In Pursuit of Mastery
Learning and mastery are higher level human needs . Mastery involves both learning and doing. Mastery is the "Ri" level in Shu-Ha-Ri . Mastery requires a lot of trial and error. I recently bought a skateboard. I haven't owned a skateboard since I was about 15. It was a little scary getting on it at first. But it came back, like riding a bike. I ride regular, with my left foot forward, pushing with my right foot. I had tried goofy--right foot forward--for variety, but couldn't get the hang of it. But on my first day with my new toy I went too far and hurt my right achilles. So I couldn't ride anymore unless I rode goofy. That required that I start over. I had to learn to balance with my right foot forward. Had to learn to push with my left foot. Had to learn to carve by leaning in a way that felt unnatural. I was unsteady. Self-conscious. Scared that I might injure myself. As I rode around the neighborhood, I had to concentrate on what I