Live - Protect - Inspire
Hiking Samaria Gorge in Crete 2008
Where to begin?! I was just sitting in Barnes & Nobles when I picked up a book called "Brains on Fire" and it hit me! I had a brief moment of clarity about a better way to communicate not only how I felt about my martial arts, conflict resolution & tactical training & teaching, but also why I chose this path in the first place and what YOUR part is in all of this is as well! Yes, that's right a clearer understanding on how to communicate what and why I train and teach!
Now, trying to get it all in writing. My mind has been going a mile a minute since I sat down at B&N! I just hope I don't lose what I was feeling earlier before I can get it written down.
Yes, the reason that I train & teach is to help others Live - Protect & Inspire themselves and others. As I write it down the words seem somehow hollow, like I've said that one million times before (probably because I have). So why did that sound so different when I was in B & N? Good question!
Here it is; because this isn't about me, it's about all of us! I cannot do this alone, I need YOU, yes ALL of you to help. We all need each other really. None of us no matter how peaceful we are can live peacefully in a violent community. None of us are safe until all of us are safe. And to be honest, it isn't only about violence, it's about living a fulfilled life, one that enriches you and all of those people who you come into contact with. It's a ripple effect. This effect begins inside of each and every one of us. Ironically so does the conflict.
I didn't pick up that book by accident any more than you are reading this blog by accident. We all have a story to tell. We all have things to share. We all have people we love. I am looking for some people out there who want to Live better, to Protect not only themselves but others too. What others? ALL OTHERS! Even those who aren't like you & you may not even agree with or like. Finally I am looking for people who want to learn how to Inspire others not through demands, but rather though example. Ignite Inspiration by creating a healthy environment that respects and protects all life. People who want to learn how to gain and keep their ethical true north and respond to actions appropriately and deal with conflict at all levels.
We are a part of something much larger than our selves, larger than any class or workshop that we are training in. Each one of us CONTRIBUTES to the bigger picture in one way or another.
I am looking for those who are ready to step up to the challenge of this mission, this cause, this underground movement, this underground rebellion to LIVE - PROTECT & INSPIRE ourselves and others.
Are YOU up for it?
I think you are!
All the best,
~Craig
I love it!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand and agree with you. On top of that, I am *with* you!
Your words reflect the motivators that drive me to teach and I think that may be a common theme amongst teachers. Bobbe and I have repeatedly discussed this recently and your words echo what we were talking about.
Rock on and be well!
Jay