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 Continue reading
Heijoushin
The “Whispered Ah” – for Calmness, Muscle Relaxation and the Posture
I was recently reminded of a “technique” from the 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, Continue reading
Self-Inquiry and “Who Am I?” – Quotes and Resources

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), Continue reading
Relaxing the Right Arm – Benefits, Tips and Gunslingers
This article is on an issue that I pay close attention to for myself (as described later) and for others at the dojo where I practice at: a “tight” right arm. I see it often among the 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
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
Kyudo and Kendo – “How Can They Be Identical?”
This is a story of a learning experience I had, among many, thanks to a professor and teacher, Yokoyama Naoya (横山直也) sensei, years ago when I was a student in Japan. Continue reading
Ways to Calm the Mind and Body for Shinsa and Shiai (Part 1)
Many members of the dojo where I practice are preparing for shinsa. A common challenge for them, myself and perhaps many on the day of a shinsa or shiai is the Continue reading