A relative newcomer to the path, B.J. Lea has been training as a California Jedi for 16 months now. He wanted to share an update on his training, and how the path has, even at this early stage, helped him get what he wants out of his life. Here are some of the lesson’s he’s learned early on his path.
A couple things I have learned during my short time (16 months) on the Jedi path. I have not maintained formal Jedi studies much as of late I’ll admit. I have however continued to live life as Jedi and am mindful of the code in almost all dealing in my life. I have discovered that my thought processes are changing. I’m becoming more rational and logical even when dealing with emotional situations. Life as a Jedi is better for me than it was before officially taking on this path.
I have always had a knack for counseling people, it is probably what I’m best at actually. The Jedi path has made me a better councilor without a doubt. Recently I have found myself to be helping people with their various worries and problems more and more and I’m happy to do it. The Jedi Path isn’t easy but it makes things in life easier. I was told something similar to that and I remember trying to figure out what it meant. I now see that its a true statement. I’ve been taught by the Jedi community to think objectively and critically. To make decisions based on logic and not emotion. To conduct myself in a rational manner when carrying out decisions. As I did this more and more it became easier. Doing things this way as opposed to acting on impulse and emotion has helped improve my life. I’m happier, even with many troublesome things going on in my life and in the lives of my family, I’m happier. I attribute that to taking on the path.
I thought I wanted Knighthood but now I’m not so sure its part of my path. At first like any fanboy it was an appealing concept. As I’ve learned a thing or 2 I’m of the opinion that its not something to be taken lightly and not something to be rushed. Jedi can be a lonely path. There is a large online community of Jedi. Unfortunately the reality is there are so few who follow the path, so few in fact that living near another Jedi is rare. This can make things tough for those like me who prefer face to face interaction. I am fortunate I have a Jedi friend named Chris who lives only 30 minutes away. I don’t see him much though, my work schedule is tough. I do need to make a greater effort in getting together with him, I feel it would be beneficial.
How does one serve the Jedi community. Community service is important to being Jedi. We serve many types of communities as well; whether it be our local neighborhood, our places of worship, civic organizations, charitable organizations, you name it and a Jedi has probably helped out there lol. This is why it is no surprise that many Jedi are active military and military veterans as well as active and retired law enforcement. Jedi serve. I have always enjoyed helping out my community and back when I used to go to church I often volunteered to help the church when needed. Up until recently though I didn’t know how I could serve the Jedi community. I have decided to play to my strength and help my fellow Jedi with council. Sometimes even Jedi need an ear to listen. As well as someone to help guide them to the best side of the fork in the road they might be facing.