Staying the course

By -

 I have been training in Aikido for 35 years. I have had ups and downs. Sometimes going to class felt like the hardest thing to do in that moment. There have been tears and triumphs. People come and go. Some I am happy to see leave and others left me sad.



Still, I put on my gi and hakama no matter what my head has to say. I warm up and I practice because I must. Aikido runs through my veins, sings in my spirit and colors my world. I have stayed the course all these years. I am grateful. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

By -
Image
Our summer seminar's theme is "Let's Wrap the World in Peace. For me the inspiration has come from my newest grandson Vinnie. When I hold him, he looks up at me and tells me the secrets of the universe.  I feel at one with what is. I feel at peace. It seems to me that peace is all around us... accessible at anytime if we but look and feel and let. Let's!
Read more

No, I am right....

By -
Image
Whenever we say "No, I am right," we stop the flow of communication...when we insist that uke move this way or that way by force uke will resist and get stiff. It becomes a battle of wills and the stronger physical person will win. They will be right. Aikido is being open to what is and what will be. Uke attacks. I let uke move within the bounds of suggestion and encouragement. By adding my own energy and providing direction the throw is accomplished.  Am I right? Maybe... maybe not...yet it feels so much better than forcing my way on someone else.
Read more

Just keep moving.

By -
Image
  Aikido training when I feel deeply upset is a challenge. I accept.  I have the disease of alcoholism. Some mornings I wake up feeling fine. Other times I wake up to a voice in my head telling me I am a terrible person and not worthy of being alive. No matter which way I wake up, I have a set practice that I do, no matter how I feel or what my brain has to say.   Yesterday we heard from a family member that he was very disappointed in us and was choosing not to be in a relationship with Ron and me.  I felt very sad and frustrated because I know that saying or doing anything will not change another person. I slept poorly as my mind poured over all my wrong doings over many years.  I felt heavy and discouraged this morning.  I prayed as I do every morning. I asked for help, then got up and acted like a woman who has asked for help.  I found one aikido thought: keep moving. I got up, got dressed, did my bathroom stuff, and went upstairs to see how Ron was doing. I listened while he talke
Read more