A few thoughts: Windward Sons, Great Coaches, and an Artist of Life.
We received a letter on Friday from my son Ryan who is about to begin the midway point in Marine Corps training. I have come to realize that he is a windward son because he has chosen the difficult path against what most young men his age would choose, but in the end he will be stronger, and more able bodied to face any obstacle life places in front of him. The same could be said of his brother Aaron who is learning, and growing in his own more traditional way; work, save, explore possibilities, and build gradually at his own pace.
Ryan says it's like his Drill Instructors are easing up one minute, and jumping down their throats the next. Believe me, any former service member, or student athlete knows this feeling. It is because they have reached a point where being a novice gives way to being a serious student of "the game." Drills, conditioning, fundamentals, and mental maturity start to kick in, but not without constant pressure to gain proficiency above, and beyond. Like great coaches who strive for perfection, life teaches many lessons, often times throwing obstacles in our way to test us of our worthiness, or courage to strive on.
Now, I'm finally getting to read a good book about some of the greatest coaches of Notre Dame football, as I am constantly looking for ways to encourage my sons through this most challenging time of their lives. Since martial arts is a part of Marine training, I sought guidance from one of the greatest teachers/philosophers in Bruce Lee. He changed the world in regards to opening up the ancient arts of the Far East. As a student of philosophy as well, Lee melded together what he knew of the physical art with the discipline of the mind. This is what I gleaned from a brief study of his life, and work.
Become like the caterpillar
Prepare,
Grow,
Dream,
Emerge,
Stretch your wings,
Fly on your own power
This is what it means to be
An Artist of Life
A student of the soul.
Paint your canvas like a perfect scene before you
Is it a deeply hidden meadow amongst the trees?
Or can it be seen for miles around
Like a journeyman's dream
With limitless possibilities?
It is up to you
According to the life you lead;
Choose wisely,
Be true to the heart within
That beats the drum
And leads the way.
D.A. Wittler 3/8/20
God Bless!
