I've definitely become more of a pragmatist. In kenpo, we stress fitting our reaction to the action against us, and I guess that translated over into me thinking about how my responses to everyday actions produce different responses. This is especially true when I find myself in stressful situations, (ie; work stress, dealing with stressful people, driving on the road in rush hour traffic) I'm a lot less likely to react on impulse, (tell my co-worker to get bent when they seem to need to tell me how to do my job, when they have no idea what they are talking about, taking a deep breath when the person in line at the grocery store puts priority in their texting conversation then in putting their groceries on the belt, or NOT flipping the bird to the d-bag that just cut me off...though that last one happens more then I like to admit still.) My husband and I are more quick to sit and talk through an agruement via thoughtful discussion instead of nagging and yelling, and I think that's really important.
The physicality of Kenpo, proper alignment, footing, movement generation, has definitely help me in being more aware of what my body is capible and incapible of doing. I trip, but don't fall if I'm caught off balace, I avoid injuries by listening to what my muscles are telling me, and know when I'm edging overexertion.
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The seven virtues are a good structure to build off of. Courage, Honor, Integrity, Loyalty, Benevolence and Respect.
This is absolutely true. And, even people who don't participate in the martial arts should heed the morals taught here. It's unfortunate that the Martial Art is only one of a very small number of disciplines that teach values anymore!
I could go on and on about how it's helped, but I'm curious to hear more about what you all have to say. (That, and I have to go create this weeks topic)
xd 
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