Tag: Zen

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It Remains a Puzzle

How to land? Last night, in the dark of 16L, everything looked perfect. I gently bought the A320 into a nice flare, and was rewarded with an OK, but harder than I wanted, landing. It was safe. Many would say it was good. But I was disgruntled. I can do better. Often the final touch-down remains a puzzle to me. …

Airmanship Quotes

Preflight Like a Zen Master Drinking Tea

It’s hard to do a good preflight. It’s hard to see all that is in front of us. One thing that may help is to preflight like a Zen master drinking tea. Quote is from Thich Nhat Hanh. Photo is Capt. Andy Alfiero and a KC-135R Stratotanker before flying a refueling mission over the Persian Gulf, Aug. 30, 2013. (USAF …

Airmanship Quotes

Is It Worth It?

Poem by Natalie Goldberg, reflecting on her life. From her new book, The Great Spring: Writing, Zen, and this Zigzag Life, to be published on 2 February, 2016. The greats dedicate themselves so completely. And is it worth it? Depends on what you value. For me, I’m looking forward to flying another oceanic red-eye, and seeing inside the night sky.