Life lessons to enlightened living

    I consider myself a life-long practitioner of the martial arts. Like many other life-long martial artists, the study of karate is a way of life, a philosophy in living. 
    Initially, when a student starts taking karate classes it is usually for the reasons of self defense, physical health or the sport of it. But, if you choose to progress in the art you learn that karate is much more than that. It encompasses the mind, body and spirit of the practitioner. Humility, patience, self discipline, self control and poise are just some of the life benefits of karate-do. (The Way of Karate) All of these qualities are important to learn for a karate practitioner to advance in the art. An advanced martial artist is taught methods to seriously harm, maim or kill another human being. If a student does not posses a maturity or tempered spirit then learning these advanced techniques could be a danger to society and themselves. For this reason, warriors are held to a higher standard of living.
    As an instructor, I will only share advanced teachings to students who have proven their honor, humility and Integrity. My goal in life is to guide my students to be the best they can be. I am a facilitator that offers lessons in being an honorable warrior, a leader and a positive example to others. I take my role as instructor seriously. Everyday I strive to be a positive example and role model. I continue to learn and improve myself as well. 
    Through the years down my own path in karate-do, I have come to believe eight philosophical principles. I feel that following these principles will lead to enlightened living. 

1. You are on earth for a reason. There is a purpose to every single person no matter how long or short a period you are alive or what physical, mental, environmental or spiritual challenges you may have.
   
2. Your primary goal is to be the best person you can be. By "best" that means a purpose-driven life, a peaceful spirit and with positive personality traits. But, not everyone will achieve this. 
3. Every tough frustration, challenge or tragedy contains a lesson to be learned. If you do not learn from the lesson it will repeat itself over and over again in your life until you do learn it.
4. There is a higher power at work in your life. The sooner you begin to believe in God or a Higher Power, the sooner you will find serenity in your life. You will find peace in surrendering control of your life over to your Higher Power and realizing you are not alone in handling problems. 
5. Live in the present. Set goals and make plans for the future. From your past, remember the lessons and happy memories. But, don't dwell in the past or in the future. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are serene, you are living in the present. Your slate is wiped clean each and every morning.
6. Dismiss anger in your life. It's ok to get angry on occasion, but don't let anger control you. If you are confronted with a toxic topic or person memorize these three responses: "Maybe you are right." "Let me get back to you on that." "Thanks for bringing that to my attention." Sometimes, you may need to walk (or run!) away from the person or place that is causing the anger to well up inside you.
7. When confronted with a big decision, make the one that has the most positive outcomes. What is the best that can happen? Don't worry about the worst that could happen as the worst rarely happens. But, the best that can happen has the highest probability of happening. Don't worry about making a "wrong" decision. Whatever decision you make will lead to an important lesson. Even if the outcome of your decision is negative, eventually whatever path you went down will come back around to your Master Path. Your Master Path is the path your Higher Power has laid out for your life. 
8. Your highest calling is to serve humanity in some way, shape or form in a positive way.  When you begin living out this true purpose you will find enlightenment.