komorebi  

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a moment in training when everything seems to just come together.  This moment is different for every person.  It could be when someone like the teacher or another student says something that brings something together kind of like an "ah-ha" moment.  Or for other people it just happens during the technique when everything just seems right and the technique just flows or just works.

I can't really explain this moment.  It is the instant where the universe just lines up and everything is right.  We call it a moment, but it is really more of a feeling.  In Pulp Fiction, Samuel L. Jackson's character, Jules referred to it as, "A moment of clarity."  The best way I can describe this moment is komorebi (木漏れ日) or the moment that the light shines through the trees.

Komorebi is something that we too have a difficulty explaining, but fortunately it happens serendipitous many times throughout the day if we are aware and present enough.  If we are aware enough, then we can partake in something wonderful that will never happen exactly the same way again like the seemingly benign rays of sunshine breaking through the trees.  To take in this fleeting phenomenon is to be aware of the fleetingness of life or ichigo ichie (one time, one meeting).

These komorebi type moments happen all the time and all around us, but we need to be present to be aware.