Embrace Bushido The Secret Path to a Warrior Mindset
Welcome! I’m Gregg Swanson, a martial artist, coach, and advocate for spiritual growth.
My path has taken me from intense CrossFit competitions to quiet moments of shamanic reflection.
Let’s unlock your potential and craft a life that reflects your highest aspirations by learning how to embrace Bushido.
Embrace Bushido…WTF?
What Is Bushido?
Bushido, which means “The Way of the Warrior,” was the code of ethics that guided the Samurai in Japan. Think of it as their personal rulebook for living a life full of honor, courage, and integrity. It’s not about sword fights or battles, though (sorry to disappoint if you’re imagining epic duels). Bushido is more about mastering the battles inside your mind and becoming the best version of yourself.
When you embrace Bushido, you’re taking on seven super-important values: Integrity, Respect, Courage, Honor, Compassion, Honesty, and Loyalty. These are like the tools in a Samurai’s toolkit, and they can help you tackle anything life throws your way.
Why Should You Care About Bushido?
Okay, I get it. You’re probably wondering why this old Samurai stuff matters to you. Life today can feel like a battlefield, right? Between school, friends, and everything else, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where embracing Bushido comes in. These ancient principles can help you stay calm, focused, and resilient no matter what’s going on.
Let’s break it down:
- Integrity: It’s about being honest with yourself and others. When you say you’ll do something, you do it. Easy to say, harder to stick to—but so worth it!
- Respect: Treating others with kindness and valuing their feelings is a real strength. Bonus: it makes people respect you back.
- Courage: This doesn’t mean not being scared. It means doing what’s right even when you’re afraid.
- Honor: Taking pride in your actions and living by your values makes you feel awesome inside.
- Compassion: Caring for others and being helpful isn’t just nice—it’s powerful.
- Honesty: Always tell the truth, even when it’s hard. It builds trust like nothing else.
- Loyalty: Standing by your friends and family makes you a rock they can count on.
When you practice these virtues, you’ll feel like you have a secret weapon to handle life’s challenges.
How to Start Your Bushido Journey
Now, let’s dive into some practical ways to embrace Bushido. These steps will help you turn those seven Samurai virtues into everyday habits.
1 – Embrace Bushido to Build Your Personal Code
Think of your personal code as your own secret playbook for life. It’s like having a cheat sheet that reminds you how to make good decisions when life gets confusing. To get started:
- Write It Down: Grab a notebook and jot down a list of the values that matter most to you. Examples: “Be kind to others,” “Finish what I start,” or “Always tell the truth.”
- Keep It Visible: Decorate it with colors, doodles, or stickers and post it somewhere you’ll see every day—like on your desk or phone background.
- Update It: Life changes, and so will you. Revisit your code every few months and tweak it as needed.
Every time you face a tough choice, think: “Does this fit with my code?” If it does, great! If not, it’s time to adjust your approach. Living by your code is like having a compass that keeps you moving in the right direction.
2 – Embrace Bushido to Practice Daily Discipline
Discipline is your secret weapon for success. Even Samurai didn’t master their skills overnight—they trained every single day. Here’s how you can build your own daily habits:
- Start Small: Pick one habit you want to build, like doing 10 minutes of focused reading, stretching, or organizing your school materials every evening.
- Set Reminders: Use sticky notes or phone alarms to help you remember. Building discipline takes time, and reminders will keep you on track.
- Reward Yourself: After sticking to a habit for a week, celebrate! Treat yourself to something small, like an extra 10 minutes of screen time or your favorite snack.
- Plan for Obstacles: Life happens. If you miss a day, don’t stress—just jump back in the next day. Remember, it’s about consistency, not perfection.
3 – Embrace Bushido to Stay Resilient
Life is full of unexpected twists, but when you stay resilient, you can bounce back stronger. Here’s how to build your mental toughness:
- Reframe Setbacks: When something goes wrong, don’t see it as failure. Ask yourself, “What’s the lesson here?” For example, if you get a bad grade, think about how you can study differently next time.
- Talk to Yourself Kindly: Would you criticize a friend for making a mistake? No way! So why be hard on yourself? Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show someone you care about.
- Build a Support Team: Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or friend, these “allies” will help you stay strong.
- Practice Gratitude: Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude helps you focus on what’s good in your life, even when things feel tough.
Transform Your Mindset to Embrace Bushido
Here’s a deeper dive into how you can change the way you think and embrace Bushido.
- See Challenges as Opportunities: When something feels difficult, remind yourself that every challenge is like a level in a video game. The harder the level, the greater the rewards! Ask yourself, “How can this situation make me stronger?”
- Focus on What You Can Control: Let’s face it—there are some things you can’t change. But you can control how you react. For example, you can’t stop a pop quiz, but you can prepare for class every day so you’re ready for anything.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Give yourself permission to rest when you need it. Resting isn’t being lazy—it’s recharging your energy for the next challenge. Take breaks, eat well, and make time for things that make you happy.
A Day in the Life of a Bushido Warrior
Let’s make your day as organized and purposeful as a Samurai’s.
Morning
- Set Your Intentions: Take five minutes to think about what you want to accomplish today. Ask yourself, “What’s my main goal?” Write it down so you can stay focused.
- Start with a Positive Habit: Whether it’s making your bed, stretching, or drinking a glass of water, starting with something simple sets the tone for a productive day.
Afternoon
- Tackle Your Schoolwork with Integrity: Approach each assignment with the mindset of doing your best, even if it’s something you don’t enjoy. Remind yourself, “Every effort I make brings me closer to my goals.”
- Take Courageous Actions: Speak up in class, help a friend in need, or try something new that scares you a little. Each courageous act builds your confidence.
Evening
- Reflect on Your Day: Before bed, think about what went well and what could’ve been better. Ask yourself, “Did I live by my personal code today?” Write down your thoughts in a journal to track your progress.
- Plan for Tomorrow: End your day by preparing for the next. Pack your bag, choose your outfit, or jot down tomorrow’s goals. This simple habit will make your mornings smoother
Let’s Embrace Bushido Together
Here’s my challenge to you, future mental warrior: Commit to embracing Bushido for one week. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Write Your Code: Spend 15 minutes creating your personal code. Make it fun! Add doodles, colors, or even call it something cool like “My Samurai Rules.”
- Choose Two Habits: Pick two small habits to practice every day. Maybe it’s 10 minutes of journaling or saying one kind thing to someone. Start small and grow from there.
- Track Your Progress: Use a chart or app to keep track of your habits. Seeing your streak grow will motivate you to keep going.
- Celebrate Your Wins: At the end of the week, reflect on how far you’ve come. What did you learn? What felt different? Reward