Good morning from Caribou Coffee,

This is the second time I have tried to write this. I had it completed and then my internet connection expired, so take too. It has been a long few days, but over the weekend I listened to the soundtrack of The Last Samurai a couple times. Hans Zimmer is an amazing composer, particularly in his ability to combine indigenous music with his orchestral compositions.

While I am not particularly a Tom Cruise fan, I enjoyed the above mentioned movie specifically for two reasons. First I think the cinematography was outstanding; and second, I think the way the movie seemed to respect of philosophy of the samuai was admirable. Bushido is the word for that philisophy which has seven priniciples. Principles that I believe could make us all better individuals and perhaps thereby create a better society.

I have gotten this from an internet site (I need to give credit you know!)

1. Gi: the right decision, the right attitude: perhaps this is doing what we believe to be the right thing regardless the consequences

2. Yu: bravery tinged with heroism. I am not sure about the heroism thing, I think that is in the eyes of the beholder, but to be brave enough to follow through again regardless of consequences is I what I hope I am able to do.

3. Jin: universal love, benevolence and compassion. It is hard to love others, particularly when they hurt us, but to treat others with a sense of charity and goodness, without expectation of return treatment, is certainly a good thing to which I can aspire.

4. Rei: right action–a most essential quality, courtesy; courtesy is something which is certainly lacking in this world that seems to be permeated by a sense of entitlement. Courtesy is more than words or seeming to be such, it is a general philosophy that goes much deeper. This is one of the more difficult lessons I have learned as of late.

5. Makoto: utter sincerity; truthfulness. This is certainly connected to what I just mentioned. Truthfulness is a frightening thing because it makes us vulnerable, to be sincere in all ways is, once again, something to which we can aspire. However, as with earlier notes here, it has consequences. Utter sincerity is more than words, it is following through and being as unconditional as possible.

ó. Melyo: honor and glory. Honor is much like ethos, which is part of my rhetorical education. What makes us credible, either professionally or personally? I think it is consciously asking, what is the right thing?? Glory is not something I am looking to achieve, but it is something that is given or earned.

7. Chugo: devotion, loyalty. This is something that I have been accused by more than one person of being too much of these things. But, I cannot imagine being another way. If I cannot be counted on or loyal, if my word means nothing, than I am nothing. I must admit that earlier in my life I failed miserably at times. I hope that I am beyond that and this is something I work on regularly.

What is important for the samurai is that these principles were imperatives and absolutes. While such an imperative might seem unreasonable, it is certainly no reason to not try to live by such a philosophy. I think that such an aspiration might create more wholesome individuals and as a consequence a better society.

This is my last full week of "freedom" as the contract starts next week. I am busy this week, but that business will help me manage some of the more painful things that have happened as of late. In spite of the hurt, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to care. The pictures is of some of the flowers in my back yard. They remind me of a scene in the movie that so demonstrated the tranquility of the samurai village. May you experience some of that tranquility this week.

Thanks for reading,

Michael