In life, things are often not what they seem. In order to determine truth or reality, right or wrong, good or bad, we all have a set of God-given tools. So, what tools do you rely on the most to make sense of things? Your eyes, your ears, your emotions, your instincts, or what you believe to be common sense?
Your eyes can deceive you. Your ears can be lied to. Your emotions can trick you. And your instincts and common sense are dependent upon all three of those things. So, how do we know what is real and what is true?
The answer is to maintain a balance of all three aspects of self: mind, body, and spirit. Emotions, for example, have their place. They connect us with others, build relationships, and, when balanced properly with the other aspects of self, can help warn us of potential danger. However, emotions on their own, without proper balance, work against us.
Beneficial emotions, such as love, kindness, and benevolence, have great value. Emotions such as anger and hate do not. Negative emotions only exist when the other aspects of self are no longer in balance. Practices that bring about mindfulness are essential. They help us recognize when we are out of balance and are being unreasonable.
When you come across someone who harbors intense anger, resentment, or even hatred for anyone or anything for any length of time, be wary of them; they are out of balance. Whether it be Trump Derangement Syndrome, racism, or any other strong negative emotion that consumes them, their lack of balance makes them someone to be avoided when possible.
The practice of Japanese Budo, Bushido, and Karate-Do is one such practice that is all about balancing all aspects of our lives so that one aspect does not take precedence over another and incorrectly sway our judgment. The true art of self-defense is the ability to maintain balance.
With the recent advent of AI, artificial intelligence, it will become increasingly important that we remain diligent and find ways to create balance in our lives. Otherwise, your eyes, ears, emotions, and instincts will be easily manipulated. You either become the puppeteer of self or become the puppet of others.
Find your way… Be your own master and unleash the warrior within!