Achieving Serenity, Tranquility, and Confidence
"For the true master, martial arts are essentially avenues through which one can achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquility, and the deepest self-confidence." -- excerpt of Chapter 1 from "Zen in the Martial Arts" by Joe Hyams After reading this chapter, my thoughts ... Am I true? I am definitely not a master, but am I true? Not right now. Please grant me the courage and strength to do so. To be true. Am I willing to travel the avenues necessary to achieve what I want? Without a dojo where I live? Without a teacher 3 times a week? Well, at least in the traditional sense. Am I willing to let it all go and redefine my "dojo"? I have plenty of places to practice. I have so many memories of dojos past that I can create my own "dojo" wherever I am. I must if I want to stay on the avenue. I must let go of the restrictions in my own mind, the grief of not having a dojo right down the street, the wishing ...