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Life/Goals Update
Apr. 14th, 2010 12:27 amThis last weekend I was tested, and tested above my current training level. I completed an unplanned ordeal, well above my level, and then demonstrating at least minimum proficiency in my responsibilities to learn in front of my peers. Now, I have new responsibilities. Training (#35) continues, and a tournament this weekend will help hone my skills.
The problem with rank or status of any kind is that it comes with more responsibility than authority. Discussing rank is about the Ego, and it’s long been a martial arts tradition to refer to rank in discrete ways, if at all. One would never ask for a promotion to a higher rank or status; instead, one would train and strive until the opportunity for testing for that rank was a forgone conclusion, regardless of the ‘fairness’ of it. Rank is simply a tool that demonstrates the range where one is on a never-ending journey, both to oneself and to others who may learn from you. The key is the training and the quiet knowledge, not the belt or the uniform or any of the outward signs of a particular status.
I’ve been writing and appreciating more haiku lately (#69), and working on creating a mindful eating protocol (#26) that allows both time and gratitude for unexpected treats, and to prepare for a possible upcoming tea ceremony. There is great meditative strength in Japanese ritual, and I would like to manifest that all of the food and drink that I consume to be eaten with awareness, gratitude, and grace.
‘Ol Number 3 continues the clearing-out process - she’ll be moving at the end of the month, and I’d like to have most of those projects completed by then. Additionally, family issues and part-time work have taken time, and there is progressively more concern within the family. As if that wasn’t taking enough time and energy, there are letters and packages to be mailed, and decisions to be made about relationships. A lengthy conversation with Sienna about my old patterns (#13) has me thinking and considering options, and re-reading old email. There is much to do.
The problem with rank or status of any kind is that it comes with more responsibility than authority. Discussing rank is about the Ego, and it’s long been a martial arts tradition to refer to rank in discrete ways, if at all. One would never ask for a promotion to a higher rank or status; instead, one would train and strive until the opportunity for testing for that rank was a forgone conclusion, regardless of the ‘fairness’ of it. Rank is simply a tool that demonstrates the range where one is on a never-ending journey, both to oneself and to others who may learn from you. The key is the training and the quiet knowledge, not the belt or the uniform or any of the outward signs of a particular status.
I’ve been writing and appreciating more haiku lately (#69), and working on creating a mindful eating protocol (#26) that allows both time and gratitude for unexpected treats, and to prepare for a possible upcoming tea ceremony. There is great meditative strength in Japanese ritual, and I would like to manifest that all of the food and drink that I consume to be eaten with awareness, gratitude, and grace.
‘Ol Number 3 continues the clearing-out process - she’ll be moving at the end of the month, and I’d like to have most of those projects completed by then. Additionally, family issues and part-time work have taken time, and there is progressively more concern within the family. As if that wasn’t taking enough time and energy, there are letters and packages to be mailed, and decisions to be made about relationships. A lengthy conversation with Sienna about my old patterns (#13) has me thinking and considering options, and re-reading old email. There is much to do.
