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.”
Stories
Han Seok-Bong (韓石峯) – Tenacity, Practice and a Tiger Mom
My father loves telling stories from folklore and real life. One is about a famous Korean calligrapher named Han Seok-Bong (한석봉 韓石峯 1543~1605). Continue reading
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” Continue reading
Beginning Nito-ryu Kendo – An Experience Report
This is a guest article by Patrick Schultheis with the San Diego Kendo Bu and UCSD Iaido Club.
Yamaoka Tesshu – the Swordsman, Calligrapher and Zen Teacher
Thanks to a fellow kendo dojo member, I recently started reading the life story of Yamaoka Tesshu (山岡 鉄舟, 1836-1888), a master swordsman, calligrapher and Zen Continue reading
A Furry Three-Legged Trooper Named Duke and Heijoushin (平常心)
I met and walked a three-legged dog named Duke with a friend a few evenings ago. He is a cool “dude.” He had lost Continue reading
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 Continue reading
Witnessing a Transformation in the Demeanor of a Child in Kendo
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
I recently witnessed something quite astonishing. The demeanor of a young child, who had been learning kendo for at least several years, changed remarkably during a Continue reading
Kiai, Presence and the Second Circle
A few days ago, I witnessed a remarkable change in the kiai of a longtime fellow dojo member. Until that day, for as many years as I can remember, her kiai had sounded Continue reading