Changing lives changes us.
We may know that we want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We may even have some clear ideas as to how we are going to do that. We can execute our plan, controlling as many variables as possible, and begin changing lives and changing the world around us for the better. There is an unforeseen consequence to all of this, however.
As we work to improve the lives of others, our lives are inevitably affected as well. It is impossible to transmit kindness and compassion without opening ourselves up to receiving it in return. In order to truly serve others, we must have empathy and empathy requires vulnerability.
Holistic Budo: As it is in budo, so too it is in life. As it is in life, so too it is in budo.
-Robert Van Valkenburgh is co-founder of Taikyoku Mind & Body, Severna Park’s Holistic Chamber of Commerce, and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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