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April-June, 2022

Wax On, Wax Off

by Yoko Cotton, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

Born and raised an Okinawan, I have a biased opinion about the Karate Kid movies — I love it! After all, Okinawa gave birth to the original karate. So, of course, it’s only right then that the character for young Daniel’s teacher, Mr. Miyagi, be based on an Okinawan too.

In the movie, Daniel pleaded for Mr. Miyagi to teach him karate. Daniel wanted to stand up for himself against a group of bullies. Mr. Miyagi reluctantly agrees and quickly puts Daniel to work on various chores like waxing cars: “Wax-on, wax off.” Of course, young Daniel became frustrated by what he initially felt was nonsense. At one point, he even questions Mr. Miyagi’s understanding of real karate until finally, the purpose of his chores became evident. Daniel had internalized his technique through his work, making it almost instinctual.

I think about this a lot, especially in times of self-doubt: “Why are things not moving faster?” “Why is fear still showing up?” “Should I be in better control of this situation?” I mentally visualized my hands moving in times like this, “Wax on, wax off,” while reflecting on the following verse.

“A healed mind does not plan. It carries out the plans that it receives through listening to wisdom that is not it’s own. It waits until it has been taught what should be done, and then proceeds to do it.” (W-pI.135.11:1-3) 

Young Daniel had initially envisioned his own idea about training but to no good effect. Not until after he recognized and listened to Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom did he see the worth of his work. In this way, Mr. Miyagi stressed the importance of disciplining the mind before seeking physical strength. Without a disciplined mind, nothing to teach will be useful. So why would Mr. Miyagi remain so patient with Daniel? Young Daniel wanted to learn, and therefore he would.

Learning and wanting to learn are inseparable.  (T-4.V.5:5)

Mr. Miyagi’s lessons apply to us all. For example, the skill I seek to cultivate is listening to my heart’s Wisdom and honoring my genuine effort and willingness to be healed. However, I can sometimes get caught up in the discipline of my plan while ignoring my inner child’s needs or not recognizing Wisdom. Still, just by being willing to improve, even if only 1%, and then allowing the Holy Spirit’s Wisdom to guide me, I more fully trust that my desire to heal is inseparable from the healing. In this spirit, I am gentler to myself, and I more easily find joy.

Joy is the inevitable result of gentleness. Gentleness means that fear is now impossible. (M-4.V.1)

We can all add a little laughter and gentle love to our practicing: “Wax on, wax off..” Maybe with a bit of a twist: “Gentle Love ON, fear OFF.” Put more gentleness ON and take more fear OFF. I am grateful for our journey together, and I am healing because you are too. Thank you!

© 2022, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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