Meta-Cognition Master – Tim Ferriss

by cybersensei | February 2, 2022 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

Meta-Cognition Master – Tim Ferriss

Mastery of Meta-Cognition and the Art of Perseverance

Arguably Master Timmothy Ferris is the most important American to set foot in Japan since Commodore Perry in 1852.

Why is this so?

First and foremost, consider Master Ferriss as the Ultra-Master of Meta-Cognition, similar to Master Seth Godin, who is the Ultra-Master of Permission.

One could say Master Ferriss’s first steps to Meta-Mastery is when he encountered his first major Meta-Cognition Event when memorizing the Japanese Education Ministry’s Jōyō Kanji Hyō during his stay in Japan.

常用漢字表 - Land Of The Rising Son
In mandatory Japanese language education curriculum, there are 2,136 ideograms that must be studied by all students attending compulsory education in Japan.

In fact, a little know fact about this visionary samurai, is his international exchange experience as a high school student at Seikei Gakuen in Tokyo at the tender age of 15.

One could say this experience formulated a boy into a man who was destine to change the world in a profound way.

Not knowing what to expect when arriving in the Land Of The Rising Son, most certainly he was enchanted by the extraordinary contrast between his hometown Long Island and a city that changed his life forever, Tokyo.

Tokyo at Dusk - Land Of The Rising Son

Here he memorized the Jōyō Kanji Hyō, and was infused with Ancient Wisdom, Samurai Spirit, and enlightened as to the magnitude of his destiny as the Master of Meta-Cognition.

Master Ferriss returned to his homeland, the United States, taking with him the Japanese spirit, and creating some of the most extraordinary concepts along with guidebooks.

These seminal works will undoubtably have an influence deep into the future, while leaving an indelible footprint upon history.

Why is this so?

Master Ferriss is most well know for groundbreaking life hack manuals such as The 4-Hour Work Week (2007), and his high resolution works, The 4-Hour Body (2010), and The 4-Hour Chef (2012).

The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss - Land Of The Rising Son

Moreover, on his own quest to Mastery, he uses his extraordinary capacity to bring life-changing guides to the masses with such important works as Tools of Titans, where one can find amazing tools for personal edification and self improvement, or Tribe of Mentors, a gift from Master Ferriss so the common can pick the brains of the uncommon via this seminal work.

Now he is extending his powerful reach via his wildly popular podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has been downloaded over 700 million times.

The Tim Ferriss Show Podcast Cover - Land Of The Rising Son

In his award-winning podcast, he interviews a diverse range of guests such as the global icon of action movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger, deep-thinking philosopher Nava Ravikant, and truth-teller Michael Pollen, author of such important books as This Is Your Mind On Plants, and the groundbreaking work, How To Change Your Mind.

Master Ferriss also uses this important platform to speak to literally millions of people about his own personal struggles with depression, thoughts of suicide, and other dark matters which accompany the entire spectrum of the human condition.

This is where he summons his Yamato-Damashi, offering guidance to his audience by describing personal accounts of his own human suffering.

Yamato Damashii - Land Of The Rising Sun

He has facilitates uncountable amounts of mental and physical healing via his work, which are reliable guides and offer clear and decisive directions when searching for, and then finding one’s own Way.

Along his healing journey, he happened to discovered the power of natural plant medicine.

True to his samurai spirit, and using his considerable financial resources, he has spearheaded research into the medicinal properties of psilocybin and MDMA.

Psilocybin Mushrooms Medicinal Research John Hopkins - Land Of The Rising Son

Master Ferriss organized half the $17 million in commitments and contributed more than $2 million of his own money for a new Johns Hopkins center.

This is where clinical research is being undertaken to gain a clear understanding and revealing the truth about these critical therapeutics.

Master Ferriss embodies the spirit of a modern fearless samurai warrior, using his incredible fortitude, brilliant mind, and talent and resources for the betterment of humanity.

So, why is Master Timmothy Ferris the most important American to set foot in Japan since Commodore Perry in 1852?

Throughout his life work he has imbued millions of his tribe with a subtle sprinkling of the Japanese Way by virtue of memorizing the Japanese Education Ministry’s Jōyō Kanji Hyō, and learning Japanese during his formative year in Japan.

Perhaps one day soon again he will hear the Spirit of the Japanese calling him home, where he is destine to facilitate an awakening among the Japanese to the possibilities of Meta-Cognition, and the promise of healing the Japanese nation by applying the secrets contained within ancient medicine.

Tim Ferriss Come Back To Japan - Land Of The Rising Son Tim Ferriss Japanese Archery - Land Of The Rising Son

The Lecture

by cybersensei | June 16, 2021 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

The Lecture

One has been a guest lecturer for students studying to join the Japanese automotive industry.

Over the decades of lecturing, the landscape of the Japanese student and their attitudes has changed in a significant manner.

With the first wave of students from the early 1990’s into the 2000s, one really felt a deep affinity and a kind of camaraderie in the classroom with these young people.

Camaraderie with Japanese and Canadians

As time marched on things gradually changed.

Perhaps due to the collapse of economic bubble in the early 90s, which lead to a societal decline, and, as a by-product, produced a lost generation of Japanese.

The gradual fraying of the “lifetime employment” system.

The proliferation of “convenient” processed foods poisoning the body, mind, and soul of the Japanese.

コンビニジャンクフード

A break down in the family structure leading to a significant increase in the divorce rate, thus many more children from broken homes.

A sense of hopelessness and lack of purpose now prevalent throughout large swaths of society.

Read about the Mickey Mousification Of Japan here.

Then came the next wave of students.

These are the children of this lost generation.

Japanese poverty

Often in the Japanese culture, parents place the onus of discipline on the teachers.

However, when observing poor chopstick manners, one always regards this as a reflection of the household where they were raised.

Hold Chopsticks Correctly Please

Therefore, one can not totally blame these children for poor manners and disrespect towards people in authority, perceived or otherwise.

This being so, keep in mind, all adults are solely responsible for their own attitude and behaviour.

Two snotty little brats received a growing opportunity to help them along into adulthood just the other day.

Very rarely are people asked to remove themselves from the classroom, this was a rare day.

退室前に一礼

Wanting to send these troubled children on their way fully edified, the entire class of twenty-eight pupils served as the captive audience for the “lecture.”

First, they were asked if they were aware of the present problems concerning the South China Sea.

Silence.

Then, asked if they knew where petroleum products come from.

There was some kind of murmurings: “Doesn’t oil come from the Middle East???“

Oil development in the Middle East Institution of Civil ... Oil development in the Middle East

Progress!

Now, how does the oil, which is the lifeblood of civilization, especially the automotive industry, come to Japan.

That’s right!

Oil tankers.

Oil Tankers Fuel Japan

The next question was more of a statement.

Ever wonder about the shipping route from the Middle East to Japan?

Correct, through the South China Sea.

Middel East To Japan Via South China Sea

Has anyone here ever wondered what would happen if this oil stopped coming to Japan?

Of course not.

The clear answer is you will no longer have a job, or indeed a bright future whatsoever, especially with a poor attitude and obnoxious behaviour.

Gas station runs out of gas during oil embargo - The ... Gas station runs out of gas during oil embargo

The “lecture” was concluded by letting them know (with a heart full of love and empathy) that someone of my amicable disposition is most likely to be the easiest interaction they will ever have in their sheltered lives.

Best wishes to all who have a desire to make a meaningful life with purpose, whether as a Mercedes Benz mechanic, or a diligent proprietor of a successful automobile dealership.

Bonus:

Someone missed the memo!

Being ignored after addressing someone is unacceptable.

One has to be reminded sometime the voice must be raised in order to capture their attention.

That reminder came today for an insolent boy.

The protocol is to open your book, and then do whatever you want after that.

It’s called tatemai, or better yet shakojirei.

One also had the class repeat the following at the beginning of the second period, for their own personal growth and edification.

千里の道も一歩から ~ senri no michi mo ippo kara
thousand-mile journey starts with first step

実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな ~ minoru hodo kobe wo tareru inaho kana
the more noble the more humble

自業自得 ~ jigyo jitoku
suffer consequences of own action

身から出た錆 ~ mi kara deta sabi
reap what you sow

自ずと明確になります ~ onozuto meikaku ni narimasu
clarity over time

Really Great Grandmother

by cybersensei | May 19, 2021 | Culture, Inspiration, Perseverance

Really Great Grandmother

Ancestor veneration, the way forward.

Being raised in the Occidental tradition, including sporadically attending a variety of churches, did not prepare one for the experience in Japan when fully understanding exactly why the Japanese venerate their ancestors.

Some time ago now, one’s cherished mother began putting together the family tree while digging deep into her European roots.

Family Tree

The interesting stories mother told about her grandmother both intrigued and tickled the funny bone.

Now there is a clear understand of where one’s grandfather got his incredible sense of humour and his sharp tart wit.

Helen Olga Kean Inglis-Richardson is one’s paternal Great Grandmother, and she bore 10 children.

The first four, including Grandfather from the paternal Great Grandfather (Inglis), and six from her second husband (Richardson).

Having rejected her first husband after coming back from World War I, as apparently he was a gambler and philanderer.

WW1 soldier

She told him outright, “I raised these four children by myself for the last four years, and can do so into the future, so just keep moving on.”

Along with the tale of a Victorian-era food fight, including breakfast condiments such as peanut butter, I can only surmise what a fun and fascinating lady she was after hearing her incredible stories.

She also joked to my juvenile mother that, “Whenever Mr. Richardson hung his pants on the bed post I became pregnant.”

An interesting statement from a woman born in the late 19th century, and as one can see by her picture was a product of the Victorian era (Born 1896-Meiji 29).

Helen Otta Kean -Inglis-Richardson- Stephen Kean Filiatrault Great Grandmother

Researching the family lineage extensively, our matriarch gathered many intriguing stories including the migration from Europe across to the East Coast of the United States, and up to the west coast of British Columbia.

Quite the trip to say the least in the early part of the 20th century, nothing short of perseverance and endurance in what could only be surmised as an arduous life.

Covered Wagon From East to West

Which brings all back the ancestor veneration.

Thank you so very much to Really Great Grandmother Richardson.

Here is to let you know now, in one’s eyes you are a magnificent deity and now regarded as the Goddess of Playful Mischief.

Now venerated on the family’s kami dana, you must be somewhat surprised your incredible journey has continued up until this very day, and is now firmly planted in the extraordinary nation of Japan.

神棚-Kami Dana-03

The Way of Gods from which the Japanese evolved is the belief all dead becoming deities with one foot inside this mortal coil, and the other in the heavens.

And in this, one can feel her spirit as passed down by grandfather where many happy childhood memories reside.

Indeed, the Japanese believe the ancestors watch over their clan, and retain influence over the behaviour and actions of their decedents throughout time.

Really, one must avoid shaming the family at all costs as one’s ancestors are keeping watch over the past, present, and future.

神棚-Kami Dana-04

May I Peel Your Face Off

by cybersensei | May 12, 2021 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

May I Peel Your Face Off

A valuable life skill passed down from one’s living ancestors (Mom) is the ability to read and then adapt to most social situations.

This innate curiosity and social-intelligence is a DNA level gift from the folks, although, on the rare occasion a little too much curiosity was not really such a good thing at all.

Being able to communicate with the Japanese in their native language and taking an interest in peoples lives and their unique stories, has served one well while cultivating deep roots in one’s adopted homeland of Japan over 30 years.

Two Japanese Business Person Greeting with Japanese Flag

Communication in Japanese is truly the key for anyone who would like to understand the Japanese on a deeper level.

One can not stress enough that continuing to learn and practice Japanese daily is so very important not only to engage the Japanese in their native language, but for one’s own personal growth and edification.

Based upon personal experience, learning and practicing Japanese every day can be so very rewarding, and will always leads to unique opportunities to enrich ones life in so many ways.

For certain, talking to new people and indeed to random strangers has always seemed natural and something positive.

Talk to Strangers Now More Than Ever

Learning by example, one would often see Mother engaging people as she went throughout her daily life experience, starting random interaction with “how’s everything going?” or “what’s your story?”

As they say, the apple does not fall far from the tree.

The apple does not fall far from the tree

One of the true joys of life is wandering throughout the world initiating conversations with strangers and hearing their unique stories, and in some cases making lifelong friends.

With Japanese language skills being honed over decades, one has found it possible to reveal the true character of the random Japanese stranger by disarming them with a smile and a joke and the simple question of “what’s up with you today?”

The other day a good Canadian whiskey was discovered and at a very reasonable price in the Mega Don Quixote (Japanese taking American big box to the next level).

Canadian Whiskey Selection

Standing next to me was a man, his wife, and his two elementary school age daughters.

I turned to him and said “look at this very reasonably priced bottle of Canadian whiskey, I highly recommend it.”

The Japanese are always are always startled at first when their native language flows from an occidental’s lips in a quasi-native manner.

Surprised Japanese Face

Somewhat taken aback at first, this gentleman was then happy to be enlightened with the fact that, “the majority of Canadian whiskey is made from rye,” and “this one happens to be quite good.”

There and then we had our ichigo ichie moment (see “once in a lifetime” here), and this random family in the liquor section of the big box retail store was left with something interesting and fun to talk about on their way home.

Perhaps when this father breaks out this bottle of Canadian whiskey for his ban shaku (晩酌 = a drink with one’s dinner at home), the story of how a random gaijin recommended this whiskey will be revisited.

Canadian Club

However, not everyone appreciates a random gaijin striking up a conversation in the supermarket, which is understandable as the Japanese are fundamentally insular people who stick to their own groups, and do not really enjoy encounters with random strangers, a foreign one nonetheless.

Regardless, one deeply believes these ichigo ichie moments are especially important during these changing times when our human connection is being slowly eroded by hidden forces.

Therefore, even now more so than ever, the need to build new relationships and to solidify our human connections is of paramount importance in these profoundly changing times.

Who are you going to connect with today?

Ichigo Ichie 一期一会

Shoes On, Shoes Off

by cybersensei | February 10, 2021 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

Shoes On, Shoes Off

Now, say the title again with the voice of Mr. Miyagi, the karate master to his young disciple, Daniel LaRusso, the downtrodden and bullied boy.

Wax on, wax off.

Recall, where the training started?

The first of many training session consisted of washing and waxing the cars.

Clock-wise, wax-on.

Counterclockwise, wax-off.

If one can not recall this extraordinary cinematic event in the Karate Kid, or is too young to have ever heard about this important film, the refresh is below:

The seemly disconnected start of the karate training was significantly different from the constructed reality of the young grasshopper own mind of what karate training actually is.

Things are not what they seem.

Shoes on, shoes off.

reasons_take_off_shoes_minute_walk_in_house_toxins

One will notice after arriving in the Land Of The Rising Son, that more often than not, one must remove the shoes before entering a house and often in restaurants as well.

This was not the case growing up in the countryside of British Columbia where most of the time people wore their shoes in the house.

Recalling an very unfortunate incident where as a child the outside shoes were worn onto a friend’s mothers beautiful plush white carpet, after having failed to wipe off the doggie poo before entering their house.

I am truly very sorry for this Mrs. Henderson.

ごめなさい I am sorry

Indeed removing shoes before entering a dwelling makes perfect sense, why would one carry the impurities of the outside world to pollute one’s own inner sanctuary?

Here is the shoe secret:

Loosen the laces.

Crush down and flatten the heals of your beloved shoes under the boot-heal of the incessant shoes on, shoes off reality.

Shoes With Crushed Backs

Perhaps the shoes on, shoes off protocol leads to subconscious and ingrained disciplines, like keeping one’s outside world separated from the inner sanctum of one’s private life, thus maintaining one’s sanity.

And now here.

Mask on, mask off.

In the simple reality of going about one’s regular outside life, the mask protocol is just like every other Japanese winter flu season.

Except from now on it will extended throughout the year, to include all and has become the social norm in Japan without much further ado.

Moreover, the Japanese have already been socially conditioned to wear their metaphorical mask from an early age in order to co-exist in this ridged hierarchical society.

Perhaps the mundane tasks of life such as wax on, wax off, shoes on, shoes off, and now mask on, mask off, will lead to being mindfulness of one’s own life form, order and process, as one continues to fortify one’s own constitution and resolve in this new mask on, mask off world.

Bonus 1:
Now circle around to the beginning of this post and watch the masterful outcome of the wax off wax philosophy here:

Bonus 2:
Recommended footwear

New Slip On Shoes

Recommended Footwear 04

Recommended Footwear 05 Recommended Footwear 01 Recommended Footwear 06

Bonus 3:

Not recommended footwear

Not Recommended Footwear 06

Not Recommended Footwear 08 Not Recommended Footwear 01 Not Recommended Footwear 05 Not Recommended Footwear 03 Not Recommended Footwear 04 Not Recommended Footwear 07 Not Recommended Footwear 02

Sorry Boys, No Baseball Today

by cybersensei | June 10, 2020 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

Sorry Boys, No Baseball Today

The Japanese National High School Baseball Championship tournament got cancelled for they first time in several decades.

Alas.

Personally, I am not a spectators of sports, preferring to play badminton with my local club; however, I do love the Japanese National High School Baseball Championship for its sheer fervour and passion.

This tournament is the largest amateur sport event in Japan, and if you have ever seen a high school baseball game whether at this major tournament, or at a local game with the players doing their very best along with their vision of the national high school championship clearly in their sights, there simply is nothing like this event in the sporting world anywhere.

A catalyst for many young aspiring baseball stars to go on to bigger things, in particular those who aspire to the ultimate goal of playing on a major league team, especially an American one.

Having only been cancelled twice in it over 100-year history (the tournament started in 1915), once in 1918, and then again, in 1941.

You could say that this was a “Black Swan” event for everyone involved.
Not only were these aspiring major league baseball players deeply saddened by the cancellation of this important life event, but the shock and dismay reaches far beyond the gloom of not only their immediate families and supporters, but indeed into the entire nation of Japan.

Why is this so you might ask?

National unity through friendly competition.

Yes the rivalries among the Japanese are very fierce, but this is an occasion for the Japanese to cheer on their home team, and to feel a sense of Japanese unity by doing so.

For many older folks in Japan this yearly event is a time to cheer on the home prefecture team, and to become nostalgic for the day of yore.

For the young baseball players, their high schools, and supports, this sad tales of how their dreams got cancelled with the stroke of a pen will become a discussion point long after school is out.

Bonus material:
Some of the alumni you may be familiar with having gone on to careers in the American Majors have been; Ichiro Suzuki, Daisuke Matsuoka, and Hideki Matsui, who was also know as “Godzilla” to the Americans.

Many of you may think Hideo Nomo, was the first Japanese to play in the American majors, but you would be wrong. It was actually Masanori Murakami, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants for one year in the 1964-65 season.

See the passion in action
情熱

Full on spirit
フル回転

Cheering squad practicing
応援団練習風景

« Older Entries