on my way

26 July 2007

Nowadays, no one knows what "understatement" means anymore. Less than a decade ago, there was the minimalist movement. Now, we move to the gaudy, garish and excessive. More attention means bigger fashion statement.

Really, I think we should expand our capacity to handle aesthetics - and the fact that they don't follow a linear curve when it comes to good and bad. If you are going to take the way you carry yourself, the way you dress up, the way you sing, the way you do everything over the top, then you are in dire need of contemplation, wisdom and probably maturity. I doubt understanding aesthetics is very simple, so don't try to act like it is. You will look foolish.

Source: Wikipedia
Shibumi (渋み, noun), is a Japanese word which refers to a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty. Like other Japanese aesthetic terms, such as iki and wabi-sabi, shibui can apply to a wide variety of subjects, not just art or fashion.

Originating in the Muromachi period (1333-1568) as shibushi, the term originally referred to a sour or astringent taste, such as that of an unripe persimmon. Shibui maintains that literal meaning still, and remains the antonym of amai (甘い), meaning 'sweet'.

However, by the beginnings of the Edo period (1603-1867), the term had gradually begun to be used to refer to a pleasing aesthetic. The people of Edo expressed their tastes in using this term to refer to anything from song to fashion to craftsmanship that was beautiful by being understated, or by being precisely what it was meant to be and not elaborated upon. Essentially, the aesthetic ideal of shibumi seeks out events, performances, people or objects that are beautiful in a direct and simple way, without being flashy.

Expert singers, actors, potters, and artists of all other sorts were often said to be shibui; their expertise caused them to do things beautifully without making them excessive or gaudy. Today, sometimes baseball players are even said to be shibui when they contribute to the overall success of the team without doing anything to make themselves stand out individually.

12:35 am

15 July 2007

JoJo - Note To God

If I wrote a note to God
I would speak whats in my soul
I'd ask for all the hate to be swept away,
For love to overflow
If I wrote a note to God
I'd pour my heart out on each page
I'd ask for war to end
For peace to mend this world
I'd say, I'd say, I'd say

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love because love is over due
And it looks like we haven't got a clue
Need some help from You
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
'Cause it seems like so much is going wrong
On this road we're on

If I wrote a note to God
I would say what on my mind
I'd ask for wisdom to let compassion rule this world
Until these times
If I wrote a note to God
I'd say please help us find our way
End all the bitterness, put some tenderness in our hearts
And I'd say, I'd say, I'd say

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love because love is over due
And it looks like we haven't got a clue
Need some help from You
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
'Cause it seems like so much is going wrong
On this road we're on

No, no no no
We can't do this on our own
So...

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love because love is over due
And it looks like we haven't got a clue
Need some help from You
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
'Cause it seems like so much is going wrong
On this road we're on

If I wrote a note to God...

12:56 am

02 July 2007

God gives man talent. Talent is wasted without hard work. Hard work comes from initiative. When it comes to your visions and dreams, don't be a robot who waits patiently for input - be independent, except for the higher power that dwells inside.

4:35 am