What benifits have you seen from your Jedi Training?

MadHatter wrote: I am wondering what benefits others of the Temple have seen from their Jedi training and study. For me personally it has given me a great calm, better perspective, and a sense of discipline to further myself. Over all its improved my outlook and inward views and driven me to better both my body and mind.

Personally, I have learned a lot here at the Temple and among other force-realist/Jedi groups. Most of all, I appreciate the community. As for the training materials...well, I'm still a novice by choice. The materials are wonderful, I'm not knocking on them. It's just that I have, historically, had issues with commitment (both personally and professionally).

MadHatter wrote: A practical example of this was today when yet again my water went out at the apartment. My housing office has been nothing but trouble for the last several months and its seriously been aggravating. So I left the apartment ready to argue and rather mad. However as I got closer to the office something told me to stop and breath. So I took a moment to breath deeply while reading the Jedi Code I keep as my phones background. Having calmed myself I spoke to the assistant manager and got a credit for both my rent and likely utilities. In short calm got me far more then I am willing to bet anger would have.

That is quite admirable! Good to hear that you've learned such things from your time here.

MadHatter wrote: Knowing that its helping me pause during such aggravation just proves to me that this path is one that will help me better myself and in time those around me. Now lets here your own stories of self improvement.

I have learnt how to pause in such a fashion as well. That, however, I do not feel comfortable attributing to "Jediism." That is, in my case, from life experience.

In any case, thanks for the post!

Go with the Force in Peace.

In Earnest,

~Lykeios Orizontas~

P.S. Love the username my good Hatter! Now, why is that Raven like the writing desk?

Lykeios wrote: P.S. Love the username my good Hatter! Now, why is that Raven like the writing desk?

Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front!

Almeida wrote:

Connor L. wrote: I did not notice how Jediism improved my life until I decided to stop it at one point. Then I realized how much of an ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE PERSON I was (I mean, the worst of humanity). I need Jediism to keep me a semi-decent person. hahaha. So, it really helps me keep in a healthy state of mind. It helps me to be selfless and open and empathetic (even when these things don't occur naturally within me). It helps me to learn every day and to eat right.

Nice to hear this kind of thing from you. Because when I said in the chat that I saw Jediism as a way to become a better person, to achieve more and to improve myself, there were several stone thrown at my direction, saying that I was wrong to think that way.

I used to follow Bushido, and I see Jediism as a modern approach to it, and one that actually has relevance to modern life. I also see the Jedi ideals and the Doctrine as something that, if you can follow closely, will make you a better person.

But several people disagreed with me, so thanks for your words.

I see Jediism as one of the ways to become a better person and develop myself so i can live a life of service to others , how odd that people disagree with that , its not even any of their bussiness in my opinion. If this is on your path then you should take the chance to become a better person. What i noticed in myself was that i look on the world differently now , things make more sense, i see more how everything is connected. I respect people and their path , its their path

Where to begin!

I think it would be hard to really condense into a short post what benefits I have seen, but I think the biggest one for me has been the effects of awareness.

Being a Jedi does not always mean my behavior is perfect, but it does mean that I am always aware of what I am doing and that it is all my choice. Sometimes its not a good choice, but its always something that I can chose to do, think or feel differently about. And it gives me the tools to work out why I have made those choices, and hopefully to do better each time.

I also come across as calmer, I think more carefully about things and I'm more resilient than I was.

After I was Knighted here, I was deployed over to Iraq and Afghanistan for two years with minimal connection to the internet or TOTJO. I took what I learned here and decided I would use the Doctrine and teachings and put into practice what I had learned.

The biggest benefit I gained was that all my soldiers that worked with me, I worked EOD (bomb/IED stuff) and our units are 10-12 small, fast moving groups. Very dangerous, and we all came back alive. No one lost any body parts and we succeeded in our missions. The Force as my guide, I feel helped me to make the best decisions for myself, my soldiers, and the civilian I interacted with.

Once I returned back stateside I reread the IP, reread my journal, and then began taking on Apprentices and helping more with Temple business. I have enough material and examples of the Force in action that I could/should write them in a book or journal.

Bottom line, my Jedi training, the Path I walk, has kept me alive, more than once, and helped all those around me. What benefits? I am a better strategist, leader, follower, teacher and mentor from my Jedi training.

It has given me new friends, new ideas, plus new opportunities to explore and understand old ideas under the tutelage of fellow wayfarers who each have another aspect or a new idea to show me. The change it has made in my life has been immense... like, unbelievable. The me of 2 years ago wouldn't recognise the me of today, my life and attitude has totally changed.

It wasn't an easy road... it encompassed some very questionable choices and situations along the way. And having passed through those trials I am a stronger, wiser, kinder person. And also a softer, jollier, tougher person. It's a strange dichotomy, learning balance.

However, more important than the benefits it has given me are the benefits it has provided those around me. From the guys at the homeless shelter who tell me we saved their lives, to the people who arrive at the Temple ready to learn, to have their eyes opened to the unique things we do here... the parents who know they can trust me to make good choices, and the woman I love whose trust in me and my commimtnet to making her life veautiful is absolute.

This also extends to my ex wife who is now happy with someone else, my formerly resented workmates who get to spend time with a helpful, upbeat and satisfied coworker, and most importantly of all my two beautiful children who have gained a committed, stable, loving (and, finally, happy) father.

Jediism has delivered huge benefits in my life, but the impact it has had, is still having, on the lives of those around me makes that seem almost insignificant. A committed approach to Jediism is the lever by which one person exerting a small force (ho ho) can move their whole world. Truly.