The Kotodama effect – How to create your own battle-cry

Words can help you tap into your inner fire, your warrior spirit. Photo by 4johnny5

Do you remember when your boss/friends/family genuinely thanked you for your hard work? I bet you felt amazing.

What about that movie with a powerful speech or battle-cry that made you feel powerful? That feeling is simply awesome.

Unfortunately, the effects doesn’t last beyond a day or two. This is a real shame because you are truly at your best when words really reach your soul.

What if you could harness this power to use your warrior spirit and create a world full of beauty and happiness for yourself?

Just keep reading and you will find out.

Words for your soul

In Japan, there is something called Kotodama or “spirit words”. Don’t worry, they won’t bring any ghost or spirit near you; but you want to use them!

Kotodama are those words that help you unleash the best within you. For example when a karate student throws a punch they usually say (yell) something along. Believe it or not, those words help you throw a stronger punch.

Now, imagine waking up and instead of trying to find the will to move forward; you go and tackle your day full of energy and willing to do your best at every moment.

You just need to harness the power of Kotodama with a small twist. You will craft your own battle-cry with those words that actually mean something to you.

Finding your words

Believe it or not, this is really easy to do and the benefits clearly outweigh the 20 or so minutes this will take you.

First of all, keep in mind your core values, they hold the key to crafting the most empowering battle-cry for you.

Now, take a minute to remember those movies or books that have powerful speeches. They have stayed with you for a long time even if you don’t remember it word by word for a reason.

For example, I clearly remember the speech by King Theoden of Rohan in the Lord of The Rings.

Forth, and fear no darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day… a red day… ere the sun rises! -King Theoden of Rohan

I remember him riding in front of all his riders. They had to face a insane amount of enemies, but his words truly made me feel powerful.

I’m not saying that you should use those words, after all you are not a rider of Rohan. But take note of the special feeling and search for them in all the speeches you remember. Then ask yourself a couple of questions:

• Why this words feel so powerful? Find the reason why you feel attracted to those words, maybe it’s the character or the quality of those words. For me, they are powerful because he is inspiring his troops. It feels epic to ride towards a fierce battle just to battle the forces of evil.
• Do they tap into one of your values? If they do, make a special note. Any battle-cry that ties with your values is a golden nugget. King Theoden and his riders are fighting for justice, trying to overcome the forces of evil. That’s why I feel they are so special.
• How can you make them yours? The speech is awesome, but you should make it personal in order to create awesomeness! I feel a powerful connection when he said “fear no darkness”, so I choose to keep those words.

You may have just a small amount of sentences that connect with you, or maybe you have enough to fill a book. There is no right or wrong at this point.

It’s time for you to create the words that will grant you power.

Creating your battle-cry

With all the inspiration you have gathered, probably you feel a bit awesome already.

It’s time for you to make it personal.

Take a couple of minutes to read all of the material you have gathered. Now, don’t try to be perfect here, it’s better if it comes natural, it’s more feeling than science.

Write down your battle-cry, those words that allow you to channel your warrior spirit into the world.

For me it came something like this:

“I won’t fear the darkness, there is good in this world and it’s worth fighting for. Today is a bright day!” (Tweet This!)

This comes from several quotes from the Lord of The Rings (I’m such a geek!).

I’m not saying this one should always work for you, perhaps yours speaks of peace. A friend’s battle-cry speaks of beauty and love. The point is: it must move you.

Using your battle-cry

Now, you need to make a commitment with me.

Each and every day, you will wake up. Go to the nearest mirror and say your battle-cry out loud. You don’t have to shout, just speak clearly and with intention. Let your own words fill you with power.

If you feel down during the day, remember your words. If you have a victory, celebrate it with your battle-cry!

It’s yours. It comes from deep within you. It’s your true voice. (TweetThis!)

Now it’s your turn!

Enso Journey is where the warriors gather. Each of the warriors who read this blog has their own battle-cry. It’s time for you to join them, let your battle-cry be heard in the comment section. Empower others with your call to arms!

If you want to go even further, subscribe to our Warrior Dojo and learn more powerful tips to improve your life. Fill in the form below and you will get our Warrior Manual for free!

Today is a special day, beyond your battle-cry you can also learn how to do your best at all times, head over to Strong Inside Out and check The Larry Gelwix Guide to doing your best!