The Paradox of Efforting and Non-Efforting

Here’s some stories related to the paradox of efforting (trying) and non-efforting (the absence of trying) in kendo and life.  On how efforting can sometimes lead to so called failure and how non-efforting, to unintended success.  It is also

My Life in Two States and Some Ways to Return Home

I reflect on my experiences on the “way” (道) and summarize in this article:  my life which seems to toggle between two (cognitive) states and some ways that I have found helpful in finding my way home back to the second state.

Quotes on Surrender and Acceptance

Here’s a small collection of quotes on surrender and acceptance in the following sections:

Quotes on Progressive Relaxation

Buds of the “Heart leaf” tree (Cercis canadensis or eastern redbud) in Mar 2021

Here are a set of quotes related to a relaxation technique referred to as Progressive Relaxation (and Progressive Muscle Relaxation) developed by Edmund Jacobson.  I found the technique not only effective for returning to calmness but also for better understanding the correlation of thoughts and tension (and ‘no thoughts’ and ‘no tension’).  The quotes are organized as follows:

The Experience of ‘No Thought’ – Progressive Relaxation and Edmund Jacobson

From time to time, I read and hear about the experience of ‘No Thought’ in the context of meditation, martial arts and kendo [KendoNotes MushinResources] [KendoNotes MushinQuotes] [KendoNotes MushinEiga].  It is

Progressive Relaxation: “Mother Knows Best”

This is a short story serving as an introduction to Progressive Relaxation (also referred to as Progressive Muscle Relaxation) and a reminder of the adage:  “Mother knows best.” 

Emotions as Gifts, Signals and “Action-Requiring Neurological Programs”

A friend recently referred me to Karla McLaren who writes on the subject of emotions and empathy.  It was like a breath of fresh air to read a few of

“…ing” and Non-Duality – Quotes

A glorious sunset in Split.

The pointers to presence, awareness, peace, … :  What is the object of my attention?, Who is paying attention to that object of attention?” and “Who am I?” have been addressed in

Mushotoku (無所得), “The Cat’s Martial Arts Assembly” and Path to 10th Dan ;-)

During a discussion on meditation today, a person mentioned the term  “Mushotoku” (無所得) which I had never heard of before.  It refers to a state of “not seeking anything”