One Step at a Time

In my conditioning for dance class, our instructor is teaching us how to assess our gaits. Gait is the pattern of movement of our limbs. I found out there are so many potential problems related to my own gait. I have never been conscious of my own walking all my life. No wonder I am clumsy! For example, I lean more on my right side; I lock my knees; there is tension in my mid-back, etc.

Coincidentally, my horseback riding instructor has told me that my "seat" needed to be balanced. Otherwise, my horse will not be able to walk straight. The horses are such intelligent and sensitive animals that they can even sense our involuntary muscle. They will be the extension of our postures and movements.
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These lessons remind me of the concepts in Eckhart Tolle's book "The Power of Now".
Tolle pointed us to the truth of "all we have is now" and it is enlightening to be aware of the present moment.

So in order to develope healthy spine and gestures, I am learning to take "one step at a time" literally, now!

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I also experience this profound concept of engaging in the present moment as a musician. Music is the art of sound manifested through time. So whether I am practicing, performing or teaching, it is crucial for me to be present and be conscious of the moment.

Once a performance is over, we have left with the memory of it as an impression. Our art may seem elusive, but our ability to be a better musician rewards us at each present moment. We gain more awareness and insights, and a richer experience to draw upon, at each new opportunity.

During one interivew, the actress Jane Fonda was asked what was the most fulfiling moment in her acting career. She answered that it was when there was a especially demanding scene. All the spotlight was on her. Everyone was wondering whether she had the chops to pull it off...

And she nailed it. That was the moment for her.

Perhaps the true essence of great artists are not only what they have done, but also their consciousness of great work to be created, at the moment of now.

Lisbeth Salander

It is not so often that I encounter fictional characters who are so captivating that I feel like they really exist. Last time it happened in 1991 when I came across Milan Kundera's "Unbearable Lightness of Being": Tomas, Tereza and Sabina. I lived with them ever since.

Now I just found Lisbeth Salander from Swedish writer Stieg Larsson's trilogy. I watched the movie adaptation of the novel "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" on DVD and was so intrigued by the movie: its plots and social commentaries, but especially the heroine Lisbeth Salander, a genius computer hacker with a troubled past. She is a social misfit, so damaged but will never be crushed. I went to the movie theater to watch the sequel "The Girl Who Played with Fire" the next day and bought the third book "The Girl who Kicked the Hornets' Nest" afterwards.

Larsson is a writer of incedible talent with a conscience for social justice. He left us too soon at age fifty in 2004. These are the books that people all over the world are now reading. Their popularity is a phenomena in Europe. These series of books are mystery drama, somewhat reminds me of "The Silence of Lamb", but I find Lisbeth Salander so much more complexed and fascinating. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace has transformed herself into the character. Her performance is a chilling perfection.

I am yet to find out more about Lisbeth and what will happen to her from the novel. I think I will live with her for a while, studying about her, as if I really know her.

Ten things I learned with Samsam

My friend May and her son Samsam visited me from Texas this week. Samsam is a sweet two-year old toddler. These are the lessons I learned from his routine and what his mother taught him:
1. Smile and greet people
2. Take naps
3. Eat snacks
4. Say thank you
5. Say sorry
6. Time to play
7. "No, not now"
8. If you do something really bad, "Police will put you in jail"
9. There is never too much of a good thing you love, like "Thomas the Train"
10. Hold hands

The Road Less Traveled-Laurel Canyon Trail

I have read about Laurel Canyon Trail in the Laguna Wilderness Park many times. It is considered as one of the best hikes in Orange County by my guide book. After days of lethargy since summer started, I decided to pack my backpack and went on the road today.

These are what I packed:
1. water bottle
2. snack
3. medicine
4. cell phone
5. GPS
6. guide book with maps
7. journal and a pen
8. camera

I wear a hat, sunglasses, shirt, tank top, shorts and sneakers, and put on suntan lotion. It was a great feeling to begin with: life in a backpack, light and simple.



For safety reason, all hikers or bikers have to sign in at the park office before using the trail. The trail head is right off the 133 road. Soon when I walk deeper into the canyon, I am in another world. The trail becomes steep and narrow. Although it is quite hot in the early afternoon, there are plenty of oak trees and shades. The hike is rather comfortable.



There are supposed to be streams crossing and a fifty-feet water fall, but unfortunately there is no water. I can only imagine how soothing it would be with the sound of running water.

Along the trail, the signs posted by the Wilderness Park invite you to dial your cell phone for commentary. I did that. It makes the hike educational and more interesting.



At the top of the trail, there is open view of the hills and canyons. The psalmist's words come to mind: "I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from Jehovah who created heaven and earth."





Along the trail, I have only passed by a few bikers and hikers. Most of the time, I am alone in the wilderness, with only the sound of nature. Although I do enjoy solitude and nature, I cannot say fear does not come to my mind. What if I get lost? What if...



And when I see this big rock, my imagination runs wild. Do you see what I see?





I completed the hike in two and a half hour. Ironically, being sweaty, dirty and exhausted can feel so good.

But the best part is: I finally confronted my "mountain lion", face to face!