Product Description

Nothing Special is similar to its previous companion volume, Nothing Works; it is a book of personal examination and exploration, the outcome of which is a collection of poems that blends personal tales of discovery and direct experience, with more distant and imagined poems in Aikido, meditation, and Eastern thought in general, viewed through a Western lens. The author's first hand, direct experience comes across in his writings. There is nothing heavy, ponderous or pretentious here, just simple poems attempting to clarify and elucidate sometimes complex concepts. Readers that are familiar with the topics covered will likely see their own experiences echoed here. Jim has a long-term interest in the martial arts and has been studying and practicing Aikido for about sixteen years, in which he holds a dan ranking. He also has interests in meditation, yoga, and Eastern philosophies, in general. He has a Master's Degree in Management, with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Jim is also a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Presently Jim resides in the Chicago area.