Sunday Morning Repose

By the time this post reaches the web, I will already have been awake for a few hours, had a regular dose of caffeine and will have begun contemplating the rest of the outdoor chores that I would like to accomplish before the end of the day. These are the times that I really do cherish and find it well worth my time to forego an hour or two of sleep in trade for this magical time of the day enjoyed in silence. With the exception of the occasional clicking of the keyboard, even the pups are still enjoying an extended snooze in their cozy beds. I usually spend this time and read all sorts of news items and try to see what will effect my personal life and the lives of my family. But more often than not, I end up trying to think of something witty to say on this blog in order to get a comment or, at the minimum, recognition for the words left behind. But as I continue to write and try to keep a running list of entries, I am finding that this blog is more about just putting down random thoughts and ideas as opposed to being a source of entertainment for anyone except me. I think that everyone has too much to do, as it is, and that by expecting anyone to to take their time to read this would be utterly unfeasible. Besides, who would actually want to read the ravings of a caffeinated, 40-something when they themselves have a to-do list bigger than the day is long? Even the irony of writing this brings a smile to my face when I think of all the projects to be continued when the rest of the house begins its ascent into Sunday. Sitting here and writing about people not having time to read this when I, myself, have a list f tasks to be accomplished today seems quite absurd. But that, I guess, is a tale for another day. Be well. Peace. D

Mr. Miyagi and My Theory of Life

It is a life lesson that is often the hidden to one's own eyes until either a moment of epiphany or brought to your attention. In this case it was a little bit of both and from a couple of different sources.

My favorite book, one that I usually read once a year, The Way of The Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman, is a continuing source of knowledge for me and inspires me to be a better person, father and husband. It is the story of a young man and his journey of discovery. Although not a favorite movie, but inspirational, all the same, The Karate Kid, and it's wise old teacher, Mr. Miyagi, have always offered something when taken into the context of my favorite book.

The best scene in the movie, from my point of view, is that when Mr. Miyagi begins training the ever-so-naive Daniel Larusso. It is in this scene that Mr. Miyagi sets Daniel out to wash the cars using a certain method that will be used in the future of his fighting technique. When asked if he is ready to begin, Daniel responds, "I guess so", or something similar. At this point Mr. Miyagi sets him down and begins the lesson- that which will tie into my passion for the novel mentioned earlier.

Mr. Miyagi uses a metaphor of walking down a road safely and juxtaposes that with training for karate. To paraphrase, and take quite a bit of liberty with the script, he says that walking the left side of the road- safe. Walking the right side of the road- safe. Walk the middle of the road- squish like grape.

Now, when it comes to training for karate, that is a very useful piece of advice. You are either committed, not committed, but not somewhere in the middle. It is EXACTLY the same with life, and this is the tie to The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. But it is not as clear in how to train for life. Life, after all, is not a spectator sport.

There will be more on this and will be a theme in many posts to come. Do you get it?

Death of a Conversation