Past and present changes.

As I sit here in my cold yet cozy apartment I reflect on the last two years and what has transpired.
So much has happened, almost all of it a positive change in life. The unfortunate result of discontinuing my shakuhachi lessons with Larry Tyrrell became apparent as my practicing lessened and I stopped the flutes altogether for a month or two. Eventually I picked them up again and resumed the joy of practice in the spring and summer of 2011.

                                 My studies of Buddhist philosophy as well as it's history in relation to the shakuhachi intensified as I learned more about how this delightful instrument played such a role in the music of Japan. These memorable days of study and playing also edged me closer to meditation and the life of mindfulness I try to cultivate today. All of these rich months provided me a solid foundation in which to be happy with the simple things of life and to move away from more materialistic and nonsensical ways of living. Money simply did not mean as much and my wife and I moved this direction. Our friends and family received more attention than the pursuit of a bank account and we worked a bit less and spent more time together. As 2012 moved closer we both talked about the people in our lives and how we enjoyed sharing our time and love with others.


                                   Then 2012 burst on the scene and life truly changed as we welcomed many new and talented people into our lives. A lot has been learned over the last year about friends and lovers and how they relate to our transitory lives on this planet. My continued work as a part time window washer ended in late summer and I decided to again pick up the shakuhachi after a 5 month hiatus over the spring and it's following warm months.Then I met someone in September that completely changed my world and how I now live. This delightful being has added a new phase and meaning to my life that flavours and excites the way I go about things as well as balances my existence. She has since become a partner in life alongside and together with my wonderful wife of nineteen years. The addition of my partner's daughter and this expansion of the family unit has given me new lease and balance in life. Every moment is precious,not to be wasted. Just be. Breathe. Enjoy.

The Enso, an expression of the moment.

It has helped me see things in a completely different light and encouraged me to seek meditative ways of calming and enjoying this life I have now even more than ever. No, not everyone will agree nor accept such relationships as "common" but then again I don't live my life according to their ideals and standards anyway.We are a diverse and intriguing cross section of mammals,humans beings are, and that separates us.

Never judge.

Only love.

What does not work for one works beautifully for others! Fortunately most of our family and friends do NOT judge and continue to be the bounty of this rich harvest of human interaction.

                                    So now, this 19th day of January brings me to a point where life has evolved into one of quieter contemplation and days filled with activities of joy. Sure,there are ups and downs to every life lived by humans. But how one lives them and fills them makes the difference. From this point forward I hope to attain enlightenment with my family at my side and to journey a road that brings peace and love to all. Now to go study some shakuhachi theory and practice a bit. Next post I hope to add some flute history to the blog.