In the early evening Sami heard him come through the door. What would her evening be like? Lately Bob had been argumentative, short tempered and aggressive. As he came through the door his tone set the stage for what in a few minutes would turn into confrontation.
Bob’s tones got louder, and Sami put her hands up and circled offline firmly saying, “Whoa slow down I don’t want to fight.” This was a technique she had learned in her HAPKIDO training, and it worked. Jasper, their Golden Retriever cocked his head and for a moment both Bob, and Jasper were riveted. Sami had managed to slow the escalation of Bob’s anger, and stop his advance, doing it firmly standing her ground, and not backing down.
Bob broke into tears all at once as he related to Sami that he was an ass, and had been having an affair over the past few months. Sami relaxed her hands and just listened. Although she loved him, she explained that he would have to leave, and they would meet next week to determine what would happen next.
Bob started to make excuses and Sami reiterated, “I need you to leave. Now!” Her firm tone showed FEARLESS DEVOTION, not anger. Interestingly enough, Sami was unafraid, and at that moment actually saw Bob as small, and weak. Sami was DEVOTED to the truth, a peaceful outcome, and she would no longer accept his behavior, his infidelity, or this way of life.
In self-defense our DEVOTION is to the out come. Instead of arguing, escalating, or attacking, her Sabum (Korean for Sensei) had taught her to look beyond her natural response and be DEVOTED FEARLESSLY to her future. This same scenario happens in domestic disputes on a regular basis, and with emotional escalation, ends many times in injury, property damage, or death.
As WARRIORS of LIFE we choose to set aside our emotional responses, when appropriate, and look toward the future, and the big picture of life. Be DEVOTED to life! FEARLESSLY DEVOTED to life. All life…
#lifedefense #devote #allenhughes
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