I have dreams of practicing karate a lot lately…some at the dojo and others somewhere with Ohshima Sensei (!) and different seniors. I'm glad to find myself still practicing in my dreams. These days I have three wishes (三つの願い) regarding my pursuit of Karate-do.
Wish Ichi: Long lasting health so I could practice as long as possible. There are so many things to work on that never stop coming. Life is short and time is swift. I would definitely take health over wealth. If granted, I would appreciate it everyday and enjoy living a simple (and healthy) life.
Wish Ni: Strong mind that could never be defeated by anything. It would allow me to stay calm and see the world clearly (and my opponent's move in slow motion)! OK, the mind that is never defeated …, but who is my toughest enemy? That's me! A real tough one. This is NOT going to be an easy task for the wish to come true. Is that what Ohshima Sensei meant during his women's practice this March? He said, (paraphrased) "In order to become able to see your opponent's attacks in slow motion, you have to be completely strict with yourself."
Wish San: Clear mind with which I could see myself from all directions, including from above and beneath, without even trying. It might also allow me to get inside of my opponent's (or the other person's) mind and feel it.
I'm hoping and dreaming that ONE DAY my three wishes will come true. Life is interesting. What is going to happen to my karate life during the next ten or twenty years? I know for sure that time will go much faster than I can imagine.
