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

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

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Where is My Attention?

Jacarandas in bloom in San Diego, CA, May 2020.

Life and the mind seems to be in one of two states.  Being under water mostly for me and periodically coming up, out of the water, for air.  Or being asleep mostly and waking-up

Reflections on Meditation – Part 2: Some Experiences and Catching the Ninja

Drawing by Taylor, Feb. 2020.

I reflect on some of my experiences along this journey of meditation.  Like a travel guide, perhaps this may be useful for those starting or considering to start the journey.  Though

The Mirror in the Heart of Master Swordsmen (and Jedi Masters) – Quotes

Many master swordsmen and revered kendo teachers mention the importance of having a heart with a clear mirror.  That with such a mirror, one can intuit the heart and

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.

“Soft Eyes,” A Way of Seeing and Being – Quotes and Resources

I believe that “Soft Eyes” is an extremely important part of kendo and many areas of life.  It is a natural, tension-free way of seeing and being – which goes by many other names: Whole or Effortless Seeing, Soft or Open Focus, Wide-Angled, Peripheral or Panoramic Vision and “Enzan no Metsuke (a distant mountain gaze).”

The Blown Feather Sword (吹毛剣) – To Cut Away Our Attachments and Shikai

Here’s a translation of an explanation of a koan [Wiki_Koan] regarding a special sword referred to as “The Blown Feather Sword”（吹毛剣－suimouken).  A koan is typically a

Quotes on Mushin, Flow and Open-Focus – Part 1

Reflections on Meditation – Part 1: Some Benefits

This article is intended for those wondering if meditation might be useful for them in kendo or other areas of life.  I reflect on some of the benefits I have experienced through