THE “MARTIAL SPIRIT” OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Comedian Bill Maher has called President Obama “the Black Ninja.” Even a book has been written called Obama Karma that details the Zen-like style of the America’s 44th President. There is no indication that the President has studied or practiced any martial art but the above screen grab from Monday’s inauguration coverage demonstrated what I would call a “martial spirit” moment.
After taking his last oath of office, in front of millions of people, Obama stopped and turned around while everyone else rushed to exit the stage. The President stepped aside and told his family, “I want to take a look, one more time. I’m not going to see this again.” He smiled after the pause and rejoined the exiting dignitaries.
It is not meant as a political statement but, Democrat or Republican, this “look” can remind us to live in the moment. Even the “most powerful man in the world” took the time to enjoy the moment - to be human. How many times in our life do we rush about and fail to be mindful? In the martial arts, focus is critical when sparring or breaking boards. But outside of the dojo, we may forget that focus or worry about the future. We think about “what’s next” or “how do I look?” This type of thinking causes us to miss the moment that we won’t see again - the one right in front of us. And it doesn’t have to be a major event, like taking the Presidential oath, it can be something as simple as a beautiful summer day or our child’s laugh.
As President Obama demonstrated, we are never too busy- or too important - to “take a moment” and focus on the present.
