All Samurai practiced meditation as part of their code and philosophy. The code of Bushido has seven principles to guide a Samurai, with honor being the most prominent. Though we often live unconsciously, “on automatic pilot,” each of us can learn to be awake. It just takes practice.

Meditation involves opening yourself to an eternal life force, becoming more present in the moment, clearing your mind, and increasing awareness of your body. It’s not about disconnecting from the world, but about opening up to it. You can meditate in any position, making it a regular part of your life. How hard is it to just sit and breathe? This marks the beginning of stress relief, total self-awareness, and a deeper connection with the universe.

Remember, all forms of contemplation carry ethical values. When your perception is clear and you see the world as a jewel, you embody all virtues and positively influence everything around you.

Satoru

There has never been a better time for comedy, for the general feeling of funny, in America than right now. And a big reason for that is how deadly serious everything is. The environment is merrily trying to scrape us off the crust of the planet. Our financial institutions are corrupt, malicious, and in the hands of sociopaths. Our system of government has sputtered to a halt and is grinding metal while the infrastructure rots away. Religion has mutated from quiet faith to mob hysteria. And our attention spans make gnats look like scholars. If you want any say in running things, in being prominent, in being taken seriously, then you’d better laugh at yourself.  

And screw being politically correct.

Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.

Devout Hindus say the name of God is truth.

God favors no groups; only religions do that. 

Satoru

He who laughs last lasts. An amused attitude toward life can help you get through difficult and silly situations. Try laughing out loud the next time one happens, telling yourself, “A hundred years from now, it will not matter.” Look in the mirror. Make a fist and a frowning face. Jump up and down and shout. You will start to get angry because our physical actions influence our mood. Now, begin to smile slowly, aiming to laugh out loud. Smiling is easier because it takes twice as many facial muscles to frown as to smile. Each muscle doesn’t have to work as hard; they all work more efficiently together. Think of something that makes you happy. Use your imagination and picture it. Look into the mirror and watch cheerfulness rise in you as quickly as a child with a lollipop. Act the way you want to feel.
Satoru

Life is constantly adjusting to internal and external pressures, relationships, and circumstances. Attitude is the main way we cope. The ideal of a perfect body and perfect health is something to aim for, even if we may never fully achieve them. Health, however, is a positive state, not just an absence of discomfort or a passive blessing. Start your mornings with daily positive affirmations that send out the vibration of what you want to create. This simple practice will set you up for success and give you energy. Take a mental timeout during your day when challenges, demands, crises, and chaos occur. Spend a minute or two reciting positive affirmations to center yourself and begin the next part of your day with clarity.

“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.”

Say it out loud. Believe it as you put both your hands over your head and out to the sides, the power position.

“Taste the Now, smell the infinite, feel the smooth skin, hear the silence and the music of the wind, develop a Technicolor mind, be blinded by the rainbows, and see forever.” Satoru