Lessons on not be pissed off

How being late taught Koji the lesson of being patient

May 12, 2022, Thursday

Dear Koji,

Today, you were going to a serene retreat somewhere in the middle of North Central Florida (It was showing that you were at Fort White, Florida in my 360 app). I think the retreat was organized by the school before graduation (We can’t believe you will be high school this September).

It was supposed to be just a usual school day, but while we were driving you to school, you suddenly realized that you were wearing flip-flops and forgot your shoes. We turned back to get your shoes, and this was in the middle of a rush hour.

You were so pissed off with yourself.

After making a U-turn, you were saying something under your breath, but I told you to relax, and not be pissed off. Almost a quarter of a mile, you said sorry to us, but again, pissed off on yourself for forgetting the shoes.

I know you are pissed off. But here’s the big lesson in life: you have to learn to not be pissed off and relax. This is where accident happens, when your emotions take over yourself. I know you will be late, accept the fact.

My Tai Chi Sensei once told me, you could be either (1) late and pissed off, or (2) late and not pissed off you’re relax.

Pick carefully. (In the end we were not late, but that’s a different story to tell).

You know the reason why I meditate? This is the reason, to be calmer in situations like this, when we rush to go back and get something we forgot.

To be calmer when I loss money from a business venture or when life is in crisis.

This is the reason why I ask you to meditate when you were still young (~7 years old). It’s boring but it’s needed. In a culture of fast food and microwavable, learn how to slow down, close your eyes and count your breaths.

I remember stories I watched from Navy Seals. These guys have jobs that requires a lot of nerves. One Navy Seals instructor once said that you need to be calm in pressure pack situations. It’s life and death situations, but they slow down.

Koji, I want you to be calmer in situations like you’re late rushing in the middle of a busy highway. Meditate. Slow down.

Go to retreats.

You can be late and pissed off, or you can be late and NOT pissed off. Take your pick.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy