Level 1.45 - Respect

Level Your Life - [The Level of Respect][1.45]

Respect

The warrior is intent on demonstrating the virtue of respect - for self, co-workes,teammates,coaches and opponents. There are many ways of being disrespectful in life: showing up late for work/practise, not learning the routines and plays, refusing to give your all, behaving innappropriaetely,yelling at others, using sarcam and the biggest of all - failure to hustle.

Respect coincides with the Zen teaching "do the right thing".

Respect is really about developing relationships in an environment of integrity,positive communication,trust,loyality,compassion and dignity.

An attitude of respect is crucial in achieving high-level performance.Healthy relationships are built on trust and loyalty through positive communication and forgiveness. The key is to respect all others as you would like to be respected.

In Chinese,the symbols for respect express  the understanding that respect for others begins with respect for yourself. Think of throwing a stone in the center of a pond and how every ripple reaching outward begins at the single point where the stone initially dropped in. In the same way, all respect for others begin with self-respect. With such respect, you create an environment that is conducive to extraordniary performance.

Respect is one aspect of love. When you feel loved- you will easily go the (extra) distance - do what is asked of you and more. When you respect and love others, you don´t lose power or control; you gain it. A lack of respect creates resistance,alienation and resentment - even revolt.

According to the I Ching, the ancient chinese book of change, respect of others creates spirit of loyalty.

Declaration: When I demonstrate the heart-driven virtue of respect for myself an others, I create  environments where great accomplishments are not only possible but inevitable.Success is the by-product of respect and love.

Reflection: Under what circumstances do I demonstrate a lack of respect for myself or others ? What can i do to change that

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 1.38 - Hsing

Level Your Life - [The Level of Hsing] [1.38]

Hsing

In Chinese, "Hsing" refers to the unity of the  heart and mind, their coming together to affirm nature´s way, the way of the warrior.

Most of us view heart and mind as seperated entities ; the spirit of the dancing warrior  perceives them as a dynamic interaction aligned for extraordinary possibility.

Training, competing and working from a head-space creates obession with outcomes,results,past mistakes and future failures. This leads to anxiety and self doubt. The warrior relishes and visualizes the thought of victory but also knows that the heart speaks in the moment for positive focus on the matter at hand, for controlling what once can with passion, fire and energy.

Not obessing on outcomes will relax you and help you perform at higher level.When you show up for an event,practise or work simply come to compete and focus on the little things that make you feel good and are in your control.These will propel you toward accomplishing your goal.In this way your body follows the heart in the moment.

If you are obessing about a previous blunder too much you might become anxious,tense and tentative when the next situation arises to do better - which may steer you right into a  a vicious circle.To bring the heart and mind together and be present in the moment, tell yourself the following: " that was lousy, but i can do better. Here I go " Then mentally correct the error and tell yourself: "Here it is, one move at a time. Here is a new beginning, a new opportunity to demonstrate my greatness"

When heart and mind function in alignment as one,you seek the extraordinary  each day, affirming your direction and efforts as you demonstrate integrity: doing what you say you`ll do.

Declaration:My best performance is the result of the dynamic unity of heart and mind, where the mind cooperates with what the heart knows to be right. I cherish victory,yet create success in the process.

Reflection: What specifically can I do to assist myself in aligning my heart and mind, while enjyoing the process and being in the moment ?