Ethics, Sacrifice, and The Warrior's HeartWritten by Jeffrey M. Miller
In spirit and tradition of Warrior, regardless of culture or era, there has always been a common thread - a common ideology - which has guided men and women who have chosen this path. Through all of philosophical expressions and explanations about "engaging world," "overcoming limitations," or "protecting self and loved ones," path of warrior has always involved one very special quality: giving of self for benefit of others.Of course, there are those who call themselves warriors, and certainly live up to common perception and simplified definition of term which implies "engaging in war, or conflict." But, true warrior sees beyond their own ego-centric sense of self to greater good and always uses skills of violence and destruction as a last resort. Only after all other options have been exhausted, or situation dictates that it is only course of action, does enlightened warrior fight. Let us always be reminded of a long history passed to us by those who have given ultimate gift, gift of life, so that others may live in peace and comfort. Use life stories of those who sacrificed easy road of lackadaisical living for one of service. For, as Japanese warrior teacher and 33rd Grandmaster of Togakure Ninjutsu, Toshitsugu Takamatsu once said, "No one would willingly choose to be a warrior - to choose to get up early in morning and train for hours in cold, chafing armor, while others lie warm and sleeping next to a lover..." It is a heart-felt drive to do what must be done. To do what others can not or will not do. This gift, or sacrifice, is rarely given with an expectation of a return or reward for warrior. No, he or she gives of themselves, not for reward but, because they can. It's what they do. It's who they are. At my own dojo ("training hall"; lit. "place where enlightenment takes place"), as with many other traditional martial arts academies that focus on this warrior ideal, we have an established set of beliefs and values that, together, express heart of a warrior. It defines "us" and is a reminder for our staff, students, family members, and others. It is who 'we' are and what 'we' hold to be important in our world. Here are our Belief's and Values:
| | How to Triple Your Productivity in 28 days - Part IIWritten by M. Anthony
If you've been diligent in doing past 2 concentration builders you will notice you have a considerable increase in your productivity and your power to stay focused. In fact, you have probably also noticed that you are more organized, and feel more at ease. These are natural side-effects of building your concentration. Congratulations!* Concentration Builder Week 3 This week's concentration-builder is a more potent form of week 2. This time instead of actually counting your steps, you also include focusing on your breathe while walking. So it goes like this. Whenever you are walking, simply coordinate your breathing with your steps.Again, you want to pick a number that's comfortable for you. Between 3 and 6 is what works for most people. So if you choose number 4, you want to breathe in over 4 steps. Then breathe out over 4 steps. Inhale for 4 steps. Exhale for 4 steps. I particularly like this one. I've been doing it for years and it's almost second nature for me. You'll also find yourself quickly making this concentration-builder a habit once you do it a few times. And once you make it a habit, your concentration, focus, and productivity will continue to improve. * Concentration Builder Week 4
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