Tag Archives: life

Storming the castle

Cloisters
Cloisters

Yesterday my wife and  I took the little ones to the Cloisters. I have to confess that even though I am a native new yorker, I have never been to the Cloisters, although I knew of its existence. Sitting atop Fort Tryon park the first impression you get when you approach the building is that of entering a castle( even though it is modeled after a monastery). Crossing the cobblestone driveway gives you the illusion of entering into another era. The fact that its tucked away in a park and surrounded by trees adds to this otherworldly feel. Continue reading Storming the castle

Zanshin Haiku

Zanshin
Zanshin

For several years now I have been writing haiku. For me it  is a deep personal connection to my life and surroundings. I enjoy this form of poetry because of the structure it gives. It is typically a 5-7-5, three sentence format. The short poem is comprised of 17 syllables in total.

They are poignant, contemplative and often describe the mundane in surprising ways. I call my haiku, zanshin haiku because I am most aware of my present when I write them. Continue reading Zanshin Haiku

Kintsugi-Embracing the flaws

At our dojo we recently had one of two promotions we hold every year. As an instructor I think I am more nervous than the students going for their next rank. I know what its like to be a student and test for a promotion: the nerves, the anxiety, the sick feeling in your stomach as the realization hits you-today is THE day. This is balanced by the exhilaration, the sense of accomplishment of techniques properly executed under stress and the deep feeling of support from your classmates and seniors. This promotion was, in many respects like many of the ones before it. Every group promoting exhibited a strong spirit, incredible amounts of fortitude, grace , and poise. Continue reading Kintsugi-Embracing the flaws