Debt to the Dead

The pace that life takes very often makes it challenging to be consistent at posting. The other challenge is to figure out what to write about. Often based on the training and martial arts I have experienced, the writings have been directly related upon that. 

Life is training. Everything I do has some relation directly to my passion of personal defense or martial arts. "Practice with the little things." as my teacher Phil says. It is a constant mantra. 

Today's blog is about life. I could pose a inspirational quote about life. There are many. 

Rather, this post will be a rambling of how precious life is. The responsibility of bringing life fourth onto this planet. Life, and the alternative, are all apart of that great circle. It could be over in the blink of an eye. Therefore, it needs to be lived to the fullest and not recklessly. 

The phase, "it's not fair" applied to a death doesn't make sense because life and death isn't about 'fair'. The question is just a reflex I think. Death isn't fair, life is fragile. 

There is not much one person can say to another who has lost a young loved one. Sorrow is heartfelt and prayers for the family is very much felt. 

The strengths that one needs to get through any tragedy and challenge is also a part of 'practicing with the (not-so) little things'. This the time that our faith is put to the greatest test. This is the time when one has to dig the deepest, accept grief as a part of their everyday life from that day forward. 

I lost a dear, close friend several years ago. There are still time when the grief surfaces as all out bawling. There are other days of simple melancholy. More often than not though, there is a consistent feeling of support. Even more so, more like a wanting to live a life of passion, enthusiasm, grabbing the bull by the horns, that she would want me to. "Don't waste it, don't waste your time in despair, anger, pity. Don't do that to me." She once came back to tell me. 

Every day of life I get to have, is entirely dedicated to being present in the moment and knowing I am living the best way I can, the best example I can be, the best attitude I can have. 

This one thing we owe to all those we have lost. 

Guardian of the Future

There was one point in time when I was sitting on a chair in my front room thinking, "It would be nice to have a little one running around here." That was the summer of 2006. Lo and behold, the summer of 2007 we had a wee one in our family. I know how powerful thought can be. I have experienced it over and over again.

But every once in a while it is nice to be reminded of how special the days are. There is nothing like having a routine in the day that you can look forward to. For me it is going to pick up the 'kid' after school and hanging out with him. I miss him being a baby, but I enjoy him being the conversationalist he has become. The days go by quick and when I don't have to pick him up, it can be a nice break, but when it is several days in a row, it is like I am missing something vital in my day. I get bummed.

That got me to thinking, what would life be like without 'you'? Would one really know how empty life would be, what would it be filled with? I cannot imagine. I have been in the wilderness of New Mexico for an period of time, alone and fasting, with nothing but a tarp, sleeping bag and 4 gallons of water and knowing that when I returned, we would be hanging out doing stuff. The older you get the more stuff we get to do. I am looking forward to teaching and sharing... my responsibility to you is to teach you about life, prepare you for the future and keep you centered, grounded and hungry for knowledge. Along with all this, I must prepare you to face the challenges you will have, and all this through all the distractions that you are bombarded with. Especially when it seems that my concepts are not supported by the others that love you so much they cannot say 'No'.

Our responsibility as the adult is to prepare our youngster to become responsible adults.

Speak to them as if they were intelligent, expecting them to be accountable and holding them to the basic principles of 'be kind and respectful' 'work hard' 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all' and limit television, or at least monitor what is being watched. Why would you want their minds filled with the garbage they see on TV. Also, if they have a cell phone it should be in your possession from 9pm until they leave for school. Sleep is vital for future adults' healthy growth.

This is just my opinion based on my observations. I know this would help our society in the long run. But I know it is an inconvenience to some parents to be so pro-active in their kid's social human development.