“In the real world, you can’t expect people to do what they’re supposed to do.” ??
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Sensei Johnny Lawrence
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“Zanshin” can be translated literally as “the remaining mind” or “the lingering mind”. It is a concept found in Zen and Budo that emphasizes a continued alertness to an endeavor. In other words, it is a state of mind of persistent vigilance and awareness of the surroundings, a mind that is still or relaxed yet alert and is totally present in every moment of any given action or activity. It is a principle of never letting one’s guard down.
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It is a concept of total engagement, a mind that is always ready. It can be interpreted as having a state of mind that is always prepared and alert for any possible danger from all sides in a given situation.
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It is walking when we walk (put those phones down), sitting when we sit, standing when we stand, and fighting when we fight. Zanshin is always paying attention throughout the course of whatever we decide to do. It is a mental state of preparedness, alertness, awareness, and engagement; and the focus should not be isolated but all encompassing. It is a principle of unbroken concentration and total awareness.
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In our training and our daily lives, let us not forget to appreciate every aspect of every situation so as not to take things for granted. Always be ready to make a defense. “In the real world, you can’t expect people to do what they’re supposed to do.”