As we are moving toward the beginning of the Year of the Horse, this is an extraordinary example of ordinary physical activity with focused intention. These monks are spiritual and cultural ambassadors connecting with local people, families, nature, community leaders, law enforcement, government officials, several walking barefoot for many miles, braving extraordinary weather and conditions.

Gratitude & Giving: A mode of communication and care. I had a teacher in art school who was a key figure in my maturation through youthful years that vacillated between intense creativity and crisis.

We are at the tail end of summer season and in some regions, this Qi node can feel like the hottest, most dreadfully humid time of the year. We're that moment right before Autumn begins...

Spring Equinox, video of Shishi Odoshi Sōzu

Spring Begins: This Qi Node is like the tender and fragile germination from the protective seed or egg, and entering new into the exterior world for the first time.

I'd been stalking Chozen-ji a Rinzai Zen dojo and temple for six years, seeking an intensive training environment that unified marital arts, zen, and fine arts.