Catching up

The last few weeks have been rough, as I've been trying to get through my classes. The work load has been quite heavy this time and I have loads of other stuff going on too.

I find myself immersed in many thoughts I can't always keep up with and that I haven't had time to write, although I wish I did. In relation to everything I've been discussing lately I think I've found my way through things a bit. As for the earthquake in Japan I've done what I can financially for now, and unfortunately my skills are not enough to contribute anything. I think at some point I will be able to contribute somehow. When I return from Australia I plan to do some art for the Japan Art Drive.  http://www.artdrivejapan.com/ However, after much reflection and meditating on this I've come to realize it's more about people than just trying to do something. I've heard this before too.....but I mean it's about people even in a simple way, such as the friends I've made through a support group and the daily communication I have with them and my ability to spread Japanese culture and news to my own friends as well. So for right now that is what I can do.

In relation to my other discussions, I continue to experience my happiness lies in the dojo. The Dalai Lama noted how a disciplined mind results in a person being happy and more likely to live a moral life. I find this interesting as this is what we're taught in the dojo too. I'm very happy when I'm training, although in reality I am learning how to beat a guy up! In addition I've come to realize that I'm not only interested in being happy, but also understanding what it truly is, i.e. how one's perspective and awareness contributes to being happy, in essence of the mechanics.

I don't have much more to say at the moment, as these are just a few of the thoughts I can recall I wanted to set down. I can only say I believe I have found truth, honesty, and a genuine life and I can be happy for that alone.

Sakura ~ 桜~

Tonight I was driving in my car all happy singing Japanese Pop songs....yes Japanese Pop. It hadn't even occurred to me until I parked the car that everything I had listened to was in Japanese and it all sounded so completely normal to me, even though there are still some words I don't know. I'm always happy singing in Japanese, but upon realizing what I had been unconsciously doing, what felt so normal to me, I felt even happier knowing that even through something like pop-culture I am bridging a gap between cultures. It made me recall a friend Yoshi-san because he posted one of my favorite songs today. My thoughts then wandered onto how I can only use simple Japanese with him, but even the smallest things I am able to communicate with him still make a big difference and is bridging the gap.

Even after six years I find it amazing how deeply Japanese culture has permeated my heart. So much that it has stolen my heart and I must return there to reclaim it if that's even possible.