Life is difficult enough as is, but imagine how much worse it would be without the arts.
Whether we are talking about the fine arts, performing arts, culinary arts, or even martial arts, much of what makes life worthwhile is the product of creativity more than practicality.
Of course, we need food, clothing, shelter, and the ability to defend ourselves, but these needs are fixed.
They are a baseline.
Satisfying these basic needs brings us relief, security, and safety.
Simply put, these needs must be met for our survival.
That which makes life actually worth living, however, is found beyond survival.
Joy is found beyond survival.
The practical necessities of life will inevitably impose themselves on us eventually.
In the meantime, we should unapologetically pursue our creativity wherever it leads us.
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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