Body and Soul Reconnection

I was at a gathering once in which an analogy from the movie “Karate Kid” was compared to life.  I contemplated it more deeply and this is the question that surfaced for me, how has life been preparing me to evolve as a “master” of some sort?  Yet, how have I dismissed, grumbled or been unappreciative of the experiences and potential lessons my life has unfolded unto me.

Going back to the “Karate Kid”, do you recall how Mr. Miyagi was preparing Daniel-son to become a “master” of Karate?

• The first day of his lesson was “wax on, wax off” along with “breathe in and breathe out”.
• The second lesson was “sand the floor” along with “breathe in and breathe out”.
• The third lesson was on focus; “catch the fly” and you can accomplish anything.
• The fourth lesson was “paint the fence” along with “breathe in and breathe out”.
• The fifth lesson was “paint the house” along with “breathe in and breathe out”.

After “paint the house”, Daniel-son could not take anymore of Mr. Miyagi’s lessons.  In fact, he got extremely frustrated and accused Mr. Miyagi of using him; he feels like a victim.  Immediately, Mr. Miyagi begins to put all the pieces together for Daniel-son and proves to him how he is an advanced student of Karate.  He says “show me sand the floor”, “show me wax on/wax off”, “show me paint the fence”…etc. Each time Daniel-son blocks all the punches.

The sixth lesson in “Karate Kid” was to learn “balance”.  Daniel-son practiced in the ocean and on a boat.  At one point Mr. Miyagi gets very serious with Daniel-son and explains to him, “Balance is key. You have balance you have good life.  Everything is better.”

I totally relate to this wonderful example.  My life has evolved with wax on/wax off moments.  In time I moved on to my “sand the floor” experiences.  Later, there were moments of “catch the fly” that gave me confidence and on and on the lessons continued.  However, I had not valued them as lessons.  Many times I believed I was a victim.  Why is life so tough?  Why didn’t I get a better education?  Why was my dad or mom this way or that way?  Why did so and so not appreciate me?  Why, why, why.  Only time and my “awakening” to a greater spiritual truth (will discuss on a later blog) has allowed me to look back and understand the why’s of my life.  Looking back at the experiences in my life, my culture and family structure have allowed me to develop in compassion towards others.

The “Mr. Miyagi” of the Universe lessons were teaching me to become an advanced student of compassion.  Now I am serving others by doing my best to help alleviate physical, emotional, mental and/or spiritual pain.  As the song below says “as your heart chose”, I believe my heart chose this road to ultimately lead to my greater good and the greater good of others.  So this is my “balance” it’s not just about me, it’s not just about others (family, friends, acquaintances, strangers), it’s about both in a well choreographed dance.

Consider all that your “heart chose”: your parents, lifestyle, interests, challenges, relationships…etc.  Can you look back to your “wax on/wax off”, “sand the floor”, “paint the fence”, “catch the fly” chapters in your life?  How has life been preparing you in order to evolve within the depths of your being to later serve in some fashion?  It doesn’t matter how or in what fashion we may serve, it’s ALL good.

What do you believe you are becoming an advanced student or “master” of?  I invite you to share your story.

Enjoy the following beautiful song by Enya – ‘Only Time’

Lyrics:
Who can say where the road goes,
Where the day flows?
Only time…
And who can say if your love grows,
As your heart chose?
Only time…
Who can say why your heart sighs,
As your love flies?
Only time…
And who can say why your heart cries,
When your love dies?
Only time…
Who can say when the roads meet,
That love might be,
In your heart.
And who can say when the day sleeps,
If the night keeps all your heart?
Night keeps all your heart…
Who can say if your love grows,
As your heart chose?
Only time…
And who can say where the road goes,
Where the day flows?
Only time…
Who knows? Only time…
Who knows?
Only time…