Every urge we feel toward betterment, whether the betterment of ourselves, our relationships, or the world around us, is a crossroads whereat we must choose between reaching for our potential or settling for distraction.
When we find ourselves in a quiet space, alone with our thoughts, a glimmer of inspiration may crop up. These moments of inspiration require our attention, but inspiration does not beg, nor does it yell. It is a passing thought, and it is left up to us whether or not we capture it and act on it.
As inspiration arises, if we are aware enough to notice it, we owe it to ourselves and to whatever forces are behind such moments of clarity, to listen, to observe, and to take note. These moments are gifts and gifts should be met with graciousness and gratitude. Graciousness is expressed in how we receive a gift, but gratitude is expressed in what we do with it.
As has been said before, gratitude is expressed through action. When we feel inspired, we are given a glimpse through a window to our potential selves, our potential lives, and our potential impact on the world. We can either ignore this new vision by allowing our attention to give way to distraction or we can reach into the future, anchor ourselves to the vision of a life not yet lived, and pull ourselves forward into all that we can and should be.
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 and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as well as a founding member of the Severna Park and Baltimore Holistic Chamber of Commerce.
Street art photo taken by Robert Van Valkenburgh, artist unknown unless otherwise noted.
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