Keeping your Sword Sharp
Posted: October 13, 2020
In Japan, the Samurai are taught to always keep their sword sharp. Instead of waiting for a battle to manifest and then readying themselves, the samurai believe in being prepared at all times. To constantly have their sword ready for use. In this way sharpening a sword is an ongoing process. One that must be done everyday, in order to not only be prepared but also to improve.
Even though most people will never get into a sword fight, the philosophy of the samurai is still beneficial. If we regard our sword as essential skills, we can easily ask ourself "am I keeping my sword sharp?" In martial arts sharpening your sword would entail training every day. Stretching, running, any kind of fitness is a good way to keep your self in shape. However we must also remeber that sharpening one's sword is not limited to just your personal fitness. It also applies to our mind. Reading, for instance, is a great way to keep our mind sharp. Our brain is a muscle and like any other muscle we must excersice it or risk losing it.
The biggest takeaway from the lessons of the samurai is their focus on day to day tasks. If we constantly sharpen our own skills we will without a doubt see improvement in ourselves. Don't be the person who neglects their skills, instead be like the Samurai and keep yourself sharp and ready for battle.