Aikido as a way of life.

I love this time of year. I celebrate my mom's and my gram's passing around advent. My mom died the day after Christmas and my gram 2 weeks before. Not the same year. My mom died 5 years after my Gram. Now they are my Winter angels. I love amd miss them even though it is 32 and 37 years ago.  Advent means coming or arrival. It helps us get ready for the return of the light. This year I embraced the darkness and focused on deep healing. I feel the wonder the season and the potential of more healing to come. Part of Aikido training is to accept what is and blend with it. I have been able to do that with help of my Holy Mother this year. It is such a better way to experience the world. People do what they do because of where they are in their own healing process. I am learning to love and accept my loved ones no matter what.  I let go of who I was to become who I can be. 

 Since the holidays can be emotionally tricky, Ron and I decided to have informal classes on Zoom at our regular time. We meet at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Thursday and at 10 AM on Saturday. We train for a half hour starting with ki exercises and then, light practice. So far, we have been joined by a couple of students each time. We are committed to train even if no one else shows up. Aikido is a destresser for both of us.  The holidays seem more like holy days this year. Our Aikido training is helping with the transition of being in the wonder of the season instead of wondering what the heck is going on within our extended family. See ya on Zoom.

 Well not quite alone. Yesterday we cancelled classs becuase no one was coming. Ron and I practiced toghther. It was fun and lighthaerted. I am grateful to be able to to train with my partner.