Categories
Beautiful People Yoga

Culture shock

Why the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) resonates. Superb presentation by Niroga senior faculty who has even taught at San Quentin prison system – my jaws dropping with utter awe …and now dealing with mixed feelings. Those who take it upon themselves to teach yoga to this underserved population are heroes.

Part of the program for the Yoga for Youth module dealt with … something really big and what small ways one can make a difference – such as in signing up for Yoga Corps (as in Peace Corps) to bring about Transformational Life Skills and Dynamic Mindfulness (basically yoga but in non-yoga speak) practice in snippets to some young people who stands to gain from such skills to better regulate emotions (of anger and fear) and deal with life’s curve balls by scaffolding need for resilience , teaching them to be non-reactionary but empathetic, more compassionate beings of non-violence. Quite a tall order but … they are doing it.

I have to be honest – my skin is too thin and seeing these disturbing facts made me want to go jump on that flight back to Japan … but I know, there are many facets of America and yes, there’s a lot of white privilege blind spots (and the opposite was the sense of guilt among the privileged …some feeling physical ill even) but at the same time, there are many beautiful generous souls who are here to do good. America is complex and full of issues but … it’s also beautiful and filled with beautiful people.

It is time, though that it may do some good to not be in your own little parochial mindset of a “bubble” and reconnect with the rest of the world while cleaning house.  Yes, I have come back to a bit of a mess that needs some work – and work starts from within first. Mess happens when one is absent for a period of time  …

Being present on and off the mat is my intention this week.  Back to teaching and subbing (thank you to those who covered for me while in Asia).

Hope to meetup in the confluence of our existence as I begin my work again.

Categories
Uncategorized

Things you do when you have a jet lag

I always loved Aslan of Narnia and this legendary statute reminds me of childhood reading such tales of wonder  – at the entrance of Mitsukoshi Department store, Ginza, Tokyo.

It’s a perfect meetup place for shoppers just like Hachiko in Shibuya is to many in transit. It’s a rainy weekday morning before opening of Ginza stores … quiet for a change.Hoshino Morning Service – sigh of relief.  Such a luxury to be served by an apron clad server so polite. Yes, Starbuck’s down the street. Same pricing – which is amazing.  No tip to leave either … it’s a quiet respite time like this, I love Japan.  Service level is like no other.

Not San Francisco’s Yoga Tree – a cozy space.

Judith would be happy to see this:) After all, I tribute her for spreading this practice to the depleted urbanites who need it most.  Perfect for Vattas and Pittas among us.

Quietly observing the passerbys with no reaction  … 7 year old Shiba:)  He’s in his zen space. Yet he’s protecting his sanctuary and his master – the rice merchant with a small corner shop.

Reminisce and ruminate at 4am. Things you do when you have a jet lag…

Categories
Beautiful Places Healthy Food Healthy Living

Food blog or Yoga blog?

Late in the day in Hiroo … above Meiji-ya:) Morning time rush is over and so are some of the pastries sold out but the mainstay are still abundant.

Is this a food blog or a yoga blog?  How about whatever gives you joy or a practice that gives you greater capacity to feel gratitude. Silly, but I am almost in tears whenever I feel joy and let me tell you, good bakeries and cafes bring me to tear up, hahaha. Like, I am soooo lucky to be here to experience this most delicious delectable paradise on earth …

I heard a TV segment talking about the rice consumption over the years have been eroding in Japan.  Apparently, in the most recent year,  rice consumption have been surpassed by bread consumption (don’t know how you measure that … oranges vs apples, are they not?) much to the alarm of rice farmers’ association (and the program went on to talk about strategies they are adopting to counter this trend) … it’s no wonder… bakeries here are top notch.  What makes Japan and their food scene so special really is their people who really take it upon themselves and work at their craft making whatever it is that they decided to devote their entire lives to.  When it comes to cooking and baking, they really take it to diligent study and mastery while staying creative to deal with the constant competition in this big city full of bakeries.  Just look up bakeries in Tokyo – you will find a recommendation or two…