Be the Boxer

“Man conquers the world by conquering himself.” — Zeno of Citium

The Obstacle

Life presents constant opponents:
Situations
Circumstances
Tasks
Obstacles
Injury
Setbacks
Failures
People
Conflict
Frustration
Resentment
Perfection
Judgment.

Every day, an opponent shows up.
Challenging emotions
Words
Intent
Judgement
Actions.

This opponent has an energy
A voice
A vote.

In how we handle ourselves
Our tasks
Circumstances
Relationships
Conflicts
Struggles
Relationships
Actions.

We can fall victim to it.
Let it make us angry.
Act out of alignment with who we should be.
Let it dictate our thoughts
Emotions
Actions
How we treat others.

It would have us control more than we should.
Avoid difficult or frustrating tasks and people.
Spend too much time perfecting.
Worry over everything that could go wrong.
Say yes to more than we should.
Insist things are done our way.

It comes with negativity.
It steals our time
Our happiness.

We do not notice the weight.
We carry it like parasite.

It spills out of us.
Onto circumstances.
Onto others.
It drags them down with us.

As we succumb
We become the opponent.

The Gift and Opportunity

An opponent can beat us up.
Drag us down.
Influence our emotions
Behavior.

Or it can be a sparring partner.
Something to train with.
To make us stronger.
More able to combat the next opponent.

The fencer needs a sword.
Without it, they are caught off guard.
By surprise.
Unprotected.

The boxer only needs their fist.

They train footwork.
Headwork.
How to deliver.
How to deflect.

Our practice of Self-Mastery,
When practiced often
Makes us the boxer.
Trained
We are the weapon
Always ready.

Life will continue to challenge
Testing us to betray who we are.

Be ready.
Be the boxer.

The Practice of Self-Mastery

• Notice the opponent

• Remember the training 

• Engage on your terms

• Always guard the gates to your empire

  CHEAT CODE: STOP → NOTICE → USE YOUR PRACTICE → Engage