The Jedi Way

A a modern Jedi Order built on wisdom, discipline, and self-improvement. We blend philosophy, mindfulness, and community to forge balance in life. Join us: https://discord.gg/DXrUZSKrhe https://www.TheJediWay.com

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How the Jedi Use Soft Power

By Ael Adrel, LPC

“The Jedi are guardians of peace and justice.” — Mace Windu

When we think of power, we often picture dominance; lightsabers, politics, military strength. But Jedi rarely rely on force. Instead, they wield something quieter, more lasting, and often more difficult to master: soft power.

What Is Soft Power?

The term “soft power” was coined by political scientist Joseph Nye, who defined it as “the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments.” Soft power is often about influence and not intimidation. It is shaping outcomes by modeling values, creating trust, and offering inspiration instead of demands.

In psychology, this is similar to concepts like prosocial influence and servant leadership - forms of authority based on empathy, authenticity, and moral clarity. According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, leadership rooted in these values correlates with greater psychological safety, emotional regulation, and cohesion among groups.

The Jedi exemplify this.

How Do the Jedi Use Soft Power?

By Leading Through Example

Jedi do not impose their beliefs. They embody them.

When Qui-Gon Jinn kneels in meditation before facing Darth Maul, he teaches something far deeper than lightsaber technique: he shows what it means to remain grounded in peace amidst chaos. He doesn’t need to lecture Obi-Wan. He shows him.

In your own life, this could mean:

Choosing calm over reaction in a heated discussion.

Holding to your values even when pressured.

Modeling patience, generosity, or discipline in front of others.

People don’t always follow what you say. But they remember how you made them feel. Soft power works because it builds trust through consistency.

By Building Relationships, Not Control

Jedi are respected not because they dominate….but because they serve.

In therapy and mental health work, we often speak of “non-directive support.” A 2020 paper in The Counseling Psychologist noted that clients are more likely to adopt change when they feel seen, heard, and not coerced. This echoes the Jedi mindset: connect first, guide second.

Soft power requires emotional intelligence: a Jedi’s ability to listen, stay present, and understand what motivates others. Master Yoda didn’t try to control Luke. He presented the truth, but let Luke choose his path.

By Staying Grounded in Principles

Jedi power is not about charisma or charm alone. It’s rooted in discipline, values, and trustworthiness. This aligns with what psychologists call integrity-based leadership, influence earned by those who walk their talk.

A 2019  meta-analysis in Journal of Business Ethics showed that leaders who embody moral clarity and humility gain longer-lasting loyalty and cooperation, compared to those who rely on fear or pressure.

The Jedi Code is not only a personal mantra! It's a moral compass that allows Jedi to lead without domination.  “There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.” That knowledge includes knowing when not to act. When to step back and allow others to grow.

Why Soft Power Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world flooded with noise, competition, and digital posturing. In that kind of world, quiet strength stands out. Jedi soft power reminds us:

You don’t have to raise your voice to be heard.

You don’t have to control people to influence them.

You don’t have to win every battle to shape the outcome.

Soft power may not offer instant results but it builds something deeper: respect, trust, and lasting change. Whether you're teaching, parenting, leading a team, or simply trying to live with integrity, the Jedi model reminds us that the strongest influence is often the gentlest hand.

“The Force is what gives a Jedi their power.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi

So does soft power. So do the quiet choices we make every day.

May the Force be with you, – Ael Adrel www.TheJediWay.com

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Jedi Meditations - 6/13/2025

Good morning, fellow Jedi. Today I want to briefly discuss fear.

“The Jedi path is not about eliminating all fear but learning to live well in its presence.”

Fear is not your enemy. It is a messenger. It tells you what matters to you. What you love, what you’re afraid to lose, where your boundaries lie.

A Jedi does not waste energy pretending fear doesn’t exist. Nor do they let it take the controls.

Instead, they sit with it. Breathe through it. They listen- but they do not obey.

To live well in the presence of fear means walking forward anyway. It means letting your values steer the ship instead of your panic.

Today, ask yourself:

What fear am I carrying right now?

Is it pointing me toward something I care about?

How can I act from purpose rather than protection?

Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the decision that something else matters more.

[jediliving]

Living as a Real Jedi

When I first created what would become Jedi Living I did so for one simple purpose - To Help Me Live as a Jedi Knight. To learn, live, and grow as a Jedi in everyday life. We are nine years in on my little project and only a year on Tumblr. But I have created some content over that time which you may find useful. So to sort that out, here is a Jedi Living Collection Post. Hope you find it helpful.

Introduction Posts:

Are Jedi Real?

Keep the Basics at Heart

Five (random) Jedi Misconceptions

How Jedi Living Does yo!

The Way is Not Mysterious

Jedi Life Posts:

Five Ways to Start Living as a Jedi

Five Ways to Cultivate a Jedi Mind

Developing a Jedi Attitude 

Developing a Good Jedi Relationship

Five Ways to Help like a Jedi

Five Habits that are Harshing your Jedi Zen

Solving Problems like a Jedi Knight

Creating a Jedi Mood

Dark Side:

Five Tips for Facing a Dark Side Day

Battling the Dark Side

Emotions and the Dark Side

When You Fall

Remembering Your Jedi-Self

Jedi Training Posts:

Real Jedi Training

Ten Things You Should Not Sacrifice for Jedi Training

Four Tips to Improve Your Training

Five Tips Before Searching for Your Jedi Master

How to get Jedi-Level Concentration

Tips for Running

Ten Things to Help You Survive Training

Jedi and Fitness

Jedi Community Posts:

The Jedi Community

Beware the False Master

Be the Master

Jediism = Real Jedi?

Exercises:

Jedi Breathing Exercise

Jedi Relaxation

Improving Jedi Diplomacy

Jedi Meditation 1 (Jedi Codes Reflection)

Jedi Workout 1 (Coming Soon)

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"Pass on what you have learned. Strength, mastery, hmm… but weakness, folly, failure also. Yes: failure, most of all." - Master Yoda

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Become a Jedi

(No Robes Required)

“A Jedi is not defined by their weapon, but by their commitment to peace, discipline, and purpose.”

The Jedi of legend wielded lightsabers, moved objects with their minds, and fought galactic wars. But the Jedi path we follow is not about fantasy, but practice. Real, grounded, intentional practice that leads to a clearer mind, a stronger body, and a more purposeful life.

So what does it mean to become a Jedi in the real world? And why would anyone choose that path today?

The answer is simple: because we need it.

----

The World Is Loud. The Jedi Are Still.

In a time of distraction, outrage, and constant noise, the Jedi path teaches focus.

In a culture obsessed with appearance, the Jedi seek alignment.

Where many chase status, Jedi train in service.

Becoming a Jedi doesn’t mean you think you’re special. It means you’ve chosen to live with intention. You want to respond instead of react. You want your choices to match your values. You want to be strong, not to dominate others, but to protect your peace and support those around you.

---- What Does a Jedi Actually Do?

To be a Jedi is to:

Discipline the body through consistent, mindful movement

Train the mind through meditation, study, and emotional awareness

Serve others with compassion, humility, and leadership

Seek balance, especially when life pulls us off center

Live the Code, not just quote it

It’s not titles or robes. It’s what you do -every day- when no one’s watching.

(Want to join our Jedi Realist Community? Click Here!)

You walk the path when you decide to. And you stay on the path by showing up, again and again, especially when it's hard.

That’s what makes it powerful.

If the idea of the Force resonates with you, if you believe there’s something deeper that connects us, even if we can’t see it, then you’re not alone. Many of us have felt it too.

What If I Don’t Get It Perfect?

You won’t. No Jedi does.

“The greatest teacher, failure is.” – Yoda

We fall. We forget. We stumble. But we return to the path. That’s the way. That’s the training.

And the more we return, the more it becomes who we are.

This Is the Way Forward

You don’t need to change everything overnight. Start small. One meditation. One positive choice. One moment of stillness. Then another. And then? You may already be one of us.

We would be honored if you would walk this path with us. This is The Jedi Way.

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Jedi and Anxiety: Finding Peace in a Restless Mind

“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” – Yoda

Anxiety is something nearly all of us face. It shows up as racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, second-guessing everything, or feeling like you’re one wrong move from disaster. And while the Jedi are known for calm and clarity, they are not free from fear or worry.

What sets a Jedi apart is not the absence of anxiety but how they respond to it.

Anxiety Is Natural. Reactivity Is a Choice.

Jedi are trained to feel emotion, but not to be controlled by it. That includes anxiety.

“The Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.” – Yoda

In Jediism, it doesn't mean suppressing how we feel. Rather it means we observe, we breathe, and we respond deliberately. Anxiety clouds judgment. Jedi practice presence, even when the mind is loud. That starts with recognizing the voice of fear and choosing not to obey it.

Why Overthinking Leads to the Dark Side

When you’re overthinking, your mind is trying to predict and control every possible outcome. But control is an illusion, and the desire for control is a breeding ground for fear.

“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

This doesn't mean you're becoming a "Sith" for worrying. It means that left unchecked, anxiety becomes a loop: worry → avoidance → guilt → more worry. A Jedi breaks the loop with awareness and grounded action.

Overthinking is the mind’s attempt to protect. Jedi training teaches us to trust something deeper: our clarity, our preparation, our connection to the present. (Hey! Is this helpful? We would love to have you in our NEW Jedi Community.)

Jedi Tools for an Anxious Mind

Here are a few real-world tools Jedi use to meet anxiety without being ruled by it:

1. Breathwork

“Breathe. Just breathe.” – Luke Skywalker

When the mind spirals, return to the breath. Inhale slowly through the nose for 5 counts. Hold for 6 counts. Exhale through the mouth for 7 counts. Do it again. And again. Let your nervous system reset.

2. Mindful Movement Anxiety is energy. If it has nowhere to go, it builds. Jedi walk, stretch, train, move, to help their mental state, too.

3. Thought Observation Instead of arguing with your thoughts, notice them. Label them. “That’s fear.” “That’s doubt.” “That’s a future I don’t control.” Naming separates you from the storm.

4. Service to Others The Jedi serve. Anxiety often pulls us inward, but serving others (even in small ways) can restore balance and purpose. This can be something as simple as leaving a nice social media comment, or appropriately complimenting someone.

You Are Not Broken. You Are Becoming.

“The Force will be with you. Always.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

The presence of anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing...it means you’re human. The Jedi path is not about eliminating all fear but learning to live well in its presence.

Some days, the mind will be loud. Some days, peace will feel far away. But you are still walking the path. Every breath, every moment of awareness, every time you choose calm over chaos.

That’s the Jedi Way in action.

You don’t have to fix everything. Just stay grounded. Keep showing up. The Force is with you, and so are we. -Ael Adrel

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"What's the difference between feeling and understanding the Force?"

Understanding the Force is intellectual. It’s knowing the philosophy & grasping the idea that everything is connected, that balance matters, that our actions ripple outward. You can study it, quote it, even teach it.

But feeling the Force is experiential. It’s when we pause in nature and feel completely still. It’s the calm clarity in a moment of chaos or when our instincts align with your values, and our choices feel right, even if they’re hard.

Understanding is in the mind. Feeling is in the body and the moment.

A Jedi seeks both. Wisdom comes from the balance between knowing and being.

May the Force be with you, always.

[jediwayofficial]

What Does It Mean to Be a Jedi in the Real World?

The answer is both simpler and more powerful than you might think in Jedi Realism / Jediism.

The Jedi are agents of peace, wellness, and wellbeing. In Jedi Realism we start with ourselves, and then move onto our communities to make positive change.

Jedi don’t chase power. We pursue balance. And in the real world, that starts with emotional & physical mastery.

To be a Jedi means learning how to remain calm when chaos hits. It means choosing presence over panic, and patience over rage. It means sitting with your feelings (acknowledging them) then responding with intention, not impulse.

The Jedi Train Daily (Body, Mind, and Spirit)

You don’t need to be perfect. But a Jedi practices emotional discipline every single day.

Jedi Realism isn’t about cosplay or fandom. It’s about training.

-We train the body through movement, breath, and rest.

-We train the mind through learning, meditation, and focus.

-We train the spirit through service, reflection, and choosing the light, again and again.

You don’t have to follow a strict code. But the point is showing up. A Jedi doesn’t wait until they feel ready.

We train because we want to become ready.

The Jedi Serve Something Greater

That doesn’t mean you have to become a monk or a martyr. Instead we can use our skills, energy, and time to lift others. To be a force for healing in a world that desperately needs it.

Sometimes that looks like volunteering. Sometimes it’s being kind when you don’t feel like it. Sometimes it’s just listening.

Service is the real lightsaber. It cuts through darkness. Quietly.

(Hey! We would be honored if you would join us.)

A Jedi Has a Moral Compass - But Doesn’t Preach

The Jedi Code is a guide, not a hammer. In the real world, being a Jedi means living your values! Honesty, courage, discipline, compassion and we do so without expecting applause. You don’t need to “correct” everyone. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. All that's needed is to live aligned with your principles.

Lead by example. Let your actions speak.

A Jedi Is Always Growing

“The greatest teacher, failure is..” - Master Yoda

The Jedi path isn’t a destination. There’s no graduation ceremony. You don’t “become” a Jedi once and for all.

You walk the path every day. You fail. You reflect. You adapt. You get back up. You grow. You may not be able to move objects with your mind...but you can move yourself.

And in doing so, you move the world forward.

So What Does It Mean to Be a Jedi?

It means:

You seek peace in a world that thrives on noise You train daily to master yourself You serve something greater than your ego You lead with presence, not pressure You live by your values. Especially when no one is watching. You return to the path, again and again, no matter how many times you fall

This is The Way of the Jedi.

May The Force Be With You, Always. -Ael Adrel

(P.S. - We would love to have you become a part of our community. Join here!)

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Sadness is not weakness. It is not failure. And for the Jedi, it is not something to be buried or ignored. While the Jedi Code teaches emotional control, it does not advocate emotional denial.

Let's turn to the first line of the Jedi Code: "There is no emotion, there is peace".

Because of the relative ambiguity of the language, some may be led to believe that Jedi strive to be emotionless - however it is more apt to say The Jedi Strive to be free from passions, not from emotions. To be free of passion is to be free of the impulses of emotion - whether positive or negative.

A Jedi is trained to feel deeply, but to respond wisely.

Grief, loss, and sorrow are natural responses to a world filled with change and attachment. The path of the Jedi is not about escaping these emotions but learning to hold them without being consumed.

Yoda once said, “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” This is not a command to avoid connection, but a reminder that all things pass. Sadness is part of love. A Jedi may lose friends, see injustice, and feel the weight of compassion in a galaxy that does not always return it. The lesson is not to retreat into apathy, but to remain open-hearted without losing balance.

Sadness reminds the Jedi of what matters most.

It is worth remembering that even Jedi Masters falter. Obi-Wan Kenobi, after losing Anakin to the Dark Side, did not celebrate survival. He grieved. He went into hiding. He mourned what was lost. Yet he still returned when the time was right. A Jedi may walk with sadness, but they do not stop walking. They carry it. They honor it. And in doing so, they transform it into wisdom, empathy, and strength.

Sadness, like the Force, is part of what connects us. It is proof that we care. That we hope. That we are still alive. The Jedi Way does not promise the absence of sorrow. It offers the tools to face it with clarity, courage, and peace.

Thank you for reading, and may the Force be with you,

-Ael Adrel

(P.S. - We would be honored if you would join us.)

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Do. Or Do not.

I've been thinking a lot about where I often fail lately, and it's been a great source of inspiration for me to meditate more. Yoda's iconic message pops up repeatedly - both the importance of failure, but also the importance of honesty & self awareness. (ie. - did I really try to accomplish what I set out to do?)

“Try” often became a shield I hid behind. “I’ll try to eat better.” “I’ll try to be more present.” “I’ll try to change.”

But trying let me stay halfway in, halfway out. A Jedi commits. Even when I failed, I failed forward. Once I got over myself, I was proud that I failed.

This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle. We will. It means we decide that our effort is real. More importantly, we get to choose our struggle.

So today I invite you to pick one thing. Keep it small. Simple. Honest. And don’t “try” to do it. Do it.

No drama. No negotiation. No delay.

Whether it’s 5 pushups, one act of kindness, or a moment of stillness. Do. Not to prove something but to build trust in yourself.

Because that’s the real Jedi power: Knowing you will act because you chose to.

(P.s. - we would be honored if you would join us.)

May the Force be with you,

-Ael Adrel

[jediwayofficial]

“A Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But a strong body houses a strong mind - and that is where your true power begins.”

Jedi aren’t defined by power alone. They’re defined by discipline. They don’t train for vanity, they train for clarity, peace, and purpose. In our galaxy, that kind of strength begins with practical self-care: fueling the body, moving with intention, and trusting the long game over the quick fix.

It’s not about looking like a Jedi. It’s about living like one.

Fuel Like a Jedi (Without Falling to the Dark Side)

“The truth is often what we make of it.” – Ahsoka Tano

There’s no shortage of diet noise in the galaxy. You’ve heard it:

“Cut carbs!” “This pill burns fat!” “You must eat this one perfect way!”

Let’s be clear: that’s the Dark Side talking.

The Jedi path isn’t about extremes. It’s about balance, intention, and sustainability. There is no single Jedi diet. No miracle fruit. No supplement that replaces consistency. (Do you want to become a Jedi? Join us here!)

Let’s cut through some common myths:

-Myth: "You must eat X way to be healthy!" -Truth: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Keto works for some. High-carb works for others. Jedi Realism isn’t about labels, it’s about listening to your body and fueling it wisely. Consistency matters more than perfection.

-Myth: “This one food will fix everything.” -Truth: If it sounds magical, it’s marketing. No berry, shake, or powder will replace daily habits. The foundation of wellness is built on ordinary, repeated actions. Not shortcuts.

-Myth: “Carbs are the path to the Dark Side.” -Truth: Carbs are fuel. Your brain and body need them—especially if you’re active. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support energy, focus, and recovery.

Excess calories - not carbs - lead to fat gain.

-The Jedi Way of Eating

Jedi don’t restrict, they refine.

Eat real food. Prioritize whole foods like vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Processed snacks aren’t evil—but they’re not allies in large doses.

Be flexible. The Jedi adapt. A rigid mindset leads to burnout and guilt.

-Written by Jedi Knight Drevos Kael We would be honored if you would join us.

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"Your focus determines your reality."

                                                                        — Qui-Gon Jinn  

The Jedi may be fictional, but their practices echo real-world wisdom, especially when it comes to Jedi meditation. If you’ve ever wished for more inner calm, better focus, or even just a moment of peace in your busy life, you don’t need a lightsaber. You need presence.

What Is Jedi Meditation?

In Star Wars, Jedi meditation/Jedi mindfulness is a way to connect with the Force, an energy field that binds all living things. In our galaxy, meditation helps us connect to the present moment, develop emotional control, and strengthen mental clarity. 

You won’t be levitating rocks after one session, but you will start to notice your stress softening and your mind sharpening.

"Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin. They betray you." — Obi-Wan Kenobi

Find a Quiet Place (Your Personal Jedi Temple)

You don’t need robes or candles to Jedi Guided Meditation, just a quiet corner. It could be your bedroom, a balcony, even your car. The goal is to step away from distractions. Turn off your holocom (phone/computer). Set a timer if you like - start with 5 to 10 minutes.

Focus on the Breath (The Force Flows Through It)

"Breathe. Just breathe." — Luke Skywalker

Close your eyes. 

Inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds, hold for four, exhale through your mouth for six. 

This is your anchor when the mind wanders (and it will), gently return to your breath. 

Think of each breath as connecting you to the present, like tuning into the Force.

Don’t Fight the Thoughts (You’re Not a Sith!...Right?)

You will get distracted. You will think about what to eat for dinner. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. The Jedi don’t suppress emotion! They observe it and let it go. There is no emotion, there is peace. 

Watch your thoughts pass like speeders through the sky. 

Don’t chase them. Just come back to your breath.

End With Intention (Set the Tone for the Day)

When your time is up, open your eyes slowly. Take one more deep breath. 

Ask yourself: What kind of Jedi do I want to be today? Calm? Focused? Helpful? 

This little question sets the tone, and over time, it reprograms how you show up in life. Remember that positivity & peace is an active practice, but negativity tends to be automatic.

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power... It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together." — Obi-Wan Kenobi

A Simple Daily Morning Routine

This is a simple flow you can follow each morning - you don't need to be an expert to simply: 

Sit quietly for 10 minutes

Focus on the breath (remember in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 6)

Repeat a mantra if helpful (ex: “There is no emotion, there is peace”)

Close with one intention for your day (ex: "Today, I will be kind to myself.")

You Don’t Need to Be a Master to Meditate

 "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose." — Yoda 

If you practice you’ll start to sense your own version of the Force: a quiet strength inside you that’s always been there. Meditation isn’t about being perfect - in fact striving to be "perfect" at it is antithetical to the purpose of meditation.

Meditation is a journey. After all, even Jedi Masters were once Padawans.

May the Force be with you,

                                           -Ael Adrel

We would be honored if you would join us: https://discord.gg/DXrUZSKrhe

[jediwayofficial]

Do you remember the wisdom that Master Yoda gave to Luke Skywalker and found yourself nodding your head and wishing these movie characters existed in real life?

“Pass on what you have learned, strength, mastery, but weakness, folly, failure also; yes failure most of all, the greatest teacher failure is."

Our aim is to live by the principles that guided the Jedi in some of our most favorite movies. To pass on what we've learned and self improve as a community while under the banner of "Jedi".

We focus on self-help & personal wellness by exercising, meditating, working on our emotional & mental health - and more!

The community is free to join, there is no ask other than you engage in this community in good faith. We would be honored if you would join us: https://discord.gg/DXrUZSKrhe