I was watching on YouTube that the US President was talking to the people who work in an educational field and give good insights to him at White House the other day.
Education is a very critical matter for all of us. I am also concerned that there would be a big “break” for young people on learning because of this pandemic situation. They may miss very important opportunities and time of learning at school, getting inspired by teachers and friends, making good friends, and others. I remembered one of former congressmen whom we met in California. When we met him, he introduced his wife and children. They were so lovely and friendly. They told us they all are home-schooling. Their Mom seems to have been teaching to their children. I think one of the keys is how to motivate students to learn. I myself was not that passionate in school. My passion was lit on when I happen to listen to the English conversation program on the radio one night. I was 17 years old. “This is it!” I woke up. That was the time I really started to study proactively and eagerly. I went to one of the best college for English language. After working for a big company in Japan for 2 years, I started to study very hard. I studied all day from morning to the evening. I was teaching English to students from the evening to night. I was always studying sitting in front of the desk. I just focused on studying without being interested in boys, fashions, or others that other girls that age were attracted. My Mom was worried. One day, she finally took an action. She took me to the nearby dress shop. She bought me a nice summer dress. I was happy and appreciated. Then, I ran back home quickly and started to study again. That was the last time my Mom tried, I remember. I always had a wish for the world peace from my childhood. Then, the lively English program lit off my motivation. Then, a clear vision started to lit off inside of me when I was about 20 years old. That was an image of the Earth being embraced by bright lights. Now, I am in Hawaii, married with a wonderful darling. I have been flying all over the world as an interpreter for international politics and meeting with amazing people all over the world. The book referred the story from the book, “Yumi to Zen (Zen in the Art of Archery)”, written by Herrigel, who learnt Kyudo (Japanese traditional archery) from his master.
This is a famous story, and I have heard about this before. Herrigel tried to hit the center of the target, and pulled the bow by watching the target. However, his master told him, “No. Do not watch the target”. Herigel could not understand, so the master told him to come back at night. The night, the master invited Herrigel to the venue. There was a target far from the shooting area, and one small piece of incense stick was placed in front of it. They could only see the small incense and nothing around it. The master, from far distance, shot the first arrow. They could not see where the arrow hit but they surely heard the sound of arrow sticking in somewhere. Then, the master shot the second arrow. It has hit somewhere too. They checked the target. Then, they found out that the first arrow hit right the middle of the target. And the second arrow penetrated the first arrow’s feather and got stuck into the center of the arrow. The master taught him to shoot without watching by your physical eyes, but watching by your mind eyes. I myself still do not understand the meaning behind of it, but want to explore this more. This book also mentioned the “Force” in the movie ‘Star Wars”. (to be continued) I am so thankful that I could pass the road test, purchased the car, practiced driving with my husband, and be able to drive around just before this pandemic happened.
It was a last minute move! Now, the community swimming pool is closed, and even if it gets opened, I may stay away for a while. I have been driving to the ocean regularly to get refreshed and go home to work. That helps improve my productivity of work and reading a lot. However, yesterday, my husband told me watching my face, “Yumiko, you got so much suntan!” I think going to the ocean regularly has been benefiting us much more than we might be aware. We sunbathe in the water and by walking to the ocean, get soaked in the salty water, and all other things. I might have been disinfected by ocean water. I still try to keep distance from other people in the water, and so do other people. I mentioned “Looking” and “Observing” our own movement yesterday. When I was practicing Tea Ceremony in Japan, it trained me to watch my each movement so that I could make it elegant, avoid unnecessary actions, and refine all your movements, I thought. By reading the book, “Modern Bushido” by Master Okawa, I am discovering and remembering lots of things. I found myself driving much more relaxed and calmly.
Yesterday, after driving, my upper part of the right arm mustle was flickering a little. I thought, “driving should not be a stressful thing to me. It should be refreshment and fun!” I prayed to God that driving will be a refreshing and fun time for me so that I can develop my projects further. I have purchased the book, “The Modern Bushido” (in Japanese) by Master Okawa from Happy Science USA. https://happy-science.org/ It was very intriguing and deep. I kept reading and could not stop. I am still in the middle of reading, but the book explained so many things such as the Bushido Spirits were seen not only among Japanese historical figures but also foreign historical figures and others. Those spirits were seen among President Lincoln John F. Kennedy as well. Today I noticed I was watching my movement objectively and calmly. I remember this feeling. I felt like this when I was practicing the tea ceremony in Japan long time ago. It was a brief moment right after I attended the tea ceremony lesson, but I was moving elegantly in a serene vibration. I was watching the movements of my hands and legs and everything. Today, the bit of those feelings has come back to me! Wow. When I go to see the Mauna Kea, I get out from the car, and stand in front of the mountain.
I look at the mountain top, and pray to the Lord, Hawaiian gods, and gods of the mountain. I feel so serene and calm. When I go to swim in the ocean, I pray before entering the water. I pray to the Lord and gods of the ocean. People might have seen that I am praying. People whom I do not know, talk to me with smile, and sometimes offer me some help even if I did not ask. I have been so overwhelmed and moved by their Aloha. Many Americans are religious and have faith in their religions. I have seen a young lady praying to God before swimming into the ocean at the beach. I have seen my friend praying to God in the car when her husband was driving. I have seen a woman praying to God in the airplane. It is one of the most beautiful scenes. |
Author
An Interpreter for JCU Archives
April 2021
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