…And the greatest is LOVE

…And the greatest is LOVE

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Of all of the human emotions, LOVE is the greatest bringing us joy, happiness, connections, families, relationships, friendships, bonds, affections, hugs, and so much more!

As the song mentions, “It’s love that makes the world go round!”  Where would we be without LOVE?

Sunday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day.  Annually, we celebrate Valentine’s Day and express our LOVE to loved ones/“valentines” by exchanging cards, candy and/or flowers. (Many of us would agree that chocolate is the best!)

St. Valentine’s Day is named for Christian martyrs (St. Valentine) and dates back to the 5th century; there are multiple stories. It was replaced with the Roman holiday Lupercalia. According to Wikipedia:

Lupercalia was an ancient, possibly pre-Roman pastoral annual festival, observed in the city of Rome from the 13th to the 15th of February to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility. Lupercalia was also called dies Februatus, after the instruments of purification called februa, which gave February (Februarius) its name.

…And the greatest is LOVE
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As a samurai woman, I believe that love is connected to the bushido code of benevolence. I wrote in my book, “Let the Samurai Be Your Guide:”

Benevolence is the disposition to show respect under all circumstances. It embraces a universal retard toward mankind; a tendency toward good; to be conscious of others’ distress with a desire to alleviate it.

Jin – Benevolence
Kanji character

The two characters are significant.  The character on the left is people, and the character on the right is two; thus meaning two people!  We are sependent/interdependent on others, and need each other.  LOVE and benevolence are compatible.  From benevolence, we express LOVE.

Benevolence was practiced by the samurai.  They were fierce warriors yet showed benevolence to others, their masters, lords, and/or daimyos, and allowed their defeated foes to die with honor. The samurai were scholars, poets, and painters exercising the right brain where emotions are developed and expressed.

Let this Valentine’s Day be special for you.  Even though we are restricted to gathering sizes, there are many ways LOVE, feelings and sentiments can be expressed. We can still send cards, gifts, and/or flowers.  With the advancement of technology, we can call, Face time, or Zoom to stay in touch with our ‘valentines’ face-to-face in other parts of the world.

One of my mentors, the Late Brian Klemmer quoted:

          “When the intention is clear, the mechanism appears.”

It is my desire for you to be creative and make this Valentine’s Day special and memorable. It could be an opportunity to reach out to friends and family to express your thoughts, feelings, and LOVE in a unique way!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Lori Whaley

Lori Whaley

TEDx Speaker | International Best-Selling Author | Life Coach
www.LoriWhaley.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

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Do the Right Thing All the Time

Do the Right Thing All the Time

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Sugihara Kamon (Family Crest)

Chiune Sugihara was born on a cold and auspicious day—January 1, 1900.   His samurai heritage would influence his character and life’s path to do the right thing. 

Sugihara was an outstanding student, and graduated from high school with honors.  His father planned for him to become a doctor; however, he disliked the sight of blood.  Chiune took the medical entrance exam in Korea, signed his name only, and purposefully failed the test.  Because of this action, his Father’s obligation to him ended, and he would be responsible for his further education. At that time in Japanese history, an important trait for a son or a daughter was oya koko, showing respect for one’s parents.   Sugihara faced a difficult decision, but knew his mind and needed to follow that path.  Theodore Roosevelt is quoted:

In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do.

In 1918, Sugihara enrolled at Waseda University to study English Literature.  While in college, he answered an ad issued by the Japanese foreign ministry seeking recruits.  There were requirements, difficult tests to pass, and candidates usually studied for at least two years.  With samurai determination and a few months to prepare, he developed a plan of action.  He passed the tests which qualified him for scholarships.  Through the scholarship, he studied and excelled at Russian language.  This opened the door for him to serve as a diplomat, travel the world, and follow his heart. 

Do the Right Thing All the Time
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While in Tokyo, Sugihara met Yukiko Kikuchi and they were married in 1936. In 1939, Sugihara became the vice-consul of the Japanese Consulate in Kaunas, Lithuania.  As Hitler tightened the reins around Eastern Europe, time was running out for the Jewish peoples’ safety.  By late July 1940, hundreds of Polish Jewish refugees came to Lithuania to avoid Nazi persecution.  They came to the Japanese Consulate because they heard there might be a chance to obtain a transit visa. Although it was legal to persecute Jewish people, was it moral?

Sugihara faced the most difficult decision in his life.  He asked permission to write the transit visas from the Japanese government three times; each time it was denied.  Japanese tradition bound him to obedience, but he was samurai and taught to help those in need.   The Sugihara family risked their lives and livelihood because of their compassion for their fellow man.   From July 31to September 4, 1940, he tirelessly wrote 18 hours per day; as many as 200 transit visas to save the lives of Jewish refugees.  During this time, the Soviet government insisted that he leave Kaunas, and the Japanese Foreign Ministry sent orders to close and vacate the embassy.  He ignored both orders and continued writing until the Japanese Foreign Ministry wrote an urgent telegram demanding that he close the Consulate and depart for Berlin.  It is estimated he wrote over 2,000 transit visas saving the lives of over 6,000 people. Sugihara did the right thing by saving the lives of the Jewish refugee.  Sadly, he was forced to resign his position.

If you save the life of one person, it is as if you saved the entire world.

~The Talmud

In 1984, Sugihara was recognized by Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the Nations,” an honorific used by the State of Israel to describe non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from annihilation by the Nazis.  The year 2020 is “The Year of Chiune Sugihara” in Lithuania. It has been estimated as many as 100,000 people alive today are the descendants of the recipients of Sugihara visas.

Most importantly, Sugihara was a samurai warrior, yet he did not handle a gun or sword.  He brought about change without going to battle.  He was strategic; yet peaceful; decisive, yet compassionate; and determined yet gentle…”Do the right thing all the time.”

Do what is right, because it is right, and leave it alone.

~ Chiune Sugihara

Lori Whaley

Lori Whaley

TEDx Speaker | International Best-Selling Author | Life Coach
www.LoriWhaley.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

5 EASY STEPS TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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The Samurai’s Courage

The Samurai’s Courage

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When I was nine, Bob Willis tripped me, punched me in the stomach, and said, “You’re a fat, ugly Jap!” After that, I wanted nothing to do with my heritage

However, throughout my life, seeds of Japanese influence were planted.  When I attended college, I studied Japanese to fulfill the foreign language requirement.  I wanted to know what my parents were saying that I couldn’t understand!  My first mentor encouraged me to visit Japan because I was ‘more Japanese than I realized.’

Then, in 1982, my husband and I went to Japan and met my rich cousins on my father’s side of the family. They gave me copies of my Tsugawa family tree, and crest which had images of three swords and three leaves that looked like hearts….Domo arigatou gozaimasu …..Thank you very much.

A few days later we attended the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto; the annual historical parade with over 2,000 people dressed in period attire. For me, the highlight was the female samurai warrior, Tomoe Gozen. I didn’t even know there were female samurai! She was so strong, regal, and her image left a deep impression on me.  We returned home, and I packed away our memories and my Japanese heritage.

 

Then in 2007, I was rear ended; the second time in 18 months. I was so messed up, I couldn’t think straight!!! I easily fatigued, suffered chronic pain, and was reading at a seventh grade level; diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI). My new job was physical therapy, massage therapy, vision therapy, speech pathology, chiropractor, neurologist, physiatrist, psychologist, Neuro psych, brain scan, MRI, and more. In fact, I endured over 1,000 medical appointments to regain wellness.  

The Samurai’s Courage
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But I started to think about that female samurai warrior and my Japanese heritage. I began to research the code of bushido, the way of the warrior, whose principles are: courage…integrity… benevolence… respect…honesty… honor…and loyalty.  While researching, I saw a familiar image…I raced to show my husband, “LOOK, my family crest is one of the five main samurai crests of feudal Japan!  The DNA of those samurai warriors is in me.” I knew if the samurai spirit can motivate those warriors, it can motivate me!

My goal was to write a book about how the samurai principles influenced Japanese descendants to overcome challenges. I thought if I can write the book, then I will overcome traumatic brain injury (TBI). Every day, with whatever strength I had, I began to write. As the book took shape, my vision, speech and mental capacity all improved. I could think more clearly and began to see light at the end of the tunnel. When the first shipment of books arrived, I thought, YES, that warrior spirit really is a part of me!

What about your visions, talents, and dreams?  I believe those dreams are on your heart, and only YOU can accomplish them!  I encourage you to act upon your visions and talents, whether past or present, and fulfill your destiny!  Ignite the ‘fire in your belly’ to propel you forward.

“If not now, when? If not you, who?”

   ― Hillel the Elder

Now I share the code of bushido with people up and down the west coast and how the samurai code of ethics can be an anchor in a sea of turmoil, and a guide through the maze of life. It took courage to endure thousands of medical appointments to overcome TBI. Had I given up, I would not have written my book, nor would I be able to share this story with you!

I challenge you to pursue your dreams…and never give up.  Live each day as if it were your last, because one day it will be. Remember this code of bushido, for it can be the key that unlocks your greatness!

NOW, sharpen your swords and let the journey begin!

 

“The world is waiting for you to unveil your gifts
and talents; what are you waiting for?”
-Lori Tsugawa Whaley

Lori Whaley

Lori Whaley

TEDx Speaker | International Best-Selling Author | Life Coach
www.LoriWhaley.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

5 EASY STEPS TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Learn 5 simple things you can do to boost your social media presence in your marketing strategy.

Applying Samurai Teachings To The Modern World

Applying Samurai Teachings To The Modern World

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In “Let the Samurai Be Your Guide” (Tuttle Publishing), life coach and motivational speaker Lori Tsugawa Whaley traces the far-reaching legacy of the samurai and their meaning in the modern world.

Bushido — the traditional code of the samurai — has permeated all aspects of life and society in Japan, and its influences are still deeply felt today. In contemporary Japan, bushido concepts of bravery and skill in battle are now brought to bear on less martial realms, in the corporate and sports worlds, for example.

Hard work, company loyalty, dedication to quality, and the spirit of teamwork extend the “way of the warrior” into the reconfigured battlefields of the 21st century.

In her unique approach to personal development, Whaley presents the power of these principles by pairing a discussion of seven key strategies for success with profiles of individuals whose lives exemplify those principles.

These stories include:

• Esteemed U.S. senator Daniel Inouye, whose distinguished World War II record paved the way for his life of public service as the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S. history.

• Chiune Sugihara, sometimes referred to as the Japanese Schindler, summoned courage and compassion in saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.

• Michi Nishiura Weglyn, whose selfless quest brought wider attention to the internment of Japanese Americans and helped open the door to the redress efforts begun in the 1980s.

Applying Samurai Teachings To The Modern World
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“Let the Samurai Be Your Guide” inspires and encourages readers to embrace their inner warrior — a figure of reason, sound judgment, and outstanding moral character — by understanding that personal power and success doesn’t necessarily derive from physical prowess or effective attack strategies. Instead, readers learn that leading lives of fullness and meaning can be achieved by applying Bushido principles of courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

An author, keynote speaker and professional life coach, Whaley is a third-generation Japanese American baby boomer and a descendant of a samurai warrior. She is on a mission to empower others to reach their full leadership potential no matter their path, heritage or circumstances. She and her husband, John, reside in a Japanese-style home outside of Seattle.

To order the book directly from the publisher, go to www.tuttlepublishing.com

Lori Whaley

Lori Whaley

TEDx Speaker | International Best-Selling Author | Life Coach
www.LoriWhaley.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

5 EASY STEPS TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Learn 5 simple things you can do to boost your social media presence in your marketing strategy.

Bushido – the Way of the Warrior

Bushido – the Way of the Warrior

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Bushido Values for the Modern World

“Bushido, samurai code of ethics, prepares each of us to see what is important in life.
It is truly the foundation for being a great human being.”
~Patsy Surh O’Connell, founder/president – Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Bushido, the way of the warrior, is the code which the samurai warriors of ancient Japan followed. It was a code of conduct that permeated all aspects of the warriors’ lives. It developed their character and eventually the character of an entire nation, and became a guide in moral and practical instruction. Bushido was the Japanese code of chivalry outlining the personal, social, and professional standards of conduct for the samurai.

The principles of the code of bushido:
• Courage – Yuuki
• Integrity – Gi
• Benevolence – Jin
• Respect – Rei
• Honesty – Makoto
• Honor – Meiyo
• Loyalty – Chuugi

Bushido – the Way of the Warrior
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The samurai warriors of ancient Japan dedicated their lives to uphold the principles of bushido. Seven principles, seven words can be summed up in the expression, “Do the right thing all the time.”

“A samurai was essentially a man of action.”
~ Inazo Nitobe, Bushido, The Soul of Japan

In future email newsletters, I will present and discuss the seven principles of the code of bushido to assist you in your daily lives. It is one thing to have knowledge, but the practical application could be invaluable!

Lori Whaley

Lori Whaley

TEDx Speaker | International Best-Selling Author | Life Coach
www.LoriWhaley.com

about

Lori Whaley

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a motivational and inspirational speaker, international best selling author and life coach. Using her engaging, passionate, and captivating style, Lori leads her audience to examine their own dreams and goals.

5 EASY STEPS TO AMPLIFY YOUR MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Learn 5 simple things you can do to boost your social media presence in your marketing strategy.

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