Patience, timing, and precision… these are the characteristics of a snake that are the keys to a prosperous year.   This is a challenge for my Chinese zodiac animal… the tiger.

Snakes and tigers possess the same traits but are polar opposites in their embodiment.  Snakes can chill outside a mouse hole for days before striking… at first the mouse may be terrified and very cautious… but as days go by, it begins to feel more relaxed to the point where it believes that the snake will not attack.  It is at this point where the snake strikes with precision.  Tigers on the other hand, hunt in a different manner… it is patient while stalking but not for days at a time.  Once it sets its site on its prey it waits… it coils up and pounces at the first opening.

For me there seems to be a theme that is really standing out… “Don’t let perfection hold you back”.  This has come up one way or another in several conversations I have had recently.  As an artist, figuring out when to stop working is sometimes the most difficult part… There is always something that can be better.  I gotta appreciate the imperfections a bit more… shows my humanity… haha.

In the video above of the blessing I did in Oakland, there is a point where my mind slips (1:20)… and I turn in the opposite direction and leave out a section of the set.  I felt the slip whilst doing the form and recovered immediately.  Though I felt at peace at the end of the set I was hesitant to see the video.  However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how the recovery translated in the form… seamless… purposeful… sincere.  What I thought was going to make me cringe when seeing it turned out to be my favorite part of the form!  “The mistake” and recovery is where functional artistry resides.  Thank you for the lesson universe… I will do my best to further understand and apply.  Gung Yee Fat Choy!

Below is a group photo taken at our annual Chinese New Year Celebration in Honolulu.


  1. March 5, 2013

    Wow! That paragraph sums up so many things recently! I too have been learning to cherish the imperfections. As a dancer I sometimes forget that the entire purpose is to move to the point where the people only see the heart dancing… everything else is only bonus.

    Thank you very much!

    It’s a great year already!

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