The message on the cup

There are messages and reminders for all around us, although we are not always aware of them at all. Often the message is right before our eyes, for a really log time, and yet it is not revealed to us. A few days ago, I experienced a sweet discovery about the messages that are printed on our Dojo's drinking cups. We have had over a dozen of these cups in daily use for over two years. Not reading Japanese, the writing on the cups was merely a decorative element.

Makiko, a friend who came to visit me, looked at one of the cups, and said: "I've been looking for this writing for quite some time...". She said that on those cups, there is a very good information, and she started translating it.

The first cup talks about "The Five Heart Convictions to Have Daily":
A heart of Gratitude, that says "Thank you".
A heart of Repentance and self-reflection, that says "I'm sorry".
A heart of Humility, that says "I am able to do this because of you".
A heart of Service, that says "I will do this".
A heart of Pure Acceptance, that says "Yes".


The text on the second cup is about "Ten Things to Keep in mind for a Healthy Life":
1. Eat raw vegetables rather than meat.
2. Avoid sweets and eat more fruit.
3. Cut on salt and use vinegar.
4. Eat smaller meals, and fill yourself no more than 80%.
5. Less talk and more work.
6. Have some leisure time, like going to picnics, or singing out loud.
7. Don't bundle up too much, and have more exercise.
8. Walk more, and rely less on your car.
9. Don't worry and dwell on things, and have good sleep.
10. Where there is a nice smile, there is a fortune.

Great reminders for daily practice, especially as we break our thirst after a strong training.