Knightism vs the Force Discussion

Arisaig wrote:

Kira (with minor edits from Arisaig) wrote: 1) What value do you see in these titles beyond being recognized for achievement?
2) In achieving your title, did you further your goals with regards to study of the Force? How?
3) Is there a relationship, positive or negative, between your involvement in the community as a knight and your ability to engage with the public ex. helping the poor and vulnerable in your community in some way? Is engaging with the public a priority, or a duty of knighthood? Why, or why not?
4) How has your training prepared you for this kind of work?

Excellent questions. Thank you. I've divided them up so I can tackle them properly. I'm not yet a knight, but am recognised and... 2 days now away from becoming one, so I'll answer for that side for simplicity's sake.

1) Really, not much. Its nice to be recognised for an accomplishment, and to have been acknowledged by my peers as someone worthy of such a title. I'd still be me without the title, and I'd still help others without it. But, in the end, I am still Arisaig, and above all things, I follow the Force.

2) As a Knight, one is allowed to take on students. My firm belief is that teaching is a huge part of learning. It rec-enforces what you've learned, and you can see WHY you learned things in a different light, on the other end. Also, as a Knight, you need to be an example. I've been known to be a bit of a hothead. But my pursuit of said rank meant I had to get that under control in order to even be considered for it. So... in taking on students, one can learn more about this Force through a different avenue previously closed off from them within this community. And, through the pursuit of said rank, I've had to learn to become more attuned to this Force and my affect on it, and in turn, myself.

3) The Force is with all things. It is hard to help people over text, as this forum is mostly restricted to. But it is easier to help people in our day to day, our community, our workplaces, our commutes, et cetera. I don't like talking about how I help people, or what I've done as it feels... I dunno, egotistical? Like bragging? But I do my share, I enjoy helping people, making people's day better. It can be as simple as holding open a door. It can be as intensive as cleaning a park of garbage. All Jedi should do this, not just Knights. But, as Knights (examples of the community) it can and should be their prerogative to help those in their day to day life.

4) Simply by helping me fix myself. One cannot remove the splinter from their neighbours eye when they themselves have a log in their own. Tie your own shoes before offering to do so for another. My preparation has been in preparing me for being bold, in not being shy in going above and beyond in serving others. In short, I had to confront my own demons before I could start fixing the world around me. I've not conquered them, but I do know how to handle them, and how best to deal with them when they dare to rise. And, in having trained to do this, I am more often able to step beyond my comfort zone and assist others when no one else will.