In martial arts we talk about using our training to help us achieve our “true potential”. That certainly sounds good but what does it mean?

Well first off, I think we have to get in touch with our own beliefs and priorities. For me this this started out with identifying what things in my life had real value and meaning versus what thought and activities served no real purpose. Then tossing out most of those non essential activities and replacing them with ones that served me better.

Perhaps some of those things we do, are just to please others. Generally, speaking I think little good ever comes from doing something strictly to please someone else. Eventually don’t we learn to resent or dislike it? Maybe even ultimately rebel against it? Best to find some common ground - some give and take rather than completely setting ourselves aside just to make someone else happy. 

Having said that, once one has a firm grasp of what truly makes them happy (and unhappy) they can start to evaluate what things they are doing that is congruent with their own goals and beliefs. Just as an example, over the past 6 months to a year I have gotten back in touch with the fact that I enjoy writing. Yet, because it is not my profession, it never really ocurred to me I had anything of value to share or that I had the talent to do it. But recently, I have started to think differently about that. Perhaps I do. Perhaps we all do. I recalled how much I enjoyed telling and writing stories. People seemed to enjoy those stories and my mom always used to say I should do something with “that”. Whatever “that” is.

You see, I don’t think if not for the time I have spent meditating, practicing and taking the time to sit and enjoy nature if I would have found that piece of me again. But I am glad I rediscovered it and recently I have decided to pursue something that I have always wanted to try my hand at which is writing a book.  Why not? What have I got to lose? I even strongly suspect, that this is part of the journey I am suppose to taking. That this decision and the act of doing it is part of my “reaching my true potential.”  I guess over the next months or years I will find this out.

Some may automatically assume I will measure my success or failure in this writing venture based on whether or not I get the book published. Then if I do, the next “test” will be how many copies it sells. But I already know that this is not where I will get the value from the process.

Just one step toward reaching that “true potential”. But then again, that is all we can do. Take one step at a time and enjoy the ride along the way. Never forgetting that it is “the enjoyment of the ride”, with all of its ups and downs, that is the whole point.

Spring is finally here with everything just getting ready to change and blossom.  Always a great reminder to take stock on how the personal growth is coming along. Have I grown in the past few months? Have you?

Something that has been pointed out to me along the lines of where I have some room for personal growth is that I tend to hide a bit.  I have some trouble being in a room and being singled out (even for something positive).  So, when I am told I have room for growth in this area, I have to recognize the truth in this statement. This is something that my martial arts practice, and my teacher, helps me to do; recognize and acknowledge where change Is needed.

But recognizing the need for improvement is not enough is it? We can’t just own it and then do nothing.

We need to be grateful to the people who point flaws out to us, even when they can sometimes be hard to hear.  It often takes a little pain for real growth to take place though and knowing this can sometimes help us accept that.

And so, with a heightended self awareness and some discomfort I begin to let others get a glimpse of my true self.

The physical side of the martial arts is something I love but it is the mental aspects, the philosophy behind the martial arts that lights me up and sustains me when the physical aspects prove so challenging.

When I am practicing in class and it gets so tiring, so difficult, so frustrating I sometimes think - this is just too hard. But then another voice comes to my rescue. Reminding me that the self defense aspect and the physical exercise I get from my martial arts is only one half of the equation. I am getting out of the practice so much more than that. I am learning lessons that help me in all areas of my life.  The education I am receiving is invaluable.

I am continually grateful for my teacher and his commitment and ability to communicate the martial arts philosophy behind our practice because it has enriched my life and broadened my perspective on so many things.  He takes every opportunity to enourage our personal growth. He constantly reminds us to sit down and meditate to help achieve a greater sense of inner peace and calm. Things so needed in the world today. Yet he is quick to point out that it is the body and mind together that helps give us the internal fortitude and resources needed to find our own way.  But you don’t need to hear it from me. It is far better to learn it directly from my teacher and I am happy to say now you can. His weekly meditation talks given to his students have been captured on video and now featured on BodyMindAwakening.com.  I am genuinely pleased that more people will get a chance to listen and learn from this man who has dedicated his entire life to the practice of martial arts and to helping others deal with with their own challenges. On the site there are other things as well such as meditation tips, recommended reading and a philosophy section.  Why not go check it out?