"State of Now" was inspired by accomplished martial artist and blind international surfing champion, Joshua "The Jedi" Loya, who hosts a warrior's spirit and a servant's heart. His beingness reminds me to live a full life in service, love and gratitude.
"Dear Imposter,
You know what it means to walk through darkness. You know what it is like to hurt… to experience profound loss. You know what it is like to be doubted and misunderstood. You know what it feels like to be restrained in the black prison of the soul. You also know what it is like to climb your way to the top and breathe in the relief of freedom.. You know where life is.
Rise from your pit and conquer. Take your place as a warrior of light. You do not battle against flesh and blood, but against self-loathing and mediocrity. Halfway is not your way, and this is why it is so painful when you follow this pattern.
Like a sword, you were forged by a master. The pressure and pain, they help you cut faster through the confusion which obscures your soul’s inner vision. Your mission is clear. Run to the challenge, embrace the fear. Strength and courage draw near.
You will be tested. You will have doubts, but the measure of a warrior isn’t in if that warrior falls. The measure is in the choices that warrior makes in this present moment. The place is here. The time is now.
Warriors go first. Heed not those who, by their own personal prisons, attempt to stop you from fulfilling your purpose. Do not let them discourage you. You serve a mighty cause, the cause of love. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. No blade is sharp enough to kill your spirit. Even if you experience defeat, you can still move forward because Your life is eternal, as are all the citizens of Heaven.
Nobody knows your heart but the one who made you. You have been prepared for this battle. Others shrink away from adversity, but you run forward. Others give up, but you’re still here. For every seven times you’ve fallen, you’ve gotten back up eight. Your perseverance is a testament to your power.
If you were merely an adventurer or a fighter, this would not be enough to make you a warrior. It is your choice to draw upon your strength to serve others that makes you so. Powerful and selfless is your ideal. This is your path. As you journey forward, you show others the way.
So when you feel empty or weak or phony, rest in the arms of truth. Take strength from the lover of your soul and in your purpose to empower others to be servant warriors. Powerful selflessness is what is needed. Though others call you imposter, it is this truth you have heeded. Breathe deep and absorb this now.
You are strong and courageous because you embrace the difficult and scary. People may not understand the real you, but this doesn’t change who you are. Imposter is not your name.
Warrior. Scholar. Creator. Lover. These are the corners of your table. Feast on them and be renewed to walk through the Gateway to Freedom built from sweat, tears, blood and tragedy. Many people have tried to stop you. Those with pain racked souls have beaten you, raped you, and tried to steal your joy because they couldn’t accept they had responsibility for their own happiness.
Strengthen yourself. Rest in love. Your time is coming. Your triumph is now."
-- Joshua "The Jedi" Loya.
[Bio: Joshua "The Jedi" Loya is a 100% blind international surfing champion and accomplished martial artist, holding 5 black belts and ranks in a total of 7 martial arts styles. He is the co-head instructor of Guardian Quest Martial Arts Dojo in Spring Valley, California. His martial arts ranks, and his 2 national surfing titles and 2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive team gold medal were all earned after the onset of his blindness in January of 1996.]
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