Your life becomes what you imagine your life to be

Picasso said, "People don't realize what they have when they own a picture by me. Each picture is a phial with my blood. That is what has gone into it."  I find his painting as the manifestation of his life.   If so, I wonder if this blog may be the manifestation of my (image of) life.  Or, in a broader sense: one's life becomes the manifestation of the image of oneself...  with other areas of manifestation being work, hobby, relationship, health, finance and living truthfully (see Life Profile)  Since we are living beings, our life may be seen as a creative process of coming up with a New DNA (LIFE) by combining different elements (or seeds, ideas, images) and for that to grow.

Going through various experiences in my life brings a seed/insight for my blog.  More ideas pop up and writing this blog can become a manifestation of creative process, i.e., my life.  If one wonders how various topics are integrated as a whole, I see they are like a tree growing with various branches and leaves, all contributing to the growth, yet somehow balanced as a whole.  In other words, this blog is like a canvas to exhibit my paintings (experiences of life = creative process), manifesting my image of  LIFE!  

BTW, I met few people who are expressing their talents to create an image or vision for clients as well as for themselves.  One lady is doing a business of creating an image for clients such as actors or business man through matching clothes, appearances, values, etc.  Another lady is counseling individuals to overcome life's hurdles as therapist with the heart at the center.  One man is an instructor of Aikido to instruct the Ki (life energy) to manifest in students'daily life with compassion at the base.  Another is a man involved in making deals to transform companies, through mergers and acquisitions, which ultimately may develop better flow of life energy, providing better life experiences, if this is done right.

So, as much as I write this blog and try to live life truthfully from the heart, there are quite a few new heroes - who strive to manifest their image or dream in what they do.

If our image may become reality, let me revisit what the Dalai Lama said in his foreword to my book, Results from the Heart:

"As human beings, the one factor that differentiates us from other species is our intelligence which both expresses itself and trains itself through education.  However, the development of the brain, the intellectual side of our nature, and the development of a good heart, a warm heart, must complement each other in a more balanced way.  This is why, wherever I go, I always try to promote human values, the good qualities of the human mind, the good qualities of human beings.  They are the source of happiness, and happiness is ultimately what each of us wants.

I believe we have both the ability and the means to solve our problems and improve our world.  Perhaps the most important factors that inhibit us are short-sightedness, narrow-mindedness, and selfishness.  Yet, to look after yourself is not wrong.  Without a strong sense of self we cannot develop self-confidence, determination and will power.  But, we must be careful, for there is also a narrow -minded selfishness that can lead to self destruction.  To counter that we have to realize that in reality our own interest is closely linked to the interests of others and the benefit, happiness and interests of others are our own."

As new heroes, we are to confirm the core value, live by core principle - perhaps to create new DNA (LIFE) to express compassion and wisdom, while utilizing our talent, helping each other as well as being the master of our own desitiny.  To me, this journey is as if I am to re-invent myself as I move on and face and overcome hurdles and difficulties one step at a time.  The real test is in LIFE itself.

Reflecting back, I was a kid aspiring to be like Thomas Edison, later I wanted to become an engineer to contribute my talent to the society. Then, I found myself as an nucelar safety analyst for Fukushima plant for few years.  Later, I got an MBA to expand my skill base, and satisfy my curiosity.  Working as consultant to develop corporate strategy, and operational improvement for companies, I also honed my skill to address human psychology to find a path for organizational transformation.  Years of my Zen practice and mediation have helped a great deal for me to maintain calm and quiet mind under difficulties.  Yet, there is no complacency to be had as life brings various traps we can easily fall into.

So, there are always new challenges to be met and new images to be created as I moved on in this journey.  As I turn the corner, there are more new difficulties or opportunities waiting.  The front page of my book points the image of what this journey is about, where a man is painting a stairs as he move up the stairs he painted previously...  (Note: I did not know there was someone who came up with such a great idea and put it on the front page of my book!!!)

Yes, image may manifest on its own - if we let it.  Here are my words from Results form the Heart (p.164):

"Wherever we are and whatever our past, we can paint on the canvas of our universe the total existence  of our life and see how it may unfold.  And in this journey of our life, may we hear our heart continue to whisper, "When we give up, that is when we fail.  If we do not give up, there is no failure."

In life, just like painting, I have an image, and as I paint... more ideas may flow...as if many things want to be expressed in their own unique way, expressing who they really are...

One of my paintings 

A CEO in Japan, Hikoji Suzuki said, "Jinsei ha ime-ji zoukei nari"

My translation is:

- Life is an image creation (direct literal translation)

- Life is the form created by our own imagination

- Our life becomes the manifestation of what our our image of life

May you let your life to be the manifestation of your imagination?!

Life is the manifestation of your image (My Calligraphy)

Funny, but a talk with a person on "life is image creation" brought an idea for me to write this post.  To me, such encounter (exchange of image-potential) is as if to confirm the spark in life and be able to share with someone or anyone while keep exploring the joy in our adventure in what we call this thing as LIFE.

Living truthfully..is my image re: my life!! I have been working on this since my awakening experience in 2,000.  This is the same as Tao, or following the law of nature (or, live according to God's order).... and to do that is the New Hero's Journey.

To end this post, I would like to offer few more quotes:

"Imagination is power" (Einstein)

“When the answer is simple, God is speaking.” (Einstein)

"He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't. This is an inexorable, indisputable law." (Picasso)

"As he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 25:7)

Best wishes on your journey,
Kio

Happiness, Creativity, and Playfulness

Playfulness and happiness; Playfulness and creativity; Happiness in creative state.  I feel they are almost synonymous among themselves.  In other words, in that state, don't we feel a good utilization of our talent as if it is meant to be so?  Don't we feel like being really "alive"?  Don't we feel bliss, no words can describe?  And if so, how important is it to be connected to that state of playfulness, creativity and happiness?

Observe children in the sandbox.  Are they happy, playful and perhaps creative?  What about me writing this blog?  Am I playful, creative, and happy?  How about you immersed in your work or hobby which you like, or perhaps having a playful moment with your kids?  And of course, how about having a moment of intimacy with the loved one when the time has lost its meaning?  Don't you feel playful, creative, genuine and lively in such a moment?  

We do not have to be children to be "qualified" to play in the sand box...

OK there may be "hurdles" to overcome before getting there- like making a living, or address concerns of this and that.  Yet, as paradoxical as this may sound, are we not often dictated by those play of our own mind, to the point of blocking us from accessing those states where our senses are hightened, i.e., bright sunshine in the blue sky, vivid sense of colors of all surroundings, and smell and fresh breeze in the air.  In other words, intimacy with all!

What if we lose inquisitive eyes of children but to live in fear and anxiety?  What if we are caught up in our mind way too often and simply live as if according to the script from the TVs, and magazines and idiosyncrasy of the society?  Lost soul, lost paradise, lost intimacy with all...fun and pleasure of eternal children are no where to be found?!  Yet, I wonder, how can it be the case, especially when we are born as playful, creative, and happy children to start with?   Why not to be with the bliss, or follow the bliss and let the unknown future (new DNA) to unfold?  Or, whatever the task we may have, be engaged in it, forget time and space, or our self-identity.. just merged with the task at hand?

I want to propose to define happiness as the state when we are in the "zone" to express who we genuinely are?  And, may we also define "zone" as us connecting to the primary (the source, heart, law, order from God)?  If so, is it not absolute - beyond right and wrong of human mind?!  In other words, mind has little to do with what we may 'really' and 'truly' enjoy.  Yes, very subjective, is it not?  Although I recognize there are certain "rules" to follow, but they seem to be more of common sense, which is like not to hurt others and if possible, help with each other.  Yes, I propose, we can be playful and creative and happy alone, or with others - if we choose to be.

Desire less and be satisfied (from Buddhist sutra)

Then, I also see the connection to awakening or ultimate happiness (The free state) where Lester Levenson said five elements to characterize it, i.e., imperturbability, desireless, actionless, effortless, and witnessing.  And of course, there is no room for ego. 

Happiness is tied to liveliness, and it is about creativity, playfulness, fun, love, enjoyment!!!  Happiness is physical and biological!!! Also, it is tied to channeling the energy well toward new DNA whereas all cells are jumping!!!   And one more to add: body/muscle is totally relaxed when you are in that state.  These are the essence of LIFE, is it not?!

To end this post, here are some words of wisdom from those who walked ahead of us:

"To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me."  -  Issac Newton

When Pablo Picasso was 85, he was asked how his later paintings could be so innovative - could have the boldness and fire of a young artist's work.  Picasso's reply:"It takes a long time to become young."  -  Pablo Picasso

"Man is a thinking reed but his great works are done when he is not calculation or thinking. 'Childlikeness' has to be restored with long years of training in the art of self-forgetfulness. When this is attained, man thinks yet he does not think. He thinks like showers coming down from sky; he thinks like the waves rolling on the ocean; he thinks like the stars illuminating the nightly heavens; he thinks like the green foliage shooting forth in the relaxing spring breeze. Indeed he is the showers, the ocean, the stars, the foliage. "  -  Daisetz Suzuki

* Related Posts:
Bliss, Ecstasy and Ultimate Happiness
Have Fun and Express Who we are

Sex, Meditation and Aikido

Sex is something most of us are familiar with (although I feel there is depth to be explored like anything else in life).  Aikido is new to me (although I connected from the very first encounter just recently).  Yet, since realizing there are so much in common between the two, and that I believe such realization came from my meditation experience, I want to share my views as shown below:

If you want to catch someone's attention, the quickest way may be to talk something about sex.  In the meantime, influenced by TV, instant message and texting, etc., more people seem to be for instant gratification.  Quick everything!!  Even for sex?!  Oh, no!!! I need at the least 1.5 hours!  (Have I caught your attention?)  But seriously, if you are familiar with Tantric and Daoist sex, you know what I mean.  When we are totally absorbed in the act, whether sex, meditation, or else, there are experiences of being in the zone, intimacy, samadhi, oneness, or whatever you may call it.  And..., I also see playfulness, ecstasy and liveliness there although at the end it is beyond any description of words.

As I see it, in that state is yhe creativity where different elements come together to create a new meaning.  This, I would like to call the experience of "the absolute affirmation of life."  Yet, if having sex is an ego-driven act, and not tied to intimacy (both within oneself and between the two), we may not experience the connection to the core of our life, the miracle of two melting together.  It is simple; intimacy can not come from ego.  So, this connection is about the "primary relationship," I mentioned in the previous post.

Now, Aikido is known as martial art originated from Japan by Morihei Ueshita (1883 – 1969).  It is translated as "the way of harmony with the spirit/energy of the universe.”  Literally, it means "the way of meeting of Ki, the life energy" (this may sounds far-fetched for some but do you sense the common ground between sex and Aikido?)  And I found Aikido is much more than a conventional view of Martial Art as I realized in the interview video with Philip Stearns, 25-year veteran and Sen-sei (teacher), whom I met on the hiking trail the other day, and videotaped him later in that afternoon.  If you are intuitive, you may find the connection between sex, meditation and Aikido without much difficulty (11 min.).




Here are selected quotes of Philip Stearns from this video:
"Aikido is about connecting to the heart"
"I am responsible to what is happening there as I can change myself which affects the outcome."
"There is intimacy with sensation that we experience in nature"


In this video, I also commented to my experience in meditation, quoting the Zen saying; "Melting of the boundaries, mind and body had fallen off."  It was as if having sex, or become one with the universe.  Resonated from this encounter with Philip, few days later, I joined Aikido club in Santa Monica, and more confirmation has been made with what I call here, the new hero's journey.


In essence, what is being confirmed is about all activities in life can be based on compassion for betterment, even to the enemies.  Gozo Shioda, one of the most prominent teachers in history of Aikido says, when he was asked, "What is your strongest skill in Aikido?"  He said, "The enemy who came to kill me becomes my friend!"

On the journey, our hero may look at the external as well as internal (mind/body/spirit) and find a good connection (path) such that there is a way for a good balance and harmony.  We want to be happy as well as those others surrounding us.  We are linked with each other like in a intricate web.  We are whole (if look internally) and at the same time part of the whole (if look externally) and there is exchange of Ki (life energy) among all.  We are all connected.  And we have this innate ability to feel that connection, and express what is to be expressed through sex, Aikido, meditation, or else in the most genuine manner.  This is the life's miracles; and we are the miracles ourselves.  We can feel it, we can cultivate it, and we can live our life accordingly, following the bliss.

In sex, and in any intimate relationship, the New DNA (mentioned previously) may be cultivated and it builds the entirely new potential and new found meaning in it.  Intimacy, and joy of sex is but a scene of the life energy finding ways to explore the new horizon - as we experience the same in meditaion, and Aikido, just to name a few.  May we, as new hero's, therefore, explore this wonder of life?!  My answer is; why not?  Properly done, I believe sex, aikido and all of our life's experience can teach us who we are and what we can do as we follow the bliss in our new hero's journey.

New Hero and his Primary Relationship

In life, I see there are two major relationships; primary and secondary.  Without primary, secondary is like a mirage, i.e., lost meaning.  Primary is the relationship with True self, Heart, God (if I may use this term), Infinite potential, or the Law- as if to find the source of compassion and wisdom - or happiness and harmony.  Secondary is our relationship we typically talk about in this world.  The symbol of Cross in Christianity seems to symbolize these relationship; one is vertical (Primary) and the other horizontal (Secondary).  Although tricky to discuss, I see primary is more internal, and subjective (spirit/heart/unconscious) while secondary is more external, and objective (mind/brain/conscious).  Many religions around the world seem to point to the same 'place' although their expressions may be different.  (But, no worries, I am not to talk about any religion here.)

Then, over years, I also noticed that mastery of any discipline seems to be, at the end, a lot to do with the Primary whether it is art, sports, science, management or else.  For anyone to attain the level of mastery (i.e., taking care of things with effortless effort - as if it is a divine/magical touch), one needs to look into the depth of one's own self to go beyond greed, fear, anger, ignorance, and delusion - and break through the ego to connect to that primary source - so to speak.  Thus, "know thyself" and mastery are closely related.

Now, if I am to get into a relationship with a woman, seeking ways to find harmony and meaning in creating a life together - bonding with love, I call manifesting such potential, with a term New DNA.  As obvious as it should be, such potential cannot be realized if we are self-centered, or ego driven.  So, any 'genuine' relationship is at the end a relationship with true self, a primary relationship.  This is not just for couples but any type of organizations.  Then, new DNA is like a representation of their mission.

In my book, Results from the Heart, I proposed the idea of "Mini-Company" where everyone is viewed as the president of his or her own mini-company.  Here again, self-centered way does not work as mini-company can exist only when customers are satisfied.  So, mini-company is an idea pointing to self-management, so that we can all become the masters of destiny, no matter what situation we get into.  Then, if we can manage our own mini-company well and prove that to ourselves and others aiming to accomplish the mission, we may find us the master of destiny.  So, self mastery, self-management, and be the master of destiny are all inter-related.

Now, can you guess what is "self" in self-management anyway?  In its truest sense, I see it should be the "true self,"  divine, the law of the universe, or the absolute.  We can appreciate such connection once we have experienced the moment of bliss, miracle, the sense of absolute.  Or this may be like a "zone" experience one may have in intimacy when he or she is in tune with the song of the universe - so to speak, at that special moment.  Such is the connection to the primary.  Yet, knowing this is no use.  We are to prove the connection as if riding a wave from moment to moment.

So, primary is the foundation, and secondary relationship cannot be sustainable without the primary.  In other words, if primary relationship is in danger, we should forgo the secondary.  It is the connection to the heart:

Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, (George Harrison /  Paramahansa Yogananda)

Here, you may ask, how do we find the true self, heart, or God?  At minimum, I suggest that we have a calm and quiet mind.  Without that, our judgement will be flawed, and our behavior and destiny will reflect that.  In summary, new hero's need to have a good antenna to detect what is going on externally as well as to be able to sense the connection with heart, internally - at the same time.  After all, everything is (to be) connected to the base/heart, where wisdom and compassion originates.  Yes, this is ideal but my view is that our whole existence is to be connected to that, and to do that in everything in life is the New Hero's Journey.

Relationship - Intimacy - New DNA

To form a relationship is like finding a New DNA and work together for that to grow.  Between man and woman, it is about sharing time and space to create new meaning in life, matching a unique character of each.  It is a creative process.  So, as in any living beings, in stalemate, the meaning of relationship will wither away.  Although I will discuss this between man and woman, the basic idea applies to any relationship, e.g., group, organization, nation. planet..

Once this “new DNA” potential is checked from various angles, and made sense to explore such potential between two, new relationship is formed.  But as situation changes, and each person’s preferences change due to many factors (impermanence), confirming the meaning of New DNA is a must if it has any reason for existence (or call it the strategic importance) For a genuine relationship, New DNA is to be based on the True Self* - not ego.  There is no room for complacency.  Complacency is lack of awareness.  And, the lack of awareness waits for chaos to take over, sabotaging the foundation of relationship.

Michelangelo: Sistine Chapel (part)

If we can confirm the reasons of existence in creating a new DNA, the energy will be found to explore its potential as if a new tree is to grow from a seed.   Two entities then become one and share the experience while each contributes his/her uniqueness for the growth.  The shape of this new tree may change due to the situation, but the root, the foundation has to be solid for this tree to grow and express its potential.  The root is like finding the energy source, will, or passion.

So, the origin of all relationship is for previously separated entities to become one and confirm their meaning - reason of being.  This is a spiritual experience as realized in making love, or experiencing the oneness at whatever the setting is.  It is the joy, the miracle, the indescribable.  Without intimacy to melt into one, and exchange unique potentials, nothing will grow.  (Again, the same is true to any relationship as this is the core of our Life’s process.)

Once we come to realize such intimacy, the free-er exchange of energy is made possible, two people share the miracle; two becoming one, and we find there "absolute affirmation" - the law of universe.  This is a spiritual experience as if to find the core of our being in that sacred state where the boundary vanishes.  This represents connection to the primary - law and we become one with law for new creation to take place from within.  This is the eternal beginning of life; the core of all growth of living beings.  

So what does this mean for us, specifically?

We exist to keep creating anew, and this is life. If we do not create ourselves anew physically, e.g., new cells, new blood, digestion of food, immune system, mentally (meaning), physically, and spiritually (following the law), we cannot exist.  Our journey in life is connected to this.  In my case, I thrive on exploration, challenging something always new.  As Picasso said, as soon as painting is done, painter is gone.  Or what’s the point of doing the same thing once you know it?...

Here are more of his quote:
- Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.  
- He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't. This is an inexorable, indisputable law.
-  Love is the greatest refreshment in life.
-  Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.
-  To finish a work? To finish a picture? What nonsense! To finish it means to be through with it, to kill it, to rid it of its soul, to give it its final blow the coup de grace for the painter as well as for the picture.
-  You have to have an idea of what you are going to do, but it should be a vague idea.


* True self: Most importantly (if I may say so), we cannot forget the "primary" relationship. That is the relationship with true self, heart, God (if you like to use that term), law, the infinite. Without that, nothing in our behavior is genuine in its true sense.