Miyamoto Musashi was a legendary Japanese swordsman, strategist, and philosopher who
lived during the 17th century.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest swordsmen in Japanese history and is known
for his exceptional skills in both dueling and warfare.
Musashi's philosophy extends beyond martial arts and encompasses various aspects of life,
including personal development, strategy, and the pursuit of excellence.
Musashi's most famous work is "The Book of Five Rings" , which he wrote towards the end
of his life.
One of the key concepts Musashi discussed in his book" is the idea of "flow" or "mizu
no kokoro" in Japanese.
He believed that achieving a state of flow, where one's actions become effortless and
intuitive, was crucial in combat and any other endeavor.
Flow represents a mental state characterized by complete immersion, focused attention,
and optimal performance.
It is a state of being fully present in the moment, liberated from distractions and self-doubt.
And so in this video, we delve into how to be in flow with your life inspired by Miyamoto
Musashi. 1.
Accept death and take risks Miyamoto says “The way of the warrior is
in the resolute acceptance of death.”
In his work, "The Book of the Five Rings," Miyamoto Musashi explores the profound philosophy
of a warrior's way of life.
Among his key teachings is the acceptance of death, as Musashi believes that the fear
of death can hinder warriors from reaching mastery in their craft.
Despite the inherent risks involved in such a deadly discipline, Musashi argues that warriors
must embrace the inevitability of death and strive to become the best at what they do.
He asserts that it is better to die with greatness and be remembered for one's achievements than
to die without leaving a significant impact.
Observing Musashi in battle is akin to witnessing a charging bull, displaying unwavering determination
and an unyielding commitment to engage, regardless of the circumstances.
While some may perceive him as reckless for willingly placing himself in perilous situations,
Musashi perceives it as a manifestation of an undeniable truth: death is an inescapable
aspect of life.
Consequently, he wholeheartedly immerses himself in his pursuits, living in the present moment
and striving to achieve a state of flow in his passion.
To him, this complete absorption in one's craft is invaluable, and even if death were
to befall him in his pursuit, he would consider it a meaningful end.
Although most of us may not encounter the extreme situations that Musashi faced, his
philosophy still imparts valuable lessons.
The willingness to take risks is vital for personal growth and the pursuit of fulfillment.
How can one experience the joy of financial success without surmounting the fear of failure?
How can the magic of marriage be embraced without risking the possibility of choosing
the wrong partner?
How can one become an exceptional doctor without confronting the fear of overwhelming medical
studies?
In the pursuit of living a life in flow, according to Musashi's philosophy, the acceptance of
death's inevitability and the willingness to embrace risks plays a profound role.
The connection between these two concepts is paramount.
By wholeheartedly acknowledging the finite and unpredictable nature of life, individuals
gain the courage to confront their deepest fears and venture into the unknown with a
profound sense of purpose.
When we embrace risks, we align ourselves with the transient nature of existence, a
fundamental principle echoed in Musashi's teachings.
Life is ever-changing, and nothing is permanent, including our fears and uncertainties.
Embracing this impermanence liberates us from attachment to specific outcomes, allowing
us to immerse fully in the present moment.
It is within this space that true flow resides—a state of complete absorption and focus.
In the face of challenges and uncertainties, we let go of the fear of failure and adversity,
and instead, adopt a mindset of growth and resilience.
Even if things don't go as planned, we recognize the invaluable experiences and lessons gained,
contributing to our personal development and overall wisdom.
Life transforms from a static destination to a dynamic journey, where every step and
experience carries meaning and significance.
In our own lives, we can draw inspiration from this philosophy.
By taking calculated risks, we challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones and confront
the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Whether we embark on a new business venture, pursue a passion, or commit to a meaningful
relationship, taking risks opens us up to a world of possibilities.
Its through overcoming the fear of failure and the unknown that we can truly engage with
the present moment, our flow state where we unleash our untapped potential and experience
a sense of true fulfillment.
By stepping out of our comfort zones and pushing our boundaries, we discover new aspects of
ourselves and our capabilities that may have otherwise remained dormant.
Through this process, we can truly live in a state of flow, fully immersed in the present
moment and experiencing the genuine satisfaction that comes from embracing life's challenges
and opportunities.
2.
Train intensively
As Musashi said so succinctly…
“The way is in training.”
For most individuals, home is a sanctuary…
A place of comfort.
However, Miyamoto Musashi viewed home as the ultimate training ground, prioritizing the
refinement of his skills over personal comfort.
He famously resided in the renowned Reigandō cave, dedicating himself to relentless practice,
self-improvement, and willingly enduring physical and mental challenges.
This cave became his sanctuary for a rigorous period of three years, characterized by isolation,
arduous training, physical suffering, and unwavering determination, ultimately resulting
in profound advancement.
Miyamoto's swordsmanship is widely regarded as a captivating display of art in motion.
Yet, beneath the elegance of his technique lay countless days and nights drenched in
sweat, dedicated to the pursuit of perfection.
His training played a pivotal role in enabling him to achieve a state of flow.
Flow is the mental state characterized by complete absorption and unwavering focus in
an activity, where one's performance reaches its pinnacle.
It is a state where time seems to fade away, and the practitioner becomes one with their
craft.
Training serves as the foundation for attaining flow by cultivating discipline, enhancing
skills, and fostering a profound connection to the present moment.
Through dedicated practice and repetition, individuals develop a level of expertise that
allows them to perform effortlessly and instinctively.
As their proficiency grows, they can navigate challenges and obstacles with ease, engendering
a heightened sense of confidence and focus.
By investing significant time and effort into training, we lay the groundwork for reaching
our peak performance and experiencing the unparalleled satisfaction of being in the
flow state.
Let's consider the example of a musician learning to play a musical instrument, such as the
piano.
At the beginning of their musical journey, an aspiring pianist focuses on learning the
fundamentals, including proper hand placement, posture, and finger dexterity.
They dedicate time to practice scales, chords, and simple melodies, gradually building a
foundation of technical skills.
As their proficiency improves, they challenge themselves with more complex pieces, incorporating
intricate rhythms, melodic variations, and expressive techniques.
Setting specific goals, they strive to master certain compositions or techniques within
a given timeframe.
During practice sessions, the musician creates an environment conducive to flow.
They find a quiet and comfortable space, free from distractions, where they can fully immerse
themselves in their playing.
They focus their attention on the music, listening intently to the sounds they produce and the
subtle nuances of their expression.
Through consistent and deliberate practice, the musician develops muscle memory, enabling
them to play with greater ease and fluidity.
Gradually, they transition from conscious effort to a state of automaticity, where their
hands seem to effortlessly glide across the keys..
This is the flow state, where they no longer are conscious of moving their fingers to specific
notes and instead are able to go from hearing a melody in their mind to hearing it from
the piano, connecting directly with the music, without the mechanical layer in the middle.
Over time, as their training progresses, the musician develops a heightened sense of confidence
and self-assurance.
They find joy and fulfillment in playing the piano, losing themselves in the music and
experiencing the transcendent state of flow.
By dedicating themselves to disciplined practice, immersing themselves in the music, and continually
challenging themselves, the musician can cultivate the necessary skills and mindset to enter
the state of flow and create music that resonates deeply with themselves and others.
So regardless of what you’re aiming to become in life, or whatever you wish to improve upon,
may it be your work skill or a hobby, invest your time in training.
Make a plan to train for that, to work hard.
Put in the hours.
Embrace the power of training and dedicate yourself to the journey.
Its through disciplined practice, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of improvement that
you can cultivate the skills and mindset necessary to enter the state of flow effortlessly.
3.
Cultivate your intuition
Miyamoto teaches us to "Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye."
Miyamoto Musashi placed great emphasis on the role of intuition in achieving a state
of flow.
According to his writings, intuition represented a deep inner knowledge that went beyond conscious
reasoning.
He believed that relying solely on logic and empirical observations limited one's potential,
and true mastery and peak performance could only be attained when intuition also guided
one's actions.
In the realm of swordsmanship, Musashi advocated for the fusion of technique and intuition.
He asserted that true mastery went beyond mastering physical movements and required
attunement to the subtle energy and rhythms of combat.
By developing a keen sense of intuition, practitioners could anticipate their opponents' intentions
and respond with spontaneity and decisiveness.
Musashi's principles of intuition and flow extended beyond swordsmanship, as he believed
they could also be applied to any endeavor or aspect of life.
By trusting one's intuition and allowing it to guide decision-making, individuals could
unlock their full potential and achieve a sense of effortless action.
To cultivate intuition and achieve a state of flow, Musashi emphasized the importance
of experience.
He himself encountered many swordsmen, expanding his repertoire to the point where he could
rely on his intuition.
By exposing oneself to diverse situations and challenges, one can develop a deep well
of knowledge and insight.
For example, imagine you are an aspiring writer who seeks to create a captivating novel, to
cultivate intuition and achieve a state of flow in your writing, you need to -
Read extensively: Immerse yourself in a wide range of literature, exploring various genres,
authors, and writing styles.
By exposing yourself to diverse narratives, you will broaden your understanding of storytelling
and develop an intuitive sense of what makes a compelling and engaging novel.
Write regularly: Dedicate consistent time to writing, honing your craft through regular
practice.
By engaging in the act of writing, you'll become more attuned to your instincts and
develop a deeper understanding of your unique voice and writing style.
Seek feedback: Actively seek constructive feedback from trusted peers, mentors, or writing
groups.
By receiving different perspectives on your work, you will gain insights into your strengths
and areas for improvement.
This feedback will help you refine your writing skills and further develop your intuition
in storytelling.
Observe life experiences: Pay close attention to the world around you, observing human behavior,
emotions, and the intricacies of everyday life.
Draw inspiration from your observations and experiences, developing a rich pool of material
to inform your storytelling and enrich your intuitive understanding of characters and
plot development.
Reflect and revise: After completing drafts or chapters, take time to reflect on your
writing.
Assess the flow, pacing, and emotional resonance of your work, considering how it aligns with
your intentions.
Through self-reflection and revision, you will fine-tune your storytelling instincts
and refine your ability to achieve flow in your writing process.
By gaining experience, you will cultivate your intuition as a writer and endeavor to
achieve a state of flow.
Trusting your intuition and allowing it to guide your writing decisions, will unlock
your full creative potential and you’ll will experience a sense of effortless action
and deep connection with your work.
4.
Accept the Way of Nature According to Musashi, we should “Accept
everything just the way it is.”
Miamoto’s philosophy encourages us to align ourselves with the natural flow of life, recognizing
that existence is constantly changing and evolving.
He emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing this reality, rather than resisting
or clinging to fixed notions and expectations.
By doing so, we can navigate through challenges and uncertainties with grace and adaptability,
ultimately leading to a state of flow.
When we resist the natural flow of life, we create friction and resistance that hinders
our ability to fully engage and perform at our best.
We become trapped in patterns of rigid thinking and behavior, which limit our flexibility
and prevent us from responding effectively to the dynamic nature of life.
However, when we accept and embrace the ever-changing nature of existence, we open ourselves up
to new possibilities and opportunities for growth.
Consider the analogy of a surfer riding the waves of the ocean.
The surfer understands they can’t control the waves; they must align themselves with
the rhythm and movement of the water.
They observe the patterns, adjust their stance and movements accordingly, and flow with the
energy of the waves.
By doing so, they are able to ride with skill, grace, and harmony.
If the surfer resists the natural flow of the waves, they'll struggle to maintain balance
and control, and their experience will be filled with tension and frustration.
But by aligning with the flow of the ocean, they enter a state of flow themselves, where
their movements become intuitive, fluid, and synchronized with the environment.
In a similar way, in our everyday life, aligning with the natural flow of things entails embracing
the reality that things may not always go according to plan.
It involves being open to new possibilities, releasing rigid expectations, and adapting
to the changing circumstances that emerge.
By doing so, we navigate challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed or defeated by obstacles, we approach them with curiosity
and creativity, exploring alternative paths and solutions.
For example, let's consider a professional athlete preparing for a competition.
They understand that success in their sport requires not only physical skill and training
but also mental preparedness and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The athlete embraces the ever-changing nature of competition, acknowledging that unexpected
obstacles, weather conditions, or unforeseen opponent strategies may arise.
By aligning themselves with the flow of the game, they remain present, aware, and ready
to adjust their tactics and techniques in response to the dynamic nature of sport.
In this state of alignment, they enter a flow state, where their movements become effortless,
their instincts sharpen, and their performance reaches its peak.
By accepting and embracing the ever-changing nature of existence, we navigate through challenges
and uncertainties with adaptability and grace.
5.
Embrace simplicity In our final quote from Miyamoto Musashi for
this video, he says "Do nothing that is of no use."
Miyamoto recognized that embracing simplicity is a fundamental key to unlocking our full
potential and experiencing the highest levels of performance.
By embracing simplicity, we can strip away the complexities and unnecessary distractions
that hinder our focus and by extension our ability to enter the flow state.
In Musashi's view, simplicity is not merely about minimalism or a reduction in external
possessions or activities.
It goes far beyond that.
It's a mindset that helps us simplify our thoughts, actions, and surroundings so that
we can fully focus on what's really important.
Embracing simplicity means getting to the heart of things and cutting out the unnecessary
distractions that get in the way.
By doing this, we can clear our minds and concentrate on what truly matters in our quest
for mastery and flow.
When we simplify, we free ourselves from the burden of unnecessary obligations, commitments,
and possessions that consume our time and mental energy.
By letting go of these distractions, we create room for deep focus and concentration.
This allows us to direct our attention to the present moment and fully engage with the
challenges and opportunities before us.
Musashi's philosophy of simplicity is closely tied to the concept of "mushin" or "no-mind,"
where one acts instinctively and effortlessly without being weighed down by unnecessary
thoughts or external influences.
By embracing simplicity, we cultivate this state of "mushin," enabling us to move with
grace and precision in all aspects of our lives.
Practicing simplicity involves making deliberate choices about where we invest our time, energy,
and attention.
It means prioritizing what aligns with our values, passions, and goals, while letting
go of what doesn't serve us.
By simplifying our pursuits, we can focus our efforts on the activities and relationships
that bring us the most fulfillment and joy, ultimately leading us closer to the state
of flow.
For example, in the art of swordsmanship, Musashi emphasized mastering the fundamental
techniques and principles rather than being overwhelmed by complex movements.
By focusing on the core aspects of swordplay, practitioners can develop deep understanding
and mastery that allows them to flow effortlessly in combat.
This principle extends beyond martial arts and can be applied to any discipline or craft.
By simplifying our approach and focusing on the foundational elements, we can achieve
a level of expertise and flow that transcends mere technical proficiency.
In essence, Musashi's teachings on simplicity urge us to strip away the nonessential, declutter
our minds and environments, and focus our energy and attention on what truly matters.
By embracing simplicity, we create the conditions necessary for experiencing the flow state—an
optimal state of consciousness where we are fully present, deeply engaged, and effortlessly
perform at our best.
And as always if you enjoyed this video, please make sure to check out our full philosophies
for life playlist, and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using
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Thanks so much for watching.