Life as a Modern Warrior Monk
Surrounded by lush greenery and singing birds, I tie my belt and sink into a horse stance. I feel roots growing out of my feet into the earth, a forested mountain vibrating with life behind me, the ocean unfolding its vastness before me. I savor the sound of my sword unsheathing, the metallic ring sparking a fire in my heart. The practice of martial arts consumes my being, the only focus of my awareness for the next hour. At the end of practice, I feel relaxed, fluid, joyful, and alive. I meditate, and proceed with my day in a land of beauty. Nope, I’m not describing the opening to a Hollywood movie. This is my typical Tuesday! And I’d like to share a couple stories of how I arrived here and hopefully inspire someone reading this that may feel like there is a magic in their soul waiting to be awakened. The journey begins It begins in San Francisco. I was young, confused, broke, and filled with doubt and fear about life. I knew a couple things: I liked martial arts, I wanted to lear