Instead of being worried or frustrated by the fact that certain things are beyond of our reach and outside of our control, we should take comfort in this knowledge.
This knowledge gives us a baseline, a starting point, and a firm footing from which to pivot.
Knowing what we have no power over in our lives gives us clarity and focus.
It tells us to look elsewhere to make a change, to be of service, and to do our best work.
If we know what we cannot control, we also know what we can.
Our attention and our effort should be directed toward that which we can affect, not that which we cannot.
Giving power to that which we have no power over is a path of hopelessness and despair.
Our power resides in that which we can change and those who we can help.
No matter how trivial or insignificant it may seem, by starting here, with what is in front of us, we empower ourselves and give ourselves hope.
Change starts small and it starts here, where we are, in this moment.
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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