This article is about three effective and fairly easy-to-remember ways to acquire a new habit. When I was young, I remember reading an enlightening and empowering newspaper article. It was by an author who claimed to have read most if not Continue reading
Habits
A Reminder to Myself: Chew, Chew, Chew, . . .
This is a self-reflection and reminder for myself on the value of chewing. Continue reading
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 Continue reading
The Alexander Technique – Quotes and Resources
I had no idea of the Alexander Technique until two Alexander Technique teachers (H. and M.) described this to me a few years ago. Thanks to them and their periodic comments on the Alexander Technique, Continue reading
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. 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
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. Continue reading
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, Continue reading
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, Continue reading