Michael Green – Samurai of Compassion
During each of the classes we focus predominantly on developing inner strength and courage, which I believe are two of the most important aspects of life, especially in regards to fear. One of the main reasons why people chose not to live from their hearts is because of the fear created through a feeling of being vulnerable. But through living a heart focused life there is also a form of intuitive intelligence and discernment that is naturally developed. Compassion and Courage go hand in hand upon this journey of life. “Vulnerability is the true warriors greatest strength, and it takes the courage of a warrior to be vulnerable.”
OMTimes: How did the Idea of the Integrated Development Academy came about, what was your dream for your students?
The birth of the Integrated Development Academy has emerged as natural culmination of my personal journey and pathway of life. As a child and young adult I was very introverted and to be honest I had quite a low sense of self-confidence in conjunction with a high amount of fear and anxiety. It is often found in life that we will be provided with a series of experiences that give us the opportunity to face our fears through direct experience. I remember that one of my strongest fears was with public speaking, because it always seemed like I couldn’t think of what to say properly due to a feeling of confusion and the worry that I would make a fool of myself whenever I tried.
Luckily as a teenager I eventually discovered the Martial Arts and began to dedicate myself to the journey of personal development which slowly but surely assisted me in the areas of inner strength, courage and self-confidence. And then in my mid-twenties I was given an opportunity to become an assistant instructor at which stage I was able to develop leadership qualities through the experience of being a mentor for others. This eventually led me to being hired as a youth network officer at a community centre. This was a position of responsibility that held many requirements of public speaking and organising large community events. Reflecting back on it now, I can see how it really helped during the process of my personal development within the main areas that I was most fearful about.
