#wisdom and resilience

[shisasan]

Moving to Japan many years ago and being introduced more meticulously to its culture, history, and philosophy sparked a deep and lasting fascination that took root within me. Through extensive reading, research, observation, and reflection, it offered me valuable insights that, for some reason, blended organically with my own Balkan mentality. Japanese thought is like a quiet, endless ocean - vast and mysterious, yet full of deep truths for those curious to explore its depths. It’s not only that we can learn from it - it’s that we are drawn to it. The soul, restless and searching for meaning, finds itself captivated by its quiet elegance, by wisdom that is not shouted but whispered, like a secret offered in the stillness of the night. Herein lies its true beauty: it doesn’t force itself on you, it invites. It calls the spirit to explore the unknown, to face its own shadows, and in doing so, to find peace.

Here are a few philosophical principles that I find deeply compelling, each reflecting a unique idea or value within the expansive spectrum of Japanese aesthetics, ethics, and spirituality:

In the philosophy of "kensho" (見性), the gradual awakening to one's true self, there is a calm defiance against the rush of modern life. How easily we are deceived into thinking self-worth is built overnight, but Japanese thought insists on a far more patient, sometimes demanding journey - a slow, deliberate peeling away of the surface until only the real essence of the self remains. This is not comfort, but truth, and the search for truth is never without a bit of struggle. Yet in this struggle, in this slow awakening, there is beauty - one that cannot be grasped by those who seek only the fleeting joys of instant satisfaction.

Much like "bushidō" (武士道), the way of the warrior, this journey demands honor, integrity, and the kind of inner strength that does not waver, no matter how treacherous the path, a kind of inner strength that stands resolute in all circumstances. Bushidō embodies Gi (rectitude), Yū (courage), Jin (benevolence), Rei (respect), Makoto (honesty), Meiyo (honor), Chūgi (loyalty), and Jisei (self-control). It is not simply enduring hardship - it is about living with powerful intention, where loyalty, integrity, and courage form the foundation of a purposeful life. This spirit of Bushidō isn't about suffering but about a fierce dedication to living with honor and resilience, and within that struggle, one’s character is shaped. There is no arrogance in true confidence, only a hard-won resilience, the kind that grows in the cracks like a delicate flower breaking through stone.

Then comes "shibumi" (渋み) - that quiet, understated elegance that goes almost unnoticed, simplicity hiding a depth of complexity. True self-esteem, true understanding, doesn’t need to shout. It exists in the way a person holds themselves, moves through the world with calm, steady presence that speaks volumes without saying a word. This is confidence born not from pride but from humility, from understanding one’s place in the larger order of things, and finding peace in that awareness.

The beauty of "wabi-sabi" (侘寂) lies in its celebration of imperfection. It rejects the idea of flawless perfection and instead finds beauty in the cracks of imperfection and flaws. There is something both bittersweet and freeing in this acceptance - that we are all, in some way, broken, and it is through those very fractures that we find our true beauty. It’s a perspective that would resonate deeply with Dostoyevsky, who found humanity in the brokenness of his characters.

Perhaps the greatest gift of Japanese philosophy is the concept of "yūgen" (幽玄), that deep, elusive beauty lying just beyond reach, in the shadows and the unseen. Life is not meant to be fully understood, and some things are better left as mysteries. This unknowable depth gives life its meaning, its richness. The surface may seem dark, but beneath lies an entire world for those willing to look deeper, to feel with their soul, rather than just see with their eyes.

Finally, there is "fudōshin" (不動心) - the unshakable mind. To be calm, to be still, in the face of the storm - that is where true strength lies. It lies not in the victory and worldly achievements, triumph or success, but in the calm, steady enduring of life’s storms. This is the magnetic presence that draws others in, not through force or charm, but through the quiet power of someone who has faced the abyss and emerged, not untouched, but unbroken.

In Japanese philosophy, I’ve found a mirror to the human condition - beautiful, tragic, profound, and endlessly deep. It teaches us that self-esteem, like life, is not something to be attained in a moment, but something to be continuously sought, patiently, through humility and acceptance. There is no end to this journey, and in that endlessness lies its greatest beauty.

[gent-illmatic]

2025 IS NOT FOR "PLAY PLAY" .

[reality-detective]

[obsidianquill]

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." – Confucius

[indeedgoodman]

[yourspiritguide-quotes]

What is to give light must endure burning

- Viktor E. Frankl

[blueeyesfilledwithpassion]

Remember 🍁

Better Days Are To Come.🍁

[thecalminside]

It’s ok not to be ok. We aren’t supposed to feel good all the time. Life will beat you up. You get back up. Humbled. Feel. Your strength within will hold you and pull you to more of itself.

[umissquotedme]

Be a loner....

🌱 In solitude, the loner discovers resilience. There’s strength in standing alone, rooted like an ancient tree. The storms may rage, but the loner remains—an embodiment of quiet strength.

So, my fellow wanderer, embrace your solitude. Let it be your canvas, your sanctuary, your compass. For in the quietude, you’ll find whispers of wisdom and the magic of self-discovery. 🌟

[worddevourer]

Having not started campaign 3 yet, it remains to be seen how well Yasha gets away with her housewife ambitions, but honestly... I think it makes sense that she's choosing an early retirement from adventuring. Her whole life, she has been forced, by circumstance, by upbringing, by mind control, to fight and kill and hurt, and she is very good at it. But holy fuck has she been put through a wringer over it.

Small wonder that when she finally has the freedom to choose her own path, and someone she wants to spend her life with, she wants to do it in peace and quiet, rather than immediately throwing herself back into strenuous and deadly work.

That said, I adore the idea of her going full Izumi Curtis from FMA, still being forcibly caught up in dangerous things, and just going 'oh, I'm a housewife,' when people try to ask what she is (referring to the wings, giant sword, and crackling lightning).

But also, you know, the payoff to that where Tharizdun is rising, the sky is darkening, and we get that moment where she's like 'You know what? No. Today I'm the Champion of the Storm Lord.'

[848ellie]

Rise above ✊ We are here to overcome our challenges and stay positive, no matter what life throws at us. We must find our inner strength and resilience, handle life's ups and downs with grace, and become stronger through our experiences. Now is the time to learn and grow.

[tmarshconnors]

"The man who has anticipated the coming of troubles takes away their power when they arrive."

Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger, usually known mononymously as Seneca, was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome.

Seneca – Roman philosopher and a major figure in Stoicism, emphasizing preparation for hardships.

Stoic resilience – A mindset of expecting and accepting challenges to mitigate their impact.

Mental preparedness – Foreseeing difficulties strengthens one’s ability to confront them.

Tranquillity – A state of inner calm achieved through preparation and detachment.

Philosophical optimism – Viewing life's trials as inevitable but manageable with the right mindset.

[mythos321]

Part 2 of my WoF x Persona Au!

Chapter Two:Leap Through Fire!

As Clay emerged from the flames of his Persona, he now wore a black tailcoat over a high necked waistcoat and black pants, which hid most of his muscular body, with the white bird like mask upon his face once again, now worn with pride, as His Persona continued its introduction from before.

“I am The Dark Son of Gaia, Obsidian, I am the soul of the rebel within you! If you so desire, I shall grant you the power to relieve yourself of this crisis”

“Give me your power, and destroy them all, Obsidian!” Clay said with a strengthened resolve and confident aura around him, as he destroyed what was left of the guards, and Clay grabbed Tsunami and threw her onto his back and began to hold her there with his wings.

“Wh-What’s going on!” Tsunami shouted on top of him, still haven’t fully taken in whatever is happening

“I don’t know! But it feels amazing! Let’s get the hell out of here now!” Clay yelled as he ran out of the cell door and saw the cowering Shadow Whirlpool

“H-how could you! who do you think you are stepping to The King!” Before He could finish, Tsunami jumped off of Clays back and socked the so called king in his froggy eyes

“Yeah! you like that you son of a Batfish?!” Tsunami yelled, as Clay then picked the “King” up by his tail and threw him into the back of cell they were previously in with zero effort, then burning the lock with his fire so it wouldn’t budge

“Get back here! you can’t do this to me!” King Whirlpool shouted helplessly as Tsunami hopped back onto Clays back, and the duo ran off.

“So, what was that anyway?! that strange serpent(?) thing, and clothes, why are you wearing clothes now?! fancy ones at that!” Tsunami kept questioning, and Clay couldn’t even hope to give her an answer, as it was all as confusing for her as it was for him…though also a lot more fun.

as they kept running however, Clays attire suddenly changed back to normal, the duo both looked completely bewildered while still keeping on the run, until they finally found a large gate and without thinking, Clay tried to run into it, and though they made it momentarily budge, the gate stayed up, and instead Clay was left with a mild pain as Tsunami herself fell off from his back after the impact

“Maybe if we slam it the same time it could break down?” Clay asked Tsunami, who seemed to be in a sudden massive pain, which Clay saw was mostly in the area of her wing joints

“Your wings…did Whirlpool do something to them?…it’s not my fault right?”

“As if that bastard could, and no, it ain’t because of you…but, I don’t wanna talk about it…” Tsunami seemed to become surprisingly depressed in a quick time, and Clay decided not to push on the obviously painful subject.

“I understand, I’ll keep carrying you then, and we can find another way.” Clay offered, and put Tsunami back on him, with her clearly still in pain at her wings lower joints.

As the two continued through the dungeon area, Clay nearly walked into a hallway when it suddenly bursted with flames.

“Shit, that’s not good! how the hell do we get out now!”

“…Do you trust me?”

“I mean, a little? I don’t see how that factors right now”

“Just get under me, and I’ll wrap you with my wings for the next part, hold em tightly u like a blanket if you have to!”

“Wait…are you going to launch yourself through the fire?!? are you insane! you’ll turn into a crispy mess and I’ll end cooked alive!”

“Just trust me! I can easily get us through this!”

“…alright, just….don’t get us killed, okay?” Tsunami said, as Clay covered her under his wings, and he launched through the fiery pathway, going 3 quarters through before rolling them through the end

“Three moons, we’re actually okay!”

“Told ya!” Clay stated as his body quickly cooled off from the leap through fire

“Wait, did your persona give you some fire immunity or something?”

“Not at all! I was just kinda born with it!”

“Wait, you were born from a blood red egg! That’s badass!”

“Thanks!

“…huh, guess so! y’know you’re way better than I thought you’d be…can I be honest? I completely thought you’d book it back there, at the cell, before you summoned that ghost thing, so, thanks for not leaving me to die!”

“Bah, you’d have done the same for me!” Clay gave Tsunami a smile, as she seemed to glow on part of her scales, and Clay now looked a little confused and curipus

“Oh, forgot other tribes don’t know those, um, that was aquatic for- eh, it doesn’t matter much.” Tsunami seemed to let whatever she said, as the two then saw a group of shadows approaching, and Clay jumped into a small hiding spot for them both, until the guards finally went away, and they continued their trek through the dungeon area.

“Damn it, if we don’t find a way out of here soon, I feel like we’ll be done for!” Tsunami voiced her frustration, as the two suddenly heard a clanking sound near one of the cells up ahead, almost like something, or someone, was trying to get their attention

As the two slowly made their way to the cell, Tsunami noticed multiple prisoners in various cells, all various young seawings that seemed to be void of consciousness, just standing in their cells, void of any emotion. The worst part of it all, was Tsunami could almost recognize each face as they passed through.

“Hey, everything alright?” Clay asked as he saw Tsunamis discomfort

“It’s…it’s nothing, I’ll tell you in a second I guess, let’s just find out what the hell is over there.”

As the duo creeped upon the final cell, they kept their guard up in case it was some sort of trap.

“Hey, you two! you’re the ones who started rushing through the castle dungeon right?” said the voice in the cell as Clay and Tsunami continued to etch towards them, before jumping forward and looking straight ahead…and seeing no one.

“huh? where are they? Shit, was it actually a trap!” Tsunami wondered out loud, even though she was clearly in no condition to fight it wasn’t gonna stop her from trying if she has to.

“Hey! Big Guy, Jacket Gal, I’m down here!” The two heard the voice once again, and looked down to see a small seawing like creature, wearing something similar to bandit clothing, and physically looked about 4 and a half years old, but was only the size of a 2 year old Dragonet. The strangest part though were his dark green eyes, which not only had what appeared to be traces of gold apart of them, but also shaped similarly to a cats!

“Woah! what’s with your eyes!” Tsunami blurted out

“You’re not castle soldiers right?” The Green Dragonet asked, more scared in tone

“As if we’d ever work with this shitheel! We’re trying to get the hell out of here! If anything, you look more like an enemy! you ever got creepy eyes like Whirlpool!” Tsunami stated

“How can I be an enemy you dunce! I’m locked in a cell!” The Seawing pointed out, now a mix of scared and angry

“Hey, don’t worry. You want us to help you out right?” Clay comforted them, though slightly thrown off initially by their eyes, he could tell they’re a kid just like him or Tsunami, though younger by a year or two.

“YES! please! They threw my key away, so I really need your help out!” The Seawing pleaded, and Clay tried to figure out a way to get them out

“Perhaps I can be of assistance?”

Clay heard Obsidian in his mind once again, and after a moment of concentration managed to bring it forth, momentarily freaking out Tsunami yet making the young Seawing excite

“You have a persona! great! just have it take off the door!” The Seawing instructed

“…you may want to back away for this one” Clay stated, as an image came forth in his mind, and he pointed towards the doors lock. Obsidians head then began to morph, changing into that of a shotgun, and blasted off not only the lock, but most of the cell, leaving The Seawing shocked yet intrigued while Tsunami was baffled at what Clays persona just did.

“I’m sorry, did that thing just turn its face into a shotgun?!” Tsunami asked, as The Younger Seawing jumped through the hole in the door

“Must be a power of your Persona! Truly impressive for someone I can tell is just starting out!”

“…So, what’s up with the eyes?” Clay asked, now that The young Seawing was free

“I’m not sure, far as my memory goes, I’ve always had these golden greens!” The Seawing State stated, clearly proud of them

“No, he meant why are they like a cats.” Tsunami stated. “Also knowing why you’re so small would be nice.”

“That’s none of your business!…well, now that I’m free, what do you say to a partnership? you helped me out, and now I’ll help you out!” The Seawing offered, holding out his hand to shake

“Sounds good to me.” Clay shook the young Seawings hand, and they shot each other a smile.

“Turtle.” The Young Seawing told his name

“Moose.” Clay said back, making Turtle and Tsunami both look confused

“Wait, um, no, my name is-” before Turtle could explain, Clay began snickering

“Oh my moons, I’m just messing with you two, I know how Seawing names work.” Clay kept laughing, as the three now continued through the dungeon, finding a drawbridge over a large abyss with a statue of Whirlpool next to it.

Clay was about to suggest flying, until he realized 2 things. First was that since Whirlpool himself was a dragon, why would he imagine a drawbridge if he himself could fly over it, meaning it may be another trap. The second was that Tsunamis wings were not in good shape to put the strain of flying on them. Clay then looked towards Turtle for answers, with which he delivered

“Well, Clay, since you seem to know things better than Jacket Gal over there, I’ll mainly show you how to go about something like this.” Turtle said, with Tsunami looking angry at the insult. “As you’ll seen soon enough, this statues mouth contains a secret button! press on that, and you’ll make this drawbridge lower in no time!”

Clay did as Turtle instructed, and the drawbridge lowered itself just as they hoped.

“How the hell were we supposed to know that?!?” Tsunami questioned

“Pff, you’re such an amateur, Jacket Gal, now let’s keep going!” Turtle stated, and the 3 ran across the drawbridge, only for them to suddenly be surrounded by castle soldiers, and Clay suddenly went back into his Phantom Thief attire

“SHIT ITS THEM.” Tsunami shouted, clearly frightened as she grabbed a random candlestick to defend with

“You really are amateur! as if that would do anything to them! Just stay still and don’t get hurt.” Turtle said as he jumped off of Tsunami and next to Clay. “Say, you can fight right? Let’s do this!” Turtle then concentrated, as he then became surrounded by a beam of green light.

“Come forth, Honu!” Turtle shouted, as he manifested a giant emerald colored being that seemed to be partly turtle and partly dragon like in its appearance, with a large powerful golden brown shell upon its back that also sprouted a set of long dragon wings. It also powerful arms that had flippers partially stick out from the forearms and legs. and held in its claws a gigantic fishhook with a sharp edge to it. It wore a slightly open coat fitted with long shoulder pads fitted with a green cape with golden edges, and its head was similar to a seawings, but with long white horns similar to that of its hook replacing the normal seawing horns. To top it all off was a pair of black pants held by a massive belt buckle shaped similar to a Turtle.

“This’d be light work for even one of us! but with us both? It couldn’t be easier!” Turtle declared as he and Clay prepared to face the shadows.

[oblakdark]

𝕬𝖚𝖙𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖈 𝕬𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓

“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚙 𝚎𝚏𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑."

© OBLAK

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

Had to learn things the hard way.

[lifeispositive]

Some things are better left broken—not because you couldn’t fix them, but because they’re just not meant to fit together. It’s like trying to glue together a smashed vase; you could, but it’s never quite the same, and honestly, it probably looked better as a lesson learned. Some cracks are reminders: not everything is built to last. Sometimes, the beauty’s in letting go and moving on without trying to force the pieces back. Not every “break” is meant for a comeback—some things belong in the “live and learn” category.

Visit 👉 www.lifeispositive.com