This is one of the chapters from my new book:
A warrior must live a disciplined life. Unless you live a disciplined life, it’s too easy to get involved with stuff. People use their car horn as a weapon because you’re not moving as fast as they want you to.
When we had the hair-trigger threat of lockdown between 2020 and 2023, people understandably became very wound up. It was a time to show what you were really made of. The residual effects of COVID-19 still seem to be festering, and the care factor seems to be low. It’s all just stuff.
You can tell your discipline training is working when you’re no longer getting hooked into the drama. You don’t feel the need to react, and can offset the stress of doing so. It’s not because you’re ‘turning the other cheek’, or don’t have an opinion to offer. You’re simply choosing which battles to take on.
I live a disciplined life. But I didn’t achieve that discipline overnight.
With so many temptations out there these days, you can easily get caught up in petty rumours and negative talk about insignificant things. So when you do talk or give your opinion, do so as an act of kindness.
Warriors have no time for duplicity, gambling, drinking or ‘chasing skirt’. So many so-called martial arts and spiritual leaders have ruined their lives by declaring they are an awakened master to followers only to be accused of sexual misconduct and retire early in shame.
One of my secrets of success is to keep showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Everything we do will seem boring at times. But if we keep giving up every time it does, we’ll never achieve anything. Whether it’s your martial arts, your hobbies, or your relationships, just keep showing up. It will bring out a strength that you’ll start to understand and use in the rest of your life.
Warrior tips
- Develop a sincere curiosity. Replace the urge to judge or criticize with saying, “That’s curious”.
- Replace negative thoughts with thoughts of beauty. For example, when I’m sitting in traffic I remind myself of the beauty around the great city I live in.
- Bathe in the present moment, and give each task your full attention. Just try it.
- Train even when you don’t feel like it. Your body and your mind will both thank you for it.
- Develop your mindfulness. Breath in, breath out. Know that you’re breathing in and out.
- Get educated. Start at least one course you’ve been meaning to take. There are so many courses you can do online. (The Duolingo app is great for learning languages.)
- Let go. Pushing and rushing only attracts negativity. Releasing and ‘being’ taps into the universal flow. You need to give up to gain.
- Remember that this too shall pass. Every situation – good or bad – will pass. Recognising this universal law enables nonattachment and suffering. (We mourn the most when we lose something.)
- Give more than you get. As Gandhi says, “The fragrance remains in the hand that gives the rose”. Give, and keep giving. Don’t do it for a reason, and don’t expect anything in return.
Try these for a day and see how you feel.
For a copy of my latest book please go to Andydickinson.com.au
Northstar Ju Jitsu is also taught by senior Black Belts at their own studios'.
These are independently run from the Headquarters .Andy Dickinson Sensei is the head of and founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu and oversees the teaching of his program.
All Black Belts are graded by Andy Dickinson Sensei.
