Deep breathing

Another month of the year has come to an end and we are now in February.

How did you all spend January?

After experiencing zazen at a Zen temple, I realized how little I had been able to concentrate on what was in front of me and how shallow my breathing had been.

Since then, I have been incorporating meditation into my daily life for a short time. I breathe every day, but even just being conscious of breathing deeply is difficult.

In Japanese, there are many detailed words related to breath, such as "synchrony of breath," "tight breath," and "long breath," and the Japanese of the past faced the world with breathing as their central focus.

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" also places great importance on breathing techniques. Breathing, which is something we take for granted, is actually quite profound.

I am a mass of worldly desires, so I am unable to concentrate fully and my thoughts keep wandering...

However, even in the midst of busy days, simply being conscious of your deep breathing and posture can help you observe your emotions and calm down.

Just as important as breathing is how you move your body.

Every Thursday, after the morning assembly, we have physical education class, where we do squats and bridges. When we become more conscious of how we move our bodies, we see many amazing things.
However, every time I stretch my groin and back, it hurts so much that my muscles cramp up...

Recently, I've been playing ball games and racket sports, and I've been playing badminton for the first time in a while to keep myself moving. I realize how little I move, but it's a lot of fun.

One day during a rally, Hane climbed onto the roof and we had to use a stepladder to rescue him, but when we got down, he slipped and fell.

Thanks to the defensive skills I had practiced in Aikido, I was able to land safely and without injury.

You never know when you might put what you've learned to use.

I have been participating in morning meetings since December last year. Having a place to share the goals and progress of the week allows me to gain new perspectives and realize new things.

I have a tendency to fall into a self-centered mindset, so I realize how important it is to have time to reflect like this.

Starting this year, we will also start posting " antiques " and " minerals " online. We are also preparing a shopping function that will allow you to view "products" on Instagram.

In late February, an exhibition by ceramic artist Ryuta Fukumura will be held. This week, I will be visiting Fukumura's studio to interview and photograph him.

I will do my best to convey the process of creating the work.

For more details, please check out the " Dialogue " and " Video " which will be updated from now on.

Yoshiaki Ono