The image above was my view as I headed to stop in on the academy and say hi to some friends there.  Since my pinched nerve (12/22/2009) I have not been training so I wanted to stop in and socialize a bit.  So far it has been about 9 weeks.  I have not thought about bjj much, trying to keep a long term view on things.  BJJ does not define who I am - it is something I love doing.  I also realize that everything we love will come to an end at some point.  Luckily bjj is one of those things that we can do for a long time.  Less so than painting, more so than football.

Most people would advise during an injury to use that time to focus on the mental game, watch videos, attend class and listen, etc.  I am sure that is a great use of time, but for me, I just didn't feel it.  All I have wanted to do recently is other things.  I have been messing with piano, reading books on spirituality, traveling, and making short videos of my wife and kids.  Also photography has been a big joy recently.  Inside I hope that this mental break will do my game good.  I expect it will, but if not, I know when I return to the mat, it will come back to me.  Sure I'll be slower and have a harder time stringing things together, but all is well. I don't think Dave will take away my belt.  Will he?  ;)

Back to the image above.  It struck me as the end of the rainbow looks like it is hitting the academy (almost).  Most of us see the black belt as that end.  In truth, there is no pot of gold and there is no end no matter how hard you look.  We just keep searching.  We keep following the beauty that we love.  It is not the end that matters, just as it is not the pot of gold.  We marvel at the beauty of the rainbow without expectation.  BJJ is the same.  Pure joy in the experience drives us.  Who needs more?

Paul