More than anything, we need love.
We need to know that we are not alone, that we are supported, and that we will not be allowed to fail because, no matter what happens, we have family and friends who are by our side.
As long as we have love in our lives, we have succeeded.
As long as we have love in our lives, we have hope.
There is no substitute for love.
There is no amount of success, accomplishment, or effort that can replace love in our lives or in our hearts.
Beyond all else, love is what we seek, crave, and yearn for.
Love is what we toil over, protect, and fight for.
Without it, our lives are hollow and empty.
To give and to receive, love is our purpose.
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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