There will be times when we will doubt ourselves, our choices, and our path.
This is only natural.
When we find ourselves feeling unwaveringly confident in all things, absent of doubt, it is a sign of either our foolishness or our ignorance.
Questioning, not confidence, is the path of wisdom.
Confidence without doubt is hubris.
Wisdom is attained only through curiosity.
Curiosity followed leads us down the path of errors, mistakes, and even failure.
This is the path of knowledge, not to be avoided, but pursued, embraced, and celebrated.
Doubt should not impede us.
It should inspire us.
Doubt is a teacher.
As such, it should be honored, explored, and learned from.
It is only on the far side of doubt that we will find ourselves and our way.
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 Kogen Dojo Self Defense Academy where he teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
All photos by Robert Van Valkenburgh unless otherwise noted.*
*Robert Van Valkenburgh’s black and white photography can be seen at My Darkness To Light
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