One Hand Speaks

Today I had an experience that I enjoy regarding the sun and heat. Today was one of the first and truly beautiful days. I love the heat and I yearn for Winter to end and Spring to blossom. I love the heat. And this is just a short story of one of my favorite  first-of-the-year, "I love the heat" experiences.

I will be leaving soon for my fifth visit and pilgrimage to Nepal. This is what I have to say.

Last year during my fourth visit and pilgrimage to Nepal, I took 5 days to pilgrimage in Bhutan. At that time I had been wanting to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery for over eighteen years. In 2024 I was able to afford and plan in advance my short yet profound 5-day pilgrimage to Bhutan and Paro Taktsang. Also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery -- a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist temple located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan

One day while I was teaching Aikido at my dojo, 3 Shapes Aikido, in Boise's Historic North End community, a young Japanese lady walked through the door. Her name was Junko Ikuta. From the moment she arrived until the moment she departed, she left an indelible mark on our dojo, our dojo community, and on me. For the past 15 years I have thought about her often and certainly every year on May Day, my favorite holiday. After she left our dojo and Idaho we would communicate a few times a year through social media. Then one day it stopped and I heard the news...  Junko left the party of life. 

This story is about my first drum circle and first visit to the Oregon Country Fair in 1993. 

Tales to be told of the "Sweet Olive Run" of 2024. This is a catch-up podcast about my most recent run at the olives for 2024. I am even discussing some of the Family Stuff that can arise with this work and the Sci-Fi overtone of the labels.

In retirement (and if I could do it now) I would like to, "walk the earth like Caine the the Kung Fu. This is what Jules the hitman told Vincent the hitman in the movie "Pulp Fiction." I wish I had this statement on a t-shirt and I think about it often.

In this podcast I am share my thoughts, feelings, observations, perspectives, and contemplations about being in the middle of my decade if my 50s.

This story is simply about the changes and transformations I am feeing within myself this year, the year of the Wood Dragon 2024. This year I truly transformed in a number of ways and for a number of reasons. I can honestly say I could feel the power and energy generated by The Wood Dragon.

My co-worker in the cube next to me has small children. Lately, when they call him (with his wide's support) because they him him, I can hear them laugh and play and take deep thoughts using children's logic. It reminds me of a Dojo memory when I like at my dojo in Boise's North End. I have wanted to podcast about this experience and memory for quite some time. And now is the time. 

These are some of my memories of Lisa Bufano. At the time she and I were both living in Boise and doing a lot of performance art. She was doing much more and more disabled performance art. She had all her fingers and legs below the knees amputated due to a staff infection from a previous surgery. A mutual artist associated recently passed away and Lisa has been on my mind a lot of late. She died about 10 years ago and I do think of her often. 

This is a story about another one handed moment with children. I just got home from Winco, a grocery store here in Boise, Idaho. After paying for the food, I was waiting by the restrooms for my mother. As a young boy was leaving the "boy's room" he noticed I do not have two hands. That starting a funny, beautiful, and special one-handed moment for all.

One of the longer standing students in the Boise Dharma Center moved to Port Orchard, Washington a while back. When he proposed to his wife he asked me of bestow the wedding vows in (somewhat low-key) Buddhist wedding ceremony on a boat on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

When I attended Indiana University I truly wanted to expand my experience of knowledge. I did not really want good grades. I sincerely wanted to learn and grow. Therefore, I took many odd, unique, obscure, and personally challenging classes. I was also required to take two years of a foreign language. I chose to study the African foreign language of Bambara.

I have been practicing and studying the martial art of Aikido since 1997. I have been teaching Aikido since 2002. It is hard to do Aikido that long and that deeply without knowing the name of, watching the movies of, and knowing the Aikido history of Steven Seagal. I have never trained with Seagal Sensei. But I, and two of my Aikido students, did get see his as the "Mojo Priest" when he and his band came to Boise, Idaho.

On March15, 2023 I will left for my third visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. I am sharing this podcast in 2024 from my visit in 2023 as I stopped podcasting for a while shortly after I returned from Nepal last year. I recently returned from Nepal this past April 2024 and this is a recording from last year that fits my timing and pilgrimage this year. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My favorite place in Nepal. I have a very strong connection to The Monkey Temple. I am looking forward to visiting again in 2024.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. My Gritty Nepal Experiences 2020 - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.  

This is a story about another one handed moment with children. I just got home from Winco, a grocery store here in Boise, Idaho. After paying for the food, I was waiting by the restrooms for my mother. As a young boy was leaving the "boy's room" he noticed I do not have two hands. That starting a funny, beautiful, and special one-handed moment for all.

It is hard to believe it has been 8 years since I began podcasting. Especially with taking almost a year off and not posting a 7-Year Anniversary podcast last year. However, here I am not and catching up!! 

Funny stories about having one hand in Nepal. 

I took a long break. My last podcast posted on June 21, 2023. Pretty much 10 months. Life has a way of changing for us. Or should I say changing us. An old friend of mine once said, "It is funny how life gets in the way of life." But sometimes life unfolds in ways that redirect us. Many times in goods ways and in many ways there are bad times. Life took a turn for me and I simply had to stop broadcasting my podcast. Many times I wanted to record and post. But I just was not feeling it. The other times I thought I would stop podcasting all together. Even as I write this and record the podcast, I am not really sure what the future will bring or what I will do. I know I am not ready to stop broadcasting. And at the same time, I am not sure how my podcasts will evolve and transform in the moments I am here. All I can really say right now is things will be different with my podcast. This is regarding when I upload and broadcast, how often I do it, the overall length, I plan on changing the website, and of course the content. But for now... Here is podcast number 321.

This past late March and early April I returned to Nepal for my third Buddhist Pilgrimage. This year my main intention was to visit the small town of Halesi and the famous and sacred Maratika Cave. This is a very special place for Tibetan Buddhists. The journey there from Kathmandu is a minimum of three days by car both ways. But it is said to spend at least two days there which makes it a four day trip. The drive is brutal. However, a pilgrimage should not be easy. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The brutal (yet beautiful) drive from Kathmandu to Halesi, Nepal. Visiting Maratika Cave. My home stay was a special blessing. Everything was better than expected. I want to return. Resources: Kung Fu Ice Cream Moment – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play your hand!

I came up with an idea that is not new while interacting with my mother. She wanted to do something that I thought was not worth her time. I even offered her some money not to do it. But she refused. Later that day she told she should of took what I had offered. And it that moment, the "Tin Can Theory" was coined. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Time to profit ratio. Return on investment. A catchy new phrase to explain an age old idea. Resources: Kung Fu Ice Cream Moment – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play your hand!

Over the past three visits to Nepal I have had a number of interesting interactions with monkeys. The first year I was pretty sure I was going to have to do battle with a gang of Monkeys at Swayambhunath Stupa. Last year I saw a monkey bully a young lady and take her fruit drink. I actually saw him decide he was going to take advantage of her and then he did it. This year I saw the usual monkeys at the usual places of The Monkey Temple, within the city of Kathmandu and Pashupati Hindu Temple, and many more monkeys in Lumbini than I remember from last year. But this year I started to see the monkeys of Nepal in a different way. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Swayambhunath Stupa, AKA The Monkey Temple. Seeing other Monkeys in the City of Kathmandu. More Monkeys in the City of Lumbini than I thought. This year I started to see the Monkeys of Nepal in a different way.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.  

I decided to spend one full day at Boudhanath Stupa. Most of my time in Kathmandu and at my hotel (near Boudhanath Stupa) was usually in "home base" mode. Meaning I am generally spending a number of hours at Boudhanath but not all day. I typically leave to go to the Monkey temple, to shop in the Thamel District, or am off to visit one of the many Buddhist sites in the city or in a small city close by. I am either waking up to do practice at Boudhanath, or I leave for the Swayambhunath in the morning and return for the afternoon, or I am gone most of the day and swing by late night for my night time practice. After spending 5 days on the road visiting municipality (city) of Halesi and the Maratika Caves, the city of Timal and Yarinak Cave, and the famous Stupa in the city of NamoBuddha, I was ready for a day of non-travel rest. This meant I was going to spend a full day at Boudhanath Stupa practicing, shopping, and site seeing. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: I finally spent one full day at Boudhanath Stupa. It felt good not to get into a taxi for that one day. I was able to see how the character of people who practice Buddhism changes every couple of hours throughout one full day. Nice to see Boudhanath Stupa at night.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

This year I took the time to visit the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. It is a short 35 minute plane flight and an important pilgrimage site. Though the trip was just an overnight visit, I had a very special time in Lumbini, Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My last few days before I leave for my 3rd visit to Nepal. Feeling very organized and prepared Traveling with simplicity as I have a new suitcase and "personal sized" travel backpack.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Lumbini, Nepal - The birthplace of Buddha. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I have been doing a weekly podcast for the past six years. Today's podcast celebrates my 6 year anniversary with a thank you to all my listeners and supporters. Let listen to what the start of year 7 brings! Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: 6 years and 315 podcasts deep. Resources: Podcast #264 - 5 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #210 - 4 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #158 - 3 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #108 - 2 Year Anniversary Podcast. Podcast #055 - 1 Year Anniversary Podcast. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play your hand!!

There are times indeed when traveling to remote Buddhist locations in small villages that Western conveniences fail to exist. Or at least in the way we want them to. These are the simple things like coffee, a soft bed, heat, and a hot shower. This year I traveled to the small village of Halesi, Nepal to visit the caves of Maratika. I went five days with no shower. Well, I was able to take a shower. Or at least get close to something I can call a "shower." This was a shower in a bag. Pilgrimage should not be easy. Not having a shower was only one part of this 5 day trip. It was certainly an experience worth podcasting. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Halesi, Nepal and the Maratika Caves of Padmasambhava. No hot water and in some cases no running water for 5 days. Makeup wipes as my only way to clean my body.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Halesi, Nepal - The location of the Maratika Caves of Padmasambhava. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

A sitting toilet is not very common in the general public space of Nepal. And certainly not outside the city of Kathmandu. This means there is a lot of squatting and pooping in Nepal. Additionally, there is a cultural non-use of toilet paper. Also, public bathrooms tend to be pretty gritty overall and the desire to put one's bag or backpack on the floor does not exist. Therefore, it takes a bit of work drop the pants, squat, and poop. Did I mention that soap is not a commonly found liquid in Nepal's (hard to find) public bathrooms. Add the one handed thing to this process and we have a podcast worth sharing.  Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Squatting and pooping is the main theme in Nepal. Most public bathrooms are very gritty and unsanitary. There is no desire to put one's bag or backpack on the floor in most bathrooms. Toilet paper and soap are not common (if at al all found) in Nepals public bathrooms. Having one hand adds to the layer's of careful process and movement while pooping in Nepal. Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

An interesting thing has started to unfold in Kathmandu, Nepal. I had a similar experience in Tibet. However, I am starting to use this "trick" more and more in Nepal. This most recent visit had this gestured interaction truly take hold for me. I call it the "Beggar's Pass." It is a one handed thing and worthy of a podcast. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: So much of this gestured interaction is the result of the cultural perception of one handedness in Nepal. This has released me out of the attention of many a beggar while walking around Kathmandu. It's "The Beggar's Pass."  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Lumbini, Nepal - The Birthplace of Buddha. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

This will be my third pilgrimage visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. Each time I go I have very unique one handed experiences based on the Nepali cultural perception of not having two hands. Most of the time it is not a big deal. But sometimes it kinda is a big deal. Either way it is good practice in not clinging to what other people think. And it makes for some pretty un and enjoyable experiences. (Here are five short one handed stories from Kathmandu, Nepal. (And maybe a bonus 6th super story.) Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Five unique one handed experiences. Sometimes the cultural subtleties of Nepal come out in funny ways. Never a dull moment having one hand in Nepal.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

In transition and floating from airport to airport with many layovers going from Boise, Idaho USA to Kathmandu, Nepal. Way back in the early 90s during my "Seattle Days" I earned the nickname of King Floater. I was sleeping on people's couches and working full time waiting to leaving Seattle for Boise. I cannot say I was homeless but I was certainly in vagabond mode. The nickname came about when a person I did not know well put me up for about 3 weeks. When he heard what I was doing and how I was doing it he said, "Wow, you are the king of floating around." This podcast is about me back in King Floater mode floating to Kathmandu, Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My time at Hamad international airport on my way to Nepal. A current update as to how I feel and what is going on in my present moment Just a bit about my transitions from airport to layover to airplane time to airport to layover to airplane time.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hamad International Airport - Located in Doha, Qatar and listed as the Greatest Airport in the World in 2022. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

On Wednesday, March 15th I will be leaving for my third visit to Kathmandu, Nepal. This is my countdown to Kathmandu. If you been following the podcast you know I am posting all my podcasts in advance. Therefore, I am not sure when you are listening to this or in what order. But this is my last podcast before I board my flights to Nepal. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My last few days before I leave for my 3rd visit to Nepal. Feeling very organized and prepared Traveling with simplicity as I have a new suitcase and "personal sized" travel backpack.  Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

This is just about my hunt for what I call "the perfect travel bag." I am mostly referring to urban laptop/book bags or a travel backpack. I have bought quite a few over the years and have tried many brands, sizes, and configurations. Despite all of that, I am still looking for the perfect bag. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The eternal hunt for the perfect travel backpack. What does it mean to find "the perfect bag." Better to deeply realize what can live without in a backpack. I love Osprey bags. But for Nepal 2023 I will be trying PacSafe. Resources: PacSafe – The #1 anti-theft traveling backpack and travel gear on the planet. Osprey – The backpack company I mostly use and the closest to "the perfect bag" as I can find. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I was recently speaking with a friend of mine and we got on the topic of doing taxes since we both run businesses. I mentioned to him in the past I did not do my taxes for 5 years. Then I told him how I eventually ended up working with H&R Block. My friend was laughing so hard as I was telling him about the moment I stopped running from my taxes. My friend finally said in between breathing and laughing that this H&R Block account was really the "Tax Whisperer." Then we both laugher very deeply and loudly. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: I did not file taxes for 5 years. Fear of the unknown This guy saved my (tax) life. A fresh outlook! Resources: H&R Block – The website of my Tax Whisperer and other Tax Angels. A tax preparation company.  Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I recently went to get validated and fingerprinted as the last part of the TSA Pre-Check process. While there I had a very short one-handed conversation with a mother and her two daughters. The older one asked me why I am the way I am in a way I have never heard. This is that story. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Another great one handed interaction with children in public? Resources: A Sweet One Handed Moment – Podcast #029 tells the story of one handedness in a coffee shop in Boise. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

This is a story about a moment I had traveling with my mother. She wants to do a bit of international travel before she gets too old. So I took her to Hawaii as it was one of her dream vacation destinations. Traveling with my mother is a whole different experience. I can truly say I learn a lot about myself and her. This is one of those lessons I learned traveling with my mother. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Traveling with my mother. The things we learn about each other and what I learn about myself. Take a note, "always have coffee for my mother." Resources: Taking my mother to Mexico – Podcast #060 tells the story of international travel time with my mother. Taking my mother to Hawaii – Podcast #073 tells the tale of taking my mother to one of her dream destinations. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

As an authorized Dharma Teacher and long-time leader of the Boise Dharma Center, I have been called upon for some of life's bigger moments. I have bestowed wedding vows and married couples. I have been asked to speak and eulogize at people wakes and funerals. My name is on a list at my local hospital if someone wants to speak with a Buddhist. Of all the calls I have received, this story shares one of the most unique and weird experiences I had ever been called upon to fulfill. It request of a man who just died and his Mormon family realized he was actually Buddhist and wanted a Buddhist Cremation. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: A Mormon family calls me to preside and deliver a Buddhist Death ceremony? After the death of this family member, and in his will, the family learned he was Buddhist and wanted a Buddhist Cremation. The brother gave me a fire extinguisher, an "expired" Amazon gift card, and and all of his brother's Buddhist objects. The brother said I was a "weird guy." Resources: Buddhist Funeral Rituals – An excellent article on the death rituals of Buddhism from Tricycle Magazine. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

It has been almost three years the student loan payment pause has been active. Seven times there has been an extension on the pause. Currently, the Supreme Court is schedule to hear a case brought forth suggesting student loan forgiveness is illegal. So much is unknown regarding student loan reform payment pause, and forgiveness. Here is my student loan story. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Student loan debt forgiveness. Will it happen? Resources: How I Got Into College – Podcast #044 tells the story college acceptance and student loan debt. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I have a few very clear memories of Jimmy Carter. Not so much his actually presidency. It was all the fervor and excitement leading up to his election. Then after leaving office, President Jimmy Carter has done an incredible amount of humanitarian work. All this is on my mind as he has decided on home hospice care as he approaches the end of life. These are a few of my memories and some of my thoughts. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The 39th President of the United States of America. Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2002. Decades of Humanitarian Work. Resources: The Carter Center – "Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope." Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I can only say it was a normal day later in the evening walking into the grocery store. Little did I know I was about to have a Kung Fu Ice Cream Moment. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The funny and cool random things that unfold in our life at the uniquest of moments. Resources: Shaolin Kung Fu Temple – The famous Shaolin Temple in China. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

My tickets are bought and I am on my way to Nepal this March 2023 for my third Buddhist Pilgrimage. I am super excited to return to visit sacred Buddhist sites, do some shopping for my small online dharma store, visit old friends, and practice a lot of dharma. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My third trip to Nepal as mostly a Buddhist Pilgrimage. I will be visiting Makatika cave, where Padmasambhava practiced and hopefully a cave where the great Yogi Milarepa meditated. There will be some dharma supply shopping. Time will be spent with friends I have made in Kathmandu from my last two visits in 2020 and 2022. Resources: Swayambhunath Stupa – A bit of info about the famous "Monkey Temple" in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit Nepal 2020 – The campaign to visit in 2020. Boudhanath Stupa – A truly exceptional experience and a must see in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal – Some wiki info about this most popular and tourist area in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Bodhi Guesthouse - My home away from home in Kathmandu, Nepal. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

I went to San Diego for an Aikido Seminar that I started going to 19 years ago. It was great to see old friends, make new friends, and do some training. I was hanging after-hours at JiAi Aikido dojo with a couple other Sensei and other people sleeping at the dojo when this funny one handed Aikido story was shared. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Visiting Jiai Aikido in San Diego for the 19th Annual Aikido Bridge Seminar. After hours hang time at the dojo. Resources: Aikido Shimboku Kai - The aikido affiliation on my dojo, Three Shapes Aikido. Three Shapes Aikido - My Aikido Dojo. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

All my life I have watched my mother love Egyptians, their history, and the Great Pyramids. It is her dream vacation. I am planning on taking her this year. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: My mother's dream vacation. Repaying my mother's kindness. Resources: My mother wants to be a traveling Gypsy - Podcast #080. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

Many people I have encountered toward the end of last year and into the new year have mentioned how difficult their 2022 was for them. Not many people at all said they had a good 2022. Mostly people mentioned in a very provocative tone they hope 2023 will be better than 2022. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: 2022... How was it for you? Resources: 2022 Year in Review - Podcast #296. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback. Play Your Hand!

My year 2022 in review. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: 2022... What an interesting year. Resources: Happy New Year 2022, Day 1 - Podcast #244. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

This podcast is a simple reflection of what I have been noticing in my body in my late forties and early fifties. This is not your standard "my body hurts as I age" commentary. But more the one-handed overtones I have been feeling in my body as I age. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: The one-handed overtones I have been feeling in my body as I age. I wish I knew older one-handed people to offer one-handed aging advice when I was young. Resources: Naturally Asymmetrical - Podcast #043. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

When I was in the first few years of primary school, something extremely uncomfortable happened to me and another student born with disabilities. I attended St. John The Baptist, a private Catholic Elementary (grades 1 to 8) school in South Bend, Indiana. When I look back on it I can understand the intention of what they were doing. It does seem like they were trying to do good. However, it was incredibly uncomfortable for me as a one handed very young child. That experience had an impact on me then and still does in some way now. I say this because the experience is one of my early memories of one-handedness that I have never forgotten and comes up in my thinking enough to notice. Seems like a good topic for a podcast. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: Some early experience do have a lastly impact on children. This podcast is not a negative statement about attending Private Catholic school. This is more about how the general human condition can fall short. ("The rode to hell is paved with good intentions") Resources: St. John The Baptist, private Catholic Elementary school - Where I did the 1st through 8th grades. (The link is broken) John The Baptist - Some Wiki info. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

Part 2 of a two part contemplation about the quality of two one-handed interactions I have had with people around me. They are two side of the proverbial "same coin." These two interactions have been in my thoughts often of late. So much that I noticed I would consider them in the same stream of thinking. It was at that point I thought they would make good podcast even if they lean more to the serious side.  Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: It is interesting how my subtle perception about my one handedness can impact others. Resources: The Buddha Path - The Teachings of Buddha Teja Bell - Qiging and Dharma Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

Part 1 of a two part contemplation about the quality of two one-handed interactions I have had with people around me. They are two side of the proverbial "same coin." These two interactions have been in my thoughts often of late. So much that I noticed I would consider them in the same stream of thinking. It was at that point I thought they would make good podcast even if they lean more to the serious side.  Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: It is interesting how other people's subtle perception about my one handedness and the limits they put on me can impact me. Resources: The Buddha Path - The Teachings of Buddha Teja Bell - Qiging and Dharma Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

Today, Tuesday November 29th 2022 I turned 54 years old. I just want to share a few things that have been popping up for me at this time on social media. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: A cool YouTuber named @Sprouht asks older people a series of questions about aging, being old, and advice to pass on to younger people. Resources: Will Rossy - @Sprouht Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.

This past week I did a very short Aikido demonstration here in Idaho at a local dojo's 25 year anniversary celebration. There were a lot of people, children, demos, and laughter. At a slower moment during the event a young boy approached me and asked me a most incredible question. Thanks for listening! I invite you to share this podcast, offer a comment or leave some feedback. Show Notes: A you boy asked me asked if I like the way I a. What a great question. Resources: Three Shapes Aikido - My Aikido Dojo. Contact. Follow. Share. instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest How to review the podcast on iTunes If you enjoyed, benefited or were impacted by the podcast, it would be beyond cool if you'd take a minute and write a review on iTunes. To do that, click on the iTunes link or launch the iTunes podcast app on your computer or phone. Search for One Hand Speaks, select the album art for the show, select ratings and reviews and then write your review. Big thanks and appreciation. Please spread and share if you feel others will benefit and enjoy and leave a comment or offer feedback.