December 2000 Newsletter
The following story is deep in many ways. It takes place in a hole in
the ground and there are meanings beneath and within the concept of the
hole and the efforts of the main characters. Where do you fit into this
picture?
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them
fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When
they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they
would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to
jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that
they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what
the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the
crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just
die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the
other frogs asked him, "Why did you continue jumping? Didn't you
hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought
they were encouraging him the entire time.
This story teaches two lessons:
- There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging
word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it
through the day.
- A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to
kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path.
The power of words...it is sometimes hard to understand that an
encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that
tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.
Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.
Be special to others.
Author Unknown
At this time of the year we often think of the things we
want for ourselves. Take tine to think of others and the life we live will
be richly rewarded.
Goals are essential if improvement and continued growth in
the art and life are to be realized. Commit to continue to be diligent in
daily training or make a commitment to become more focused to be in the
dojo on a regular basis.
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