Communities
Keith Fuller
03/2014
Sukh Sensei,
As
you know, I've been attempting to write this for a while, but figuring
out what to say has not been easy. Words like "kindness," "generosity,"
and "community" are thrown around so easily these days they are almost
devalued. Nonetheless, they are the best starting point I have to
describe what the dojo did for me.
Technically, I am a part of
many "communities." The people I work with, the people I go to classes
with and the people I do research with are all a part of a community,
in the broadest sense. Perhaps it is due to this broadness of the term,
but to refer to the dojo family I have found as merely a community
seems to bring it down far below what it deserves. The sense of
belonging, trust, and understanding within the walls of the dojo far
exceed anything I find outside of them. The dojo makes me want to try
to raise the word "community" to a higher standard, and turn my
groupings of convenience (like work and school) into something so much
greater.
I have never felt like I belong anywhere quite as
much as I do at the dojo. It's a unique experience to get hit in the
face by someone, stand up, and bow to each other. (Perhaps even more
odd is the conversation afterwards of "maybe try hitting me here
instead, that would likely hurt more.") Maybe it is because of this
uniqueness that such a strong social tie is formed. As you've said
before, training creates an international bond, a community that
transcends both our location and time in history. No matter where
I go in the coming years, I hope to firmly remain within such
prestigious company.
You laid out a number of conditions to
the kindness I received: Continue training. Be a moral individual. Help
others. Make a difference in the world, in whatever way I am able. Not
much time has yet passed, but I wanted you to know that these
"commandments" are what I wake up thinking about. As you know, I just
obtained the rank of San Kyu (finally). I may miss training far more
than I would like, but I hope you never mistake that for a lack of
desire or prioritization- life gets busy sometimes, and it's hard not
to get overwhelmed. I try my best to be a good person. I've learned
that it truly is a conscience act; I try to make decisions and respond
to others in ways consistent with kindness, honesty, and empathy. I
definitely haven't mastered this yet, but I've certainly been trying.
As you also know, I've recently begun a research project involving
great white sharks. While this particular project may not be what I end
up doing throughout graduate school and beyond, I'd like to think that
working to understand and conserve the natural world is a goal worthy
of your prompt to make a difference.
I will never be able to
adequately express my gratitude for those of you who stepped forward to
help me, but if there is any way I might get close, it is through the
above efforts. You have inspired me to be as good of a person as I can
be, both through example and exhortation. I will never forget the
feelings I went through that night, and I vow to never forget the
promises I made in exchange.
Sincerely,
Keith