Intrepid Integrity was inspired by the concept of business incubators. However, another term and concept I was drawn to during my research was that of a dojo. I was particularly inspired by the following description of a dojo [emphasis mine]:
A dojo is a space of commitment in which people practice together. What is powerful about the dojo is what it tells us of learning, and ultimately, of waking up, of being alive.
In Japanese, “dojo” refers to the place where we train “in the way”. […] the dojo is a place of learning where one practices what is being taught. […] In a place of learning like the dojo students practice what is being taught and over time begin to embody the subject matter. It lives in the body, it is who they are.
If “incubator” is the functional structure of Intrepid Integrity, then “dojo“—specifically the description above—is the ethos I hope to cultivate for the community and (digital) environment. For it is the individuals who make up a community who imbue an environment—a space—with its distinctive ambience.
Commitment to practice is critical for the Intrepid Integrity process—any process really—to work its magic. This is not a quick fix. Intrepid Integrity—the process of courageous self examination—is a lifelong daily commitment and practice.
In Japanese, “dojo” refers to the place where we train “in the way”. […] The Way is a theme of life. The dojo is a place where we awaken our body, grow the self, and unite with the spirit through rigorous and compassionate life-enquiry.
My teacher once tapped me on the chest and said “Jiri shin kore dojo“. Mind as it is, is the place of training. He was reminding me that the dojo ultimately lives inside us, in our hearts, speech, thoughts, and actions.
The dojo exists because of the meaning we give it. This meaning can never be lost from its place in the world because it is that place. The dojo is where we declare it to be. Each moment can be a place of awakening, of learning, of walking toward life.
Intrepid Integrity is the “digital dojo” for the learning and lifelong practice of integrity and authenticity.
However, integrity and authenticity is a moment-to-moment devotion. To truly experience and express integrity and authenticity, one must practice in every moment of one’s life. Hence, truly, the dojo is wherever—and whenever—we choose it to be.