Our practices of Martial Arts and meditation are very special, not everyday experiences. We bring our best, highest selves to class. We use each technique as an opportunity to hone our body and mind. Our focus and mindfulness increase as we push ourselves to new heights. It is meant to be a holy experience, one that we treat with awe and respect. Yet to look at it another way, our practice

Every November I get very excited for Thanksgiving. Troubling historical context not withstanding, it’s my favorite holiday because I love spending time with family and I love eating food. I also think the reminder to be thankful and give thanks is hugely helpful in recognizing what’s great about our lives and the world. Most years we go around the table and give at least one thing we are grateful for.

We all have different reasons to practice martial arts and meditation. These reasons change as we grow in our practice. One of the best things I’ve heard on the subject is that people start practicing for good reasons, keep practicing for great reasons, and if they quit it’s usually for dumb reasons. We should all evolve with time. Even if we do the same things and the outward appearance of life

As Buddha said, life is suffering. This does not mean that suffering cannot be avoided or overcome, but rather that to suffer is our default experience of life. It comes very naturally for us. We must work to overcome it, and this is one of the opportunities our practice of martial arts and meditation gives us. In order to overcome it, we must first understand the nature of suffering. Essentially, suffering

Simone Biles and her mental strength made news with her recent withdrawal from competition at the Olympics. Many were disappointed, not only because as fans they wouldn’t get to see her perform but also because of what it meant for team USA’s gold medal prospects. Many others lauded her decision to heed her mental health and step back, refusing to force herself to compete in what seemed to be a