Life is like an ocean. It is never still. Waves come. Waves go. Big waves, little waves, it is never truly calm for beneath its surface is constant motion. It moves, flows, gives and takes, churns, torments and unfurls its furies. And so is life. Though land based creature, the human being must nonetheless contend with ocean energy within, for all of life is connected to its ebb and flow. No matter how far or near the ocean is in reality, in inner reality all creatures are one with it. Study the ocean to learn about life. It has much to teach.

A warrior knows that there is a distinction between having discipline and forcing something. A warrior knows that to have discipline is to hone a skill, gained by working at tempering the child self and maturing the adult self. A warrior knows that to overpower the child self is to force an issue, often resulting in the child self getting angry. A warrior knows that it is far better to work with the child self to mature and grow, while the adult self seeks alignment, stability and maturity in the world.

A warrior knows that alignment and balance will occur naturally and there will be fewer disciplinary and anger issues to deal with as this work takes place. A warrior knows that this inner work will result in a more naturally flowing life. Even discipline will naturally be present as balance between child and adult self occur.

A warrior knows, however, that there are outside influences that may interfere with even the most concerted and disciplined inner work, and so a warrior is always aware of entities seeking to attach, to force their way in and take over. A warrior is aware that balance is the greatest defense and so a warrior is not frightened of entities, for a warrior realizes that entities only gain entry through the door of imbalance. And so, a warrior studies imbalance, advancing the art of discipline so that eventually the entities fall away. And so a warrior never gives up the fight because a warrior knows that seeking balance IS the warrior’s work.

When in doubt, pause. When in conflict, pause. When wondering how to proceed, what decision to make, or what action is right, pause first and wait. In waiting calmness arrives. In waiting turmoil recedes and clarity soon comes. Before action, before decision, allow stillness to reign. Stillness allows for sobriety to make itself known, for memory to remind, for that which is truly right and good to reassert itself. A moment of stillness might be all it takes for the right answer to come. Every day the moment for pause will come. And that will be the right action.

Remember to keep compassion in your heart for the struggles of self and others. Every journey is unique, every life equally so. It may not always be clear what your own life challenge is though that of others may clearly stand out. Find your own challenge in that which you despise or fear in others, in that which you find most annoying and most testy in life. The real challenge begins with reconciling with your feelings and discovering what they mean to you personally.

To discover one’s life challenge is to finally confront what lies behind one’s reason for living in the first place. Then one will also find one’s purpose, if one is intent upon it. Not all people, however, will find their reason for living this time around, and that has to be accepted. But if one decides that life is more than meets the eye then one will have found the true mystery of life, and a seed will have been planted.

In facing the mysteries of true reality one will discover that one’s life and one’s journey are most meaningful. And that’s a good place to begin. Remember, compassion begins with the self. And that’s a good place to begin too!

That which should change is usually obvious. What is often not so obvious is how to go about changing it. It might be quickest to turn and walk in a new direction but such action takes volition, as well as courage, and often the necessary energy to undertake such a drastic measure is lacking. So what to do? The best course of action is to first fully face the truth that such change is absolutely necessary. If one cannot leap then at least turn in a new direction and begin taking baby steps. Even babies must change, for nature does not allow them to stay babies.

All beings must mature and take responsibility for themselves. Change is really all about becoming autonomous, freeing the self of that which no longer works or has value, that which does not enhance maturity. Taking full responsibility for the self is the goal of adult life, and it is the energy behind change as well. All change is good, but self-instigated change is better. Why be forced into something when you can take control and end up feeling good? You might find that you are really good at enacting change. A life of mature responsibility is an enhanced life, and your spirit will thank you for taking the leap, even if the leaps are baby steps!