情けに刃向かう刃なし
Nasake ni hamukau yaiba nashi
There is no sword which can oppose kindness
A warrior understands the true value of life. Life, like budo, can seem like a singular pursuit because after all, we are on our own journeys. In budo, one of the most prolific realizations that a person can have is that everyone suffers. A year ago today, we got to learn this lesson painfully when one of our students, Michael Stinson, took his own life. Sadly, most of us never knew the extent to which he was suffering. Michael was one of those behind-the-scenes types of guys who was always friendly, respectful and kind. Most people don’t know that Michael designed a lot of the things for the dojo like our website and newsletter. It’s easy to get caught up in our own BS and overlook the people around us especially when they are accomplished. Training is supposed to teach us to be in the moment and to be mindful of ourselves and others. Michael’s passing teaches us first hand that we aren’t alone in our suffering. The antidote to suffering is kindness and compassion and they are more powerful than any weapon. Michael needed to know how much we all valued him and how important he was to so many people, but isn’t that all of us? Most of us take for granted the impact that we have on other people’s lives. Aikido training teaches us how to “care” for the wellbeing of our opponent, but this care doesn’t end at the edge of the mat. Every person suffers and because of that fact, they all deserve kindness and compassion, just as we do when we are suffering. We treat each other with kindness not because we are weak, but because it’s a demonstration of our true inner strength. Michael lives on in our memories and his passing teaches us to be kind to one another because we are all suffering and because all life is precious.
Today’s goal: Be kind because everyone is suffering on some level. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to suffer alone. Get help, we’re all in this together. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Watch this video of David Foster Wallace’s excellent Kenyon College commencement speech about suffering.