True Victory is Victory Over Self, Yearly Update

I’m still working on training every day. Other things, especially Tam, have out-prioritized my training, which takes away from my energy. I do not perform hyung or kata every day, but that is my goal. I do breathe, but that can always be improved. I do train several days a week, and my physical Body has improved. I have been training in another martial art, and yoga and cardio kickboxing, and I have started weapons training. I have read some martial philosophy, but this is again something that I will continue to improve.

I will complete my Internship and Outplacement, and I will finish my dissertation revisions. I am away from the Fortress of Solitude. More things have definitely flowed away from the Fortress, and I still embrace that philosophy of ‘less stuff is more.’ My altar and living situation is relatively clean and uncluttered, and my plan is to leave North Carolina with less than I arrived with.

I do eat more healthy foods for the most part, and I do mostly eat less, overall. I will learn more about my body and nutrition. I could still drink less coffee, and drink more water. I will definitely sleep more. I am not watching television for the most part. I am spending less time on the computer.

I have not learned to dance three different styles yet, but I’m making plans to learn. I am running, and walking more. I am learning tantric principles and techniques, and I’m continuing my next assignments.

I will work on rebuilding my relationship with Tam, ladder rung by ladder rung. Again, I will improve myself, because there are others who depend on me to be my best, and because I deserve to be my best. I will ruthlessly and tirelessly root out my Fears and I will learn them, embrace them, and reintegrate them to Self.


Musashi's Book of Five Rings
The nine basic attitudes from the first excerpt:

* Do not think dishonestly. Think honestly within yourself in your dealings with all men.
* The Way is in training. Constant training is the only Way to learn strategy.
* Become acquainted with every art. Become familiar with every art you come across.
* Know the Ways of all professions. Understand the Way of other disciplines.
* Distinguish between gain and loss/right and wrong in worldly matters.
* Develop intuitive/inner judgment and understanding for everything.
* Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
* Pay attention even to trifles. Overlook nothing, regardless of its insignificance.
* Do nothing which is of no use. Do not waste time idling or thinking.

For those on the same Path...

"Almost all humans...have strange imaginings. The strangest of these is a belief that they can progress only by improvement. Those who understand will realize that we are much more in need of stripping off than adding on."

Food for thought, from Doris Lessing, courtesy of Karlyn. A nice compliment to my earlier post.

Thank you, Karlyn.