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In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, Hamlet tells his dearest friend Horatio:
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I believe that speaks to most of us, and I’m an engineer by profession. Math and science are my deal. Yet, I’ve also dedicated myself in training in the Japanese martial art of Aikido for nearly 30 years. Aikido awakens my soul, my spirit.
Aikido is the rigorous discipline: aches, pains, repetition, and a lot of sweat. Yet Aikido is Art above all. How do I match up with the attack coming from someone bigger and stronger? How long must I wait it out before moving into the attack to “die with honor”. Sensei Dan constantly reminded, “It’s only one time… Take a glancing blow if you have to.” Aikido is not sparring. It’s not strength against strength. Instead, invite the attack to come to me.
Aikido possesses the higher purpose than just overcoming your opponent. Aikido Founder O-Sensei said, “True victory is victory over oneself.” That is true Art. We must all discover our own Art of Peace.
Perhaps, life is art. Absolutely, we create our life. So do we create our life as art?
In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Shakespeare wrote: “The object of Art is to give life a shape.” Now that might be the distinction to unfold.
One of my Heroes is the late Claire Wineland. Claire was the radiant 21-year-old Cystic Fibrosis activist and public speaker. Claire passed away on September 2, 2018 following complications from lung transplant surgery. Cystic Fibrosis primarily attacks the lungs as well the other organs in the body.
I have been profoundly touched by Claire’s soulfulness. She was wise beyond her 21 years. Claire suffered tremendous physical pain, over 30 surgeries, and spent about a quarter of her life in hospital rooms. Amidst all that, she told my friend Cheryl, “I can still be okay.” She said to present to the life in front of you. “We’re all part of this epic story.”
Claire said many people want to find happiness in life. She said, “That’s bullshit.” Amen, Claire. Instead, she offered, “Have a life that you’re proud of.” In one of the speeches she delivered before she passed away Claire said, “Have your life be a piece of art.” Yes, dear Claire you were wise beyond your years. You made a lasting difference for others in the world.
I’m at a place where I’m proud of my life. I say that sincerely and gratefully. I’ve been created as art and inspired by those who came before me like Mom and Sensei. I’ve had the privilege of being Sensei and passing on what I got from Sensei Dan and Sensei Bobby to the next generation of students and black belts, who will become greater than me. Hopefully, that makes a difference for them. Hopefully, that becomes the genesis of their created art. And so the journey continues.
Perhaps, we create our lives as Art. And we live into that Art. Granted art lies in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone’s life shall be different. Consequently, everyone’s art shall be different as well.
Cheryl often reminds me of the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi: There is inherent beauty in our own imperfection. After all, isn’t life “Imperfectly perfect”? Just saying. There is no “perfect” life. There’s not “perfect” art. So boldly dare to create your art “imperfectly”. Maybe, you arrive enlightened or not. Rather what’s more valuable is that you create your art in your own voice.
We all have something to say from within us that people want to hear. Say it whether it’s imperfect or not. That’s the beauty of it: It’s your voice. It’s your Work of Art.
Artist Michelangelo said, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.”
In Aikido Sensei would always say to me, “Just train.” When we train we chisel away the “superfluous material” as we create ourselves as our Work of Art. Create your life as your Work of Art.
So what does your work of art look like? What must you chisel away? I believe I’m still chiseling away at mine. Just saying…
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