Roots and Wings

Back in 1988, during my Jazz years in Los Angeles, 

I was fortunate to be introduced to Michiko Rolek, 

the great granddaughter of Sokei-an Sasaki 

who founded the First Zen Institute of America in New York City 

at the early turn of the 20^th century.

“Michi” as I came to know her then, and I became friends 

while waitressing at The Loa in West Los Angeles, 

where well-known jazz musicians performed.

Michi opened a new world to me. The Los Angeles born dancer 
and artist introduced me to ballet, yoga, Pilates, Martial Arts, 

and her own class The Centered Stretch while also providing me with 

the first insights into the mind, Zen, meditation, and a changed 
perspective on all things I had come to know up until then.

Soon, Michi became my teacher in meditation and movement arts. 

We had a lab going, and through her guidance, 

I crossed the first bridges on the way to my Self. 

I began to see things from a different perspective 

and gained depth in understanding.

In 1996, Michi, published her first book Mental Fitness, 

which became the foundation for my own continued search 

in self-realization, coaching, and sorting out my personal affairs.

This may be the most direct and effective book with 

workouts for Body, Mind, and Soul to date. 

It continues to be my rock in 

changing times, expectations, experiences, and demands.

It might be the book all of us should own and 

read today to calm our spirits and find our purpose.

Thank you, Michi.

Rolek, M.J. (1996). Mental Fitness - Complete Workouts for Body, Mind, and Soul. NY: Weatherhill