Inner Warrior

The Talmud says “A person is responsible for one’s actions whether awake or asleep.” Rabbi Lori Forman translates this to mean that hiding and running from our actions is a natural response whereas taking responsibility is a learned one. She then gives the example that Adam hid his from God after eating of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden.

Developing the sensitivity to realize how our actions impact others is a never-ending spiritual practice. Today, reading Dick Couch’s 2005 book Down Range, I came to a chapter on Close Quarter Defense. The author describes this particular technique of skill set (very sexy to have not only a skill but a set of them) as a blend of martial artistry, commando-style fighting and spirituality within the confines of being a warrior. (Come on, that’s hot!) Then he goes on to say that although it’s called a defensive strategy or tactic, it’s actually a more offensive skills set. (Offensive, as in first strike. I hate the rules of engagement that limit a soldier’s abilities to win.) Yes and although I am liberal minded, I do agree with Marcus Luttrell, author of Lone Survivor, in this regard, despite the fact that he throws that liberal label around as if he’s vomiting.

So the bottom line here is what is sexy to me about the SEALs, in particular, and anyone who adheres to a discipline, in general, is that acquiring a particular skill or even better skill set J, is the discipline required to acquire it. It is this part of the component that is spiritual. Using the example of CDQ, the engagement of mind, body and spirit in the projection of force enables the soldier to engage his humanity as he goes about the business of war, conflict or national defense.

Now while I’m talking about spirituality in soldiering, let’s not forget the point of all this is basically to kill with a clear conscious. Not rationalize, but make the smartest choice given the circumstances; hence the name inner warrior (which by the way was created by Duane Dieter). This belief is based upon a warrior always dominating his domain by being internally prepared to project force and having a moral (for lack of a better word) foundation.from which to project power.

I could go on and on about this because I find the contrast fascinating, but the point is that in my quest to create realistic characters for a series of romance novels I’m writing and hope to publish on the Navy SEALs, their lives and loves, I read whatever I can get my hands on. Right now that means Down Range and although it’s a chronicle of the Navy SEALs in the war on terrorism, the characteristics and training of a warrior combine to make our heros.

There’s something so gripping about a man who’s not only physically capable but has a well developed inner spiritual life. That combination of external power and inner consciousness is just so compelling to me. Confidence and integrity have always been sexy characteristics, throw some testosterone and a physical prowess and what else is there to say?