The Search 4 Happiness

Day 78 - Bushido

7/12/20232 min read

a black and white photo of clouds in the sky
a black and white photo of clouds in the sky

Dedication to one's craft or whatever chosen avenue can greatly contribute to the search for happiness. Bushido is the traditional code of the samurai in Japan, it encompasses virtues such as loyalty, discipline, and honour. These principles, when applied to a chosen endeavour, foster a sense of purpose, self-improvement, and ultimately lead to personal fulfillment and happiness.

One of the key elements in the pursuit of happiness is finding meaning and purpose in any chosen endeavour. Dedication to a craft or skill allows time to focus our time and energy on something that we are passionate about. Whether it be art, music, sports, or any other discipline, dedicating ourselves to a craft means committing to continuous learning and improvement.

In the samurai tradition, loyalty is highly valued. This principle encourages individuals to stay devoted to their craft even in the face of challenges or setbacks. The unwavering commitment and perseverance can lead to mastery and a deep sense of achievement. The pursuit of excellence is not an easy road, but the rewards of overcoming an array of challenges and seeing progress can bring immense satisfaction.

Discipline is a crucial aspect found in both dedication to craft and the principles of Bushido. To become the greatest in any field, one must adhere to a rigorous practice and training routine. This requires self-control, time management, and the ability to prioritize tasks. By cultivating discipline, individuals can stay focused and committed to their craft even when distractions can arise. The consistent dedication of time and effort leads to continuous growth and personal development.

Honor, another key element of Bushido, plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of happiness. Honour can be seen as maintaining integrity and ethical standards in one's work. Maintaining a high level of quality and professionalism brings a sense of pride and fulfillment. It is through honourable actions, such as respecting deadlines, delivering on promises, and inspiring others through reflection in our work, that individuals can find a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment.

By completely dedicating oneself to something meaningful, individuals cultivate a sense of belonging and self-actualization. The fulfillment that comes from the pursuit of one's passion and the mastery of a chosen field is unparalleled. It provides individuals with a sense of direction and a reason to wake up every morning, fuelling their motivation and happiness.

Overall, dedication to one's craft and applying the principles of Bushido can contribute greatly in the search for happiness. By committing to continuous learning, striving for excellence, and maintaining honour and integrity in their work, individuals create a strong foundation for personal fulfillment. The consistent dedication and discipline required to pursue a craft provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning, leading to a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. Ultimately, embracing dedication and the principles of Bushido allows individuals to find joy in their journey of self-improvement and through the pursuit of mastery in their chosen craft.

If we choose to focus on any objective in any realm or endeavour, continue to strive towards improvement through dedication, honour, integrity and hard work. We will put ourselves in a strong position in the search for happiness which can provide a lifetime of significant and profound returns.

“ There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself” - Miyamoto Musashi


Thanks,

Dean