Martial Arts CHARACTER And the Universal Law of Interdependence - The Keys to Life Mastery, Key #2

Written by Jeffrey M. Miller


Continued from page 1

"What'srepparttar point?", I can hear you asking. "How does this relate to personal development, martial arts, self-defense or my life?" After all, aren't we different than a sandwich?

I don't think it'srepparttar 122710 answer that will driverepparttar 122711 point home as much as a question: If a burger can be made up ofrepparttar 122712 materials, effort, energy, intention and connections of so many that it almost touchesrepparttar 122713 lives of every other person onrepparttar 122714 planet - how can we believe that we, as so-called 'individuals,' can be any different? After all, haven't each one of us been influenced, positively or negatively, by other people, places, and situations that caused us to believe, act, and engagerepparttar 122715 worldrepparttar 122716 way we do?

Can you imagine how different you would be had those influences been different or not there at all? Just think about what motivated you to take up martial arts training. Regardless of whether it was for self-defense,repparttar 122717 allure of Asian culture, or soemthing else - you were first exposed to those 'other things' - giving you your reason to take uprepparttar 122718 arts. The saying goes, "no (wo)man is an island," and it's true. No matter how much we would like to be an 'individual,' we are nonetheless, tied to every other human being onrepparttar 122719 face ofrepparttar 122720 planet - if by no other means thanrepparttar 122721 water we drink andrepparttar 122722 air we breath. The law of interdependence teaches us to recognizerepparttar 122723 value in all things and to treat everything as though it were 'me.' Only then can one be sure that we are not acting in an egotistical, self-serving way that will harm, alienate, or hinder ourselves or others.

What does this have to do with our training? It isrepparttar 122724 person who recognizes and acts knowing that this is true who builds his or her world rather than isolating themselves as important and in contrast with everything and everyone else that is seen as 'obviously' of lesser value. It isrepparttar 122725 ego who must be "right" and "righteous" that needs to attack others - to fight for 'right.'

There is an old saying that goes: "the truest measure of a person's character is inrepparttar 122726 way he or she treats those least important to them." Once we understand, and can 'see', how our every thought, word, and action acts uponrepparttar 122727 world, we can take control ofrepparttar 122728 process and decide to build a character that takes responsibility forrepparttar 122729 way it affects others. No longer will we act out of a state of disconnection and isolation, but move purposefully through our world with compassion and disciplined action.

We have a choice. We can be 'nice' to others because it's proper manners to do so, because we expect to get something from them, or because we have to live with them. Or, we can treat others with respect and honor because we recognize that we are already connected to them in some way already.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. To learn more, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com


The Importance of Friendship

Written by Jeffrey M. Miller


Continued from page 1

[a] Look for people who sharerepparttar same basic values that you do. The Martial arts teach certain values and principles that you should know to look for. Honesty, respect, individuality - these are all good qualities that a lot of people share. Having friends with these qualities will make it a lot easier for you to feel relaxed and at ease when you're with them. You want to develop friendships that will be both fun and rewarding - mutually beneficial to all parties involved. One person should never carryrepparttar 122709 burden of trying to make a relationship "work."

[b] Look for people who respect your decisions. Your friends will have different tastes than you do. They should respect your freedom of choice, just as you should respect theirs. Sometimes you may feel that a friend is not making a positive choice. Discuss these issues. Nothing is more important to friendship than communication and honesty. Discuss things with parents or significant others and your instructor(s) as well.

[c] Look for people who are real team players. You know what that means: people who are willing to stick by you through thick and thin, who will be there when you need them, and will show yourepparttar 122710 understanding that you in turn give back. A friend you know you can depend on is one you will probably have for life.

There will be times when you feel that a friend of yours is consistently making bad choices, or is not treating you with respect. The Ninja Warrior takes pride in understanding: try to see where your friend is coming from, and try to resolve any differences you might have. Don't be afraid to talk to your parents, spouse, or your instructor. They haverepparttar 122711 benefit of experience, and are always looking out for your best interests. There are very few things as precious as having good friends, and you should not let them go easily. Hold onto your friendships; let them know you value them and do your best to solve problems as quickly as they arise. Trust your instincts and follow your heart!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. To learn more, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com


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