In this morning dark

My mind’s focus telling me

My heart’s deep values
There are times that I think my priorities are “X”. I’ve learned, though, my mind’s focus when I wake tells me the deepest concerns of my heart. 

What’s interesting is how often it’s not anything I give focus to during my day. Or i would expect to be secondary. 

Sometimes it’s not logical, other times it’s extremely rational. 

Sometimes fear, now, though, it’s not. That’s a blessing. 

A thought about taekwondo

Bodies in motion
With the power of our minds
Martial arts’ beauty,

I’ve been studying taekwondo for several years. I’ve been a black for s could years know. I love the beauty, the strength, and grace. And,just importantly, I adore the community that is my humble school’s. 

A Meditation This Memorial Day

Please remember why

So many giving their lives

Bird song on marble

As a young man, I was quite proud of my decision to join the Navy. No plans for great and noble sacrifice. My future was what mattered; potential, possibility. There were thoughts of glory, but not of sacrifice. 

I’m sobered as I remember my youth. The naivete. The impulsiveness. The reckless spirit. The commitment to my friends. A child in so many ways, carrying amazing responsibility. I held the keys to horror. Mistakes could mean anguish and death for my friends, my crew, those I loved, and for countless innocents. 

I’ve seen the face of parents who’ve lost their children. Of wives who lost their husbands. The promise of youth shattered to pieces. That leaves a horrible swath of destruction within hearts. 

I consider all of this as I look upon this day and it’s symbolism. There’s so much we have yet to learn. 

An Early Morning Haiku

Yes, I am awake

And the birds sing with vigor

Dawn has not yet come

I’m amazed at the number of birds singing right now. Well, I think one of the loudest sounds is an insect, but I digress.  It’s quite boisterous. Oddly, as daylight comes their sounds will quiet. Perhaps just supplanted by human noise. Perhaps.