Chapter 45 Faith

The bottom line up front: faith is about trust. For example, if I jump out of a plane I put my faith in the parachute on my back. Then I trust that it will open when i pull the string. Although I can't be absolutely certain that it will open until I try it t 3,000 feet. It's the same in life. I believe life wants us to grow. And my faith in the developmental process of life is like faith in the parachute opening. There's no concrete evidence that life is trying to develop me, or that it will always have best interest at heart, but my faith in that notion keeps me moving, growing and improving.

In other words, this is my attitude: no matter what happens to me it will always be the best thing for me in the end. You see, karate has taught me you've got to play to win, even if you think the odds are not in your favor. This mindset will always increase your chances of success. Because if you believe life is against you, when the going gets tough you might not have the motivation to improve it. So believe things will work out in the end. This is a healthy perspective. It not only gets you started it also keeps you moving, especially when you face major obstacles. Remember: a believer is an achiever.

But don't get me wrong. I'rm not peddling blind faith. faith isn't hope. It's not about expecting miracles: unaided flying humans or something equally as unlikely. Faith is active. So, of course, living recklessly. But once you've completed your checks, done all you can to ensure a safe landing, then put your faith in the parachute: the developing process of life.

Understand: faith is most important when we're dealing with high levels of uncertainly. And that includes any significant life goal. But to live a better, more fulfilling life we need to be comfortable with the unknown. We need faith in the perfection of life. Here and now, life is the way it is because that's the way it needs to be. Whatever is, is right. An situation we find ourselves in is ideal for us. This is helpful thinking. But if you adopt this perspective, be fully aware: life will no always appear of supporting out for you. When things get really tough, instead of supporting you life may appear to be punishing you as if you're doing something wrong.