There is a Chinese Zen saying that translates out to something like there are no good or bad days it is up to us to make it so. Another way of seeing it is, Monday is just a day or period, we make it good or bad. In this cause I’m talking about the “poor” rating I got from the student at OCSC. A Zen priest once said a mistake is a chance to learn. So my poor rating is a chance for me to learn. Although not really a mistake. Yes it is still on my mind. A lot because it was so shocking. One instructor today said when he gets a low rating it hurts his ego. i do not know if that is the case with me, because i do not think of myself as an all that teacher. However definitely not “poor’ that was harsh. Anyway I have taken it though as a chance, opportunity to grow, improve my teaching skills there at OCSC, in fact not just there but as a Kung Fu instructor as well. In Zen we say everything is Zen and a chance to “practice” Yoshi!

Today wrapped up my four day teaching spree at OCSC. I thought the day went well. The winds were good, not over powering, but good for learning, enough for a challenge, calm enough not to be uncomfortable. However I thought the other day went well also, and got shocked, maybe I’m being paranoid now with my sensitive artist nature…anyway I digress

I made a larger effort to see that things were covered and the students needs and questions were taken care of, including a talk on different learning & teaching styles. Did it make a difference… unknown. We’ll see how the next eval. goes. I also found out there is a mini evaluation I can give the students on the first day to see how things are going. Perhaps that feedback will be more enlightening/truthful than just asking. Today when I asked them how it was, questions, concerns, issues, etc, I did not read with my eyes and ears, but the “sense”. In Zen, we do not ( and should not) rely on words for the truth, my evaluation was proof of that.

I saw today when I was when heading back to the docks, it seemed as if someone else had some motor problems on there boat, they were under sail in the motoring back zone, and were having a hard time of it. They however managed to sail back out into the open water. Maybe it was practice, but did not seem like it. They returned a short while later under power. Unlike me, they did not need to take any port (dock) in the storm. Which for my regular reader(s) in the know, this was on EVK4’s dock. I walked by “lady Bug” on the way back to the clubhouse. The poor thing looked all lost and forgotten with Ed, drunk, naked and out chasing stardom on the Pacific.

I wonder if the students, appreciate how much effort these instructors and staff put into making sure they have a good experience, or are they typical American minded I paid my money, you are suppose to give it up whatever I want attitude and if I give you a hard time, too bad, I paid. I have heard some of the instructors, say how nice this or that person was, however some students sound like they do not want to be there and are being more or less forced to by a partner or something. Interesting types of people come through these things. Service and Retail industries are very much alike. Yet teaching sailing although a service industry is more than that, because even though you are getting a service you are not only getting a skill, but in a sense freedom. This skill can take you to far parts of the world, open new door and bring new people in to your life. It can also be a path of enlightenment, it is far beyond, buying a good cup of coffee you drink and throw away the cup. I wonder if the students see that or is it just another “toy”. I guess to some it is, some it is not. I would image those who see it as a path, a gate to the world, are more greatful for the school’s effort than those to who it is just another “toy”. Maybe I’ll keep an informal database, hmmm maybe not I have enough none pay projects. Ha, just a passing thought, like those that come when doing meditation. It does not matter.

Anyway I have a few days off from being the teacher and get to be a musican again for the next few days. I’m back in the studio recording. Sweet. Then Sat. it is off to the races & dinner at the Richmond Yacht club with the Islander 36 club. I was going to sail down on my boat and hang out, but I’ve not had time to finish some things I wanted to do and also I want to go to Sunday Zen practice with my Ch’an group. I need a battery charge.