The Warrior Poet
What does it mean to be a warrior poet? The term has been used throughout my career to describe the goal of education, the importance of balance in pursuit of excellence, and sometimes to promote a questionable views of masculinity. Until recently, I never gave the phrase much thought, but I find myself inspired to explore the idea.
According to an article on the Army University Press website by Captain Ronald F. Roberts, “the warrior poet embodies the perfect balance between the physical, spiritual, and intellectual being.” These three pillars form the foundation of my own exploration of the concept. Perfect balanced may not be achievable, but these seem worthy goals for which to strive. Each day, I begin by asking myself three questions.
1. What can I do to make myself better or stronger today? I examine this question in terms of each of the pillars. To physically improve, I am altering my dietary choices, exercising regularly, and making more time for chores around the house. I also make more deliberate plans to rest and reset. To spiritually improve, I am spending more time in meditation and prayer. I am also spending better quality time with my family - we play games more and talk more. To intellectually improve, I am working to learn new skills and setting aside more time to practice. I am reading more deeply. While I am not perfect in this practice, I am working to cultivate the consistent habit.
2. What can I do to help someone else today? In order to really help someone, you must first work to understand them and their needs. This means intentionally fostering connections with the people around you. For me, it also means listening to understand instead of listening to respond. It seems to me that the aim of the warrior poet is to become a person others can truly respect. That can only happen when you show genuine respect to others.
3. Where am I falling short? It’s not possible to honestly answer the previous questions without considering this one as well. However, this question is trickier that it seems at a glance. In answering this question, I have to be careful not to simply devolve into negative self-talk that results in despair. I also have to consider that there are blind spots for me - I might not realize that I am falling short in my relationships with others. Speaking with those I trust most is useful in helping me identify areas I need to consider. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…”
So, this is where my journey is. What image comes to your mind when you think of a warrior poet? Share them with me at jmakemusic@gmail.com.
