Within Me

"The arrow is the soul, the bow is the body, and your target is your life's reason and purpose. You can only hit your target when both body and soul are in balance." That's what my kyudo teacher kept murmuring during the lessons.

Just two weeks ago I made up my mind of formally becoming part of a dojo and getting some lessons in yoga and kyudo. Caroline, who happens to be a black belt, knew some great dojos in Milan, which I promptly proceeded to visit. There was one in particular, which caught my attention, located in the outer perimeter of the city. It was quite peaceful, with a temple and everything. I was attracted instantly. I joined the very same day I visited. Consequently, I leave the store at four, just to make it to my five o'clock lessons. I end up spending two hours here and getting to my house at eight. I love it. It's the best decision I've ever made.

I think too much. That's what my Sensei says at least.

Seisha Hitchu = true shooting, certain hitting

The purpose of kyudo is to obtain true beauty through the shooting. Eventually, if your form (aka spirit and body are in order) you will achieve the 'true' shooting and you will certainly hit. The same policy should be applied to life. Kyudo, in its purest form, is after all, a philosophy; not only rudementary shooting.

The first few days Sensei scolded me, because though I hit the target, my form was short from beautiful. However, as the days pass by, he simply nods and repeats phrases that incite me to center myself. I guess that means I'm doing a better job at it.

The yoga classes, which I take after the kyudo, are also quite interesting and very refreshing.

When I tell some of my friends about the lessons, their reactions are very different:

Ash: What a load of crap... <-- and she puts this face of complete annoyance which is amusing.

Carol: Eh.... Whao. Interesting... <--- which she doesn't mean in the least

I still have to tell Veronique about all this. I'm sure she'd be slightly interested... or maybe not, but she likes all those superstitious things, which by the by, I bought her a yellow lucky cat! Ah! I'm sure Nathan and Rudyard would be interested!

I want tea. I think I'm really obsessed with it. Did I mention I have a tea room in my house? Agh! I have to FEED MY GOLDFISH!