Originally posted at JediLiving.
1. Get that Jedi Mind
Before Lightsabers and Force Powers, Jedi were taught that a calm and focused mind is the most powerful weapon you can wield. Peace, Patience, and Propriety is what empowers a Jedi in the most trying of times. In a world that moves fast and demands your attention 24/7, it is important to make sure your mind is ready to handle the challenges you will face.
Practice: Meditation. Find an App, Subscribe to a Meditation Channel on YouTube, join a Meet-up Group. However you pursue it, make sure you get your meditation on twice a day.
2. Learn the Basics
Knowledge is Power and Power is Change. Start filling your brain with some some Jedi Thought. Whether you pick from the fiction – Empire Strikes Back, The Old Republic, or The Jedi Path by Daniel Wallace (etc.) – Or books by Jedi for Jedi – Jedi Circle, Jedi Compass, Exploring the Jedi Lifestyle (etc.kindle versions available) – The key is to learn what it means to live as a Jedi. How to apply those high ideals of objectivity, accountability, service to others, and so forth. Plenty of Jedi manuals out there for you. Jedi Rules of Behavior is a good place to start as well.
Practice: Fire up the kindle, hit the Play or iTunes store, get yourself some Jedi material. Most won’t be above 10 dollars. Consider it a worthy investment. Oh yeah, than make sure you read through it. Jedi stuff can be dry and a bit boring, so take small bites. Digest a bit each day.
3. Discover the Force
The Force is Ineffable. There is a force in the universe. What it is? No one can say it is any one thing. Perhaps it is everything? Maybe it is simply an idea that everything in this universe is connected and we should live accordingly. Maybe it is basic physics, maybe it is quantum physics, or perhaps it is God? The Goddess? The untapped human potential? One thing every Jedi has learned through training (even the most skeptical) is that they can Feel the Force. Once you can experience it, you can explore it, and then next step is to define it. This definition is for you. It may take a day or a lifetime. You may stick with ineffable as your definition or it may be much more spiritual. Whatever the words and label you chose the Force will a part of your journey and growth as a Jedi. So question, study, experience, explore, and define.
Practice: Meditation can apply here. Or just stop, take a moment to observe life. You can do this as you wait in line for your Starbucks. Take in the movement, the life, the energy. Deep breath – ask yourself, what is the Force? Keep exploring the universal (oldest question) until you find an answer that works for you.
4. Embrace the Lifestyle
The mind is key, but don’t neglect the body. You don’t need to be running any marathons, but a Spartan Race (or Battle Frog, etc.) is pretty close to Luke training on Dagobah (get a Yoda backpack and it is nearly identical). Stay healthy. Stay active. That varies from Jedi to Jedi – again don’t have to be a fitness model, but pick up that lightsaber and swing it around for 30 minutes to an hour. I promise you’ll be tired by the end. Or be more sensible and just start a nice fitness routine.
Practice: 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
5. Meet Those Living It Already
From yearly gatherings to local meet-up groups there are Jedi out there. Type in 2016 (or whatever year this is) Jedi Gathering and you are bound to find information. There are websites and blogs with hundreds of Jedi running around. Chances are you aren’t alone in seeking to become a hero from a galaxy far, far away. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger. Luke Skywalker and Rey (Kenobi? Solo? Skywalker? Organa? Lars? Darklighter? Kartan? Hurry up Episode VIII!) *cough* Point being that Jedi are way cooler (and have more fun) when they are sharing the journey with other Jedi. And if you find yourself in Southern California (at Six Flags Magic Mountain), give me a shout.
Practice: Find a Jedi to share the journey with. No rush on this, patience Jedi, the Force will guide you. ?
Remember, the Force is with you, always.