Pure Heart, Simple Mind ® vol. 8, No. 7; March 31, 2010
Official Newsletter of Seishindo(tm) – Nurturing a “problem”
Written by Charlie Badenhop, the originator of Seishindo
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Serving a community of private individuals and professionals who have the desire to cultivate a life of clarity, compassion, and emotional fulfillment. We warmly welcome our new subscribers. Thanks for joining!
IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Introduction
2. Nurturing a “problem”
3. The Seishindo Offer
4. Copyright | Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Delivery

1. Introduction
As I continue to prepare for a forthcoming book, I’m …

Pure Heart, Simple Mind ® vol. 8, No. 6; March 16, 2010
Official Newsletter of Seishindo(tm) – Move less, and do less, and you’ll have all the time you need
Written by Charlie Badenhop, the originator of Seishindo
Privacy Statement: We won’t ever rent, sell, or give away subscriber information.
Serving a community of private individuals and professionals who have the desire to cultivate a life of clarity, compassion, and emotional fulfillment. We warmly welcome our new subscribers. Thanks for joining!
IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Introduction
2.Move less, and do less, and you’ll have all the time you …

It was six o’clock in the evening and the train platform was crowded.

I’d been to the convenience store in the station, having bought two sandwiches and a packet of juice for myself, and a small box of chocolate covered almonds for my daughter, who was waiting for me at home.

As I threaded my way through the crowd there was some jostling. Everyone looking for a small plot of real estate where they could stand quietly and wait for the train.

I was out roller blading and exploring side streets when I came across an older man and his granddaughter selling origami from their garage. They had some beautiful creations, at very cheap prices, and I could see the young girl was anxious for me to buy something. So I spent a few hundred yen and was soon on my way as I needed to get back home and prepare dinner.

Well it’s Friday night and I’m pretty certain my friend Tabata-san will be hanging out at the usual place. So I decide to go have a talk and perhaps a beer as well.

Sure enough, I find him sitting with a couple of young men telling them what Judo used to be like in the old days.

I wait patiently for an opening in the conversation, as I want to ask Tabata-san to talk more about a previous topic. His experience of being a Japanese man.

Drawing people into conversations that go beyond the surface is one of my favorite pastimes, regardless of where I am. I usually begin such conversations by sharing something personal about myself, while leaving the door open for others to do the same. In my Tokyo neighborhood I’m well known for this, and people seem to look forward to the opportunity of sharing time with me.

As my relationship with Okada-san and Ishida-san progressed, I began to have lunch with them once or twice a month. Usually we go to the same restaurant, and spend at least an hour together. The more I get to know them, the more I’m touched by their heartfelt expression of life.

I saw Okada-san on the street yesterday, and she invited me for lunch the next day at my favorite afternoon restaurant. She made it clear the treat was on her, because she wanted to show her thanks “for all my kindness”. I gladly accepted, and continued on my way to the train station.

I saw Okada-san again yesterday and she got very excited when I told her I had written some heartwarming stories about her recently. She particularly lit up when I told her my stories were mainly read by “gaijin” (foreigners).

“Oh my goodness,” she said, “Who would have ever thought I’d be playing some role in communicating to thousands of foreigners!”
“I feel a bit like the foreign minister,” she said, “But without all the political responsibilities.”

Well, it was about two months since I had seen Okada-san, when I saw her coming out of the dry cleaners.

“How was the meal?” I asked.
“Fantastic!” she said. “In fact, it has led to a whole new life for me.”
“Oh wow! DO tell me.” I replied.