I've had occasion lately to consider the role of a warrior and what this means on a personal level.
Vedic wisdom teachings remind us that the role of a warrior is to protect life. Particularly, those that can't protect themselves such as children, the elderly, and those who are sick or infirm. When we contemplate this idea of protection, the distinction between a warrior and a bully is clear. We can all choose to be either a warrior or a bully. I feel that the only clarity we personally need when using our willpower, courage, and physical action is "Am I protecting life or harming life?" We might consider this in terms of protecting or harming our own life first and foremost. This is a sobering thought, but it speaks to core life-functioning and using our inner capacities either for or against our life and others. In the end, our own life belongs to us, and it is up to us how we spend it, and how we treat others.
What am I willing to stand for? What am I willing to protect? What do I notice I have natural courage for? And what long-term commitment am I willing to make, and why, for what? What do I love SO much that I would protect it? Do I love my own life-opportunity enough to be brave and use my courage to work through my life-challenges? It is painful to contemplate, but necessary sometimes for some of us.
I use my warrior within to consider these spiritual and material questions. I have had to come through situations in my life where it is necessary. And I know many people who have also. Spiritual fire and the power of water and feeling to nourish, protect, and care for life to flourish by its own nature, is my mother warrior within. Nourishing diversity within the wholeness of family and life-at-large is my nature from my ancestry that gifts me with a heart and skills to use for this purpose. Having courage to speak on deep life issues, is my work in progress. Particularly to inspire people to value their own nature and life-opportunity and be self-empowered to live fully and contribute their natural strengths and skills for the benefit of us all, together. We are all different natures, and we all have something valuable to contribute.
In the late 1800's to early 1900's, my great-grandfather, Paramount Chief Bwagagaia of Logeia Island in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, was a warrior who led our clan to literally lay down spears and take up boat-building, blacksmithing, engineering, teaching, nursing, the ministry, different home-crafts, diplomatic service, defence, and even artistry depending on the aptitude of the person. Kwato mission uniquely became a training ground for new skills that were required to protect life in a rapidly changing society. My grandmother, Eabomai, (mother of 12 children) also played an integral part in leading family forward from the heart with deep skills in protection, nurturance, and strong home-care, plant medicine, and artistic skills. It shows that there are many ways to be a warrior and protect life.
My way has been through motherhood, and reconnecting with Nature to use food and lifestyle as daily preventative medicine. My children’s health and well-being required that I look deeper to find solutions and be brave enough to do what is unconventional or unpopular. I often think of Maya Angelou's quote, 'I come as one, but I stand as 10,000', when I am trying to cultivate my inner strength and feel value for the difference I make in life.
I trust you find your warrior within and feel the connection and support of other warriors in your life that you can look to for support and inspiration. As my husband reflects, warriors are part of a tribe and benefit from both connection and leadership. Ryan Kurczak, (Kriya Yoga Teacher, Author, Astrologer) also gives a helpful explanation that a warrior is like a farmer using their skills to protect life every day and can use these skills to fight others in war if need be. The Samurai Warriors with their Bushido Code practised integrity for right action using their skill. Native Americans Chief Joseph, Nez Perce leader, and Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota leader, also come to mind as do Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela. Even Australia's own Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer, and chefs like Jamie Oliver champion broad change through food for our children and elder's well-being.
We needn't be alone in our life-challenges. I encourage you to do all you can to protect your life and those you love. Listen to your heart-speak and use devotion to your life of joy as your North Star.
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