WALKING A CROOKED SMILE

- AN INNER JOURNEY TO PEACE -

 

My rationale for the title of my book is tied into the overall message. It is based on my personal belief that every human on Earth is destined to "walk a crooked mile"         (or path) on our journey through life.

If you look back on your steps in life as though you are looking at a map, you won't find a straight line running from infancy to where you stand now. Instead, you'll find a series of crooked lines meandering from one major life event to another.

You and I are meant to learn experientially. There are certain situations we experience in our daily lives that we may not necessarily want, but that we need for our spiritual growth. We all fall down, make mistakes, and lose our way. And while each of us has the right to choose whether or not we consciously strive to learn through our experiences, many are unaware that we have this choice at all. As a result, they feel victimized and powerless. 

I believe we have come to this earthly plane to learn our natural WAY TO BE - to learn to allow our Higher Self to express peace, harmony, nonviolence, and love. We humans can't control every facet of our lives, nor can we control the lives of others. But once we realize that the lives we have been given are a gift, we can live each moment with a positive, grateful attitude and follow our own inner guidance system (once we discover that we have one).

Gratitude is the key. Whenever you are in a state of gratitude, it becomes easier to drop into your heart and consciously connect with Source (also named God, Nature, Spirit, whatever you deem appropriate, as we're trying to give an identifying name to the un-nameable). Whenever you are connected to Source, your heart is in a state of peace. Learn to be in this state as often as possible, and you will draw harmony and peace into your reality.

So, the title of my book refers to a feeling, not a thought. It's about living your life from your heart, not your head. It's about learning through our life experiences while being connected to Source, about being empowered, and about living from a place of peace.

Everything written in my book is from my own beliefs and conclusions to date. Years ago, I received some wise advice from Kaicho Seikichi Toguchi, my Karate master. Kaicho (a title given to the principal of a school) suggested that I teach or share mainly from lessons I have learned through direct life experiences, and not to rely too heavily on the words of others to find my Truths. So, these are my understandings, based mainly on my own personal experiences. My hope is that this information will serve you well, even if in some small way, on your own individual journey toward peace and well-being.

 

If anyone is interested in purchasing my book, it is available on Amazon.

 

TESTIMONIALS

 

"Since 1972, Sensei Jerry Wong has been a close friend. He was already experienced in classical martial arts Kung Fu when we met, and he was very passionate about understanding the Karate side. We practised Shorei-Kan Karate-Do together, and now he has reached the fifth Dan Black Belt Shihan Degree. He is also skilled in Chi Kung and is a wonderful graphic artist who continues to create art to this day. To me, I think of his art like Karate. He has a deep spiritual connection to animals and their well-being, and he seeks peace and healing for nature.

"Chinese Classic Kung Fu (Shaolin Zen) came to Okinawa and evolved to Karate, so they are derived from the same ancestor. Sensei Jerry Wong absorbed the maternal Karateology education. He is a very warm-hearted, compassionate person and is a great example of the combination of knowledge and self-defence. He carries these two-way martial arts - he has Bunbu Nido Spirit (heart/martial arts) secrets inside his body. In Okinawa, we call these extremely talented people Bushi and Shihan. That is him."

Tomoaki Koyabu                                                                                                                                                                                                   Student of Seikichi Toguchi Sensei of Shorei-Kan Karate-Do

 

"It is rare to have someone with the special talents that Jerry possesses come into our lives. I was the owner of Beau, who you will read about in this book. Jerry Wong was referred to us when we were desperate to help Beau out from a terminal diagnosis. What was a two-week prognosis became a two-year journey of Beau enjoying life again. Seeing my other rescue dogs respond to Jerry throughout the years has been even more enlightening. I am so grateful for Jerry Wong and am thrilled that he has chosen to put his special work forth in this book for others to experience through his stories."

Bev Benwick, MAL

 

"Compelling to the end, Sensei Jerry Wong delves into diverse and deeply spiritual experiences he's had with humans and a variety of animals. These are unforgettable stories rooted in martial arts teachings and animal communication, with peace and harmony for ALL beings as the unifying theme. This is a book that will have pride of place on my bookshelf, with a space left for a sequel to stand beside it!

"Sensei Jerry's lifelong commitment to the seeking of the truth is clear, and this gem of a book is the vehicle that will allow his message that we are all ONE to now spread abroad. Please let there be a sequel!"

Heather Rankin, SAMP, SAAP                                                                                                                                                                           Flowing River Pet Therapy, former student of Sensei Jerry

 

"Reading Jerry Wong's book is like being taken on a guided journey into the mystical world of a Peaceful Warrior.           The insights he attributes to his life experiences have created a truly inspiring narrative.

"Thank you Jerry, for your courage, wisdom, and perseverance. I know your book will help me with my journey - and who knows, maybe one day we will be standing on that mountain top, enjoying the view together."

Bill Basaraba