Not Yet Nirvana

“Sensei” is a Japanese word we in the West, interpret as, “teacher.” We usually think of it in terms of martial arts training but in fact, it is applied to many other things such as flower arrangement or learning the board game Goh. The more accurate definition of “sensei” is: “the one who came before.” As a martial arts instructor, I always liked the more accurate definition; it indicated I had personally experienced the trials and tribulations of my own hard won journey to get to the level where I could share with students, that which was taught to me. I think this is the sentiment, the essence of the word’s meaning. Take away any martial arts connotations, use the Japanese terminology of sensei, the one who came before, and apply it to those from whom we seek advice. Once you do that, you will have a different point of view of those who freely provide insight into how you should live your life or how you should react to situations. Now, I am in no way suggesting that...

2019! Already? Yes, the New Year is now two days old as I am writing.  This is the year I turn sixty-five. I will retire in August and the plan is to sell the house and move to Florida. So, facing lots of major life changes.  The fact is I am moving even further away from my kids, my family, and friends in Canada. This saddens me a great deal. ( Of course, since our destination is to be Florida, they have all assured me they will be visiting us. I hope so. ) There is now more sand in the bottom of the hour glass than at the top and reflecting on my life causes me some consternation.  It is so because I am coming face to face with my own mediocrity.  I had hoped my passions of music, martial arts and writing would have brought more acclaim, more financial reward despite the fact I engaged in them from love and without the thought of financial recompense. My life’s mistakes haunt me, as do the consequences born from poor decisions.  Oh, I know,...