Waste no opportunity to improve.
When we feel like we are stuck, like there is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no one by our side to help us through, we should take a moment to reflect on all of the things we have always wanted to do for ourselves, but never had the time or space to do. There is no use in feeling sorry for ourselves, getting frustrated with circumstances outside of our control, and going stir-crazy. Instead, this is an opportunity to take stock and take action, to take a look at ourselves and our surroundings and ask what we can do to make our lives better.
This is the moment we have been waiting for. This is the opportunity we have been hoping for. It may not look or feel like we dreamt it would, but this is it. This is our chance to make the change we have always promised ourselves we would, to read that book, to write that story, to paint that painting, to learn that instrument, to finish that project, to go for that run, to lift those weights, to start meditating, yoga, or just simply to be present with and for our families.
When all of the distractions are removed, we are left with ourselves, our fears, our hopes, and our regrets. It would be a tragedy if we squandered this moment, if we let this opportunity for growth and change pass us by without seizing on it and making the most of it. We owe it to ourselves to do something purposeful with this time we are being given, to do something that matters, and to do something that our future selves will thank us for and be proud of.
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.
All photos by Robert Van Valkenburgh (artist unknown, unless otherwise noted).
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