3 Simple Rules

What is the Game of Dō?

Simply put,  the game of dō is any rules-based and goal-oriented activity where one seeks to become a better person and to have a better life.

You can think of this blog both as a rulebook and strategy guide for this game and a resource to help you make your life better.

In the next few posts, I’ll be examining the components of this game, starting with rules.

Rules in Games and in Martial Arts

Rules are very important.

In games, we have rules to facilitate game play, to provide structure to the activity, and to make sure things are as fair and fun as possible.

In martial arts, we use rules to provide structure, to show respect to each other and our style, and, in the case of instructions, to make our techniques as safe and as effective as we can.

Without rules, it’s extremely difficult to get the results we are looking for. Like anything else, the game of dō needs clear rules for us to get the results we want.

The Rules of the Game of Dō

1) As long as you are playing, you are winning.

That’s right, it’s that simple! Dō is simply the practice of thinking about what you are doing and using it to make your life better. You can use this practice to learn more about what you are doing, to learn about yourself, and/or to build up your mind, body, or spirit in some way. If you are doing that, then you are not only playing, you are winning.

2) You can play anytime and anywhere.

In anything and everything you do, you can work towards making your life better. This means can play (and thus be winning) at anytime and anywhere.

3) If you’re not playing, you’re not winning.

If you rush, if you’re heedless, if your thoughts drift too far from the moment, if you do any number of things that might stop you from playing, you are not winning. Luckily, the solution to this problem is relatively simple. If you notice you are no longer playing, pause what you are doing, take a moment to recenter yourself (breathe deep, relax), and then resume what you are doing and, this time, play the game of dō as you do and you’ll immediately start winning again.

So that’s it! Three simple rules to help you work towards the life you want to have!

Conclusion

I hope you found this post useful and that you enjoy reading it at least as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I'll be back soon (hopefully by next Sunday or sooner) with how you can use the game of dō to reach more specific goals.

Until next time,

-Daniel