There is always something to smile about.
Our task is to find it.
It may not be obvious.
We may need to search for it deep inside of ourselves.
But, it is there.
Some days this will be more difficult than others.
There will be a lot of noise, distractions, and what will feel like more pressing issues with which to concern ourselves.
We will be pushed and pulled every which way by forces coming from both inside and outside of us.
However, without a reason to smile, none of these other things matter all that much.
It exists.
We must find it for ourselves and for those we aim to serve through our efforts.
Once we do, everything else will feel insignificant by comparison.
A reason to smile, no matter how small, has the power to change our whole perspective.
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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