Likewise George, you're very kind, thank you.

Thanks Carol, likewise. Let the good times roll.

Hi Sara. Without going all all 'Ghost' I'll say 'Ditto'. Past , present and future it's all good.

The man attributed to being the 'father' of modern day Karate said:

"To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill."

Back in the late 1800's 'karate' or forms thereof, was banned in Okinawa. Funakoshi would sneak out at night and walk miles to his 'Masters' house and train in his backyard. returning home before daybreak, then to begin his day in earnest.

He did this for years (Plural). His teacher at the time, would only pass on new moves and forms when he was wholly satisfied that Funakoshi had mastered that which he had been taught. This could take months.

In regard to ourselves and what we are working towards here. One month becomes six becomes a year becomes two and more.

I think our destination might change and with it our route but that we will always continue training, learning and being the best we can, not just for ourselves but for others.

Yes there is a life time of lessons here and I and sure if I follow the lesson 'don't quit' then I will be here for many years to come.

I love the Karate story and quote. I often wonder whether I 'fight' too hard and too long and whether I should just surrender.

I have been reading the Tao De Ching although one read through, has left me with more questions than answers, (so read through number two will happen after the whole CV, and job application days ahead). The lesson there is 'Doing by non Doing'.

This was something I came across when I was doing my thesis for my degree. The idea that you achieve much more by not doing. Or you train so hard that you get to a point where the doing is effortless (flow).

I think I have a lot to learn from both the Karate master and the Tao de Ching. As I am losing my current battle I have going with life, which of course is just a battle with myself, which of course is all in my mind.


Have a great day : )

I think your last paragraph is the key, for sure. For all of us.
It's those dots again. For those that study and not just practice the martial arts, there are many layers past just the physical aspects.

You'll be familiar with 'Bodhidharma' who was an Indian Buddhist Monk, he has been accredited with both bringing 'Zen' to China and in turn Kung Fu. He said:

"Outline of Practice. MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice. To enter by reason means to realize the essence through instruction and to believe that all living things share the same true nature, which isn’t apparent because it’s shrouded by sensation and delusion.
Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls,’ the absence of self and other, the oneness of mortal and sage, and who remain unmoved even by scriptures are in complete and unspoken agreement with reason. Without moving, without effort, they enter, we say, by reason."

Always makes me wonder if there are modern day equivalents to those from centuries ago. Words that are spoken/written now that will be pondered upon in a few hundred years time.

Thank you Laura. I'm lucky to have you in my network.

Likewise Mickey. Always a pleasure having you comment.

I'll take that, thank you Victor, consider yourself followed. Be well.

Always a huge thank you to you Michael, keeping it real is all we can do.
Your post: Gaining success by being you. was pretty special.

Thank you Twack. Much appreciated. I get the feeling it may have been too long. Very few comments on it. It is what it is.

As always, Best wishes,
Michael

Thanks for that Lorelei, really appreciate you dropping by.