The Importance of Friendship
My students and clients have constantly heard me stress that our Martial Art is more than just a physical discipline; that it is a discipline that develops both the mind and body. This is so important that Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, the grand master of our lineages, has made it the primary thrust of just about every one of his books about Ninpo and Martial Arts in general.
The presence of mind that your training demands helps you make wise and thoughtful decisions. Often, these decisions involve choosing others as friends - and all of us would like to choose good friends - people we can consider real "team players."
It's sometimes very mysterious why we choose who we do as team players. Often we like a person right away based on some intuitive thought or feeling. When asked, we say that it just "felt" right. Other times we may observe someone for a while with admiration, and build up to a formal introduction.
Friendship is a wonderful thing and is vitally important for personal growth and success. It can be found on the Ninja's Kongokai mandala used in Japanese Mikkyo esoteric mind-science training. Found in the 'wind' realm which represents surrendering oneself to a greater good where the total result produced is equal to much more than just the sum of the parts added together.
Friendship itself is sometimes sparked by what we call "vibes," or a strange and electric power of attraction. This is what gives it such a terrific and seemingly magical power to tie people together so closely. All the same, our first impressions can often be mistaken. We've all made mistakes before in the friends we've chosen. Often, we'd like to ignore, forget, or believe that we had anything to do with the selection, but we shouldn't. It's these lessons that remind us that we are human and make mistakes, as-well-as the fact that not everyone we meet will enter into a relationship (whether business, personal, etc.), for the same reasons that we do. It's not right or wrong - good or bad. It's just life.
There's really no way to be 100% certain that everyone, or anyone, you choose as a friend will turn out to be a good team player. But, the Martial Arts Academy 'is' a terrific place to meet new people, especially those with many of the same interests, and often with the same focus and desire for purpose, power, and interdependence (as opposed to dependence or co-dependence) in their affiliations. Many lifelong friendships have begun in the dojo ("martial arts training hall"). Here are some tips on how to choose friends that might be right for you.
[a] Look for people who share the same basic values that you do. The Martial arts teach certain values and principles that you should know to look for. Honesty, respect, individuality - these are all good qualities that a lot of people share. Having friends with these qualities will make it a lot easier for you to feel relaxed and at ease when you're with them. You want to develop friendships that will be both fun and rewarding - mutually beneficial to all parties involved. One person should never carry the burden of trying to make a relationship "work."
[b] Look for people who respect your decisions. Your friends will have different tastes than you do. They should respect your freedom of choice, just as you should respect theirs. Sometimes you may feel that a friend is not making a positive choice. Discuss these issues. Nothing is more important to friendship than communication and honesty. Discuss things with parents or significant others and your instructor(s) as well.
[c] Look for people who are real team players. You know what that means: people who are willing to stick by you through thick and thin, who will be there when you need them, and will show you the understanding that you in turn give back. A friend you know you can depend on is one you will probably have for life.
There will be times when you feel that a friend of yours is consistently making bad choices, or is not treating you with respect. The Ninja Warrior takes pride in understanding: try to see where your friend is coming from, and try to resolve any differences you might have. Don't be afraid to talk to your parents, spouse, or your instructor. They have the benefit of experience, and are always looking out for your best interests. There are very few things as precious as having good friends, and you should not let them go easily. Hold onto your friendships; let them know you value them and do your best to solve problems as quickly as they arise. Trust your instincts and follow your heart!
Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:51:44 GMT Christian Bale's lady sidekick: Sibi Bale - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Like the Dark Knight/Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is a real-life man of mystery. Averse to personal publicity, he is well-known for not wanting to discuss his private life. Christian Bale, Wife "Solid" at Knight's Spain Premiere Bale's family feud led to scuffle Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:10:31 GMT Favre's heir? With backing from mates, Rodgers waits patiently - USA Today
USA Today - By Matt Ludtke, AP By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY He no longer sounds like a retired player after seemingly passing on the opportunity to lead a talent-laden Packers squad. Video: The Rift Between Favre and the Packers Finding new home for Brett Favre won't be easy Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:06:18 GMT Discovery may boost statin safety - BBC News
BBC News - Scientists have pinpointed a gene mutation as a major cause of a rare side effect of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins. They hope the discovery could lead to a simple test to identify patients at increased risk of myopathy - severe muscle pain and ... Gene May Predict Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Risk, Study Says Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:14:24 GMT Karadzic lived the good life with wine, song - Reuters
Reuters - By Ivana Sekularac BELGRADE (Reuters) - Radovan Karadzic lived the good life while hiding from justice for 11 years: he watched his diet, fell in love and hung out in a small bar where hardliners gathered to sing about his wartime exploits. Video: Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes - 23 Jul 08 Karadzic's secret life enthralls his fellow Serbs Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:05:33 GMT Rapper 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad - New York Daily News
New York Daily News - BY THOMAS ZAMBITO The rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - is suing the fast-food chain for using his hip-hop persona to tout its tacos. 50 Cent sues Taco Bell over ad campaign Rapper 50 Cent says Taco Bell stole his endorsement Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:15:09 GMT Billionaires Back Antismoking Effort - New York Times
New York Times - Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced their antismoking initiative on Wednesday in New York. By DONALD G. MCNEIL JR Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Wednesday that they would spend $500 million to stop ... Video: Gates, Bloomberg Pool Riches to Fight Smoking The $500 million war on smoking Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:48 GMT Zimbabwe Parties May Sign Unity Deal Soon, Business Day Reports - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Carli Lourens July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Zimbabwe's ruling and opposition parties may sign a power-sharing agreement soon as they have already agreed on a wide range of issues, Business Day reported, citing people it didn't identify. Fearsome Zimbabwe militias are afraid Delayed Zimbabwe Power-Sharing Talks Seen Beginning Thursday Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:23:06 GMT Increase Web Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Many people feel they have everything they need in life,... Read More Over my extended Thanksgiving weekend I took some time to... Read More One of the most important things we can do for... Read More Being the last of three daughters, I was a suprise... Read More You must absolutely have a vision, or a dream, for... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 25,... Read More Whoever coined this phrase is a genius. Life finds ways... Read More Here's a simple parable with an important moral.Each mirror, you... Read More In a recent disaster, a man was asked why he... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 1,... Read More My friend Donald said to me one evening, "this is... Read More I have always thought that grandparents were the icons of... Read More There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More Even though this article was next on my idea list,... Read More I wish that I could tell every person that I... Read More What Inspires You? What motivates you to get up in... Read More For many people, life has become as dull and despairing... Read More Another preposterous idea from yours truly, even the thought makes... Read More Our deepest fear us not that we are inadequate. Our... Read More In Berlin a restaurant opens for anorexics and in Buffalo... Read More In the Northeast, we have a few months to prepare... Read More Plato once said, "It is easy to forgive a small... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 16,... Read More One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More Letters on Life#3Some experiences you never forget. In some of... Read More
Adsense
websites
Get Your Guidance and Get to Know Your True Self
Look Out Any Window
Re-Developing Your Vision
Life is a Mystery...or is it?
Do You Have a Vision?
Pride Goeth
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
How Do You Read the Bible?
Are We There Yet?
A Bit Of Turbulence
Perception
Being An Adult
Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting
Five Minutes Before the Miracle
You Are a Beautiful Person
Motivational Posters - A Source Of Inspiration?
Night of the Living Dead
Go On ! Give your Enemy a Hug
My name is Smarty Jones -- Embracing Gods Glory
The Minds Fancy Dress Party -Or- A Brainstorming Session
How To Weather Lifes Inevitable Storms
Afraid of The Light?
Material Girl
Persistency - Element In Reality
The Cracked Pot
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Guard Your Heart
It was 1:30 A.M. on Friday, December 6, 1991. Patrolman... Read More
Who Are The Underminers?
How many of you had the experience growing up of... Read More
The Ant Philosophy
Over the years I've been teaching kids about a simple... Read More
Remember Within
Remember when you were really young? It was an era... Read More
My Favorite Movies Journal
The movies--what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I... Read More
America, A Depository Of The Gifts Of The World
Wow, it's a new year and a new millennium! What... Read More
Tsunami
This article was channelled through me by an entity called... Read More
Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time
I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More
Lessons about Life in an Unexpected Place
Did you ever receive a gift in an unexpected place?I... Read More
The Most Famous Line I Never Wrote
There is one line that can dramatically impact your life... Read More
Shaping the Future with Positive People Power
We must shape the future and control our destiny.When we... Read More
Change is the Only Constant
The physics professor with the unruly shock of white hair... Read More
You Reap What You Sow
There is an old principle: You reap what you sow.... Read More
Financial Freedom Blues
Steps to Financial Freedom, roadmap to financial freedom, achieve financial... Read More
Begin With the End In Mind - Tips to Make Your Life More Meaningful
What would you change if you knew you would be... Read More
Parental Consent
Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 11,... Read More
The Power Of A Dream - Success Always Start Off With A Dream
Back in the good old days of school, the teachers... Read More
The One Thing You Really Want
There is one thing you want...My guess is you want... Read More
How To Be Secure In An Insecure World
Most of us believe that our happiness and security are... Read More
Go Where No Man Or Woman Has Gone Before
"It`s life Jim but not as we know it." -SpockIn... Read More
Vistas
The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow... Read More
Exceptions To The Rule
Yesterday I turned 48, and she just turned 21. Uh-oh,... Read More
Life is About Choosing
Back to our youth days, we were taught that by... Read More
How I Get Joy as a Value
*In the last couple of months, I have been fortunate... Read More
A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Acceptance
A WORD FITLY SPOKENA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More
Inspirational |