Level 1.92 - Fortitude

Level Your Life - [The Level of Fortitude][1.92]

Fortitude

We know that continuous,consistent strength and high-level performance are not possible. You may want to always be your best, look your best and be fast but no one is capabale of this all the time,not even the Buddha. During down times- times of striff, loss, setbacks, mistakes, uncertainty and disappointment - the warrior adopts the virtue of fortitude , a sense of quiet inner strength, trust and confidence , closely aligned with the warrior virtue of perseverance, that helps one to endure. We know from our own experience that this virtue will help you through a slump, a losing streak, an injury or a disappointing result.

For the seeker, fortitude is a strong spiritual weapon that helps fight the inner wars of fear and self-doubt. It is this virtue that gets you through the moment , that enables you to endure shock and disappointment.

At its foundation are a quiet confidence and a deep belief that everything will work out.

Fortitude  , or bravery, is your ability to bend and dance in the wind of adversity.

Declaration: I am brave and strong enough to endure all setbacks and adverse conditions. I have the courage and confidence to continue on the path and realize my true potentia.

Reflection:In what specific ways can I apply the concept of fortitude to my present physical and emotional life? Whom do I know and respect who demonstrates this warrior virtue and in what way?

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 1.84 - Patience

Level Your Life - [The Level of Patience][1.84]

Patience

How does the tortoise defeat the hare? He uses the inner spiritual qualities of slow, steady,deliberate ,patient movement. How does one eat an elephant ? One bite at a time. So it is with sports,work and life. Notice how all phsycical endeavors contain a natural flow. We know that rushing,forcing or pushing for results often creates counterforces such as burnout, injury, setbacks or failure. Doing too much too soon - that hurry- up syndrom- invariably leads to injury or illness, nature`s built- in way of telling us to slow down and pause.

Simply put, whether you are an athlete, corporate worker , homemaker, or student of dance , take a day off from the routine. The Pause is an essential aspect of high-level personal performance. We notice that when we become patien, we actually reach our goals sooner. We can do this when we immerse ourselves in the process, the flow of life, as it assumes its own form and shape, rather than forcing things to be thwat we think they should be.

For all of us , improvement in any experience always occurs not when we think it should, but when the time is right. This is when we are at our best. Warrior wisdom says: when you hasten the natural process, setbacks will occur. Your inner self can enjoy the process, slow down and arrive sooner ; the journey is often the best part. Focus your heart-mind in the present and realize that the moment you have been waiting for is already here.

All things occur at the appropriate time. Things happen not when we think they should but when we are ready. So slow down and arrive sooner.

Declaration: I am willing and eager to be at peace with the natural unfolding of my abilities.I refuse to place time constraints on my perfect progress.

Reflection: Why is it important for me to force or try to make situations in my life happen more quickly than they naturally do ? How will being impatient cause the plane to leave on time ? How will it hasten the accomplishment of any endeavor ?

[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]