Our Place in the Universe – By: Samuel
Woldesmaite
It is always rewarding for me to come across examples of
insights into our Black Belt Credo that demonstrate a student’s understanding
of the lessons I attempt to impart in our martial arts training. In his 2nd Degree Black Belt
Essay, Samuel took firm hold of the meaning of his selected line,
‘I Exist Both in and out of Myself.’
“This
[line] reminds us that we not only hold influence over own lives but over the
lives of everyone we interact with…and spiritually existing through the
influences we have on others. My [role] as an instructor means that every
interaction I have with my students can negatively or positively influence
them.”
This excerpt clearly denotes Samuel’s perspective on
existing outside of himself in terms of his influences on others. The primary goal of being able to ‘step
outside’ of one’s self being to grant perspectives not diminished by selfish
motivation is further elucidated as follows:
“What’s more is that no interaction we have can be [truly neutral].
Brennan Manning put it best when he said: ‘In every encounter we either give
life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.’ Our actions create
shockwaves in the environment, our smile and cheery disposition can seep into
those around us. If we choose to be selfish and only care about ourselves, then
that selfish, negative attitude will infect like a disease.”
In
closing, the essay brought to light Samuel’s perspective on fostering
positivity within himself first.
Self-control and appreciation for the influences of our emotions on our
actions is paramount in achieving the strength of character necessary to
succeed in life. Black Belts at KMA are
expected to acknowledge feelings, embrace that we are emotional beings and
understand to the best of our ability how they influence decision making.
“We must repair the world through
self-control and kindness to others. This way we can spread this spirit of
goodness in a shockwave throughout the whole world. This is impossible to
achieve by a negative attitude. We are remembered for the legacy we leave, so
leave a positive one. And when you find yourself lashing out at others, then
remember line number nine and push the negative away and embrace the positive.”
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IF you would like to learn more about Samuel, then you can come visit him at our school
Koguryo Martial Arts Academy
6015 S Sunbury Rd, Westerville, OH
614-899-9033
www.koguryoma.com
