Note: As you read this article, please remember — as with all of my articles — I develop the article with in each part of the article. Consequently, I would ask that you make sure to read each part as I will develop what I have learned through each part of this article.
Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am happy to see that you decided to stop by to visit with me. Thank you. Over the past several days I have been thinking about a truth that I have learned — through my experience. I would like to share that truth with you.
In a nutshell, I have found that life can not be rushed. Although I would like for more to be revealed “now”, I have come to understand that I can not know until I am ready. My experience and training in the martial arts has reinforced this life changing lesson.
Some years ago my Sensei shared something with the students at the beginning of a class. He said, “It is not the belt that makes the person, but the person that makes the belt.” His statement has had a profound impact upon me in both my training in the martial arts and in the way that I view and live my life.
Bruce Lee taught his students to develop their own jeet kune do. My Sensei’s, Instructor (Sifu Bustillo) original instructor was Bruce Lee. What I have learned through my Sensei, his instructor and ultimately from Bruce Lee is that being a student of the martial arts is about a journey.
Please read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 for context. Thank you.
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Craig,
I find your site very empowering, and it’s great to connect and find common ground with other BI survivors. When you quoted your Sensei, “It is not the belt that makes the person, but the person that makes the belt” it reminded me one of of my second life’s motto’s, Rudyard Kipling’s “The strength of the pack is the wolf, but the strength of the wolf is the pack.”
Kind regards,
George
Hi George,
Thank you my friend. I am so happy to be able to use the gifts, talents and abilities that have been given to me Sir. I am so happy to have found a way to use what I have been given in ways that work for me. Thank you for being a part of my process George. I like that quote by Rudyard Kipling’s “The strength of the pack is the wolf, but the strength of the wolf is the pack.”
I believe the pack is strengthened through the positive synergy that comes through the creative energy of the individuals who are part of the vision and mission. My desire — the desire that has been placed in my heart — is to encourage, motivate, empower and provide hope so that individuals so that they will chose to not give up on their process, a loving God or themselves.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this process in the state of New Mexico Sir.
Have a simply phenomenal rest of your day and God bless both you and your family George.
Craig
Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
Second Chance to Live
http://secondchancetolive.org/
Our circumstances are not meant to keep us down, but to build us up!