ToddsZen: Recent Episodes

Todd MItchell

Welcome to the ToddsZen Podcast.. I’m Todd—a 40-year Zen and martial arts enthusiast and practitioner. My mission is simply to share my personal Zen journey with others, and help as many people as I can be their best Self. Join me on my continuing 40-year Zen journey. Discovering beautiful people, methods, cultures, and life changing beliefs. Let me help guide you on your quest—to help you discover your best Self.

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This podcast is sponsored by mitchellcreativegroup.com. High-end agency services made easy, fast and affordable. If you dream of launching a brand, need a website, product or marketing then let them get you started. Go to mitchellcreativegroup.com for more.

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Join host Todd as we unlock the superpowers of creativity and imagination. Each episode explores inspiring stories, powerful interviews, and fresh ideas that ignite your passion and transform your outlook on life. Whether you're an artist or just looking to add a little magic to your daily routine, there’s something here for everyone. Tune in and discover how creativity can change your life for the better!

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—a lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of incredible experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband, father and grandfather. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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About Todd

I am Todd—lifetime artist and passionate creative professional with over 30-years of awesome experience. A wellness, martial arts, Zen and spiritual teacher; imaginative entrepreneur; and honored husband and father of three. I am driven to helping others achieve their personal, professional, and spiritual best. You can find me online at https://www.toddszen.com, or https://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com

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Here are some tips on where to start— what to do next… in a practical, real world.

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Trying to please your egotistical self cannot be done. Serving others is the key.

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Enemy is a concept we are either taught or create and it holds us back from our best potential.

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We are not taught this incredible skill— to surrender to all the fear, to all that holds you back.

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There is a driving force behind your thoughts. Look at that and see your life change.

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Here are some tips on living a limitless life.

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Here are some helpful ideas that may make your journey a tad easier!

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Simplifying meditation

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What angry thoughts really do to you

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How do I know when I’m spiritually connected

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The combination of the body, mind and spirit affect the whole of your being. Focus on all three.

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A few thoughts about Zen, what Zen means, and how it can change you

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Some easy tips to attain spiritual enlightenment. It doesn't take much.

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https://www.toddszen.com

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The tricky innkeeper story

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Releasing the Us vs. Them Mentality

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Releasing Goals and Living for Today

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

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It even takes patience to listen to this podcast! Here are some simple tips…

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

Join the podcast!

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

Join the podcast!

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

Join the podcast!

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Live from a place of love not fear

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The skill of doing nothing

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Spiritual starvation and nourishment can set you free.

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Spirits in the material world explained. It means more than you think, but simpler than you think.

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How to create a living dream state

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Changing your life is easier than you think!

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Here are a few ideas to help us get to the real issue behind our perceived problems.

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What is anger— and what can it do?

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

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Please visit https://www.toddszen.com for more

Join the podcast!

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Wing Chun (which can be translated roughly as beautiful springtime, or everlasting springtime) is considered a more contemporary and newer form of martial arts or Kung Fu style. It is one of many, but considered one of the primary, traditional Southern Chinese Kung Fu styles and form of self-defense, developed about 300 years ago in the late 1700s. Wing Chun became very popular in American culture by a man named Yip Man (Master Ip, or Ip Man), the eventual teacher of Bruce Lee, as well as many others.

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Read the blog: Wing Chun Basics: https://www.toddszen.com/blog/wingchunbasics

Train Wing Chun Practice: https://store.masterwong.tv/wingchun

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The way of the warrior begins long before any physical action, or even before any mental action. It’s primary and fundamental roots are in things like love, kindness, friendship, honor, wisdom, and kindness. Through those traits, the true warrior emerges. The true warrior never even sees battle. Yet, has the skills to protect themselves and others.

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What’s the difference between T’ai Chi and Qigong?

The difference between Tai Chi and Qigong as well as the similarities.

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Think of life as a winding path. Changing directions, up, over, and under… forks in the path to choose different directions. Always remain on the path!

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You always have the power of choice no matter what you do or where you are in life.

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If you see the Buddha kill the Buddha is such an odd Zen Koan, but a point well taken.

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So much BAD news, let’s talk about some good news— a POSITIVE outlook…

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Why expectations can hurt us— either good or bad expectations…

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Fear is subtle sometimes, so awareness and mindfulness of it can help you grow spiritually.

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With news, media, social media, and all the outspoken ideas we need to be careful about knowing the truth versus following lies. Often the difference between “conspiracy theories” and “theories” is practically nothing. So which is real and which is a lie? Lies, falsities and other negative mindsets can really hurt us and hinder our spiritual growth.

Want more Zen? Please visit https://www.toddszen.com

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Learning from our faults can teach us way more than we think.

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How to apply Judo to every day life

How to apply Judo to every day life? It’s easier than you’d think!

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How to meditate in one minute or less? Let’s try it out!

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A sage, in classical philosophy, is someone who has attained wisdom. The term has also been used interchangeably with a 'good person', and a 'virtuous person'. But it really means something different to each of us…

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Tao or Dao is a Chinese word signifying the "way", "path", "route", "road" or sometimes more loosely "doctrine", "principle" or "holistic beliefs.”

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The Catholic Church, often referred to as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with approximately 1.3 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2019. As the world's oldest and largest continuously functioning international institution, it has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilization.

The church consists of 24 particular churches and almost 3,500 dioceses and eparchies around the world. The pope, who is the Bishop of Rome (and whose titles also include Vicar of Jesus Christ and Successor of St. Peter), is the chief pastor of the church entrusted with the universal Petrine ministry of unity and correction. The church's administration, the Holy See, is in the Vatican City, a tiny enclave of Rome, of which the pope is head of state.

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Buddhism is an Indian religion based on a series of original teachings attributed to Siddharta Gautama (The Buddha). It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia.

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A very simple and effective 5-10 minute meditation tapping into nature’s beauty, power, and energy. Done a few times a week can be life-changing.

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A classic in Zen Buddhism, do you jump in the quicksand and help? Or stand firmly on the ground to help?

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Standing behind your beliefs is important. They are different for each of us, and it’s crucial to follow YOUR path— YOUR beliefs!

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Trying to stay on the path is both difficult and easy. And watching out for “dark energies” can help you see them before they detract you.

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What spiritual path is right for you?

There are many spiritual paths to take and you don’t need a specific religion to live a decent life. But choosing “something” can help your enlightenment.

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What I learned about judgement of others and self—and ideas to help you lead a more free way of life.

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Anxiety and depression can be debilitating. But there are quite a few ways to sort through the pain and fog, leading you to a refreshing, more natural state to be freed up from both of those. Here are some ideas that may help.

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The noble 8 fold path is one of great legend from Buddhism, but the basics are all shared by many global religions and philosophies. Here are some more neat little facts about these 8 skills to help you with suffering and help you determine “What path should I take?”

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Judo and Master Kano's Spiritual Teaching— The Spirit of Judo

A little history into the more spiritual side of Judo practice and what Master Kano Jigoro Shihan intended. The art like many martial arts are more about the spirit and the deeper “better self” BEFORE the physical skills. A very important characteristic of any master. As they say the real winner never enters the fight.

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In life there can be suffering, and the cause of it is craving and desire. But it can be relieved by following what the Buddha named The Eight Fold Path. The Four Noble Truths, and the Eight Fold Path are very powerful suggestions to help lead a less suffered life style.

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Let’s not lose sight of living life as a happy child. Living it on purpose as an adventure. Instead of a dragging, pain in the neck. You are meant to enjoy your life. Each and every moment, from simply breathing to enjoying a meal or spending time with others, live your life as if it IS an adventure! Be crazy, fun, excited, and be like a child!

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We all know how to love others, things, and stuff “out there” but what about what’s in “here.”? Learning to really love your Self is first acknowledging that you are more than who you think you are. A spiritual being, an energy, a being, a part of life’s expression of itself… but you are sensing a feeling of “self” that makes you wonder “who am I?” and then, with all the layers of life, we often start to question and doubt who we are. We judge ourselves, and we’re never quite good enough sometimes… But learning to LOVE thy Self, is an easy intention. You simply allow the energy of love to reflect inward at your miraculous Self. Trust in God, and allow your true Self to shine, and live! Love your being-ness—love your Self. Start there, and then let it reflect outward on others.

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Living a life of gratitude is much easier than you’d think. It’s simply a choice. A decision to think differently, act differently, and to be different. Start right there where you are. Are you dwelling on the negative aspects of life most often, even perhaps right now? Or do you regularly contemplate positivity and gratefulness in every day life? Sure— habits can be hard to break. But new habits are just as easy to start. And even if you think you have a natural disposition for negativity, or your life is just miserable—it’s not true. And you are one thought away from thinking, and therefore BEING grateful.

You see, everything there is in life is incredible. It’s beautiful just the way it is. It doesn’t need our thinking, our comments, or our judgements. The best truths in life just “are.” So the moment our human mind nature kicks in with thoughts, feelings and emotions, it changes the whole dynamic. It becomes a thought-based “thing” instead of what it really is. Take for example, a flower. To some it’s perceived as beautiful, and to some it’s nothing at all. And to most— mostly neutral, neither good nor bad. But ultimately, ask this—of anything: Without my thoughts, feelings, or judgments, what is it? Ponder that a moment. If you are still, you will see that it’s the mind that shapes things in life. It constructs everything into more than what it really is.

So the term “grateful” can almost mean you are full of grace. You welcome and nourish graciousness to this moment, and what yo are being presented with. So try and just stop your min a moment right where you are, and contemplate everything around you that you CAN choose to be grateful about. Often, a good start is your sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, your miraculous body at work, and just consciousness—how amazing and beautiful it really is. Embrace that, nourish that, and make an effort to seek it, explore it, and make it a part of your life.

Any moment on any day, ask, what am I grateful for? Or what CAN I be grateful for? Then BE grateful for it. Enjoy it and savor it.

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So what I’ve discovered some thing that I mentioned to somebody when they asked “are you too tired?” And I replied, no worries I will create the energy I need. And it was at that moment that I realized just like I can purposefully come up with a thought or I can purposefully come up with a feeling I can literally pick myself up by my own bootstraps and make myself do just about anything that I realized that I can create the energy I seek.

No obviously there are ways to enhance your energy with proper diet, exercise, and sleeping properly as well as living a good honest decent and energetically of style. Take movement for example. When you start moving you are by definition generating energy. In fact the whole principle behind tai chi and qi gong is the basis of movement and relaxation energies and everything in between. Start moving around for example start a simple exercise like simple light jumping and after some time you’ll notice that you start to warm up. Your heart starts beating faster, your blood is pumping faster, and your muscles tendons and ligaments are all working harder therefore creating more energy.

Now add to that the possibility of an energetics attitude and mindset. I feel the energy, picture of the energy, and imagine the energy all inside and around you. And combined that along with your movement, as well as proper breathing, do you have now “created” energy. So that’s the basics behind that. We can DEFINITELY “Create” our own energy.

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ToddsZen Season 1, episode 5: The art of PEACE. The legend of Morihei Ueshiba.

Morihei Ueshiba was born around December in 1883 and lived to around 1969. He was a great, and honored Japanese martial artist and founder of the martial art Aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" (Kaiso) or (Ōsensei), "Great Teacher.” He was also author of one of my favorite books— one that I keep handy at all times, “The Art of Peace.

He was the son of a landowner from Tanabe Japan, and he studied a number of martial arts in his youth, and eventually served in the Japanese Army during the Russian/Japanese War.

After being discharged in 1907, he moved to Hokkaidō and met and studied with Takeda Sōkaku, a founder of jūjutsu. When he left Hokkaido Ueshiba served as a martial arts instructor and opened his first dojo.

On an expedition to Mongolia around 1924, he was captured by Chinese troops and returned to Japan. The following year, he was said to have had a profound spiritual experience, stating that, "a golden spirit sprang up from the ground, veiled my body, and changed my body into a golden one." And it was after this experience, his martial arts skill appeared to be greatly increased.

Ueshiba moved to Tokyo in 1926, where he set up what would become the “Aikikai Hombu Dojo.” By now he was comparatively famous in martial arts circles, and taught at this dojo and others around Japan, including in several military academies.

In the aftermath of World War II the Hombu dojo was temporarily closed, but Ueshiba had by this point left Tokyo and retired to Iwama, and he continued training at the dojo he had set up there. From the end of the war until the 1960s, he worked to promote aikido throughout Japan and abroad. He eventually passed away 1969 but certainly left a legend behind. After Ueshiba's death, aikido continued to be promulgated by his students (many of whom became noted martial artists in their own right). It is now practiced around the world.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of “The Art of Peace” and see how it can affect your spiritual life.

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As much of what I learned from Dr. Wayne Dyer, these principles help with walking into family situations. They can be difficult, challenging… but with a few tips here, you can very much change the outcome of any family gathering from negative to very positive, peaceful, and loving. Intention of gratitude, peace, wellness, and love for others first— then your self. BE the peace, be your best positive self first. No expectations, detach from the outcome. And hold no grudges. Forgive, and be eternally grateful.

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So much to say about Wing Chun. Most people know it as Bruce Lee’s art—or Yip Man (his teacher). But there’s a very cool and relatively simple yet interesting history behind this martial art from southern China. I started studying this since I was around 10, and I’ve learned a lot of neat things about it. Here’s my take on the basics behind Wing Chun.

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So, why ToddsZen? I talked a little bit about it in the season opener, but here I’ll explain the how’s an why’s behind it, along with some little ideas. PLEASE subscribe, I am very excited and plan on a lot of great content coming. If you are looking for more Zen practice, spiritual practice, or simple want to improve your body, mind, and spirit then please listen in. Martial arts, philosophy, and plain old neat ideas for a better life. I am committed to helping as many people as I can and want to be a guide. Join me!

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Welcome to ToddsZen.com. I’m Todd—a 40-year Zen and martial arts enthusiast and practitioner. My mission is simply to share my personal Zen journey with others, and help as many people as I can be their best Self. Join me on my continuing 40-year Zen journey. Discovering beautiful people, methods, cultures, and life changing beliefs. Let me help guide you on your quest—to help you discover your best Self.

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Welcome to the ToddsZen Podcast.. I’m Todd—a 40-year Zen and martial arts enthusiast and practitioner. My mission is simply to share my personal Zen journey with others, and help as many people as I can be their best Self. Join me on my continuing 40-year Zen journey. Discovering beautiful people, methods, cultures, and life changing beliefs. Let me help guide you on your quest—to help you discover your best Self.