The hardest man I ever met told me a story last night about getting hit in the top of the head with a baseball bat. The bat broke in two, and one of the pieces wound up sticking into the ground at his feet. He took that piece and hit the original bat-swinging tough guy with it in the face.
Then the fight ended.
Many years after winning that (and countless sucessive) tough-guy competition(s), he had this sign hanging in his dojo: "Peaceful warriors have three great treasures: simplicity, patience, and compassion."
I used to look at that fucker when I was training and wonder how the fuck simplicity, patience and compassion could be counted as great treasures.
Then I lived a little more and I got it. I don't remember when or how exactly, but somewhere along the line I picked up the realization that simplicity, patience and compassion are the like keys to a beautiful and comfortable home. You can't get in without your keys.
Then the fight ended.
Many years after winning that (and countless sucessive) tough-guy competition(s), he had this sign hanging in his dojo: "Peaceful warriors have three great treasures: simplicity, patience, and compassion."
I used to look at that fucker when I was training and wonder how the fuck simplicity, patience and compassion could be counted as great treasures.
Then I lived a little more and I got it. I don't remember when or how exactly, but somewhere along the line I picked up the realization that simplicity, patience and compassion are the like keys to a beautiful and comfortable home. You can't get in without your keys.
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I, also, see myself living in a similar situation in ten years- except minus the children, wiife, and students. I just want to be in love and living on Quadra Island, far enough away from everything so that I can be completely peaceful without distraction, but close enough that I can still be immersed in everything if I want or need to be. (What does it say about me if I can't be completely at peace within a city? I guess I'm just not trying hard enough.)
Sending kittens and money your way. You'll have to sign in blood for them, though.
The cutest little kitten came into my convenience store last night. We hung out. It was nice.