the way of the warrior

“The perfect blossom is a rare thing, you could spend your life looking for one and it would not be a wasted life…”

Bushido – the way of the warrior.In the film The Last Samurai, there is a scene, more specifically a quote that has stuck with me since first watching this film as a teenager. Teacher and student are in a courtyard surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees and filled with the presence of their ancestors past. Teacher says to student:

I think on this idea often. Purpose above all else and submitting yourself to your craft, your passion. How many of us could benefit from following this sort of principle?

When I think of my purpose, I am reminded of this scene. I am reminded of “the way”, the journey I set out for myself. Life in every breathe.

Have you thought of your purpose? The thing you are searching for above all else? The goal you have set that even if it is never achieved, the journey to it shall bring you great fulfillment and peace.

The journey is the way. Too often I see friends and colleagues lose sight of this. They are too caught up in getting there, in arriving, in feedback and instant gratification that they set their sights on a too achievable goal. Sometimes I myself get too comfortable in my goals and habits. But when I do, I think of Bushido. I think of the way of the warrior. I think of my goals and my passion and my “perfect cherry blossom”; because a life in pursuit of an unreachable goal, in pursuit of your passion, is not a wasted life.