The Warrior Way

Breathe in.  Breathe out. Right here.  Right now. Begin again and again, all throughout the day

There is a definition of a “warrior” that exists out there in the world which I love and has helped shaped who I am and how I show up in this world.  No, it’s not the Rambo or Atomic Blonde kind of warrior. This definition of a warrior comes from the work of Angeles Arrien – an anthropologist and best-selling author of books such as The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer and Visionary.  

Her definition of a warrior is showing up present, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  If you are hearing this definition for the first time and are like “Whoa!” – I know the feeling. Or maybe your response is more like “What does this even mean?  Or how do I begin to show up as a warrior in my life?” – well, these were my questions as well.

The Warrior archetype is one of leadership.  We arrive into and harness our leadership skills by staying in our power; by showing up and choosing to be present; by extending honor and respect; and by being responsible and accountable.  It’s also about making compelling invitations.

For me, showing up and choosing to be present wasn’t natural.  Instead, choosing to be aloof or acting intimidating through being narcy or sarcastic.  Being a natural-born leader was also not in the cards. So upon hearing this definition, I knew it would be something I would have to work on constantly and develop and grow into over time.  

So where do we begin?  For me, it starts with my physical body.  If you read more about my story here, you learn how in discovering my body, I discovered my soul.  Engaging in physical connections to the body that we love doing and bring us joy is one part of this equation.  For me, I find these connections to the body through CrossFit, tennis, paddle-boarding and yoga. The other essential ingredient to showing up physically is eating healthy, delicious and nourishing foods.   

In moving my body and fueling it with nourishing foods, I’m able to engage better with my emotional and mental bodies.  There are also practices and tools, such as breathwork and meditation I practice regularly, that aid in my ability to show up fully present.  In doing so, I’m less stressed, in less fear, worry and excitement and I’m not burning up energy foolishly. This benefits me most in my work life and in my relationships.

Last but not least, is being spiritually present.  This is the most intangible of the ways we show up and choose to be present.  For me, I have found direction and connection to being spiritually present by harnessing and developing the power of purpose.  This not only has meaning of the heart, but also a mission of service. It’s the compass in which I direct and align my physical, mental and emotional bodies.

So why live the Warrior way?  It’s about freedom, and the ability to choose and lead from my heart.  It’s about how I make the most of this time I’ve been given to live on this earth.  It’s how I stay emotionally connected and resilient during times when I am being tested the most.  And it’s about how I stay buoyant, focused and attuned to the power of gratitude, especially in a sea of chaos and demands.  

If you are seeking ways to be more of a Warrior in your life, I strongly encourage you to schedule a free assessment here.  In our assessment we will explore what is present and missing in showing up and choosing to be fully present in your life. Possibilities of developing and mastering practices of the Warrior include, but not limited to:

• Physical Connections to the body that bring joy and that you love
• Food, Cooking and Nourishment
• BreathWork
• Meditation
• Purpose

I look forward to hearing more about your story, someday soon.

 

-NK