condition vb 3 a: to put into a proper state for work or use 5 a: to adapt, modify, or mold so as to conform to an environing culture b: to modify so that an act or response previously associated with one stimulus becomes associated with another

On Saturdays I see them- a room full of warriors in the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall, swinging sticks- throwing bodies.  Strong faces determined to train, determined to gain skill and strength.

“What brought you here to train?”

To me, being martial is seeing what needs to be done and taking action.  This sounds easier than it is because the sort of seeing I’m talking about comes from a place of clarity, not clouded by ego, personality, prejudices, etc.  It is not what I think needs to be done, but what needs to be done.

It has been a year of grief for Patti and me. In January, Patti’s sister Barbie died from breast cancer at the young age of forty seven. Then our cat, Hissy Fit was run over by a car. Finally one summer night as I put out the trash, our wonderful dog, Daisy was killed by a hit and run driver.  They were all so young and it seemed out of order.