We have just passed the 5th anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and Kendo recommends that we pause and reflect on the event and its aftermath, being mindful in remembrance.

After five years, the healing of Japan’s North-East continues, and the visible progress is most heartening. Most of the huge mounds of debris have now gone, most of the land has now been searched for those still missing, and a great many families have received the comfort of recovered memorabilia. Visibly, the land is healing, and – progressive as ever – Japan in not just repairing, but it is also innovating as it rebuilds, so that even a catastrophe of such magnitude could not possibly cause so much devastation again.

The loss of life is no less overwhelming, but with time, there are fewer tears and more inspiring memories. An untimely loss is always devastating, but it is always a comfort to recall the positive qualities that departed loved ones showed us.

Kendo points out that recalling those qualities is a deeply powerful source of inspiration, because we have the opportunity to reflect all the goodness of our fondly-remembered loved ones into our own words and deeds. Of course we strive to be the best we can be for our families and the world we touch around us, but by recalling the optimism, the humour, the generosity, and the benevolence of those who have inspired our lives, we raise our own game to a whole new level. And, as Kendo points out, there is no finer way to honour their memory, and keep their essential greatness doing good in the world.

Kendo tells us that as we remember any loss which has touched us, we should try to be at peace with the unfolding of events, and not let grief blind us to recalling the great positive energies that our departed loved ones have left in our memories.

In the absolute stillness of Kyu Shin Do, it is possible to see that grief is completely separate from inspiration, and deep calmness will connect us with the great tides of life, relieving our sense of loss, and revealing the majesty of the inspiration that has been left with us. Such inspiration will support us for the rest of our own lives, and inspire us in all our interactions with all those we touch.

Kendo’s message is that mindful remembrance will thus bring peace and brilliant inspiration, and consequently, bring healing and blessing to the world.