Since the Kohnens tested for their black sash two weeks ago the dojo has been buzzing with excitement. I’ve had lots of questions about what it means to be a black sash or black belt and yesterday got a familiar

As most of you know, I had Covid last week. I finally tested negative on Monday, but seeing that sweet single line show up wasn’t the end of it. I’ve felt great for the last few days, have had basically

We have a few tests coming up soon in the dojo, including our first ever black sash test at the end of March. I’ve been thinking a lot about testing lately, and I’ve gotten a few questions about the process.

  Imagine this will be the best year of your life. Not the best year so far, but the best you will ever have. That will certainly set the bar high for your goal setting. You know nothing will top whatever

This week at the dojo we are focusing on breathing. I first wrote this article several years ago but have updated it with some specifics about this week’s specific breathing exercise.   The breath seems like a silly thing to think about

When I was a child I was given a book with the title My Book About Me. It was a Dr. Seuss book with illustrations. There was a picture of me looking funny with an oversized baseball hat that my

Last weekend we had our annual Internal Retreat at Mt. Baldy Zen Center. We had an amazing time practicing Tai Chi and meditating in nature. Here are some of the lessons that stand out for me. Silence at the Internal Retreat This

While having a spiritual ritual or martial arts class helps us get past our small self, it is possible to experience higher states of consciousness in everyday life. Take a lesson from the whirling dervish; dance wherever you are and

This week’s question is about integrity: What part of my life doesn't reflect who I am or want to be? Reflection Some of us may feel personally attacked by this question. We don’t like thinking of how we may be falling short

we must strive to become masters of our actions rather than prisoners of our reactions