A Reminder to Myself: Chew, Chew, Chew, . . .

This is a self-reflection and reminder for myself on the value of chewing.

Ten Habits for Health (健康十訓)

Here’s a set of ten habits (precepts, lessons, guidelines) for health from Japanese literature which also adorn tea mugs and posters [aretan_健康十訓].   The translation is provided first and followed by the

The Alexander Technique – Quotes and Resources

I had no idea of the Alexander Technique until two Alexander Technique teachers described this to me a few years ago.  Thanks to them and their periodic comments on the Alexander Technique, my interest in

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.

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

From Over-eating to Intuitive Eating

A student asked for advice related to eating.  He was struggling with over-eating and its associated complications to his weight, health and ability to do kendo.

Focusing on the Process vs. Results for Shinsa and Shiai

It is natural to focus on the “results” aspect of shinsa and shiai.  A pass vs. fail.  A win vs. loss.  Likewise for the outcomes of scholastic tests, courtships, applications, interviews,

Programming the Opponent – To Adopt Short-Term Conditioned Responses

I came across an interesting technique while reading the book The Art of Learning – An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin [Waitzkin].  According to the bio,

Quotes on Habits – Shaping One’s Kendo and Life

As mentioned in “Resources on Habits – to Change or Acquire Them,” our acquired habits of behaviors, actions and thoughts influence and shape our