Meditation of the Week: Attitude 2

Serious Approach

Each of the attitude requirements is codependent with the others. This becomes immediately apparent when you move from the first to the second attitude. The first attitude explains why, but the second begins to explain how. In developing the mental and physical prowess of the practitioner (attitude 1), the student needs to approach the practice with all seriousness (attitude 2). This does not mean without fun and enjoyment, but rather that the attitude carries the weight of understanding the internal and external impacts (real and possible) the practice of Tang Soo Do has on the student. Not only does the student grow in confidence and agility, but also in responsibility and maturity. The Serious Approach alters how you interact with the world, both inside and outside of training. A serious approach begins to develop a Tang Soo Do virtue. 

A virtue is an excellent trait of character. It is a disposition, well entrenched in its possessor—something that becomes part of the individual’s fiber, unlike a habit such as being a coffee drinker. Virtue is to notice, expect, value, feel, desire, choose, act, and react in characteristic ways. To possess a virtue is to be a certain sort of person with a complex mindset.

In the practice of the Christian faith, the “serious approach” is taught in Romans 12:1-2. Because of God’s mercy offered through Jesus Christ, the believer is responsible for presenting himself or herself to God as one redeemed from death, owing life itself to the Redeemer. The Christian learns to conform his or her character to reflect God’s – to develop God’s virtues (i.e., holiness, love, justice, righteousness, wisdom, etc.). We learn what these are by reading and meditating on the descriptions and examples given to us in the Bible. This has to be an intentional practice that becomes a habit and then a virtue. This is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. This is serious stuff requiring a serious approach.