None of it is meant to be a prescription for other people. In fact, if I was going to prescribe anything, it would be to think for yourself and I mean consciously.
Some of the below is taken from the philosophy of a martial artist, some is things I have heard over the years that has stayed with me. Most is, thankfully, and finally, the sense I have made of these things as I realise my own life philosophy.
This is all learned, which means remembering and practising, practising, practising. My task, as it evolves, is to add to what I come to understand then to deepen that understanding again.
Be like water – embrace change and adapt to it.
Kick dogma out of your life – don’t follow one religion or philosophy, rather look at what they’re pointing to. This is like the idea of first principles whereby we look to strip things back to basics. What is it we actually seek and what is the most straightforward way of achieving it ?
Simplicity is the key – “It is not daily increase but daily decrease, hack away the unessential. The closer to the source, the less wastage there is.”
If you think about it, most of us are wasting much of our time on things that don’t truly contribute to our well-being. We do work we don’t enjoy, we buy stuff we don’t need, we spend time with people we don’t like, and so on. No wonder our everyday life has become so complicated and stress-full.
Love is way more than exciting romance.
Express yourself – I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations, only my own.
Keep on growing – admit your mistakes and learn from them.
Don’t just talk; do. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
the best defense is a strong offense, hence the principle of an “intercepting fist”. For someone to attack another hand-to-hand, the attacker must approach the target. This provides an opportunity for the attacked person to “intercept” the attacking movement.
Economy of motion – be economical in time and movement, the simplest things work best. Economy of motion is the principle by which practitioners achieve:
Efficiency: An attack that reaches its target in the least time, with maximum force.
Directness: Doing what comes naturally in a disciplined way.
Simplicity: Thinking in an uncomplicated manner; without ornamentation.
Remain focused on the central point or purpose.
Progress not perfection. Don’t ignore what you don’t want to see, hear, feel.
Saturday 4th December 2021
I could be dead tomorrow and what will my fear have achieved? I’m spending too much time worrying about work, about the situation in Ireland and about the £30,000.
I need to strip these worries back to their basics.
It is, of course, true what they say that a journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step. In other words, keep moving forward.
Light training from Monday has to be revised to light training from Friday.
Sunday 5th December 2021
I have to honestly own my part in any situation but be clear about what isn’t mine.
Balance in everything and everything will find its balance.
There was an example of the above today but now it has gone again. I could get frustrated but that wouldn’t be the most efficient or effective way of getting the required end result so I won’t.
This feeling of fear or anxiety in the pit of my stomach is a habit as much as anything. What am I afraid of? Really? Losing my job? Only if I really fear that I am not up to the job or I’m not doing it properly.
I guess there is an element of that. But what is the point of hanging on to that, especially at my age? There is no point.
Since people can survive without fear, perhaps it isn’t as necessary as we’ve assumed. Other paths, like logic, can take us to the correct behaviors that help us survive.
Monday 6th December 2021
It’s too easy to slip back into old habits. Own what is mine and deal with the rest.
Tuesday 7th December
I just read the line, ‘don’t concentrate on what makes you stressed, concentrate on what makes you blessed’ ( or something similar).
I rather like that and it succinctly captures one of life’s truisms.
I’ve had the opportunity to consider, at quite great length, my fear at what may or may not happen in the near future. Ridiculous really, isn’t it? The only truly life shattering occurrence will happen, no matter how much I worry about it.
I’ve spent too long telling myself I’ll change at my next birthday or for new year. Well, I’m nearly 69 now and if there was ever a time to revise my approach to life and the people in it, this is that time.
Look to the above; be flexible, embrace change, be myself and don’t be afraid to say what I think or to do do do.
