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Dylan Thomas wrote “Do not go gentle into that good night,” a poem that is enduring and persevering to be greater than you know yourself to be. Have your life make difference for others and yourself.
Sensei Dan consistently said in Aikido training, “Everything natural.” That I practice to make Aikido part of me. You don’t think about doing Aikido. You just do it when it’s on. Surrender and be present to life instead of fighting it. O-Sensei’s said, “True victory is victory over oneself.” I have to overcome me. Distinguish the balance in lightness and darkness.
As Thomas wrote, “Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright their frail deeds might have danced…” We always wish that we could have done more. I think I’ll be satisfied that I’ve given life my best shot.
Cheryl reminded me what a privilege it is to grow older. There are those we loved, who would never be as old as we are now. I recall my friend Burnell and cousin Harvey, who made a difference in my life. I would give anything for them to be around older today. I’m grateful for the life lived, and the privilege to share it with others.
Am I old? Am I wise? I’m old in the sense that I know what my body can and used to do. Time is undefeated. I pursued mastery and my greater than in Aikido with Sensei until he passed away. I continue my greater than journey with dear friend Sensei Bobby. I continue to discover. I continue to just train.
I’m not “old” in the sense that I yearn to be young again. Young people inspire me, those who pursue their own greater than they know. I bestow what I’ve been gifted over my life in their pursuit. Contributing to the greater next generation keeps my soul young.
I’m not wise. Yet, I still look at what it is to be wiser. Oscar Wilde wrote, “With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone.” Yeah, age may come alone. Shakespeare wrote: “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” I get that I have a whole lot to discover and learn.
Wisdom shall arise, with or without me. As long as remain I open to wisdom, I’ll be okay.
I believe wisdom is in the freedom to be more of me. The greater than journey is not so much about what I have to do. It’s more about what I’m willing to give up, to be free. I give up: “I know.” I surrender to: “I don’t know.”
Bruce Lee said, “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless like water.” Wisdom arises as you empty your cup, before filling it with the new. That’s the possibility of wisdom.
Wisdom gets other people, who they are, what they are up to in the world. Wisdom gets that world is really not at all about me. In the words of Former Pro-Quarterback Ryan Leaf: “Don’t be a dick, man.”
Wisdom is love and compassion for others and you. Wisdom has kindness for others, and being kinder to yourself. My “spiritual twin” actor martial artist Dolph Lundgren said, “You have to love yourself.” Amen. Cheryl said, “Be kind to yourself.” Amen. Amen.
So “Do not go gentle into that good night.” Make a difference for others and yourself. The life lived is the distinct privilege. That’s your gift for generations to come.
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