Little Ideas Can Add Up to a Beautiful Beginning | Mickey Z.

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Mickey Z. -- World News Trust

July 30, 2020

As he was for many martial artists of my generation, Bruce Lee was a catalyst and inspiration for my own studies. In fact, I specifically opted to take up his original style of Wing Chun Kung Fu at a downtown NYC school.

The first form one learns in Wing Chun is called Sil Lum Tao, which is usually translated as “a little idea.” The movements of Sil Lum Tao may initially seem awkward or even esoteric. As you advance in Wing Chun, you discover that indeed, these movements offer “a little idea” of what lies ahead. How you choose to utilize and apply these movements, however, is ultimately up to you. (Can you smell a metaphor brewing?)

Yip Man (Bruce Lee’s teacher), Pinterest screenshot

I immediately loved the “little idea” concept and in many ways, it's carried over to my writing, public speaking, and even my photography. By offering a little idea of what is possible and encouraging others to partake, I can do my small part in helping others break free from what is accepted and expected.

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During the 2020 pandemic, we are witnessing a little idea of how different things can be — at least on a micro-level. There has been paranoia and division at previously unparalleled levels. There have also been incredible examples of humans combining creativity with compassion to help others at previously unparalleled levels.

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These are seeds. The partisanship and the partnership — each presenting a little idea of what our shared future could potentially look like. Contrary to popular belief (and activist dogma), you and I cannot impact the big picture all at once. What we can do is make personal, local choices. We can behave like a triage nurse — utilizing our resources to address the urgent needs of those within our reach.

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Who knows? The little ideas, the tiny choices being made since this crisis commenced just may lead to a better world. But here’s the most important part: Even if the myriad examples of Covid kindness don’t change the long-term situation, they still offer so much in the present moment. There's no downside.

Reminder: We have absolutely nothing to lose by eschewing discord and instead choosing interdependence.

Photo by Mickey Z.

Coda: “Sil Lum Tao” has also been translated to mean “a beautiful beginning.” I choose to take this to mean that sometimes, all our little ideas can add up to a beautiful beginning. 

Mickey Z. can be found here. He is also the founder of Helping Homeless Women - NYC, offering direct relief to women on the streets of New York City. To help him grow this project, CLICK HERE and make a donation right now. And please spread the word!

Little Ideas Can Add Up to a Beautiful Beginning by Mickey Z. is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0