I used to think that I didn’t need to make New Year’s Resoutions. “Why should someone who is continually trying to improve oneself partake in such a common practice?” I would say to myself. Over time though, through experience and careful reflection, I have come to realise how arrogant I really was. Therefore, I started this year by making a resolution to make New Year’s Resolutions every year from now on! I’ve made a plethora of other resolutions too but I’ll save them for future posts.
One of the great things about living in Japan is enjoying the New Year holiday and the traditions that come with it. Most notable being the customary visit to a Shinto Shrine or Buddhist Temple. On these visits, Japanese people, religious or not, generally pray to the deities for various forms of good fortune, such as good health, to pass tests or get married, in the year ahead – a New Year’s Resolution if you will. So what better way to kick off 2017 than to head down to the local temple and make some resolutions!
Souji Temple is the Eastern Headquarters of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism in Japan and is located on the West side of Tsurumi Station in Yokohama. I highly recommend it as a place to visit at any time of year, but its Setsubun event in February, unique Obon festivities in July, and traditional New Year celebrations, are worthy of note.
My wife and son enjoyed pulling fortunes, both of whom got Daikichi (Big Luck), while I enjoyed a latte from the coffee truck set up on site. Yes that’s right, a latte! To have such a drink in such a place at such a time, let alone sell one, was unheard of when I arrived in Japan nearly sixteen years ago but here we are today enjoying coffee at the temple.
It’s now April, a good portion of the year has already passed. I’ve started chipping away at my resolutions but am yet to realise any in full. I’ll work not only harder but also smarter in order to reach my goals. How about you? Have you fulfilled your New Year’s Resolution for 2017?
Graham
#newyearsresolution #goals #temple #japan #grahamshouse
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Published by Graham's House
日本語での説明は英文の後にあります
To encourage the formation of a Communication and Lifestyle Community, Graham's House was established on the 24th of October 2014 by Graham Macdonald, an Australian who came to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa in July 2001 to study Traditional Japanese Martial Arts under the renowned Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.
Graham would like his 'House' to become a space where like minded people can come together and communicate with one another and share their passion for English, Yoga, Martial Arts, Japanese Calligraphy, and a Healthy Lifestyle.
Graham is currently undertaking The Kelly Starrett System - Movement & Mobility 101 course and in August 2016 he completed the Yoga Ed. Professional Institute 1 - Kids Yoga Instructor Training. Graham graduated from Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, in March 2013 with a Master of Science in Medicine. From April 2010 to March 2011 he was a Part Time Research Assistant at Toho University School of Medicine. Prior to that he completed the Cambridge CELTA with a Pass A at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, and his undergraduate studies were undertaken at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in Politics and History.
Graham's last corporate training role was English coach to the CEO, and other senior managerial staff, of an investment corporation in Tokyo. Prior to that he was in an in-house position at a global automotive manufacturer from June 2012 to October 2014 where he implemented, developed and managed an English training programme for the company. Graham also specialises in Presentation Skills Coaching along with Proof Reading and Editing, and sometimes Translating, of medical research papers for publication in scientific journals worldwide.
Grahamは２００１年７月日本の古武道を習うためにオーストラリアから日本にやって来ました。この度はGraham's Houseを設立いたしました。当Houseでは私が興味をもって取り組んできた英語、ヨガ、武道、書道、ヘルシーライフスタイルについてみなさんと共有していきたいと考えています。どうぞ宜しくお願い致します。
Grahamの学校履歴
２０１６年８月 Yoga Ed. プロフェッショナル・インスティテュート１ 卒業
２０１３年３月 東邦大学医学部 修士課程(医科学) 卒業
２０１０年４月～２０１１年３月 東邦大学医学部 非常勤研究生 La Trobe大学でCambridge大学 セルタ - Aランクで卒業
Monash大学 文学士 - 政治と歴史専攻 卒業
Grahamの仕事履歴
英会話教師として様々な会社、大学、英会話学校あるいはプライベートクラスで働いてきました。２０１８年の４月までは東京で投資法人のCEOとマネージメントスタッフの英語のコーチとして働いています。以前のコーポレート契約は２０１２年６月～２０１４年１０月まで大手外資系自動車部品メーカーで会社内の英語のトレーニングプログラムを設立し、育てながらマネージングをしました。 プレゼンテーションスキルズコーチ、医学論文の校正、編集、通訳も専門として働いています。
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