My friends. Welcome.
Today, I want to try something different. I want to talk with you about something we all have had to come across. For many, every day. Perseverance in the face of despair
Perseverance is a crucial quality that any Jedi must cultivate, particularly in times of despair and adversity. The doctrine of Jediism emphasizes the importance of resilience, balance, and hope, all of which serve as pillars for a Jedi's endurance in life's struggles. Through the lens of Jediism, perseverance becomes not merely the act of enduring hardship, but the conscious choice to maintain harmony with the Force, find clarity in the face of uncertainty, and ultimately embody hope even in the darkest moments.
Jediism teaches that the Force is ever-present power and connection that flows through all life and all situations. In times of despair, it is this connection with the Force that allows us to persist, knowing that even in suffering, there is a greater pattern of renewal and balance. The teachings encourage Jedi to recognize that all phenomena are interconnected. Adversity, then, is not a singular, isolating experience. Though it certainly feels like it often enough, but part of the cyclical nature of mortality. Through this perspective, suffering and difficulty are not seen as final or insurmountable but as part of the eternal flow that ultimately leads to growth and transformation.
We use our own experiences to keep things moving in our lives. Though we may get discouraged, our belief, our faith in ourselves and the Force can be a source of strength. Bad days come and go, sometimes they go on for months or years, we have no choice but to accept, learn and grow.
The Jedi Code, provides further insight into how to approach adversity. It teaches that "there is no emotion, there is peace," urging followers to transcend emotional turmoil and maintain serenity even when facing overwhelming challenges. This emphasis on emotional regulation does not suggest a suppression of feelings, but an invitation to understand and manage them effectively, ensuring that emotions do not lead to rash decisions or feelings of helplessness. This is the most basic and most difficult part, as it requires self awareness and being able to stop and evaluate what is happening or has happened. Mindful of your emotions, but without them controlling you. I am certain we can all think of times when our emotions have overtaken us.
In facing despair, I try to focus on serenity rather than passion. While passion can drive us, unchecked passion can lead to imbalance, as seen in the lives of those who give in to despair and anger. Instead, Jedi are encouraged to cultivate serenity—remaining grounded and centered, despite the chaos around them. This principle fosters resilience, helping Jedi endure the darkest times with calmness and clarity.
I have, at times, had such difficulty, that regrowing my serenity took weeks at a time. However, it is an opportunity to remake my mental and emotional perseverance tools. It takes time, intention and no small amount of will. It is a practice that I have found supremely rewarding.
One of the most powerful aspects of Jediism in the face of adversity is its emphasis on hope and compassion. The Jedi Creed states, "Where there is despair, hope." This line reflects a fundamental aspect of Jediism: even in the worst of circumstances, a Jedi's role is to bring hope, not only to themselves but to others as well. By focusing on the potential for renewal and balance, Jedi can maintain a sense of purpose and strength during difficult times. This can be done alone, however, do not discount your fellows, your friends, and family. Whether they be chosen or not, your tools will be stronger when do are not alone. In the end, those tools developed will be helpful when you are the lone light in the darkness.
Hope is a form of perseverance. It is the ability to look beyond the present moment and trust in the Force's ongoing work in the world. This trust sustains Jedi when all seems lost, providing the inner strength necessary to continue moving forward. Additionally, our doctrine teaches that compassion is essential in times of adversity. By extending love and understanding to those suffering, Jedi are not only alleviating others' pain but also reinforcing their own sense of interconnectedness and resilience. Compassion allows them to act selflessly, which not only brings peace to others but also restores their own inner balance.
Patience and clarity are other key tenets that support perseverance. We stress the teachings of clarity of mind and patience, recognizing that all things are in a constant state of change and renewal. It is a time of healing, and that rushing into action out of fear or despair only leads to further imbalance. Patience allows us to remain steady and resolute, even when faced with prolonged difficulty. The key word here, in my point of view is prolonged. All of us have our own tolerance of difficult times. It is like a muscle, sometimes it is small and sometimes it is large. If it is stressed, it can grow. If too much, it can break.
Perseverance is rooted in a deep sense of integrity. Integrity is not just about personal honesty but about maintaining one’s authenticity and alignment with the greater good. When faced with adversity, we maintain our integrity by staying true to our commitment to balance, justice, and compassion. This inner strength. That inner strength, again, is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised to be effective.
Adversity is, ultimately, an opportunity for growth. We should encourage ourselves to embrace hardship as a natural part of their journey. With integrity, compassion, and patience, we continue forward, knowing that our perseverance will not only help us overcome personal challenges, but also serve the greater good of the world we live in.
In conclusion, we will face dark times. All of us, some more often than others. There is always a price to be paid for walking through that metaphorical fire. We do though, as we grow, the difficulties become less so. We also come upon difficulties we never thought we could overcome before. We turn to our friends, family and fellows, to help us and nurture us as we heal. Only to grow from those experiences. We always find a way.
