Be aware of what you’re doing, beginning with your breathing.
“I am aware that I am breathing.”
“I am aware that I am listening.”
“I am aware that this too shall pass.”
This moment. Here. Now.
callos (9)
Nobody can make you sad, angry, happy, depressed, or grouchy; you don’t give anyone that much power over you. Only you can make yourself anything. Maintain control of your own emotions and thinking.
When someone wants to argue or fight or make you struggle, just tap out. It’s a lot better than getting hurt or causing someone else pain. Tap out and don’t worry, you’ll be able to come back soon enough.
When in a bad position, when under pressure, instead of struggling and wasting energy, embrace your opponent and relax. Your time will come.
Surprise your opponent by doing exactly the opposite of what’s expected. If someone expects you to be hurt, be honored. If they expect you to be angry and upset, surprise them with your calmness. Train yourself this way and you almost always have the advantage.
It takes a certain mindset to be offended by someones words or actions. Choose not to take offense, as once taken, your opponent already has the advantage. Instead of being offended, be “fascinated.” You cannot control others actions, but you can control how you choose to respond to those actions.
When someone pushes you, physically or emotionally, don’t push back. You lose nothing —and often gain a better position. Two wrongs don’t make a right —so resist less and think more.
"Yes, a black belt should be able to execute precise, effective, beautiful, and technically proficient martial arts techniques, whatever the style. But just as importantly, a black belt should be able to execute precise and beautiful ideas, equal to or better than their physical techniques. A black belt should have an attitude equal in it's brilliance to his or her physical skills."
A great quotation from an admired martial artist, Tom Callos.
