How to Deal With Stress

A recent Gallup poll found that more than a third of the world’s population experiences a lot of worry and stress. Stress is having such a negative effect in the U.S., where nearly half of Americans say they’re suffering from it, that it’s eating away at their overall well-being, according to the American Psychological Association.

Stress itself is not always negative. In its basic form, it is a built-in physiological response that is triggered in emergency situations when we believe we are facing a threat or danger, whether real or perceived. Or, during times when we experience heightened expectations for performance regarding a particular task, whether the expectations are self-generated or come from an outside source.

In a temporary form, stress can help us to function quickly under pressure and motivate us to give the best of ourselves. But when such a stress reaction is prolonged, it can be extremely harmful to us. Our body, mind, and emotions are not designed to live perpetually in an emergency state.

If you surrender continuously to stress, it will enslave you. Whatever people constantly tolerate or consent to becomes their norm. That is why, if we give in to anxiety or fear in our lives, it will begin to define us. This is the point where stress is not just something we experience from time to time in certain circumstances, but has developed into something that has taken hold of us. When this occurs, we are dealing with spiritual factors as well as physical and emotional ones. Many people don’t recognize this spiritual element to their stress, and that is why they remain in its grip.

Two Types of Stress

For the purpose of these blog posts, we will define stress in two ways: natural stress and spiritual stress.

Natural Stress

Natural stress remains largely in the physical, emotional, and mental spheres, although spiritual elements can influence it. Natural stress can produce physical symptoms such as headaches, neck and shoulder tension, back pain, fatigue, stomach problems, and sleeplessness. It can also produce emotional and mental symptoms, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, impatience, irritability, trouble concentrating, a certain degree of memory loss, and negative thoughts. Although we might temporarily feel stress when we are placed in new situations or are challenged to meet high expectations, in many cases, stress manifests as a result of upsetting situations we are exposed to over time.

Spiritual Stress

When stress is in a natural stage, an individual has the ability to learn to manage and control it. However, when it has entered the spiritual stage, it cannot be controlled using natural methods, and therefore significant spiritual issues must be addressed.

With spiritual stress, there are several types of controlling “yokes” that can manifest, such as jealousy, fear, anger, and depression. For example, when a person crosses over from feeling under pressure regarding a situation to living in a state of depression, they become imprisoned in despair. The yoke of stress shapes or molds them into certain ways of thinking, which are reflected in their behavior. When we live in depression, we have no expectation of anything good, and we cannot see a way out of our problems - even at times when a challenge may be relatively easy to overcome. 

If we are in a state of advanced stress, but do not understand what has us bound, we will not recognize that we are being oppressed by an outside force and not just our own inward struggles. Only the power of the Warrior’s Way can free us from such a tyrannical influence. When we allow ego and self-importance to gain a foothold in our lives through a prolonged period of stress in which we hold on to fear, anxiety, anger, or hopelessness, we will become oppressed.

However, we can be assured that no matter what type of yoke comes upon us through stress, the Warrior’s Way has more than enough power to break it and remove every burden from us. The warrior wants to be set free and we can learn to live continually in the Warrior’s Way if we choose AND do the work.

Managing and Defeating Stress

It is not our natural state for us to live stressed, depressed, and on the verge of collapse. We need to be set free and begin to trust in the Warrior’s Way which will cure our circumstances. If you recognize that you have some symptoms of oppressive stress, then you need the help of the Warrior’s Way. I invite you to begin recapitulation and your stress can begin to change to peace, your sadness to joy, and your despair to hope. 

As you make your recapitulation list, you can meditate: Realize that there are situations beyond my control that have robbed me of peace, bound my emotions, and caused sickness in my body. Stress has progressed into spiritual oppression and taken over. I recapitulate for the mistakes I have made, and I ask the great Spirit to forgive me for allowing stress to invade my life. Today, I need your help to be free. I accept the forgiveness you have provided for me in the past. I receive you, great Spirit, into my heart, and I ask you for the power to recapitulate as long as necessary to bring peace, faith, and freedom to my mind, soul, and body. 

Warrior of Lite

Robert Moss - Lucid Dreaming and Shamanic Dreaming

Robert has some great posts and wanted to share his site on Substack. His work fits right in with Castaneda and don Juan. Here's a bit from his profile:

Robert Moss is the creator of Active Dreaming, an original synthesis of dreamwork and shamanism. He is a bestselling novelist, poet and historian. His books include Conscious Dreaming, The Secret History of Dreaming and Dreaming the Soul Back Home.

Warrior of Lite

Freedom From Bitterness Pt. 5

Living free from bitterness is a journey that requires honesty, action, and dependence on the Warrior’s Way. To start, we must fully acknowledge and confess our bitterness to ourselves. See it for what it is – self-importance that has no place in the life of a Warrior. Bring it before yourself and perform recapitulation. Then, as you clear out one ‘bitter’ event at a time, you will taste freedom sooner than you think!

Next, take action in your relationships. If you’ve hurt someone, seek their forgiveness and then recap that person and event. If you’ve been hurt, extend forgiveness - even if they haven’t asked for it, and then recap them and that event. By doing this, you make room for more energy in your being. We do what we can to make things right, even if the other person doesn’t respond as we hope. Our motivation is to get that lost energy back, not to seek a particular egoic outcome.

Remember, bitterness has a way of resurfacing. You might think you've let go, only to be reminded of past hurt by a word or action. When that happens, choose recapitulation again. Continue to forgive as often as necessary, but let the strength of recapping sustain you. Also, you can surround yourself with people committed to this warrior’s journey - those who inspire you to walk in freedom rather than encourage resentment. Bitterness is contagious, but so is the grace that comes from a forgiving heart.

Put away all bitterness and fly on the wings of a warrior’s intent.

Today, ask yourself: Are you holding onto anger or a grudge? Will you bring it forth, recap it and let go of the burden? Then, reconcile those relationships with recapitulation, as far as it depends on you, trusting the great Spirit with your heart and your future.

Warrior of Lite

Freedom From Bitterness Pt. 4

Bitterness can take root in our hearts, subtly influencing our thoughts and actions, and distancing us from the freedom. But the Warrior’s Way offers a clear path to freedom - one rooted in impeccable actions, such as recapitulation, thus losing self-importance and ending in controlled folly. (And then ultimate freedom, joining the physical body with the energy body and burning from the fire from within.) 

When we truly understand the enormity of our own impeccable work-on-self, there is no debt so large that we cannot forgive others. In the Warrior’s Way, our immense debt of self-importance has been wiped away, compelling us to extend the same behavior to those who wrong us.

This realization is foundational to overcoming bitterness. Forgiveness is evidence of a heart transformed by the Warrior’s Way. Our kindness, compassion, and willingness to forgive reveal that we’ve internalized the warrior’s path that we’ve worked so hard to reach. (Then, the real Work begins!)

So, how do we live out this forgiveness practically? It begins by acknowledging any bitterness in our hearts. If the Spirit is bringing to mind a person or situation where forgiveness is lacking, that’s an opportunity for surrender; make your recap list and go to work. Recognize that holding onto bitterness not only grieves the Spirit but also keeps you from experiencing the full joy of your new life in freedom.

Now, consider who in your life you need to forgive. Is there someone whose debt you’ve been holding onto? Meditate for the strength to release them. Reflect on the Warrior’s Way and what it has shown you, and let that soften your heart. Choose today to replace bitterness with kindness.

Doesn’t freedom sound, and feel, more positively energetic than bitterness? Do you want to fly on the wings of intent, or be stuck on the ground with a bunch of turkeys? :0

Let me be quiet now.

Warrior of Lite

Freedom From Bitterness Pt. 3

Bitterness stands in direct opposition to the future we have with the Warrior’s Way. As warrior’s, we are called to live in impeccability in regards to the promise that one day we will stand before ourselves and the Spirit, complete and fully transformed. The Warrior’s Way points us toward a future where our own tonal work is complete - where bitterness has no place in our hearts.

One day, each of us will stand before the great Spirit. What will we say about the anger we’ve held onto, the fractured relationships we never tried to mend, or the forgiveness we refused to extend? It’s a sobering thought. We’ve struggled to recap in this here and now - how will we explain our unwillingness to love and reconcile on earth? Our future within eternity and the second and third attentions should motivate us to pursue peace and wholeness within, right now.

How do we start living this way? It begins with a visualization of the moments of bitterness, making a list of all the bitter moments and then recapping them. We recognize that bitterness is completely out of line with our identity as followers of the Warrior’s Way. It’s not enough to recognize bitterness; we must eliminate it. The great Spirit gives us a roadmap for this transformation: letting go of bitterness through impeccable recapitulation and then embracing controlled folly. 

Kindness and a light heartedness are a couple of the clearest indicators that bitterness has been rooted out. It’s impossible to act kindly toward someone when our heart is still hardened against them.

Next, we are called to be tenderhearted through controlled folly. This means that we genuinely care about others, even those who have wronged us. Tenderheartedness replaces the hardness that bitterness brings, allowing us to understand others. It acknowledges that everyone should be treated light-hearted through controlled folly. Even those who have hurt us deeply. Then, we can extend compassion instead of resentment, once we are ‘clean.’

Finally, forgiveness is the ultimate test of a bitterness-free life. True forgiveness means letting go of the desire for retribution, releasing the debt owed to us. It’s a willingness to wipe the slate clean. Ask yourself: Is there someone I’ve struggled to forgive, someone I’ve refused to show kindness or compassion toward? Could that be the bitterness I need to address?

Take a step toward the freedom that aligns with your future in the Warrior’s Way. Think of the relationships where bitterness has lingered, where forgiveness has been withheld. Choose to release that anger through recapitulation to extend kindness and to be tenderhearted. As we grow in this, we prepare our path with heart for the day when we will see fellow warrior’s in the third attention, face-to-face, knowing that we’ve lived an impeccable life.

Warrior of Lite

Freedom From Bitterness Pt. 2

A life transformed by the Warrior’s Way is a life that leaves bitterness behind. Following impeccable living means more than adopting new habits; it means embracing a new identity, a new self. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own - it is the work of the Spirit through the new birth, the new you. When we accept and live the Warrior’s Way, we become new creations, not by birthright but through spiritual renewal and hard work. Our old self, with its anger and resentment, is recapitulated and eliminated, and we take on a nature shaped by living the Warrior’s Way through an impeccable lifestyle.

This change isn't superficial. It goes deep, altering our desires and our very nature. As new creations, bitterness no longer fits within the life we now live. It contradicts the new self that impeccability has formed in us. Living as we once did - holding onto grudges, nurturing old hurts - becomes impossible. The Spirit within us, coupled with recapping, pulls us toward forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace. Our transformed nature makes it ‘supernaturally natural’ to align with the Warrior’s Way, including destroying bitterness.

Our new life is also characterized by a new lease on life. The command of the Warrior to destroy bitterness isn't merely a suggestion - it's a call to live consistently with the new life we’ve earned, to live under the impeccability of the Warrior’s Way. The great Spirit now dwells in us, guiding us, comforting us, and leading us away from the things that grieve the Spirit. Bitterness and unforgiveness do more than damage our own hearts - they grieve the Spirit within us. When we hold onto resentment, we resist gentle promptings and disrupt our fellowship with the Spirit.

This sensitivity to the Spirit transforms how we approach every aspect of life. We begin to care deeply about what pleases us, and the Spirit, and what doesn’t. Our words, actions, and thoughts come under Spirit’s guidance, and we desire to reflect the heart of the Warrior. When we let go of bitterness, we make space for joy and peace. We can sense the second attentions presence, even in life’s challenges.

So, does what pleases or grieves the Spirit matter to you? Take a moment to examine your path with heart. Have you been holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness? Recognize that these attitudes stand in the way of the life the Warrior’s Way intends for you. Release them and invite the Spirit to fill you with peace. Then, embrace the freedom that comes from living in step with the Spirit, sensitive to its guidance as it renews your heart and mind. Let's get to work!

Warrior of Lite

Freedom From Bitterness

Bitterness is a destructive force, a subtle poison that seeps into our hearts and settles in like a heavy fog. It begins with anger - perhaps legitimate, perhaps imagined - that lingers. We feel wronged and mistreated. Gradually, we nurse that wound. Bitterness takes root, as we tell ourselves we deserve more, better, or different. It ultimately transforms our outlook, making us resentful toward our circumstances, others, and even life itself.

This corrosive mindset isn’t limited to one area of life. Bitterness doesn’t stay confined; it infiltrates our relationships, our spiritual walk, and our sense of purpose. Bitterness can manifest as dissatisfaction and a relentless sense of entitlement. It distances us from the Spirit and disrupts our peace, making us prone to tremendous amounts of self-importance - not just in our relationship with the Spirit, but also in our commitments to others. It creates a wedge that separates us from living an impeccable life.

How do we free ourselves from the grip of bitterness? Make a list of what is ‘bitter’ to you, (people, situations, places, circumstances, etc.,) and recapitulate it. Thus, putting away bitterness completely - along with every other expression of anger. This command may seem daunting, but the key lies in recognizing the incongruity between bitterness and the Warrior’s Way of living. Living in bitterness is inconsistent with our new identity in the Warrior’s Path. It contradicts everything we’ve experienced through impeccability and recapitulation, everything that the Spirit works within us. There is nothing in bitterness that reflects the nature of a warrior, nothing that echoes love, grace, or forgiveness.

Breaking free from bitterness requires a shift in our thinking, a renewed mindset that aligns with our identity in the Warrior’s Way. If we are truly impeccable, we must acknowledge that the Warrior’s Path transforms us, leading to a new way of living. We cannot cling to the attitudes and behaviors that characterized our old life. We are called to throw off the old self - marked by deceit and corruption - and to embrace a new self, shaped by the principles of the Warrior’s Way and renewed in the spirit of our daily work. (Impeccable behavior, losing self-importance, recapitulation, etc.)

Right now, consider where bitterness might have settled in your heart. Is there a relationship or situation where you’ve been holding onto anger, feeling justified in your resentment? Bitterness is out of place in the life of a warrior. Acknowledge the dissonance between bitterness and your calling in the Warrior’s Way. Recapitulate and cut the internal dialogue for the strength to release the grip of bitterness, to put it away as you would a burden too heavy to carry. 

Begin with a simple action: Meditate and recapitulate to help you let go of this bitterness and live in the freedom of the Warrior’s Way. Let this be the day you choose to walk in the new life you’ve received, leaving the old behind.

Warrior of Lite

Waiting and the Warrior's Way

Waiting can be hard.

Most of us would prefer quick, efficient, and - when possible - instant results and answers.

But waiting is a part of life.

We must wait for seeds to grow into food, for one season to fade into the next, for babies to mature into adults, and for trees to stand tall enough to finally offer shade. Not to mention waiting in line at stores and waiting on the phone for customer service. The list goes on and on…

Like it or not, waiting takes patience.

We can wait days, months, years, or even decades for an answer, for an overdue apology, for the timing to be right, or for a dream to finally come to pass.

Waiting requires courage.

But waiting patiently isn’t an excuse to do nothing.

In the books of Carlos Castaneda, his mentor/teacher don Juan wrote about waiting several times:

"You must wait patiently, knowing that you're waiting, and knowing what you're waiting for. That is the warrior's way. And if it is a matter of fulfilling your promise then you must be aware that you are fulfilling it. Then a time will come when your waiting will be over and you will no longer have to honor your promise.”

"It is up to us as single individuals to oppose the forces of our lives. I have said this to you countless times: Only a warrior can survive. A warrior knows that he is waiting and what he is waiting for; and while he waits, he wants nothing and thus whatever little thing he gets is more than he can take. If he needs to eat, he finds a way, because he is not hungry; if something hurts his body, he finds a way to stop it, because he is not in pain. To be hungry or to be in pain means that the man has abandoned himself and is no longer a warrior; and the forces of his hunger and pain will destroy him."

Just because a specific door isn’t opening, or a particular opportunity isn’t available at this moment doesn’t mean that the great Spirit or life isn’t moving.

Even when we are waiting – the Spirit is working.

So, no matter what you’re facing today, you can ask the Spirit for patience and trust that it is in control of your future. No matter what uncertainty lies before you, when you rely on the great Spirit, you can be someone who waits well.

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad? Pt. 5

One of the hardest things to do in life is to examine yourself. In my experience, it is not easy. 

Let me encourage you to dive deep into your heart. If you are, or have been angry, ask yourself today, “Why is it that I am angry? What has been the result of my anger? Who has been hurt because of it? Have I been allowing the ego to run my life?” If so, begin the journey of the Warrior’s path and become impeccable. 

Meditate: Today I lay down my hurts and fears. Help me understand why I am really angry. Help me to see the result of my anger, if it has been helping or hurting others. If I have hurt others, I ask for the Spirit’s forgiveness. I confess my sin against you, help me to forgive those who have hurt me. I do not want to give the ego an opportunity to hurt my relationship with you great Spirit, nor with others. Help me to forgive, I choose forgiveness. Spirit, teach me to understand your purposes, show me when your original intents are being challenged, and give me the strength to recapitulate the problem righteously. Spirit, please remind me not to let the sun set on my anger. Search me and if there is any offensive way in me, lead me in the Warrior’s Way.

Thought of the Day: I can forgive others because I have followed the Warrior’s Way. I have recapitulated. I can now use controlled folly. I am, once again, whole and free. 

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad? Pt. 4

Have you ever had revenge conversations going on in your mind? Do you go back to discussions and ‘rewrite’ the scene according to what you should have said instead of what you did say? That is an unsettled moment. 

When we do not deal with anger and when we carry it into the following day, we are giving the ego and self-importance a foothold, an opportunity to make things worse. Self-importance gets a hold of us when we do not deal with anger as soon as possible.

When we give ego an opportunity, it can expand small things and make them big. Remember that ego is the father of lies, and can manipulate, steal, kill, and destroy. When we choose to carry our anger into the following day, we allow ego and self-importance to hurt others, and ourselves. 

What is the impeccable advice on the matter? First, daily, make it right! Write down the who, what when, where and why, of your anger, then…guess what? Recapitulate!! Do not let the day end while you are still angry. Get it over as soon as possible. Small bricks build big walls. It separates us from our energy bodies and others. Secondly, choose to forgive. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another and forgiving each other. As my aikido sensei says, “Just. Let. Go.”

Thought of the Day: Choose to forgive daily! Recapitulate these ‘angers’ daily!  

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad? Pt. 3

In the past few days, we have seen that getting angry is a common human reaction. We have considered the root of the problem, the reason behind anger that triggers this emotion. Today, we are going to reflect on the second question we should ask ourselves when considering if our anger is something the Spirit has manifested. What has resulted from our anger? Hurt or help?  

When anger is the result of the Spirit’s purposes being challenged, the result of it will be to help. When William Wilberforce saw how slaves were being treated, his anger resulted in the abolishment of the slave trade in the United Kingdom. Jesus got angry when He saw that the Pharisees lacked compassion for someone in need. His anger resulted in a leper being healed. When the Spirit’s intent (purpose) is being challenged, we see the reestablishment of the Spirit’s original purpose, in help for those in need.

On the contrary, when anger is the result of our preferences or the expression of hurt and pain, we will end up making matters worse. Either our health or our relationships will get hurt. Long-term anger has been linked to: high blood pressure, heart conditions, skin disorders, and digestive problems. 

Behind the reason (why) and the result (what) of our anger, there is always a who (the recipient of our fury), and most of the time they are disconnected. For example, you are mad at your boss, and your kids get unjustly reprimanded when you arrive home. When we do not address the root of the problem and deal with it as soon as possible, it results in two issues instead of just one. One problem because of the wrong why (the cause), and another problem with the who (the recipient of our anger, our health or our relationships). 

We must pay attention to the fruit of our anger. If it does not result in us helping others, then we must address it “before the sun goes down.” The Spirit is more than willing to forgive us and purify us from all anger, yet, only if the recapitulation is completed to cleanse the tonal and drain all energy out of anger, thus transforming anger into controlled folly.

 Thought of the Day: When I get angry, I need to ask myself, “What is the result of my anger? Hurt or help?” Then, take the results of your anger and recapitulate them! 

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad? Pt. 2

Considering the matter of anger, we could certainly conclude that anger is a secondary emotion; it is the result of another feeling. Anger is at the surface, but the emotion that triggers it is the root of the problem. 

That is the answer to your why. 

It is precisely this which makes the difference between legitimate anger (non-personal) and illegitimate anger (personal). The question that we should ask ourselves is the following: “why am I angry?” Is it because of my preferences or is it because of the Spirit's purposes? There is a vast difference between the two. 

When you get angry because your desires are not met, the reason behind your why is your preferences. It's personal. There is something that you want, but that you are not getting. This can be: respect, love, the fastest lane in the highway, a parking space, the best table at a restaurant, and so on.  Your selfishness is being confronted, and you want to “fight back.” You feel that you “deserve” something that you are not getting. We get frustrated because of unmet expectations. 

The second reason behind your why is utterly different. You get angry because the Spirit’s purposes are challenged. It seems to be something the great Spirit manifested out of nowhere. Something we don't understand takes place, and that makes us angry. Some people call this ‘Spirit anger,’ or ‘civilization anger,' or just 'anger at society' or 'anger at the situation or world.' 

 

Spirit anger can be related to when one confronts racism or sexism. Or, there was a mass lay-off at your company and you were a part of it, although you do a great job. It’s an anger that you can’t take personally and you don't understand, yet it angers you. It’s a big picture anger. Why was there slavery? Why are companies allowed to advertise (obviously) un-healthy products such as cigarettes and soda? Why did the little girl next door develop cancer? Perhaps we can label these, ‘legitimate anger expressions,’ and the reason behind them. 

The question we should all ask when anger arises is, why am I angry? The answer will allow us to realize its legitimacy. Then, once this has happened, both forms of anger can be eliminated by the recapitulation and one day, all forms of anger are just controlled folly.

 

Thought of the Day - When I get angry, I need to ask myself, “Why am I angry? Is it because of my preferences or societies purposes being challenged?” 

Warrior of Lite

Why are You so Mad?

As human beings, we can all relate to struggling with anger. It does not matter how patient, kind, and lovable we are. At a given moment, we all get angry. It’s a common reaction, yet it warns us about its consequences. 

A survey shows that 70 percent of new American referees quit their jobs within the first three years of work. Based on the study carried out by the National Association of Sports officials, all referees agreed on their reason for quitting: pervasive abuse from parents and coaches. The question that arises from this survey is, why do we get angry at what is supposed to be a fun time? How is it possible that something that should be a pleasant and enjoyable time becomes a “war zone”?

Our culture is filled with movies that show us people getting mad and expressing their fury for different reasons and in different ways: Mad Max, Falling Down, Anger Management. Characters react with increasing violence facing their frustrations. It is very common; it is human. The well-known Latin saying states, “Errare umanum est, perseverare autem diabolicum” - to err is human, but to persist is diabolical.

If anger is so common among us human beings, what is the problem? 

It is crystal clear that the reaction of anger is normal, but the problem is that it can become a habit. The results of anger can hurt us and our relationships. Through the next several posts, we will analyze the “why” behind our anger; we will go to the root of it, expose it, and get rid of all the hindrances that stop us from walking in the Warrior’s path.

Thought of the Day: It is ok to get angry; it is not ok to persist. 

Warrior of Lite

Precursor to the Recapitulation

In both gardening and spiritual (Warrior's Way) terms, planting and harvesting are exciting seasons. Planting is the start of an adventure; harvesting is the product of hard work. It’s easy to celebrate new beginnings and hard-earned completions - but one thing that’s not as much fun?

The pruning process. (Recapitulation.)

Who wants to acknowledge what’s dead and unproductive in their lives? Who wants to trim back what’s already blooming - leaving you smaller, awkward, and feeling extra weak and at a loss for energy?

But pruning is exactly what we need to keep producing fruit.

One aspect of the Warrior’s Way is the recapitulation and there are two separate actions in this process - cutting off what’s dead and pruning fruit.

Cutting out what’s dead makes sense. It’s extra weight, it’s unproductive, it’s blocking sunlight, and it’s stealing good energy from branches that could thrive. But without proper context, pruning fruit feels backwards.

However, the purpose of pruning isn’t to disable something, but to revitalize it.

If a branch is weak or diseased, it could not only damage itself, but the surrounding trees as well. Without pruning, both the tree and the life surrounding it can never reach full potential.

Pruning creates room for more growth.

Pruning stimulates production.

Pruning keeps the plant or person strong.

The Spirit through the Warrior’s Way and recapitulation is a good ‘gardener’. This process wouldn’t be a good ‘gardener’ if it left you to yourself - overgrown, ineffective, and full of dysfunction. So, through the Warrior’s Way process you cut off what’s dead for your benefit. Trim back ineffective things in your life to make way for more ‘fruit’.

You can trust the Spirit, including the Warrior’s Way and impeccable recapitulation with your life because only then can you see who you are and who you can become.

So what ‘dead branches’ are you dragging around? Is it possible that YOU are (finally!) ready for pruning you for future growth and preparing for more advanced tasks within the Warrior’s Way? (Dreaming, Stalking, Mastery of Awareness, etc.) Take a few moments and meditate on any areas in your life that you recognize need to change. (Beliefs, self-importance, personal history, ego, etc.)

Here is a link to the recapitulation page of this blog.

Warrior of Lite

The Key to Real Wisdom

Would you ever build a house without blueprints? Or assemble an airplane without instructions? Or conduct open-heart surgery without training?

Hopefully your answer is “no.”

If we want to know how something works, we should look to the expert for insight. In a similar way, if we want to know how the world works, we should look to the great Spirit.

The Spirit made the world and everything in it. It knows how life works best.

But too often, we look to ourselves or even to others to tell us who we are, what to think, and to explain to us how life works. The good news is:

Wisdom doesn’t begin with us - the created.

Wisdom begins with the Spirit - the Creator.

Are you interested in real wisdom? Genuine insight? True understanding? Look to the great Spirit, study the Warrior’s Way. Examine and walk the Warrior’s path closely and then find what you’re searching for with an impeccable attitude. 

Real wisdom starts with a Spirit-centered foundation. Everything else is built on that rock.

But as we do that, we must first honestly ask ourselves some hard questions: Do I want to learn from the Spirit and the Warrior’s Way, or would I rather do my own thing? Do I want impeccable wisdom, or would I rather follow my own misguided beliefs?

So, right now, be real with yourself: Are you willing to surrender your way of thinking and genuinely look to the Spirit and the impeccable Warrior’s Way, or would you rather just do your own thing? If you feel a wall of pride going up within you, ask the Spirit to help you knock it down. Brick by brick, it can reestablish your foundation.

Warrior of Lite

Warrior's Log - Eight

"It's possible to insist, to properly insist, even though we know that what we're doing is useless," he said, smiling, "But we must know first that our acts are useless and yet we must proceed as if we didn't know it. That's a sorcerer's controlled folly."

Warrior of Lite

Warrior's Log - Seven

"Once you decided to come to Mexico you should have put all your petty fears away," he said very sternly. "Your decision to come should have vanquished them. You came because you wanted to come. That's the warrior's way. I have told you time and time again, the most effective way to live is as a warrior. Worry and think before you make any decision, but once you make it, be on your way free from worries or thoughts; there will be a million other decisions still awaiting you. That's the warrior's way."

"A warrior thinks of his death when things become unclear."

"Why should we?" 

"Very simple," he said. "Because the idea of death is the only thing that tempers our spirit."

"Those are the lights on the head of death," he said softly. "Death puts them on like a hat and then shoots off on a gallop. Those are the lights of death on the gallop gaining on us, getting closer and closer."

I told don Juan that the car must have stopped or turned off the road. He did not look back; he just stretched his arms and yawned. 

"No," he said. "Death never stops. Sometimes it turns off its lights, that's all."

Warrior of Lite

Power of Words Pt. 7

We have reached the end of these 7 days, and I want to leave you with the best news of all. The root of lasting change in the way you speak is not a book, a reading plan, or your own willpower: It is your new awareness and continued practice within the Warrior’s Way!

If you have surrendered your life to just accepting your current status quo, your new acceptance of the Spirit and working the Warrior’s Way says you are in for some impeccable success. Your old way of thinking, reacting, and speaking is gone. You are no longer a slave to your bad temper, complaining, or gossip. You now have the Spirit living inside you!

Your tongue is now an impeccable tool of the Warrior’s Way. When you speak, even though you were offended, or when you encourage the one who is down, you are showing to the world that you are unflappable and that the Warrior’s Way has transformed you.

My desire for you is that you continue this journey, one day at a time, and that every word that comes out of your mouth is a clear reflection of your new identity. You can do this with impeccability and the Warrior’s Way!

Reflect: How will your daily conversations change from now on as you constantly remember that you are an ambassador for the Warrior’s Way?

Meditate: Thank You, warrior’s path, because of you I am a new creation. May my tongue never again be a slave to the past, but an instrument that speaks life, love, and truth every single day.

Warrior of Lite

Power of Words Pt. 6

We have reached Day 6 and I want to be 100% transparent with you: taming the tongue with our own strength is absolutely possible. Although I have tried making promises like "I will never get angry again" or "I will never complain again," I often end up failing. Why?

Because I didn’t use the correct tools in my warrior’s toolbox. I just tried. This is why I love the honesty of being impeccable and the Warrior’s Way. Use your Will to direct Intent and truly focus. If you are impeccable in your ACTIONS regarding speaking, not just your thoughts, you will succeed. 

Recognizing our weakness is not a failure; it is the place where Intent and the Spirit begins to operate. We need the Spirit to be that "guard" at the door of our lips when we are stressed at work, when we argue at home, or when we are tempted to judge. The victory over an uncontrolled tongue is always won first with focused Intent and living the Warrior’s Way.

Reflect: In what areas of your life (work, family, traffic, social media) do you desperately need the great Spirit to put "a guard" over your mouth today?

Meditate: I acknowledge that I can tame my tongue on my own. Set a guard with focused Intent and awareness, great Spirit, over my mouth, and keep watch over the door of my lips today and always.

Warrior of Lite

Power of Words Pt. 5

Today we are going to touch on a topic that is very difficult for all of us: forgiveness. I know how hard it is when someone has hurt you deeply. The offense buries itself in the heart and, as we saw on Day 2, begins to come out through our mouths in the form of criticism, passive-aggressive remarks, or a cold, cutting silence.

However, I tell you from experience that forgiveness is one of the most healing words a warrior can pronounce. By forgiving, you are not justifying what they did to you; you are using your tongue to release that person from a debt and, most importantly, you are freeing yourself from the poison of resentment.

Forgiveness is not based on whether the other person, or ourselves. deserves it. It is based on following the Warrior’s Way, being impeccable and those who looked at us in our worst condition and chose to forgive us. 

Today I want to challenge you to use your voice to break chains. Don't let pride, ego and self-importance steal your peace.

Reflect: Is there someone you need to say "I forgive you" to? What is stopping you from letting go of that offense today?

Meditate: I confess that it hurts to let go of the offense. Help me remember the immense forgiveness the Spirit has given me, and give me the courage to use my mouth to forgive and release others.

Warrior of Lite