Mindfulness, Commitment and a Meaningful Existence

[Dave Samuel]

I have enjoyed reading Karate-Dō, by Gichin Funakoshi.  My favorite passage is the subsection, "An Important Lesson", at the start of the chapter "No Weapons".  In the passage, two skilled fighters (the engraver and Matsumura) face off in a duel.  Matsumura emerges victorious from the match without landing a blow. In describing how he defeated the engraver, Matsumura says, "...I know this: you were determined to win, and I was just as determined to die if I lost.  That is the difference between us." Matsumura goes on to tell engraver how Matsumura had been obsessing over relatively minor troubles in his life, but "...once we decided on a match, all my worries suddenly vanished."  In enjoy the passage because of the lessons I see in it.

There are two lessons which strike close to home with me.  The first is mindfulness.  In order to achieve focus, one must set aside trivial matters and troubles which one cannot control.  It is as Mr. Oliver says about the dojo - when you enter the dojo, leave your worries with your shoes.  In the dojo, the focus is on each moment as it occurs.  I am not at that level of focus in the dojo, and I definitely could use more mindfulness outside the dojo - but I will keep trying to improve, which brings me to the second lesson.

To have the greatest chance of success in an endeavor, one must be willing to commit fully.  In an old school karate match, similar to the match of the engraver and Matsumura, full commitment might mean acceptance of death before defeat.  In the dojo today, it might mean forcing yourself through those last five pushups, even though you might be in danger of face planting if your arms give out.  Outside of the dojo, it could be going for that new job, starting or ending a personal relationship, or just ordering something new off the menu at your usual restaurant.

The lessons of mindfulness and commitment complement ideas from existentialism. Bear with me as I explain a portion existentialism as I understand it.  Although various existential philosopher's hold very different views, one common tenant of existentialism is the importance of living an authentic life.  To achieve this, individuals must make their own choices, independent of outside influences such as society or religion.  This is not to say making choices and living a life in accordance with social or religious norms is necessarily inauthentic - it is simply a belief each individual needs to make their own choices in order to lead an authentic existence.  As individuals, we have the freedom (within the world we live in) to choose our actions, or we may let others chose our actions for us.  To exist in the fullest, each person must choose their own path.

I am glad to have read Funakoshi's book, as I believe the values and concepts he presented will assist me on my ongoing journey of self-improvement.  Mindfulness and commitment pair well with the existentialist idea of living an authentic existence.  With the many possible paths life can take, I think there is great value in staying focused and committed to the values and endeavors which I choose to uphold and pursue.

[Adren Bradley]

Dave such profound words, you have given in detail things I have bee struggling with as well, I thank you for such a touching insite to your thoughts, ideas and beliefs, thanks.

[Lisa Spagnolo]

Great write-up! I like that section as well.  Your words on commitment serve as a good inspiration to persevere even when you feel the face-plant coming on (both literal and figurative).