The Laughing Wolf

Way of The Wolf: Preparedness

A follower of the way understands that ultimately, no else is responsible for them but themselves. No outside agency makes decisions for them, guarantees them comfort and other delights, or provides them ultimate safety. Everything must come from inside.

This is particularly true in terms of safety and preparedness. Despite what many preach, no government nor any agency is going to be able to provide you with 24/7 coverage and a guarantee of absolute safety. The only person who can provide that is you.

It is up to you to be aware of your surroundings and the situation as it pertains to the then and now. You choose the path you travel, the risks you take, and the actions while on that journey. It is up to you to have the situational awareness to identify a bad situation or trouble before it starts and to run, if necessary, to avoid it. If it comes upon you, it is up to you to deal with it.

Therefore, it is up to you to prepare for it. Preparedness takes on many forms, from mental alertness to having necessary supplies for an emergency. You must decide how to prepare yourself for life, and be prepared to take responsibility for those choices. If you choose wrong, it is nobody’s fault but your own.

That said, preparedness does not have to be an onerous exercise. It can, quite literally, be your exercise. One way to stay in good shape is to exercise, and a martial art like Aikido can promote cardiovascular health and flexibility even as it exercises your mind on several levels. Your workout at the gym can prepare you for dealing with emergencies by ensuring you have the strength and stamina to walk, hike, or otherwise do what is needed when an emergency hits. In the process, all of this helps ensure the good health of the body.

Nor is this the only example. Insulating your home to prevent drafts and ensure energy efficiency not only saves you money, it can help ensure good health in the process even as it gives you preparations for various human-generated emergencies. The supplies for dealing with various chemical and biological attacks have other uses as well, and can help meet other needs even if they are never used for any other purpose.

Cash, gold, silver, and other set aside for emergencies can be considered either a part of your savings or your retirement. For that matter, you can even think of it as an estate gift to your beneficiaries. Don’t think of it as a burden, but rather a part of your regular life.

The only limit to this is you and your attitude. Only you can provide for your safety, and only you can do what is needed mentally and physically to ensure the same.

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