When readers of this site contact me, their most common questions are things like, "How can I use the Force?" or "How can I use the Force to move objects?" or "How can I use the Force to influence people?" These are all questions that one might have at one point or another in the journey, but here's a question that almost no one asks, yet is a very important question: What does it mean to be a Jedi in the real world? You can break that question down into smaller questions: How do I dress? How do I act? Do I tell people that I'm a Jedi? Can I be a Jedi and still follow my religious beliefs? What if people make fun of me for being a Jedi? Is being a Jedi just living in a fantasy world, or can it be a viable part of a well-balanced life?

Let's address each question seperately, and by the end, hopefully you will have an idea of what it might mean for you to be a Jedi in the real world.

How do I dress?
The simple answer to this is, however you want! The Star Wars films take place in another time and another place. While it can be fun to dress up in a tunic and robe like Obi-Wan or Mace Windu, you have to ask yourself if that clothing makes sense in your life. You might need to go to school or to work, or have other things that you need to do, and most situations come with their own dress code, either implicitly or explicitly. If your school requires navy pants, your workplace professional dress, or tending to animals at a barn overalls, I cannot tell you not to follow that dress code. Wear whatever makes sense for your personality and situation.

How do I act?
Follow the Jedi code- it encourages the same things that most socities and religions do- kindness, compassion, acts of service. In being the best Jedi you can be, you will also strive to be the best person you can be. Help others, do acts of kindness, and make peace. It's good for you, and it's good for the world.

Do I tell people that I'm a Jedi?
That is entirely up to you. Inevitably, in telling people that you're a Jedi, they will want to know what that means, so if you're unprepared to explain it to them, it's probably best not to tell them, or to wait until you know what to say. Most people, when they hear that you're a Jedi, think that you're going to start running around hitting things with plastic lightsabers. You'll need to be prepared to explain how that is not the truth. Before you tell anybody, you need to ask yourself, "Do I know what I believe?" Is being a Jedi a religion for you, as it is for many people across the world who answered Jedi in their country's census? Is it more of a lifestyle philosophy, where you strive to connect to the Force to do good in the world? Do you want to run around LARPing (live action role-playing) with a group of friends? Whatever your answer, knowing what it is before telling people will make it easier to explain it to them. You might also decide that it's a private, personal thing, and that you simply don't find it necessary to tell anyone at all. Or, you might tell some people, but not everyone. If you are still trying to figure out what being a Jedi means to you, you should meditate on the question. You can also discuss it with a trusted friend, or you can even email me about it, and I can help you work through it.

Can I be a Jedi and still follow my religious beliefs?
Certainly! While some people do see Jedi as a religion, others do not. Many find that the Jedi way mixes well with their own religion, as there are many of the same ideas at the center. Your religious journey is personal, and it is up to you to decide what fits in your heart.

What if people make fun of me for being a Jedi?
Like anything in life, some people will see the worth in it, and some won't. Many people starting on the Jedi path are still in school, and as such, are subject to being with a group of other children every day, where it isn't always possible to avoid the people who may tease you. This may be the sort of situation where you decide not to tell people that you are a Jedi- you can still act according to your beliefs without giving a label to others. If they already know and are still making fun of you, you have a few options. Are they your friends teasing you, and you're just tired of the teasing? Ask them to stop. If they're really your friends, they'll listen and respect your request. Are they people whose opinion you don't care about? Ignore them; they don't matter. Are they bullying you about it? Talk to them, talk to your teachers, your parents, your principal, whoever can help you end the bullying. But also make sure that you are free of fault in your own actions; don't incite people by "lightsaber fighting" or by trying to use the Force to push people, etc. Make sure that you are doing all the good that you can.

Is being a Jedi just living in a fantasy world, or can it be a viable part of a well-balanced life?
Many people worry that becoming immersed in something like being a Jedi is just a measure of escapism and denying the real world. Some people worry about friends who become too obsessed and drawn into a fantasy world. These are very valid concerns. But the good news is that it doesn't have to be that way. The key is finding balance and making reasoned, rational decisions. Is being a Jedi cutting you off from others, or is it helping you to connect with and help others? I believe that an important part of being a Jedi is how you treat others- with kindness, compassion, and doing acts of service to help others. These acts of service can range from small things, like smiling and saying hello to someone who might be normally overlooked or mistreated, like a new kid at school, a cashier, or even just someone you pass on the street; to larger acts of service, like volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter, to even larger acts of service like putting together a benefit, food/clothing drive, or event to help others. Being a Jedi should never be an excuse to treat others poorly or to retreat into your own world entirely.

I hope that addressing some common questions and misperceptions about the life of a Jedi has helped you understand what being a Jedi in the real world looks like. Do you have a question to add to the list, or an answer you'd like me to expand on? Please email me with anything!