The Meaning of Kaizen Shine
"Rise and shine, for your light has come and the glory of God has risen upon you."
-Isaiah 60
Change for Good. Continuous Improvement. Glory to Glory.
Continuous Improvement - is not the definition of Kaizen, but rather the result of Kaizen.
Kaizen is more personal, and it occurs within your own heart.
Continuous improvement is an external force, and Kaizen is an internal force.
Self Development and Sacrifice
Functionally, if we take a closer look at the Kanji 改 + 善, we observe the former ‘kai’ refers to change. The latter ‘zen,’ refers to good, or change for the better. It turns out, we can divide the ‘kai’ character into two parts moving from left to right. The left portion refers to ‘self’ and the right portion is a picture of a person’s back after being whipped.
Therefore, the first character reduced directly into its two parts refers to ‘self’ and ‘whip,’ or to change oneself (reminiscent of the expression ‘whip oneself into shape.’) And that same character is used for the word revolution, ultimately suggestive of a profound change. Dividing the ‘zen’ character from top to bottom, we have ‘hitsuji’ 羊 referring to a sheep/lamb, and the bottom portion referring to an altar, translating to the sacrificing of a lamb on an altar–observing a good connotation. As a result, in combining ‘kai’ and ‘zen,’ each individual makes sacrifices for the betterment of the entire group.
We believe in Kaizen's lifetime there will be a revolution, SHINING light on a truth beyond self development, which is that it does not come from a striving self, but rather resting in a higher source.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:1
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:1
A Shift From Darkness to Light
Divine Personal Alignment
This name came about like a "slow burn", but as we dug deeper it was confirmed through many parts of our lives. From personal artwork to business ventures.
In 2009 Stephen got his first tattoo. A picture of a strong tree growing out of two hands. Growing from darkness into light. On the inside of the arm it reads "Awake O Sleeper" a quote from Ephesians 5:
Awake, O sleeper,
In 2009 Stephen got his first tattoo. A picture of a strong tree growing out of two hands. Growing from darkness into light. On the inside of the arm it reads "Awake O Sleeper" a quote from Ephesians 5:
Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.
This tattoo marked a transitional season in Stephen's life that felt like rising from the dead, awaking to light, and shining in a new way...although still slightly hidden, deeply personal, his half sleeve being concealed.
In 2018 Stephen started his next art project on his right arm with Los Angeles based artist Jun Cha. He went into the first session with no pre-conceived plan...only the idea, "when you trust an artist, they are able to do their best work."
This tattoo marked a transitional season in Stephen's life that felt like rising from the dead, awaking to light, and shining in a new way...although still slightly hidden, deeply personal, his half sleeve being concealed.
In 2018 Stephen started his next art project on his right arm with Los Angeles based artist Jun Cha. He went into the first session with no pre-conceived plan...only the idea, "when you trust an artist, they are able to do their best work."
Generational Legacy
I’ll give you only the best—no more hand-me-downs!
Gold instead of bronze,
silver instead of iron,
silver instead of iron,
bronze instead of wood,
iron instead of stones.
iron instead of stones.
I’ll install Peace to run your country,
make Righteousness your boss.
There’ll be no more stories of crime in your land,
no more robberies, no more vandalism.
You’ll name your main street Salvation Way,
and install Praise Park at the center of town.
You’ll have no more need of the sun by day
nor the brightness of the moon at night.
God will be your eternal light,
your God will bathe you in splendor.
Your sun will never go down,
Your sun will never go down,
your moon will never fade.
I will be your eternal light.
Your days of grieving are over.
All your people will live right and well,
in permanent possession of the land.
They’re the green shoot that I planted,
planted with my own hands to display my glory.
The runt will become a great tribe,
the weakling become a strong nation.
I am God.
At the right time I’ll make it happen.
Isaiah 60 [MSG]
Isaiah 60 [MSG]