The “Whispered Ah” – for Calmness, Muscle Relaxation and the Posture

I was recently reminded of an Alexander Technique known as the “Whispered Ah” – developed primarily for those in the performing arts [Josefsberg Breathing] [Dias WhisperedAh, p. 4] [Breaking WhisperedAh].   It is a very simple technique that initiates,

Self-Inquiry and “Who Am I?” – Quotes and Resources

This is a companion article to [KendoNotes_Awareness] on “awareness.”  It is a compilation of quotes and resources on an approach to awakening, heijoushin (平常心),

Anger as a Gift and Alarm – Enriching Our Relationships and Life

This article is on the “Anger Management” aspect of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Marshall Rosenberg.  Thanks to a recommendation from a family member, I recently read:

On Grieving, Dying and Living – Quotes and Resources

Drawing by Tomoe in kamae, Jan 2020.

Two fathers of adult members of the dojo have passed away.  One, ten days ago in his sleep.  A kind, soft-spoken and gentle figure who would visit regularly to watch his two

Reflections on Meditation – Part 2: Some Experiences and Catching the Ninja

I reflect on some of my experiences along this journey of meditation.  Like a travel guide, perhaps this may be useful for those starting or considering to start the journey.  Though

“Kendo in Japanese Martial Culture: Swordsmanship as Self-Cultivation” – Jeffrey Dann’s Ph.D. Thesis

I came across some old notes regarding a Ph.D. Thesis which investigated kendo from a cultural perspective that I had read many years ago.  If you are interested in a

A Paper Napkin and Saving $50M – Deautomization and Getting Unstuck

When aware, we are no longer robots. – Young, KendoNotes

Here’s two stories on the topic of deautomization* and getting unstuck from automated patterns of behaviors: one about a paper napkin and a second on saving 50 million