I think I am beginning to understand in greater fullness the lesions in the habits I have taken up.

Gatas, meditation, study, bowing, it’s like when one is driving, there is a constant attention paid to the road forward, but also, micro movements in the steering wheel or the gas pedal to keep the car moving in the right direction, well centered in its lane.

All of these moments, when one is not running on auto pilot, are moments where I can refocus continually on path and purpose.

It is not simply order for order’s sake, or for habits sake, but a continual reminder, this is the path, this is the way, every moment is a moment to realize it, and no moment will ever repeat.

There is a depth there, that I have not realized. It is not just duty, it is focus, it is not just proper honor, it is the continual moment of steps. It is breathing.

And it is not a burden, it is the way.