Week 1: Fearlessness

In order to experience fearlessness, it is necessary to first experience fear. Bravery comes from acknowledging the reality of fear. Fear can take many forms. We may be afraid that we can’t handle new or unknown circumstances, or the demands of the world. This fear expresses itself as a feeling of inadequacy. We may feel that our own lives are overwhelming, and that confronting the rest of the world is even more overwhelming. Then there is abrupt fear, or panic, that arises when new situations occur suddenly in our lives.

Fear has to be acknowledged. We have to realise our fear and reconcile ourselves with fear. We should look at how we move, how we talk, how we conduct ourselves- do we chew our nails, or do we sometimes fidget with our hands uselessly. Through our own self-awareness we may observe how fear is expressed in the form of restlessness.

As we cultivate determination and perseverance through the harmonisation of body movement and stick-work we become competent in our use of movement and energy and we also become confident within ourselves, who we are, and what we can achieve if we set our mind to it.

Like the Tiger, warriors can possess extraordinary exertion, they are able to accomplish whatever purposes or objectives they are trying to fulfil. The sense of exertion is not rushed, aggressive, or heavy-handed. Like the tiger in the jungle, you are both relaxed and energized. You are constantly inquisitive, but your awareness is also disciplined, so you accomplish every activity without difficulty, and you inspire those around you to do the same. You are at ease in your surroundings and you are eager to learn new things knowing that you have the capacity to train your mind and your body.