Our flaws, our cracks, and our scars need not diminish our capacity for love, compassion, and creativity.
In spite of how we have been hurt, in spite of how we have been damaged, deceived, abused, or abandoned, we are all capable of boundless love, endless compassion, deep connection, unwavering dedication, and powerful, life-affirming, world-changing creativity.
Each and every one of us is a damaged vessel in some way. No one makes it out of this world unharmed, unhurt, and fully in tact. But, the vessel itself is not the essence of what it contains or is capable of containing.
When we look at each other, when we look at ourselves, we can choose to focus on the flaws, the cracks, and the sharp, jagged edges our experiences have given us. Or, we can choose to see beyond the vessel, to the potential it contains within it, the potential for fullness, for abundance, and for life.
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 unless otherwise noted.
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