I decided to do this lecture because it pertains to so many of you. As students, to best way to begin your training in the force is to train yourselves. I see many students who desperately begin posting, looking for a Master. But this is not the best way to do things. Before you can be taken as a Padawan, you must first be strong in the Force on your own. Showing self-discipline in your training is the best way to advance yourself.
Personally, I review potential Padawans constantly. I never answer posts that are on the message board, because many of them say "I wish to be a Padawan...Masters Email me." This shows a base lack of knowledge in the Force, and also shows a lack of respect. I constantly read posts on the message board, and make note of those who make intellegent and thoughtful posts, because down the road, these people will be my first people to look at. The people that I especially take note of are those who train on their own, and train for the sake of learning...not becoming a Padawan or Jedi.
So the question remains: What are the best ways to train? Well, that does depend on you. The first thing I encourage a student to do is get in physical shape. A strong body is the foundation of a strong mind...it is only through proper physical training that you will be able to achieve your best. My last lecture, "Mental and Phys. Fitness" addresses Physical training heavily. As far as Mental Fitness, begin with mastering the techniques found on the Force Academy Homepage...they outline some of the basic training techniques. Also, practice your meditation, and be as thoughtful in your postings as you can. These two actually go hand in hand. You will find that through meditation, you will often have a mind that is more clear, and as a result, will make better posts. And integral part of a student's training is bookwork. In the age of movies, videogames, etc., this is especially important. The Homepage has a number of recommended books, and you can find many more sources on the internet to read over. Try to find books on meditation, philosophy, etc. Personally, I'm a big advocate of Tai Chi books...they teach balance, coordination, patience, and mental focus. As well, you may consider reading up on Martial Arts...possibly even enrolling in a class. A true martial arts school will not teach you merely how to defend yourself...they will teach you WHY you defend yourself, WHEN to defend yourself, and the philosophies related to such actions. As well, they will teach you self-discipline.
When looking into the path that you want to pursue, make sure to think about why you wish to pursue this path. For example, when considering Martial Arts, ask yourself if you wish to learn to "beat people up", or if you wish to learn self discipline. This is the best way to enter into something with pure intentions. One other path that I HEAVILY endorse is volunteer work. I often hear "Well in the movies, Obi-Wan never cleaned bedpans!" I would also like to note that you do not have a working lightsaber, either. Jedi in the movies and Jedi in real life are completely different worlds. We hold true to their beliefs. Doing volunteer work is a way of teaching respect, discipline, and love. Cleaning out your Grandmother's Garden, or helping a friend in need is all it takes to swing the odds in our favor. We try to make a better life for everyone...and if you wish to do so, the only way to do it is practice what you preach. Have you ever walked down the street and seen a homeless person crying? I have...and it really makes you stop and think. We lead pretty good lives...we all have internet access and a computer, so obviously we aren't that bad off. Cherish your life...cherish everything that you have, and cherish the opportunity to help those that don't have what you have. Personally, I make it a point to do at least 4 hours of volunteer work every week. I go to college, work about 50 hours a week, sometimes more, and I am able to find the time to do volunteer work. Just about everyone is capable, it's just a matter of truly believing these Jedi philosophies
I hope I've given you some good ideas on enhancing your Jedi training. Make sure to truly consider these options, because they are available to everyone, and they can really make a difference. Learn for the sake of learning, and help for the sake of helping, and the force will be with you always.
May the force be with you, and may you use it wisely.
JediKnightG
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