I'm just finished watching a wonderful movie, called "Ambition to Meaning: Finding Your Life's Purpose," featuring Dr. Wayne Dyer, one of my "living heroes." I have been a longtime fan of Dr. Dyer's inspirational books and audio programs, and I was fortunate enough to see him at a live presentation a couple of years ago when he came to speak in Boston.
The movie is about the shift in consciousness that Dr. Dyer says that people tend to go through in "the afternoon of their lives," when one's focus moves away from the ego and toward the spirit. The shift is away from the tendency for constant "striving but never arriving" and toward living a life of purpose.
Reflecting as a martial artist — a 3rd degree Black Belt who has spent decades seeking continuous improvement and advancement — I find myself asking, "What good is another rank promotion, anyway? What would getting a 4th Dan really do for me?"
Challenging questions, to be sure: At this point, wouldn't another rank certificate just be one more frame on my wall for people to look at and be impressed by? Do I really need to be validated by some external authority?
So instead of asking, "What more can I get out of all of my karate training?", now I'm asking myself, "What more can I give to others as a result of all of my karate training?"
Now that's a question I could spend a few more decades seeking the answer for. And if I ever get promoted to 4th Dan along the way it will be nice, but I guess I don't really need it.
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