“Some things seem like they are beyond our means or out of our control. With a strong enough will and a decisive spirit, we can decide our own fate and fulfill any of our impossible dreams.” Rev. Kensho Furuya
A warrior always chooses. Free choice is the martial artist’s superpower. When we choose to do something then we are taking ownership of our actions. Fighting can be a very unsavory business to find one’s self engaged in and any violence, no matter how small, can lead to someone’s death. Understanding the graveness of our choice and the regrettable nature of violence, then it is better if a warrior chooses that path to follow. I am not talking about choosing to become a killer. What I am talking about is taking ownership of our choices which is in a sense taking ownership of our lives. When we mindfully choose, then the decision is ours and therefore the outcome, whatever it may be, is easier to accept. To mindlessly choose is to blindly follow and succumb to “have to,” “should,” or “must” which is in essence giving up control of our lives. A true warrior is resolute and to truly be resolute is to exercise our free choice. We choose to do it and therefore it is our choice to give or take life. On a certain level in budo training, this choice can be thought of as satsujinken, katsujinto (殺人剣 活人剣) or the “sword which takes life and the sword which gives life.” The techniques in martial arts training can be used to hurt or kill but they can also be used to save and heal – the choice is ours. As a warrior, we choose to do whatever it is we do. Nobody will do it for us and nobody can make us do it and so the consequences are ours to enjoy or shoulder. Thus, whatever it is we do, we choose to do it – even if we didn’t consciously choose. Free choice is a power that everyone has, but few of us take ownership of and exercise. Take care of your choices because they reflect who you are. A warrior owns their life and so they always choose.
Today’s goal: Whenever you find yourself begrudging something, remember that it was your choice.