For Warriors
Nov. 18th, 2006 08:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
grim23There are those on my blog who read what I have to say with some regularity, and these concepts apply to all of them. I have some things to share, to honor them and maybe to help them. There are those who cope with physical illness, others who cope with mental illness and horrific histories of trauma. There are those who cut and burn themselves, those who live daily with horrific trauma, those who cope with cancer and cancer treatment, and those who are no stranger to pain. They are all warriors. As always, this is also for myself.
According to Dan Millman, the Peaceful Warrior, we all struggle with the 4 Natural Laws because we are socialized away from them. They apply equally to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
1. Nonresistance, or Blending, is not numb passivity---it's instead flowing with the natural currents of life and making use of whatever circumstances arise as a lesson to learn until there is no need to repeat that lesson. Lessons are everywhere. Notice them by noticing the same thing happening over and over in your life, and having the same result. Don't "try" to fix things, because that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do, or do not.
2. Accommodation is making realistic and gradual demands on your body, mind, or emotions, as a progressive journey. Strive for positive change, but gradually, within your capacity to change. It's a long process, so respect and honor your journey. Yes, you will change, if you trust this process. Do not wonder if you can change, because that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Be resolute that you will change. Do not allow doubt.
3. Balance is recognizing your natural limitations, and not having expectations of others. As another Peaceful Warrior named Jenner recently said, “Unstated expectations are premeditated resentment.” You can exceed these limitations for a short time but you will pay the price eventually. You will react instead of respond, you will become weakened and ill, impatient and frustrated, and that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do not have expectations and do not exceed yourself.
4. Natural order allows for progressive development over time. Progress is slowed by both not training/working on yourself, and also by overtraining/working on yourself. Do not 'should' on yourself, i.e., "I should be learning/recovering/growing faster", or "he/she/it/them should love me." Being dissatisfied with things as they are drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do not push too hard, and do not give up. Ever.
Therefore, to the warriors who read this, I challenge you. One of my favorite maxims, taken from the Samurai, is "To Know is to Act". Please think about these natural laws, and apply them. I have hurt and embarrassed myself and others repeatedly to learn these lessons, and I continue to do so every time I forget them. I know that some of you will read this, grasp the idea, and apply them. That's why you are warriors.
I wish you Peace.
According to Dan Millman, the Peaceful Warrior, we all struggle with the 4 Natural Laws because we are socialized away from them. They apply equally to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
1. Nonresistance, or Blending, is not numb passivity---it's instead flowing with the natural currents of life and making use of whatever circumstances arise as a lesson to learn until there is no need to repeat that lesson. Lessons are everywhere. Notice them by noticing the same thing happening over and over in your life, and having the same result. Don't "try" to fix things, because that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do, or do not.
2. Accommodation is making realistic and gradual demands on your body, mind, or emotions, as a progressive journey. Strive for positive change, but gradually, within your capacity to change. It's a long process, so respect and honor your journey. Yes, you will change, if you trust this process. Do not wonder if you can change, because that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Be resolute that you will change. Do not allow doubt.
3. Balance is recognizing your natural limitations, and not having expectations of others. As another Peaceful Warrior named Jenner recently said, “Unstated expectations are premeditated resentment.” You can exceed these limitations for a short time but you will pay the price eventually. You will react instead of respond, you will become weakened and ill, impatient and frustrated, and that drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do not have expectations and do not exceed yourself.
4. Natural order allows for progressive development over time. Progress is slowed by both not training/working on yourself, and also by overtraining/working on yourself. Do not 'should' on yourself, i.e., "I should be learning/recovering/growing faster", or "he/she/it/them should love me." Being dissatisfied with things as they are drains your energy---and sets you up to fail. Do not push too hard, and do not give up. Ever.
Therefore, to the warriors who read this, I challenge you. One of my favorite maxims, taken from the Samurai, is "To Know is to Act". Please think about these natural laws, and apply them. I have hurt and embarrassed myself and others repeatedly to learn these lessons, and I continue to do so every time I forget them. I know that some of you will read this, grasp the idea, and apply them. That's why you are warriors.
I wish you Peace.
