Where is My Attention?

Jacarandas in bloom in San Diego, CA, May 2020.

Life and the mind seems to be in one of two states.  Being under water mostly for me and periodically coming up, out of the water, for air.  Or being asleep mostly and waking-up

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

“Who am I?”  Poway, CA, Mar 2020.

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

Drawing by Taylor, Feb. 2020.

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