Training makes you different
You all know it. You can all feel it. The way you move. The way you feel. The way you look. It is different from an untrained person. It is different from how you would be if you were untrained.
There is something about you that is different. People can sense it. You are more poised, and more responsive. You are stronger when you need to be, more settled when you can be. More focused on what matters, less distracted by disturbances in your own heart, or by surprises in the world around you.
Those are facts. Those are some of the effects of your training. That took work. It did not just happen. It takes a way of life to keep it. It will not stick if you are not training. That’s how it works. There is no other way.
People will not all appreciate it. Or notice it. Or identify it if they do notice something. They may not be familiar with training or the effects of training. It may seem to them that’s just the way you are. You are lucky. They, they may feel, are not.
Some people who are neurotic, disturbed, slack, hyper, addicted, or depressed may think you are just “normal.” That you don’t get the reality of life, which to them is miserable and turbulent, filled with falsehood, pretense and pain. They do not understand who you are, what you do, how you live, what you have achieved, or what might be good about it.
Some people will judge you, not based on your attributes, but based on what they think is valuable. If they value credentials, titles, awards for example, or high social status, they will judge you based on those criteria. They will not see you, they will consider your pedigree, your inheritance, your job, your degrees, your wealth, your political position, your physical attributes, your property, your notoriety, or some other quality. Then they can place themselves above you, make use of you, or dismiss you, according to their preference.
Their loss, not yours. You cannot expect to be appreciated by foolish people for your good qualities. Quite the contrary. Foolish people may try to level you, mock your effort, denigrate your goals and your way of life. They may have a charming presence, facility with harsh words, status in their group. It is essential that you understand and appreciate who you are, what you have achieved, and how valuable that is.
Then those random opinions will not touch you, will not off balance you, will not distract you, will not deter you. Then you will be free to disengage from foolish people and harmful influences. You will be free to put your attention on the people who can benefit from it, and devote your effort to courses of action that will further your goals, your training, and your life.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you.
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Post copyright © 2024 Jeffrey Brooks
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“One of the best books I’ve read in years, inviting and compelling. Jeff Brooks moves effortlessly from martial arts to Buddhism to consciousness studies, self-transformation, and related fields in this wide-ranging and Illuminating study that has much to offer both novice explorers and veteran practitioners. A splendid achievement.”
— Philip Zaleski, Editor, The Best Spiritual Writing series
True Karate Dō is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and Kindle Edition