Secrets have been a part of most of my life. As alcoholics, we are told, we are as sick as our secrets. To begin recovery we need to clean up our past and honestly tell our stories. When I started to clear the wreckage of my past and tell the truth of my life, I started to feel better. When I spoke my truth, I was able to quit worrying about what other people thought of me and I was able to receive the help I needed. In truth, my life became easier to live.

Secrets are funny things. As soon as we know there is one out there, we want in on it. I can’t tell you how many times over the course of my martial arts career someone has asked for or mentioned “the secret teachings” — getting “the goods” that are not offered unless you are an inside student. You know the deeper lessons, the secret ones that are offered only to the special students; not the run of the mill lessons everyone gets at class.

Some may disagree with me, but I’m in the “there are no secrets” camp.

No one has ever offered me a special training secret — and I’ve had some amazing lessons. What my teachers did tell me, in class and in private, was to practice. Practice, ask questions, and stay open.

Practice; no matter what your practice is, when you practice, more will be revealed. That’s no secret. But if you don’t practice — and the most amazing lesson won’t do you any good; it won’t make any sense.

The question I like about secrets is not what secret are you keeping, but from whom are you keeping it and why?