Power Within Vs Power Over: Developing your Inner Warrior

On a visit to a Samurai museum in Tokyo I noticed this quote on the wall.

"A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within."

~ Morihei Ueshiba,

The Art of Peace, Aikido founder

This spoke deeply to me of the resilience and peace I have cultivated when I have stepped out of the battles 'out there', and instead, focussed my energy on the battles within.

At a peak moment on this journey I wrote this:

Surrender 

"Fear not the unexpected,

for you have an innate and wondrous capacity to transform.

In fear's place, shine a light of curiosity,

at sameness, predictability and comfort,

for it is often there where you encounter that which holds you in chains.  

Step gently into your canoe,

leave the oars on the banks,

allow the river to gently take you.

Trust.  

Whatever it is that awaits you,

know you are already beautifully,

masterfully made,

to withstand it,

to integrate it,

to let go

and to thrive".

~~ Sharlene, 2019

I see how pivotal the choice to surrender was in the development of my own inner warrior. It was as Morihei Ueshiba said, a profound invitation to step out of the fight.

For me personally, that meant:

• Letting go of fear

• Remaining curious about life's [ongoing] lessons

• Being open to the growth that happens at the edge of our comfort zone

• Learning to breathe through the unknown

• Having faith in myself to cope with whatever life might throw at me

• Letting go of protective anger at the unfairness of battles lost

• Learning to master my own defensive behaviours to find greater ease in relationships.

The gift of the Inner Warrior

Once you have developed an inner warrior you are more able to offer calm, grounded safety and empathy to others. As victory over others loses all of its allure, you seek mutuality and equality in relationships. You seek to understand others and want power to be shared for the peace and mastery of all you engage with.

How to Develop your own Inner Warrior

If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're already on the journey of self-reflection and personal growth. To focus your energy towards the mindset of a true warrior, consider whether there are:

• External battles you're trying to win that are making someone else lose

• Protective behaviours during conflict that are keeping you from mutual understanding

• Areas of life or your relationships asking for your acceptance or forgiveness

• Thoughts or beliefs you punish yourself with that keep you from feeling at ease with who you are

• Relationships in which you could demonstrate more self-control

• Times when you could step into stillness and trust yourself

• Ways in which you could surrender.

Remember, you're a work in progress. We all are.