects as well as benefit physically by keeping healthy and fit. Join other moms in your area for walks. If you are interested in joining a walking group or forming your own send an email to info@momsofmississauga.com or call for more details (416)873-3892. If you live in any of the following areas there are Moms waiting to hear from you. What are you waiting for get out and join them: Erin Mills and Dundas Erin Mills and Thomas Mavis and Courtney Park Winston Churchill and Derry Port Credit Square One

 

LE LECHE LEAGUE CANADA - (Mississauga Group) Mother to Mother breastfeeding support every 2nd Saturday of the month. For more details call (416) 483-3368.

MOMS TIME OUT - Clarkson & Meadowvale - A chance to get out of the house and meet other moms in the area. Childcare available. Email: Momstime@sympatico.ca

MOCHA MOMS - Port Credit - Need a break. Moms group meets every Wednesday.  Babysitting available. Email for more details h.m.r@sympatico.ca

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS - Be a part of this dynamic group of caring women as we help to uplift and support each other into becoming the best Moms we can be! Wednesday morning, from 9:30-11:00, at the Freedom Center in Port Credit 157 Lakeshore Rd West. Contact michelleandtyler@gmail.com. -

ROUNDABOUT FAMILY CENTRE  - We have moved to a fantastic new location just across the street. Programs will resume the week of September 8th. Email info@roundaboutkids.ca for the September calendar. Offering Prenatal Yoga, Mom & Baby Yoga, Baby Sign Language, Baby Massage, Strollercise & more! Call (905) 274-9561 for more details.

ADJUSTMENTS AFTER BIRTH PROGRAM -  a service offered by the Mississauga Parent Child Resource Centres and supported by Peel Health can provide you with support and services to help you find your way. Peer support group to help you through difficult times.  Post partum depression affects 1 in 5 women.  You’re not alone!   Mississauga West (905) 567-4156  Mississauga South (905) 822-1114

POSTPARTUM PEER SUPPORT GROUP - OEYC Mississauga East offers a free support group for Moms. It is offered every Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on a drop in basis. No registration required. Childcare is available if needed. For more details please contact Sanja at (905) 276-6392.

FOODBANKS - Are you finding it hard to make ends meet? Do you find yourself struggling to put food on your table? If so, please contact your local food banks, they are there to help you in times of need. Not only do they provide food, some also have counselors.  Visit the Support section on Momsofmississauga.com for the phone list to contact your local food bank.

DROP IN -  STREETSVILLE - Ontario Early Years Centre -  Adults with children from birth to 6 years of age are welcome to join us during our regular drop in hours. Mon   9:00 am - 12:00 pm &  2:30  pm -  4:00 pm Tues   9:00 am - 12:00 pm &  2:30  pm -  4:00 pm Wed   9:00 am - 10:00 am &   2:30  pm - 4:00  pm Thurs 9:00 am - 12:00 pm &  1:00  pm -  4:00 pm Fri      9:00 am - 10:00 am  For more info on our program schedule call (905) 826-5411

VITA CENTRE FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING YOUTH Are you a young mom between the ages of 15 - 30 years looking to learn life skills. Do you want to meet young moms to share & learn with? If so, then this is the program you are looking for! Our GROWING AS PARENTS PROGRAM will provide you with the opportunity to build likfe skills and personal development. IT's FREE! Light snack provided. Free child minding is available on site.   Meetings are held@Mississauga Life Centre 110 Lakeshore Road . For more information or to register please call Rima. GAP Program Facilitator (905) 812-5477 or Email: gapm@vitamanor.org   Visit the support section of Momsofmississauga.com to download Flyer.

ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE SIGN UP NOW! A 6 week Social Skills Program will  start October 16th at the Ontario Early Years Centre at Turtle Creek Plaza in Clarkson (1801 Lakeshore Rd W.) This program offers activites, games, discussion and stories to help children learn about feelings,acceptance,friendship,co-operation,manners,teasing and bullying. This program is for 4-6 year olds only and it is important that one parent accompany their child. There is no childcare at our centre for younger children, so if you have a younger child and do not have alternative childcare, your child could attend the program. Date & time:  Starts Thursday October 16th 6-7:15 p.m. Ends Thursday November 20th This is an excellent program to help empower children to get along in a school environment. And better yet it is FREE !!!! Call 905-822-1114 to register.

The Mississauga Parent Child Resource Centre operates the Ontario Early Years Centres in the south at Turtle Creek Plaza in Clarkson, Byngmount School, Port Credit High school and Sheridan Villa Nursing Home. We offer drop in as well as many programs for parents/caregivers and children 0-6 years. Visit our website www.mpcrc.ca or call us at 905-891-7621 for more information about our programs. The drop in and all our programs are FREE. One very important program we would like to highlight is our support group for women having difficulties with postpartum adjustment. Share your feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment and learn strategies to help you cope during this challenging time of adjustment. If you are experiencing any of the following : restlessness, sadness, loss of interest, extreme irritability or anger, crying for no apparent reason, overwhelmed, join us Thursday 1-3 pm. No registration required. Just drop in. You are not alone.

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