by James | Jun 23, 2012 | Exploration I
Why prepare for any situation?
To be ready when life demands it is far preferable to arriving in a situation you could (or worse should) be capable of managing or dealing with but instead find yourself led by the events around you. Dealing with a roadside accident, running to reach the bus to make a deadline, planning for difficult days, and using consistent effort to achieve a goal instead of rushing the end, delivering life-saving CPR to a stranger.
Furthermore, the community is designed to provide for and help the next generation; in this regard, they must create worst-case scenarios or predictable disasters and either safeguard against them or have a response planned; From the ultimately predictable ‘global warming, lack of drinkable water, lack of sustainable energy sources, reliance on fossil fuels to the possible disasters of disease, flood, earthquakes it’s necessary to think of ways of how to deal with them or aid countries effectively and quickly when these things occur.
Being prepared starts with the individual being fit, strong and healthy enough, and well informed enough to act when required. As a unit prepared unit, the organization can be thought of constantly looking at its resources, both physical and experience, to prepare for any contingency.
by James | Jun 20, 2012 | Exploration I
Why are members trained in subjects like martial arts and meditation?
There was a long consideration in writing the entries about martial arts and meditation. Meditation has a solid amount of scientific evidence to show that it has numerous physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. While we can draw connections between practitioners of martial arts and other similar benefits it may simply be due to increased exercise, focus, discipline or even meditation done during the course of their studies. The correlation is less clear.
Either way in the spirit of preparedness for any situation it would be prudent to teach a soft system of martial arts [note: by soft I mean a martial art that utilises technique over brute force and yielding rather than opposing forces] like Aikido which can be more defensive in nature and also teaches practitioners how to fall without hurting themselves or restrain someone who is being violent.
Martial arts teaches discipline, allows for purposeful exercise, aids balance and builds self-confidence. If we take a holistic approach to the individual members of the community this is a vital facet of that approach.
by James | Nov 5, 2011 | Exploration I
The community should create routines and regular activities designed to help the members act and improve themselves in the most optimal way possible. Autonomy, mastery, and purpose should be provided in tasks performed to help motivation. Similarly, mind, body, and thought should be exercised for each individual’s well-being.
by James | Nov 5, 2011 | Exploration I
One should constantly and consistently strive to improve themselves and their mind. They should focus their efforts on their knowledge, skills, and their chosen vocation in the community.
by James | Nov 5, 2011 | Exploration I
One should always maintain a good physical condition. Firstly, this is so that they can act as they must when the situation demands it. Secondly, there is the matter of a longer lifespan to do the things we love doing. Finally, there is an abundance of evidence that regular exercise greatly improves mental acuity, mood, and cognition.
