Focus In, then, Focus Out

"It is not what others think of me that matters; it is what I think of myself. If I allow myself to be shaped by other opinions, I would become what they wish me to become."

More of my studies and practice indicate, to me, that before we can truly participate in society or the Universe we must first "know" that Universe within us as each individual. To much of what we have within us influences how we interact with the Universe and if we are not sure of what we are within then we will not be beneficial and productive to those the stand outside of our personal Universe.

How can we instruct others in anything be it the physical, mental or spiritual as related to the ken-po goku-i, the ancient classics such as the I Ching and other tomes of knowledge like "Fully Present," "The Now," and "Becoming a Complete Martial Artist." These are but a few too!

It should be a primary goal of an instructor or anyone intent on being involved in life that they disentangle their thoughts from reality for we do influence our thoughts with our past experiences and such so we should take it all in and discover through our internal awareness as to what is correct. In the case of karate what is morally correct and societally acceptable behavior even in fighting, conflict, combat, etc.

Read the quote again, I personally do not want now or have never wanted to become what others thought I should become but rather what I feel I should become and I cannot or have not done otherwise in my life. I got caught up in external validation which is just a way to excuse myself from myself which if you think of it provides me the perfect excuse when what others decide goes wrong I can then blame them when in reality regardless it is and always will be my decision and my fault when it goes wrong. More importantly, keep this foremost in your mind, when things go right I can be satisfied that I did right, by me, myself, and I and that projects onto others who enter my sphere of influence. If both of us are alike in this concept then we are mutually influencing to our benefit.

As a fledgling novice regard internal focus as a personal fundamental. As a fledgling associate instructor also focus inward to find truth and knowledge then when you become an instructor you will have already discovered "most" of the things you will transmit to others and it will be right.