Drawing Lines

Drawing lines around your self are usually setting up personal boundaries. Those imaginary lines we all draw for ourselves that we feel should not be breached physically or emotionally. Usually we assume many things in life. In and ideal world we never should need to have boundaries. Usually they are created for a reason based with some reasonableness.
But yet we do wish to be entitled to respect, privacy, decency, kindness, honesty, love, and many other areas that make up what we feel we are entitled.  Once in a while I find that just doing things that slowly verifies and vindicates what we may not know. But some boundaries in life are good as it allows one to continue with their own path. Then again, how many people are missing out on the real picture of the persona of whom other people are. We all find meaning by means of relating to others. Today I met one new friend of a friend. I had not met before. I was not sure whom that person was but when meeting - it was obvious that there was a very wholesome, kind person. Now if I had kept up boundaries - as some are shy and often this is mistaken for other things - I would not have uncovered whom that person was. And in the discovery, I knew the person was one of a good nature, but I had not met in person. For one that smiles and enjoys many things - it was obvious to me that there was a worth.

Coming back to drawing lines - I feel that lines are so often mistakes. We assume many things, as life does get complicated - yet we can change that in a minute - when we open the doors and allow things to unfold. In life we all want to blend in, we all have acknowledgement in who we are and what we belong to. How do we belong, I think that we belong in a means of self respect, acknowledging what we are, and as well understanding that we have many new things within our sphere of life.

Two examples here - I spoke to one person (not online) that was very reserve - I could assume that they were arrogant or maybe just shy. OR they had their own lines drawn around them for what ever that may be.  On the other hand, I had a call with a person this evening that was totally open minded, and interesting.  What is the difference between the two scenarios?  I am not sure. I don't even think much regarding it as I have no lines, but I just flow within life. Mind you not with a blank face, but one with a regard to others - but first and foremost a regard to my own self.

Perhaps life is more like a river that flows in several directions in a manner that creates and takes in several areas of life as it winds it's way within the stream.

A Zen Sunday

Today was a very enjoyable Sunday. There has been something that I have wished to return to for some time. That is Aikido.

I started learning the art when I was 13 years of age and I was the first teacher of it at a very young age.

 

Two years ago I spoke with my original teacher (sensei) whom now lives in Cleveland and was a very influential during my formative youthful years.  He had asked me how I had been doing with teaching Aikido and I had stopped teaching it but I had done much with it.  Being the youngest teaching in all of North America and then teaching self defense programs as well as being invited to demonstrate the art.  And as well, many see me as a very determined person, however I am just more conservative and in many ways how I write is within the areas of philosophy and no need of certain elements.  I guess it’s been my positive vice that I left aside – but in many ways I never have as most all that I have wrote has been without shame, it has been with a method, and in my point of view it’s really been a manner where by I love to write in a manner that is not anything but just enjoyment – yet authentic.

 

With all said, in many ways the manner of Aikido and the philosophy have been an integrated part of my life for many years. So when I arrived in this city I looked up to see if there was a dojo and there was the original version of Aikido.  I have never considered Aikido anything other than a spiritual, philosophical and physical art form.  So I was fortunate to talk to the older main instructor and get directions and then go and watch the class take place.

 

After driving within the University and getting lost a few time – I finally found the place. And when I walked in there it was – the traditional style and I sat down and watched. There after I was told that I should have brought my “gi” which is the uniform that you see here. I explained that I merely wanted to watch and during the two hours. I was in my glory as I was in the flow while watching the class take place. And as well, being able to speak with the participants and teacher thereafter. I had not revisited the past, as Aikido has always been something that I hold within myself. The definition of Aikido from English to Japanese has several different translations. But basically it means to be in harmony with one’s center – or within spirit.

 

And yes there is a much to be said with regards to Aikido as it’s not about just the physical it’s about the manner in which one handles themselves in life. Being within a flow has many meanings to it but “within harmony with ones spirit” while at the same time learning to meditate, and as well to do much more than just static techniques.

 

What I was most pleased with was the ability to meet with a group of people that are from different backgrounds and enjoy watching a small class taking place on a Sunday. I have been invited to partake within the organization here – and I have made a few new friends. For me that is where the vertical and the horizontal come together.  Aikido is passive, and as well very deep routed in philosophy.

 

So in speaking with someone for the first time regarding the art, and as well being able to be invited to partake back into something that I have taught people as well as learned more from people many.

 

Aikido is not like most other martial art forms. It was a branch from ju juitsu. The founder of Aikido wanted to break away and founded Aikido, while at the same time a Japanese man by the name of Kano, started a competitive sport at the same time called Judo. However I once wrote as a child while studying the art the following short poem as I recall it vividly and it goes like this:

 

“I am not one two people or three

I am one whole – one whole is me

I am not rugged nor even tough

But I am dedicated to my stuff

My stuff is fast and it is slow

For it’s the soft style Aikido

And it has soul”

 

That was at the age of 13. And still to this day I just know that this is one area that I am going to embark back into. Not entirely in the same manner – but in a manner that I did for years.  Right now the teachings on the university campus are going through a transition as they are looking for a place to have as their own. So within some time I will return back into something I was fortunate as a child to be placed into and thrived in. But I never did it for the “art of fighting”; it’s been an art form for me for many years. 

 

And it remains an art to me to this day.

January 2008 (10).avi

The conservatory consists of four glass, pyramid shaped structures that showcase plants from arid, tropical, and temperate climates, providing a welcome oasis of warmth during winter.

January 2008 (8).avi

I visited this Muttant Conservatory, it's several pyramid shaped, and glass enclosed. It was interesting to go and see it. My expectations were more of what was in the Royal Tyrell Museam. In taking pictures of it, I found that from the outside was where there were very interesting vantages - yet within it - it was unique.

Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory is a botanical garden located in the North Saskatchewan river valley, across from downtown Edmonton.
The conservatory consists of four glass, pyramid shaped structures that showcase plants from arid, tropical, and temperate climates, providing a welcome oasis of warmth during winter. The fourth pyramid hosts a theme that changes throughout the year.

A donation from the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation provided momentum for the conservatory's construction, with the remaining monies supplied by the Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton. The conservatory's unusual structure, designed by architect Peter Hemingway is composed of four glassed pyramids built around a central service core. The two larger' pyramids are 660 square meters in area, and the two medium-sized ones are 410 square meters in size. Three of the pyramids are devoted to displays of plants from the tropical, temperate, and arid regions respectively, the fourth being used for shows that change with the seasons and which feature massed displays of ornamental flowering plants.

The Pavilion houses plants typical of temperate climes, from such zones as the southern Great Lakes, Australia, and even the mountainous areas of Asia.

~ It's A Value of Sorts ~

It’s obvious our own inner thoughts give value. At the same time that could go into a direction of denial. Or we can think in a manner that will not give way to a direction of value. So within how we think is something ->with some manner that is a dynamic of choice. But we do have the choice of how much we wish to think on some things that are not necessary – as they may not take us anywhere, where as other thoughts do take us places. As with the painter something can come from nothing just by the way of a creative thought or the way of thought. I think sometimes what we fail to see inside is a result of how one makes the choice of how they process everything.

We all have times in which we fail to see from within. I know that sometimes I forget to connect with the power of what is within. So often we will act with our emotions and that will sometimes deprive our own feelings of what can be rather than what can’t be. I tend to think that it’s a balancing act that each person does in their own way as what surrounds them within their life and how they tap into their inner dialogue.

Realization is something that some will deny, and some will come to an understanding. Within a realization of what is, you can then bring about what.....can be rather than what can’t be.

~ Not Turning Around ~

"If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." Michael Jordan.  Over the past three days I have been to the hospital two times for testings with my legs and blood work. From what came about I have a situation that my left knee has had a fracture along with both requiring an injection of the substance which I forget the name of, however it's getting there and in the last three days I have no idea how or when these things took place, but that is not the point - what is purposeful is in the fact that things have moved much faster than what I imagined. I am not too sure when this took place.

I met with my doctor today’s date and after the last two days going about getting things done he didn’t focus on that but he did say that I have a disposition of anxiety. Not meaning that I am worried and phobic to everything but due to what ever reason it’s something that I will move out of with time. I know that anxiety and depression are very inter related. According to him, I am anything but depressed and then he went on to explain the difference of being placed on a medication for quality of life. So I am on a medication that does not make me tired – it’s a validation of a medication that is necessary. In meeting him, he mentioned all the medications that I could be placed on but he indicated that with the transition of life that I have made. It’s one that will be necessary. As for the legs he didn’t have enough time on all that but he indicated that I am well. And that he was in contact with my other doctor from before and he said that here in this province there can be much more done in a quicker manner with regards to my legs. For myself that was wonderful to hear.

Thereafter I went to get some belongings that were in my other vehicle that I am going to donate to some foundation they have here. And then as well I was able to get everything back to being assembled so that I can go about doing what I love to do within this blog. Picture, I love it, but it’s hard to get about, as it’s a huge city. I know of one particular picture that I wished to get on my way home as now I can do that.

So that all being said I hope to get some pictures this week. As I love taking them. But as of yesterday here we were hit with snow and that coupled with how busy it gets I may or I may not try to get a vantage of a picture. We shall see.

I thought I would mention this as I have a few things in which I do wish to write upon. And we will see where it goes. As for right now, I have a few things I have to do. And it’s going to be an enjoyable evening. As for last night at 4am in the morning for some reason the building I live in and share with a very good friend – we and all the people that reside in here were hearing fire alarms go off – and it took two hours before the fire department understood how to take turn off the alarm system. Ironically, it was a malfunction of a very good system. But the management of the place obviously didn’t know how to deal with it – which leads me to believe that these condos are tremendous and new – but the management has just changed. So rather than having a plan in place before tendering and obtaining the management contract – they are managing a very good complex without the infrastructure of a building management plan. So I think as of today they have learned it – meanwhile I am sure everyone would have liked to have the alarms silenced – but now at least they know they know how to handle it.

I can certainly understand the meaning of resolve. Regardless of what takes place in your life, there is always a resolve – I never believed nor do now in a manner of what is called "victim mentality". As adults we take in what we have, and we deal with it. It's in how we look at things and have the manner of going about living our daily lives. For each and everyone that is different for each. And yet it's something we all can relate to and as well towards.

* The picture was taken last year in the other city I lived in and I didn’t know what I was doing to my legs. I think I am going to curb the manner in how I exercise, or do it in a different manner.