Fly In Ointment

Fly In Ointment

Fly In Ointment

Concerned about facts in which you have no say or control?

There is absolutely nothing to be done beyond an individuals sovereign control, therefore, anything of this nature cannot be categorised as Fly In Ointment.

Recall the proverbial Chip On Shoulder—this protocol describes an individual’s jurisdiction for personal growth and change—a superpower known as Personal Agency.

Personal-Agency-Land-Of-The-Rising-Son w logoAs a matter of fact, any and all incidence of grouching and grumbling surely originate from the Chip On Shoulder zone, don’t fret, you are not alone.

Recognising changes necessary leading to a life filled with meaning and purpose, then not bothering to do anything about self-inflicted flies in ointment is nothing less than a Chip On Shouldersurely to show up again and again—until self-realization, then actualisation—taking corrective measures when the flies inevitable fly ΩNE’s way.

Self sabotage by omission and lack of volition will continue to drawn a variety of flies into your personal ointment, and to tell the truth, these nasties will show up often, to varying degrees of unpleasantness, without an appointment, in an alien place, at a random time, on an arbitrary day.

embrace-bad-days-today

An accurate measurement of personal health is how often, and to what magnitude flies in the ointment appear, and the appropriate countermeasures taken will personify a deepening awareness of personal flies.

This is the meter for measuring the time it takes for personal flies to decrease, then disappear altogether, one fine and glorious day.

One must be wary of the spectrum of flies on stand by to pollute and sabotage YOUR ointment (personal dreams, desires, and aspiration), and depending on the type of fly, can eliminate you from the game of life altogether—a pawn being controlled for the purpose of playing someone else’s game.

Snakes-Ladders

The fly manifests in many ways—truly a reliable reflection of a life lived in a moment to moment existence—no motivation, reflection, meaning, or indeed a sense of higher purpose—this is what is known as—losing one’s way.

One could also consider regular visitation of flies eyeing your ointment, in particularly the Horsefly, a nasty flesh-eating insect, wherein this species is renowned for bearing bad news of a deeply karmic sort, in a very vicious way.

horse fly

Life never goes as planned, shocking things seem to come from out of the blue, which is rarely true—Fly In Ointment is actually a predictable scenario, akin to the rising sun, the inevitable compounding, consciously or unconsciously, each individual life reflecting choices of once upon a time—just like it was yesterday.

Defective decisions, lackadaisical attitude, and the most common of all flaws—the entitlement mentality of the Industrial Education Complex graduates—indoctrination of this odious phenomena having become a repugnant second nature—also referred to as Complex Disease.

Complex Disease

The nature of this world will always put obstacles in the way of any worthy notions that advances knowledge, truth, and Civilisation 3.0.

It is imperative to understand that embracing any challenge is simply to change ΩNE’s own mind—look upon obstacles as the forward way—it is inevitable that troublesome flies will be encountered along the way.

As the masterful Ryan Holiday has brought us the wisdom of the ancient minds, drawing parallels between the Stoic philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Japanese samurai, which both drew the same conclusion from a distant past in an instance of infinite time.

Ryan Holiday - The Obstacle is the Way

The way to thrive in the world is to embrace and cherish each moment of finite earthy existence—keeping in mind one of the most important things to understand, and advance your own life starting with today—following the heart and embracing the fact—The Obstacle is the Way.The obstacle is the way

Chip On Shoulder

Chip On Shoulder

Chip On Shoulder

Having a chip on shoulder is somewhat like having Mr. Woodcock as an omnipresent coach—stoking fear-based motivation, or as viewed here in Japan—your personal oni kōchi.

Chips on shoulder manifest in a plethora of ways, so be sure to ascertain the origins of your personal chips.

Also, recognise if any particular personal chips are related to substandard parenting, making sure to avoid the old adage—a chip off the old block. 

Chip off the old block

To master generational chips, it is imperative to expedite appropriate measures, overturning self-perpetuating distorted reality fields—flipping the chip into deeply seated fortitude, an admirable characteristic of those who live life in empathy.

Recognising chips at first is confronting—a personal chip is an  excuse for mediocrity, stagnation, manifesting in a broken spirit and crushed dreams—your personal chip will continue to whisper in your ear, haunting you, until choosing to hear—“mend your ways, life is slipping away.”

Chips betray suppressed unresolved internal conflicts, and when brought to light and recognised, takes the newly enlightened into an extremely unpleasant transition—at first through confusion, and then a niggling feeling that this quirky scenario is somehow related to the notion known as destiny.

Date with destiny

Be wary of a particularly nasty chip which embodies a selfish, self-identified, selfless servant of humanity—always sacrificing for everyone and everything else, yet nothing for themselves.

These suffering individuals remain enslaved to the festering chip of bitterness and resentment, feeling sorry for themselves—this particular group of the self-oppressed are sorely in need of the Care Factor Zero protocol—don’t let this moment pass you by.

Care Factor Zero Empress Grace

Recently, a deeply disturbing manifestation of unpleasant chips has become evident inside the schoolhouse halls in what are known as—higher-learning institutes. 

Seeing a despondent generation of naïve individual enticed into a lifetime of servitude and debt peonage, carrying mountains of debt—prospect of a once-in-a-lifetime J.O.B. (just over broke) now coveted and converted by your emerging rival A.I.—pointless university degre no longer necessary, so do not even bother to apply.

Most-Useless-Degrees

Alas, this particular type of chip tends to only grow more ugly and violent as the misguided mal-matriculated slowly lose all sense of dignity, falling into an abyss of cynicism and despair, sprinkled with despondent negativity.

The opportunity to explore the nooks and crannies of greater Asia were as boundless as they were profound, having the extraordinary privilege of being able to hub here and there straight out of Japan.

Bagan Burma

This Incidental Occxie observed timeless ancient principles in practical application throughout Asia, facilitating the understanding that societies and cultures formulated from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Ancestor Worship, leave fewer chips on shoulder, deepen societal harmony, create strong family, clan, and community—the primal nature of the human species called forth innately.

Clarity Over Time - cybersensei - Land Of The Rising Son

Meta-Cognition Master Timmothy

Meta-Cognition Master Timmothy

Meta-Cognition Master Timmothy

Meta-Cognition Master Timmothy

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

Why is this so?

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

One could say Master Timmothy 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 SonIn 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 SonHere 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 1 billion times.

The Tim Ferriss Show Podcast Cover - Land Of The Rising SonIn his award-winning podcast, he interviews a diverse range of guests such as the global icon of action movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger, deep-thinking neo-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 Timmothy 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 SonTim Ferriss Japanese Archery - Land Of The Rising Son

The Lecture

The Lecture

The Lecture

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.

コンビニジャンクフード

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

Really Great Grandmother

Really Great Grandmother

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

May I Peel Your Face Off

May I Peel Your Face Off

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