A little over a year ago I finally decided it is time to do something new and so after a little further reading online, I learned about this flute, and fell in love with its sound and concept. It is a raw bamboo and as close to nature as it can be, and besides the beauty of its sound and the challenges to learn this flute (and there are many!), playing the Shakuhachi works on the most basic skills of them all: Breathing.
Being on the computer for so many hours per day for so many years has taken its toll on me, and my sincere advice to anyone who works online is to find ways to get offline, and get back to basics. If you neglect doing that the rewards certainly won’t be worth it. You can take my advice or find out the hard way, it is your choice.
Besides the Shakuhachi, and somewhat related, I’m very excited about moving to the Bay area next month. This move is all about exploring new opportunities, partnerships, lifestyle, and learning how things are done in the tech capital of the world. Besides business, San Fransisco, unlike Florida, has a couple of Shakuhachi teachers, and I can’t wait to start studying formally with Masayuki Koga, a Shakuhachi teacher who I truly admire (check out these albums, and in particular, this one).
And besides Shakuhachi and moving, My girlfriend Michelle and I have been cooking lately (if you consider Salads cooking), and eating healthy. I’m not big on cooking but for a relationship I think it is good, as you get to spend quality time doing something together with the one you care about, and the side benefits, yummy healthy food!
What do you do these days? How do you keep yourself busy besides work? Asking is rewarding, you just never know..
Have a great day,
Sahar
I actually do a lot of drawing. It is mentally relaxing. But you reminded me I need to try something new. It’s hard to keep a balance when work is staring at your face 24/7 (working from home) so I try to go out & enjoy time with my daughter.
Speaking of that, the town I am moving to has a children’s theater. We like to do artsy stuff along those lines.
I just joined a fitness club with my wife for the first time after recently losing 30 lbs from making healthier food choices. I am going to start some endurance training and swimming on a regular basis and begin giving guitar lessons to my oldest daughter.
Living in northern U.S. sure leaves summer a much anticipated event so indoor activity is mostly what we have to work with for now.
Music is always one of the best ways to relax either playing it or listening to it. Having distractions to get your mind away from work is very important. Everything seems to revolve around work these days so 2 nights a week I play music with a couple of friends. I like the idea of your Shakuhachi must be very relaxing and something a little different from the norm!
“my sincere advice to anyone who works online is to find ways to get offline, and get back to basics”
Couldn’t agree with this more. For me this has always been the biggest downside of online work. In addition to the health benefits (eg, http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/stand-up-while-you-read-this/), getting offline and going outside is also often when your best ideas come to you.
Hope you’ll have many opportunities to do so in San Francisco, Sahar! The weather may not be as warm as Florida, but there are a lot of great places to explore.
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Hi Matt,
I find ideas come when you are not looking for them, when reading magazines, when driving around with no purpose. Airplanes are great for ideas, in part because you get to see the planet from above I believe, and just think “They are all there, just need to reach them, serve them..”. I bet a trip to space may be spark such creativity as well.
Best,
Sahar