Celebrated my sister Lara’s birthday on June 12, 2018 at Eating House 1849 at Waikiki, Hawaii.
#sister #birthday #family #eatinghouse1849 #restaurant #food #waikiki #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Tag Archives: Mindfulness
Moonlit Walk in Waikele, Hawaii
My moonlit walk home last night after working on a bunch of business agreements and documents.
#business #entrepreneurship #law #transactionallaw #aviation #walking #waikele #oahu #hawaii #exercise #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Enjoying My Walks
Enjoying my walks.
#walking #exercise #bose #bosesoundsport #earbuds #rei #bookpackerplus #backpack #samuraiumbrella #macbookpro #mindfulness #gratitude #waikele #hawaii
Filed under Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness
You Paint My Blues Pink
You paint my blues pink.
And shelter me from my pain.
Art from your kind heart.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #133, 5/23/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #sky #pink #blue #waikele #oahu #hawaii #love #mindfulness #gratitude #peace #innerpeace #kindness
Filed under Compassion, Creative Writing, Haiku, Happiness, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Positive Living, Writing
Moonlight Wedding
Moonlight wedding.
#beautiful #peaceful #serene #picture #photo #photography #kualoaranch #moonlight #wedding #mindfulness #gratitude #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Hard to say goodbye.
No matter what challenges we have, there are always many things that are good in our lives. Hard to say goodbye. My niece and I.
#niece #sister #family #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Motivation
My 4-month-old niece and I.
My 4-month-old niece and I. 5th and 6th generation. Love and peace.
#niece #baby #family #mindfulness #gratitude #love #peace
Filed under Uncategorized
Memorial service for my grandparents.
My dad, mom, sisters, baby niece and I at Jodo Shu Hawaii after a service for my Karamatsu grandparents.
#family #grandparents #jodoshuhawaii #jodomissionofhawaii #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Buddhism, Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
My cousin Jill and Nathan’s wedding at Kualoa Ranch
My mom, dad, sisters, baby niece, brother-in-law, and extended family attended my cousin Jill and Nathan’s wedding at Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii on Saturday April 28, 2018.
#cousin #family #wedding #kualoaranch #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Events, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness
Attacking Our Long-Term Goals
When attacking my long-term goals, it usually takes 6 to 7 years for them to manifest. I have one goal that is on its 12th year. To quell the worry monster inside us from wondering if we will get there, or if all these years of work are worth it, we can keep working on each project step by step, day by day to knock off many small wins until we reach our vision. Each small win gives us a dopamine rush or feelings of accomplishment! Also, we can be like water, and adjust to receive different variations of our dreams.
#goals #dreams #stepbystep #daybyday #education #sports #exercise #health #career #politics #law #business #entrepreneurship #writing #fiction #nonfiction #books #aviation #nonprofit #charity #process #progress #mindset #patience #determination #relentless #tenacity #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Books, Business, Career, Consistency, Creative Writing, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Law, Life Coach, Motivation, Novels, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
Sleep is Important
Having enough sleep is important for our mental and physical health. It’s a challenge for me because I’m always thinking, even when I want to sleep. I can read and write for many hours, even until sunrise, which I’m trying to avoid. If I get 7 or more hours of sleep, I add a win to my daily wins journal. I had almost 9 hours of sleep last night, my 70th time sleeping 7 or more hours for 2018.
#sleep #rest #health #mentalhealth #physicalhealth #stressrelief #anxietyrelief #practice #dailypractice #goals #selfdevelopment #mindfulness #peace #innerpeace
Filed under Consistency, Health, Life Coach, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Positive Living
Just My Fish and I
Just my fish and I.
#fish #neontetras #tetras #pets #aquarium #peace #innerpeace #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Pets, Uncategorized
What will be, will be.
What will be, wil be. Keep learning, working, loving . . .
Keep going.
#motivator #motivation #work #learn #love #stepbystep #daybyday #selfdevelopment #goals #dreams #patience #mindfulness #impermanence #mindset #raceagainsttime
Filed under Uncategorized
I work on what I can today
To distract me from worrying about tomorrow, I work on what I can today.
At times we decline opportunities to pursue our dreams, which causes us stress. I’ve been through it with my political and legal career, and now I’m going through it with my recent goals in the private sector. Focusing on what I can work on now has helped me move forward on my journey, even through the roughest parts. I wish you the best in your journey. I’m feeling you and cheering for you!
With Warmest Aloha, Jon
#today #present #now #mindfulness #stepbystep #daybyday #anxietyremedies #strategy #thoughts #philosophy #quote #quotes #starbucks #work #writing #goals #dreams #business #aviation #books #novels #fiction #nonfiction #entertainment #motivation #mindset #macbookpro #macbook #waikele #oahu #hawaii
I love the feel of books being physically with me.
I love the feel of books being physically with me as well as their soul. I have books on shelves in my living room and office. I also have stacks of them on my nights stands on both sides of my bed. When reading before bed, books don’t radiate blue light like when reading from a computer, pad, or smartphone. Further, I take a book with me on trips or to the coffee shop.
#books #nonfiction #fiction #reading #writing #learning #selfdevelopment #daybyday #stepbystep #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Uncategorized
Our worries can make it hard to sleep.
Our worries can make it hard to sleep. Before bed, I like to drink a hot decaffeinated tea or hot chocolate, take a hot shower, and wrap myself in this cozy Nautica bathrobe that my sister Mia gave me some years ago for Christmas. Also, reading a book, especially fiction helps. Every so often I meditate to clear my mind. As a last resort, we could take a supplement to help us sleep so long as we are okay waking up wanting to sleep more, which is better than waking up with morning anxiety. Wishing you the best!
#sleep #sleepremedies #rest #decaffeinatedtea #hotchocolate #hotshower #nautica #bathrobe #read #books #fiction #meditation #sleepsupplement #mindfulness
Filed under Books, Happiness, Health, Life Coach, Meditation, Mental Health, Peace, Positive Living, Sleep
Happy people don’t worry or get angry about trivial things.
Happy people don’t worry or get angry about trivial things. Unless you or your loved one is about to die, what you’re mad or anxious about isn’t so bad. Be like water and adjust.
#happy #happiness #mindfulness #gratitude #empathy #compassion #peace #innerpeace
Picture of the sky above Pearl City, Hawaii.
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Happiness, Life Coach, Love, Mindfulness, Peace, Positive Living
Pasta with Mushrooms and Onion
I cooked pasta with shiitake, shimeji, and enoki mushrooms, and diced onions, topped with grated parmesan cheese.
#pasta #mushrooms #onion #cooking #dinner #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Cooking, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Uncategorized
Death falls on us now.
Time – Fluffy snowflakes,
falling onto my footsteps.
Death falls on us now.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #123, 4/10/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #mindfulness #time #life #death
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Music Dances Into Me
Just a dash of green.
Music dances into me.
So does your spirit.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #122, 4/6/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #mindfulness #music #spirit
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Life is much happier when we surround ourselves with loved ones who practice positive living.
I had a great time with my friend Brandon Mitsuda who always boosts positive energy into me. Life is much happier when we surround ourselves with loved ones who practice positive living.
#happy #happiness #practices #positivepractices #positiveliving #positiveenergy #friends #friendship #lifecoach #motivational #quote #quotes #easter #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness, Motivational, Positive Living, Quotes
Wishing for and celebrating other people’s happiness
Wishing for and celebrating other people’s happiness boosts our own happiness!
#happiness #wellwishes #others #innerpeace #peace #mindfulness
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Happiness, Mindfulness, Positive Living
Omelette with Mushrooms, Onions, and Cheeses
Today, I made an omelette with Bunashimeji mushrooms, Enoki mushrooms, onion, green onion, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Asadero cheese, and Queso Quesadilla cheese. Served with brown rice with a sprinkle of furikake.
#omelette #bunashimeji #enoki #mushrooms #cheddar #montereyjack #asadero #quesoquesadilla #cheese #brownrice #furikake #cooking #breakfast #mindfulness #gratitude #hawaii
Filed under Cooking, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Pull Me Into You
Pull me into you.
Blending feelings with flavor.
Pulsating pleasure.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #118, 3/25/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #author #expression #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
My Swiss Army Pocket Knife
My Swiss Army Knife from my parents when they visited Switzerland as they toured Europe some years ago. It has my first and middle name on it. I made the leather knife holder with my initials on it when I was a Cub Scout in Pack 75 of Pearl City, Hawaii and used it through Boy Scouts of Troop 75 and Team 75 of Pearl City, Hawaii and up to now. Scouting taught me about learning, teamwork, and perserverance. I had to use my knife’s scissors to open up a small package of snacks from Japan while I typed and read last night at Starbucks. Grateful for these useful items!
#swissarmyknife #switzerland #leatherknifeholder #cubscouts #pack75 #boyscouts #eaglescout #troop75 #team75 #scouting #learning #teamwork #perserverance #mindfulness #gratitude #macbookpro #starbucks #waikele #hawaii
Filed under Gratitude, Happiness, Life, Positive Living
My REI Backpack
Switched to my REI backpack today since my other backpack started to fall apart near one of the straps. This was my backpack during law school. Lugging too much stuff. Got R2D2 (my Macbook Pro) and my samurai umbrella. Ready to do some evening work!
#backpack #rei #walk #walking #exercise #work #writing #business #entrepreneurship #hustle#grind #tenacity #macbookpro #samuraiumbrella #mindfulness #gratitude #hawaii
Filed under Consistency, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Motivation, Productivity, Writing
Habanero Chili Peppers From My Dad’s Garden
On Sunday March 18, 2018, I picked some Habanero chili peppers that my dad grew in his garden in Pearl City, Hawaii. Motivated to cook!
#habanero #habanerochili #habanerochilipeppers #chilipeppers #garden #gardening #homegarden #homegardening #farmtotable #gardentotable #dad #pearlcity #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Food, Garden, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Appreciate the simple things in our lives!
Simplicity is in our core. If we lose our appreciation for this, we lose our being.
#simplicity #basics #mindfulness #gratitude #innerpeace #peace #quote #quotes #grateful #thankful
Filed under Uncategorized
Corned Beef Cabbage By My Dad
Last night, Sunday March 18, 2018, for my family’s weekly video conference with my sister Mia and her family, my dad made corned beef cabbage with a slow cooker.
#cornedbeefandcabbage #slowcooker #cooking #dad #family #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Cooking, Family, Food, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Build Value and Peace
Our “why” is what will motivate us to provide value for others.
Our desire to learn and ability to work with others will give us the “how.”
Our daily work and patience towards the long game will determine our “when.”
The above is our sweat equity for our vision.
If . . . no, when we build our own abundance of capital, we can add it to our sweat equity to power a value-making system that creates jobs, services, and products for others.
Another influential practice for a human is to always be mindful and grateful, and consistently loving, compassionate, and empathetic towards all beings and the universe. Enlightening oneself to transcend beyond the suffering of life and death.
Building value and peace. May they both be with you.
#vision #value #learn #relationships #work #capital #peace #mindful #grateful #loving #compassionate #empathetic #practices #dailypractices
Filed under Uncategorized
Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back Glasses
My mom dropped off Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back glasses that was part of a promotion with Burger King when I was a kid. After, we did some errands together and had lunch at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers.
#starwars #empirestrikesback #burgerking #glasses #mindfulness #gratitude #honolulu #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness
Happy Office at Starbucks
Getting pulled in different directions at the same time. How do I resolve this? By working day and night at my happy office, Starbucks. In my days as a politician or litigation attorney, I would have difficulty doing this. But working in business development and law, in-between my meetings, much of my work is reading, analyzing, and drafting content and transactions, thus, my mighty MacBook Pro computer can keep me mobile, productive, and connected. Why are coffee shops my happy office? (1) Positive energy from people working, studying, reading, or meeting; (2) I’m fixed to a table to work and just using the restroom takes effort, so I keep working as much as possible with fewer breaks; and (3) Beverages and food are available so I can remain working.
#productivity #work #starbucks #coffeeshop #coffeeshops #macbookpro #apple #computer #positiveenergy #positivevibes #positivity #law #transactionallaw #transactions #content #documents #research #analysis #business #businessdevelopment #attorney #entrepreneur #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Goals, Laptop, Motivation, Productivity, Writing
Fade Into My Eyes
Fade into my eyes.
I will be at the starlight,
between life and death.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #117, 3/12/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
My Mom Is My Greatest Teacher!
My mom is my teacher of mindfulness, gratitude, empathy, and compassion. Throughout my life, I’ve met and befriended powerful masters, healers, individuals with different spiritual powers, and religious leaders of different faiths, however, my greatest teacher has been with me all along. My mom is truly a master on the positive side. I learn from her by observing how she lives. I love her so much! On Monday March 12, 2018, I had breakfast with her at Big City Diner in Waipio, Oahu, Hawaii.
#mom #mother #teacher #master #influencer #family #mindfulness #gratitude #empathy #compassion #love #positivity #positiveliving #peace #innerpeace #joy #happiness #bigcitydiner #waipio #oahu #hawaii
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Family, Gratitude, Happiness, Influencer, Life, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Peace, Positive Living, Positivity
Working @ Coffee Talk!
Chaired my board of directors meeting for Jodo Shu Hawaii earlier and now working at Coffee Talk in Kaimuki, Hawaii while my mom attends a meeting for wellness products. I’ve been in the zone for the past week, pulling off nonstop writing and learning sessions of up to 10 hours straight at coffee shops. I snapped out of a low and depressive energy period caused by stress and anxiety – partly because life and death became very real when I had to save my cousin-in-law from choking on food. There’s so much I want to accomplish before I die. I want to play a small role in providing value to others, especially in products and services that can help others find peace. So excited to work!!!
#coffeetalk #coffeeshop #work #macbookpro #writing #jodoshuhawaii #jodomissionofhawaii #stress #anxiety #inthezone #motivated #inspired #life #death #mindfulness #gratitude #kaimuki #honolulu #hawaii
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Consistency, Entrepreneurship, Inspiration, Motivation, Writing
One Last Hug. Sunset.
We walked on the sand.
Felt the brush of your soft hand.
One last hug. Sunset.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #116, 3/10/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #love #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Poems, Writing
Solitude, Deep Self-Reflection, and Meditation
Solitude, deep self-reflection, and meditation can bring us great power by opening up our energy towards the basics of our existence: love, empathy, compassion, mindfulness, and gratitude, which transcend our physical existence. Everything else is either a bonus or unnecessary noise.
#solitude #reflection #selfreflection #meditation #meditate #selfdevelopment #love #empathy #compassion #mindfulness #gratitude #peace #innerpeace #honolulu #hawaii #quote #quotes
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Inspirational, Life, Life Coach, Love, Meditation, Mindfulness, Motivational, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
Got Me On Replay
There is no escape.
Haunted by the whole culture.
Got me on replay.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #115, 3/7/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #love #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Poems, Writing
Happy Place and Peaceful Walk
Walked home at 11 P.M. on March 6, 2018 after Starbucks closed. There’s a peacefulness in walking alone while listening to an educational podcast after a day’s work at a place that helps me to attain a level of peace, happiness, and productivity.
#starbucks #coffeeshop #work #walking #walk #exercise #educational #podcast #peace #innerpeace #happiness #productivity #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Creative Writing, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Goals, Gratitude, Happiness, Law, Life Coach, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Positivity, Productivity, Quotes, Study, Writing
Combine Exercise and Work!
I had a nice 1-mile walk to my office, Starbucks in Waikele to do work this evening of 2/27/2018. The energy I get from coffee shops motivates me to accomplish some small wins. This reminds me of my law school days when I walked everywhere, even in the snow and ice. Gratitude for my Hawaii lifestyle!
#walk #walking #exercise #work #office #starbucks #coffeeshop #macbookpro #macbook #apple #waikele #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Business, Career, Computer, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Motivation, Writing
Our Dreams Light The Way
Our dreams light the way. Even if it’s a speck of light far away in a mass of darkness, we’ve got to keep working towards it. Our dreams give us purpose in life, and for some of us, even reasons to live. Whether visible or not, many are cheering you on! Keep going!
#dreams #light #goals #selfdevelopment #entrepreneurship #business #law #aviation #hangar #exercise #health #peace #innerpeace #empathy #gratitude #mindfulness #hawaii
Filed under Business, Career, Entrepreneurship, Exercise, Gratitude, Health, Mindfulness, Motivation, Peace, Positive Living
2018 Jodo Shu Fujinkai Service, Annual Membership Meeting, and New Year’s Party.
I offered incense during the service and made a speech as President of Jodo Mission of Hawaii at the Fujinkai annual general membership meeting today, Sunday February 25, 2018. After we had a New Year’s party with food, memory games, bingo, and recognition of members who are 80 years old and above. It was a nice time!
#jodomissionofhawaii #jodoshuhawaii #jodomission #jodoshu #fujinkai #service #meeting #newyearparty #food #mindfulness #gratitude #thankful #happy
Filed under Buddhism, Friends, Gratitude, Happiness, Mindfulness, Positive Living
Death and Life Threatening Illnesses
Thinking of my loved ones who passed away, and those of you facing life threatening illnesses. If I spent five days in prison in order to have them back for a moment or to take away your suffering from killer diseases . . . I look within myself to find clarity. Love you all.
#loveones #family #friends #death #lifethreatening #illnesses #diseases #health #quote #quotes #peace #empathy #compassion #innerpeace #love #mindfulness
Filed under Compassion, Empathy, Family, Friends, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Quotes
Green Tea Latte from Trader Joe’s
I drank all my green tea latte that I bought from Trader Joe’s in San Mateo, California during my stay with my sister Mia and her family. I enjoyed it for my breakfasts and while I did work on my Macbook Pro! I will buy more when I’m back on the U.S. mainland.
#greentealatte #tealatte #greentea #traderjoes #sanmateo #california #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Food, Gratitude, Mindfulness
Does My Words Touch You?
Does my words touch you
the way my thoughts make you squirm?
Close your eyes. Let’s meet.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #114, 2/12/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #love #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Haiku, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Writing
Dozens More Bloom – Love.
Yearning dead flowers.
I picked the petals and cried.
Dozens more bloom – Love.
– Jon Riki Karamatsu, Haiku Poem #113, 2/12/2018 –
#poem #poems #poetry #haiku #haikupoem #haikupoems #haikupoetry #writing #creativewriting #art #expression #cry #flowers #petals #love #mindfulness
Filed under Creative Writing, Gratitude, Haiku, Life, Love, Mindfulness, Poems, Writing
Birthday Dinner for My Dad and Brother-In-Law
Celebrated my dad Richard and brother-in-law Ross’ birthday at Fete with my mom Laraine and sister Lara in Honolulu, Hawaii.
#birthday #dad #ross #family #fete #dowtown #honolulu #hawaii #mindfulness #gratitude
Filed under Family, Gratitude, Mindfulness
We Must Complete Ourselves
People and things will not complete us. We must complete ourselves.
#peace #innerpeace #buddhism #music #mindfulness #gratitude #quote #quotes #saying #happiness #mindset #rightthoughts #positivethinking #positiveliving #mentalhealth #health #love #honolulu #hawaii
Filed under Buddhism, Compassion, Empathy, Happiness, Health, Life, Life Coach, Love, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Positive Living, Quotes, Writing
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 