Andrew Brisbin
Shaolin Spirit:
My understanding of Shaolin Spirit is simply the idea of constant self-awareness and self-development which can allow us to reach a point of enlightenment and freedom. By becoming self-aware and by consistently improving myself, I can help myself, my family, my community and society in general. If every individual were to consistently strive to improve themselves, society would be in a totally different situation from it is now. With an innate motivation to be a better person, society would have a significantly more harmonious outlook on the simplest things.
Vision Based Leadership:
In order to develop our Shaolin Spirit and in order for us to reach that level of inner harmony, we must have a vision to strive for it. If we do not set a goal/vision that can be our guiding light, there is no way for us to develop a Shaolin Spirit. Without a goal, we become blind people groping in the dark for a needle.
We can implement a training to achieve this vision. This training is Kung Fu. With Kung Fu we develop our minds, bodies, and spirits. This allows us the opportunity to increase the levels of positive Qi within us and around us. If we train diligently we can improve ourselves and bring us closer to having an understanding of what the true Chan way of living is.
Kung Fu Leadership:
Kung Fu is more than just the physical forms and the actions taken during training but a way of life in which we grow constantly. We must constantly develop ourselves and build each other up so that we can grow together in harmony. When we are assisting and listening to the actual situation of others we bring together a harmonious Qi that flows through all of us. When listening, it is not merely the act of aurally listening to someone, but acting on the feeling and understanding of each other. We must demonstrate this Kung Fu leadership throughout our community so that individuals who have had no contact with Kung Fu can see the effect it can have on our lives. This is Kung Fu leadership to me.
Listening and Exploring:
Through a holistic approach to listening an individual brings themselves into a more enlightened state than a person who merely listens with their ears. Listening is a key part in a healthy approach to exploring everything in our world. We must be able to explore each others’ thoughts, emotions, view points, and sensitivities in order to truly develop a harmonious Qi. If an individual is always stubborn and refuses to see the situation in the eyes of another, there can be no harmony and only discord. This does not mean change ones principles, but it does mean become aware of each person’s viewpoint in order to have a better understanding of each other. When individuals grow together, harmonious Qi grows with them and affects those around them in many positive manners.
When we listen and explore we are able to pursue Vision Based Leadership and Kung Fu based Leadership because all of these are requisite of each other. These four essential elements help us reach the Shaolin Spirit we wish to have and embody.
