A few updates for readers, some good, some bad. I’ll start with the bad news. The bad news is that I have COVID. It is the first time I have ever had it (as far as I know), and despite being careful with masking such for the past 2½ years, I managed to somehow contractContinue reading “Updates For December 2022”
Category Archives: Health
Eating Simple, Japanese Style
I had intended to write this post earlier when I first started my winter abstinence, but during recent events, this got pushed out a little. Anyhow, my wife and I have been together for more than half our life and her eating habits have rubbed off on me over time: I’ve written about natto before.Continue reading “Eating Simple, Japanese Style”
Winter Is Here
Winter is here in the Pacific Northwest! In the old Japanese calendar, this period is known as rittō (立冬, “first winter”). My gardening book mentioned that historically frost comes around here typically on November 17th, and I was quite surprised to see that it really happened: The trees around my son’s elementary school were beautifulContinue reading “Winter Is Here”
On Mental Illness
Hi folks, I was a huge fan of the old TV show Kung-fu as a teenager, and it was a big influence in my initial exploration of Buddhism. Anyhow, I found this clip recently and wanted to share: The Buddhist approach to mental illness is a bit more nuanced than what a TV show implies,Continue reading “On Mental Illness”
Being An Introvert Sucks Sometimes
Recently, my team at work had a large online party for our senior manager who’s going on paternity leave, with online games like Among Us and other activities. But I quickly felt uncomfortable and decided to drop out. This is not new for me though. In past jobs, when work parties take place, I likeContinue reading “Being An Introvert Sucks Sometimes”
Jesus and Buddha Say: Wear Your Mask
This Instagram post was made by the author of the famous Japanese manga “Saintly Young Men”, one of my favorite, featuring Jesus and Buddha living in a suburb or Tokyo: So, guys, please wear your mask!
Making Most of Lockdown
Despite the premature feeling that lockdown was nearing an end, it isn’t, and at this rate we’re probably going to be dealing with this through the rest of 2020. That said, it hasn’t entirely been unproductive either. After any major, life-altering social upheaval (wars,1 pandemics, etc), I figure that people go through a series ofContinue reading “Making Most of Lockdown”
Information Overload
Information overload, especially during lockdown, is a real thing. The political turmoils, updates on Coronavirus and general dickheadery can really wear a person out. I don’t use too much social-media,1 but I do rely on Twitter primarily (plus Discord for D&D and other gaming), but even through that one social-media service, I got a badContinue reading “Information Overload”
Meanwhile Life Goes On
It’s easy to forget amidst all the stresses of life, especially life now, that life goes on. If nothing else, take time today to get some fresh air and maybe meditate for five minutes. It will help provide a more healthy perspective. 🙂
Homemade Surgical Mask, Japanese Style
In cultures like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, wearing surgical masks is a common practice not just to avoid getting sick, but as a courtesy to others to avoid getting ill. As such, it’s not surprising that in these times people are getting creative with making their own masks due to shortages of medical supplies.Continue reading “Homemade Surgical Mask, Japanese Style”
Gleanings in Buddha-Fields 