Control your thoughts, your health, your path. Welcome to the Control Corner, where we draw on Wah Lum’s teachings—embodied by the flipped ‘Fire’ character—to share weekly insights for mastering life’s challenges.

Essentials: Our thoughts are powerful—so much so that controlling them can shape the course of our lives. 

Almost 700 years ago, poet Rumi revealed the power of self-reflection: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” 

Charles Darwin expanded on this idea, reminding us: “The highest stage of moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”

Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl took it even further, saying: “The last human freedom is the ability to control our own thoughts.”

Why It Matters: True control begins with the mind. Whether it’s in martial arts, health, or daily life, the way we think determines the way we act. 

American Weightlifting legend, Tommy Kono captures it perfectly: “True fitness, in body, mind, and soul, comes from realizing that our own thoughts, our own wills, dominate our decision-making process.” 

By managing your thoughts, you’re laying the foundation for better choices and a more purposeful life.

What’s Next: Pay attention to the narrative running through your mind. Are your thoughts building you up or holding you back? Take small moments to pause, reflect, and redirect. 

Start with your breath, just like in our warmups—it’s the perfect anchor to refocus and regain clarity. Control your thoughts, and you’ll find yourself controlling your path.

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.