Word of the Week: Poiesis

Another goal of our life's work in the martial arts is poiesis.  This word is the Greek root of our word 'poetry', but initially was a verb meaning "to make".  Poietic work synthesizes thought with matter and time, and man with the world.  When performed, it has a transformational effect, bringing forth beauty and hope into the world.

In Plato's Symposium, Socrates repeats a story told to him by Diotima of Mantinea, which details a type of poiesis that extends beyond the cycle of birth and decay, a form of genesis through which men strive for immortality.  He details three types: (1) through our children, (2) through heroism and service, and (3) through the cultivation of virtue in oneself.

This is the work that we do with people.  I feel fortunate to have touched so many thousands of people throughout my career, and I hope that you all recognize the lives that you touch as well.  Even those whose paths have diverged from my own still carry on with their lives and take on so many noble and inspiring endeavors.  I feel honored to have shared a valuable time in their lives which has contributed to where they are today.

The arts that we practice and share are our gift to the world.  As we continue to refine ourselves, we also enhance our capacity to contribute.  Keep on training!

Make-A-Blanket Event

Last year, I began coordinating a blanket drive to support Project Linus, an organization whose mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer 'blanketeers'."

I had purchased some bulk cloth online from Pico Textiles, and hit up the local craft stores for some sturdy fabric scissors. That's it for material supplies. We went with the "No-Sew Fleece Blanket" pattern, an easy-to-make project.

Word-of-mouth secured a bunch of volunteers, and we were set!

I'm doing it again this year on December 12th. It was a really fun service project for my students, and perhaps yours may enjoy it too!

Here's a video of last year's effort, with a much-heavier me in it:

Word of the Week: Eupraxsophy

All of our peace education, environmental action, healthy living guidelines, emotional balancing, and other similar efforts are all directed towards the development of a eupraxsophy, using the ways of the martial arts as a lens through which to focus and view our teachings.

The term eupraxsophy was coined by Paul Kurtz, a professor at the University of New York at Buffalo and a contributor to the writing of Humanist Manifesto II (a worthwhile read, in itself!).  It draws its meaning from the ancient Greek words eupraxis (right action) and sophia (wisdom).  A eupraxsophy, then, is a worldview or lifestyle which advocates living an ethical and exuberant life through rational and naturalistic means.

Through living a eupraxsophic life, perhaps we may reach a state of eudaimonia: the greatest good for an individual human being; a state of excellence characterized by objective flourishing across a lifetime, and brought about through the exercise of moral virtue, practical wisdom, and rationality. (props to wordinfo.info for the definition)

Oops, well now you have two words.  Enjoy!

Raising the Bar

Normal is overrated.

When someone makes a commitment to make the martial arts a part of their lifestyle, I believe that part of that commitment entails the adoption of two sub-beliefs: (1) we hold ourselves to a higher standard in our daily lives, and (2) we help redefine the general concept of 'normal' through our work with others. Leading by example, then, naturally entails the perpetual quest to live as an exceptional human being.

Right now, I'm doing so-so in those areas. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm at a 6, but rising. I used to rate myself much higher; however, in the past few months, I've become acquainted with a fantastic group of people in the UBBT who are holding themselves to a much higher standard than I'd originally envisioned (thanks again team for redefining my standards!). I'm 'hungrier' for improvement these days. I have new goals and I want to reach them!

Since my days are spent on a high school campus, I am often in the presence of many who do not fully understand the benefits of what I've been engaged in, outside of my membership. Most just give curious stares while I teach and when they see me training during my breaks, but a few react with preprogrammed toxicity (borrowing from John Mariotti's post). I'm unsure where and how young people can become so jaded and cynical, but when it begins to affect me, I remember the advice of the Greek philosopher Epictetus: "If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid." I appear strange and unusual to them because they've probably never met anyone who's trying to do what we're doing.

Every day, I look forward to showing them what we're about.

Unplug!

I'm walking a tightrope these days.

On one side, I'm reaching out and integrating technology in order to enhance aspects of my martial arts educational program.

On the other side, I'm trying to unplug and involve myself in more authentic face-to-face interactions with human beings.

Right now, the tech side is winning, so I've been pulling the other way. Although all of these resources are giving me the opportunity to connect with my students, friends, and family, I've been trying to consciously ensure that this work is a supplement to (and not a substitute for) the relationship-building that I engage in on a daily basis.

Sometimes, the cell phone needs to be off.

Sometimes, e-mail can wait.

Connecting with people is a big part of what we're all about.