This has been one heck of a week. Our nation suffered an unprecedented attack. Normally, I see things happening in the news, sigh, and say "okay, so that happened."

This hit me a bit harder. It was quite distracting. Add to that all the other stress of business, family life, and all the rest, and I found myself pretty well off balance yesterday.

When we go to Mystic Dojo - Yamashita International Karate, we bow upon passing through the door. This is to show respect for the dojo and the instructors, but it is also a signal to ourselves to leave everything outside.

The news, the bills, the family, what's for dinner, when will I find time to do the thing, all of that stays outside. No matter what is happening outside, when I go inside my mind should be 100% karate and nothing else.

It's not always easy to do so, but by the end of the class, my mind is clear, and I am refreshed to be able to return to the bustling outside world.