This week we have been talking about what a black belt is. What quality's make a black belt . As we all know a person who is truly a black belt lives the life of one. It carries throughout their lives. So someone just meeting one will not always know that they have a black belt but will feel something special , a little ,perhaps mystical about them. I had an encounter with just such a black belt this week.
People who know me are aware I have been struggling with my health this last six months. A lot of this is mental health. I have been fighting fear and panic. The thought that my body may betray me again. It can take over your life. Take a once independent person and turn them into a recluse , one afraid to be by themselves or be away from home.
I am a firm believer in putting out there what you need, prayer or whatever you might believe. Things have always come to me in my time of need or something I can do for some one else in need of me.
Such a person showed up in my life this past week.
Sifu Kristian Olsvik came into my life with just what I needed. In case you don"t know him he was in the demo at our new years celebration . He also inspires us to feed one thousand people in (Cat man do ?) each year. He studied the art of ancient Thai massage while he lived there.He is a great example of a black belt who truly lives the life of his convictions .
He got in touch with me after he heard about my medical challenges. I seen him three times over a week and was treated to a ancient thai message. If you have never had one you're in for a surprise. For the person receiving the treatment it is calming but for the practitioner it can be taxing physically. Each treatment lasts a least an hour and a half. After the treatment Sifu Olsvik gave me exercises to work on to help me improve my balance and flexibility. He has a vast base to tape into for help with the mind.
Sifu Olsvik never asked for money for any of his time or expertise. I felt he was sent to me at my time of need. I will be forever grateful to him for his compassion and gentle caring.
I would encourage any of you with injuries old or new to seek him out and let him help you. I know Kung Fu can be full of strains and injuries that we incur upon ourselves. Relief my be just a phone call away.
I am blessed with my people in my life who encourage me and support me in my day to day struggles I do not mean to make them feel that I don't need or appreciate them. They have thought me how to except help when I need it. Not always easy to do for most of us.
So next time you are wondering what a black belt does, don't be judgmental of what you see on the outside but take the time to know what they are about on the inside you might be pleasantly surprised.
Thank you Sifu Olsvik
Linda Shipalesky
