1. EGO

Am I me or is my diary me? I’ve been keeping a diary since I was seven years old. My first problem was who I was writing to – that took seven years to solve. (Answer: Me.) My second problem was who I was. I haven’t solved that one yet but since I became a warrior I feel I’m within sighting distance of the answer.

• A warrior repels takeover because
• A warrior knows what she has to defend
• A warrior knows when to let down her guard
• A warrior learns from mistakes and hones her art

Planning: Warriors lead a designed life. A diary (also called a Training Journal) offers the ideal format in which to plan. Attempt to quantify the difficulties that you feel and assess possible reactions. Just because a situation is tough does not mean it shouldn’t be explored – on the contrary

• Warriors aren’t afraid of difficulty:
• Warriors look for opportunities for resistance training

The First Resistance – Often savage, is from yourself. Slowly we realize we have hijackers inside our brains wrestling for control. You can recognize these by their negative content. They clearly wish to subdue us into clones which is NOT HEALTHY.

Becoming a Warrior – It is this resistance that first marks our warrior status. Congratulate yourself. You are on the road.

Training Journal – Carefully assess your desires versus the demands on you. List expected results if you gave in to either. Develop a concept of health. Is ”freedom” staying up all night, consuming whatever substance makes you “feel better”? Clearly not. Assess the negative voice; “You’re weak”, for example. Being “in flight” from the negative voice is actually giving it mastery, you must stand up to it. Learn to answer back – “I’m in training. I did better today than yesterday.” Keep track of your achievements & challenges. Even really small ones: “I meditated for 10 minutes” are significant.

Models: Always survey possible models. Who do you admire? Is it Bruce Lee: “The difference between a warrior and an average man is laser focus.” Is it Carl Jung: “I am not what happened to me I am what I choose to become.” Develop your own models.

Accept mystery: Life isn’t “win or lose.” It can’t be quantified because we are magical souls with magic coursing through us. Sometimes it’s impossible to figure out and must simply be absorbed, not rationalized. Learn to enjoy art and accept the relief it offers. Reflect back as much magic & mystery as you can muster. Your tastes will develop according to your growth – that’s a good thing. Treat yourself like a loving sensei who wants the best for you.

#Haiku: Id vs Ego

Argumentative
Executioner
Prowls brain
Seeking
Loopholes