Changing Ourselves First

Students often tell me that as they progress in Hapkido other parts of their lives also seems to move forward, to improve... like somehow things are linked...

The following is an epitaph from an anonymous Anglican bishop who was buried in the crypt of Westminster Abbey in A.D. 1100. I think it speaks for itself...

"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change.
So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it too seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt I settled for changing only family, those closest to me.
But alas, they would have none of it.
And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realise:
If I had only changed myself first
Then, by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would then have been able to better my country
And who knows, I may even have changed the world"