Aikido as a way of life.

 Sometimes I get discouraged at the happenings in the world. I feel like I can't do anything about anything. Then I remember that every time I train, meditate or pray, I add to the peace of the world. Our actions matter. I believe that one day the tide will turn. One more person will add their positive energy to the world. Peace will be attained.   So rather than get upset about what is happening I focus on my training and patiently wait.

 I will be sixty five in a month. I just did an aikido class and finished by doing big rolls. I am astounded that I can do big rolls, fall easily and move the way I do. Aikido training for the last 35 years has enhanced my life in many ways. Here are 10 examples of how my life is made better by my training. 1. The movement of uke and nage feels like heaven here on earth. 2. Each class clears negativity out of me. 3. Endorphins are awakened in me through the physicality of class. 4. I am reminded each class that I can't change others but I can change myself. Uke moves more easily with nage when they are not forced but encouraged. 5. The exchange of ki energy makes me alive and happy. 6. I feel joyful in class and after. 7. I am reminded not to take myself too seriously. 8. I am reminded that I am not a victim and I have choices. 9.  I share a language of movement with others. This make me feels special and included in the flow of things. 10. I learn something new every class. I...

 We are surrounded by energy. The natural world can restore us to sanity. I walk though the forest at my house. The light dapples through the trees. The mist glistens on the emerald leaves. Life surrounds me.  The love dove coos. Another responds. Coo coo. The chickadee says hoo ha. The wood pecker beats the dead tree with his beak. rat a tat tat.  I see deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks and occasionally the bear. The turkeys trot though the yard cautiously. Twice we have seen a bobcat and a few times a coyote. Mr. Fox scurries about in the night. The world here is alive and so am I. Last night we had all the windows and the big doors open in the dojo. There was a quick storm. The thunder rumbled and the lightning flashed. The rain poured down. The air was muggy and hot. I was sweating before we started moving. At the end of class, after the storm, we were hot and sticky but it was cooler. The air felt fresh. Again, Aikido had cleaned me up from the inside out just...

 Each uke, in each moment is unique. By staying open and accepting what is, I can blend with anything. The second I begin to try to change another person, resistance occurs. I will remain steadfast and flexible to move freely in any situation.

 When I take in a deep breath it connects me to all that is. I look out into my yard to see the deep green of mid summer. The shadows are long and splotches of yellow seem to reflect the sunshine.  The whole day is opening to me. So many possibilities to see love, peace and beauty. Thank you for my life.  Being able to take in a deep breath is a magnificent gift. It fills our bodies with life. I am reminded that I am part of the universe. The distractions of the day will come and go. My breath is an anchor to what is real. Here and now. 

 My mind can be a negative place. I am grateful I have tools to hop into the positive flow of life. Sometimes I imagine myself swimming upstream. Then I have an aha moment, I turn over and float with the flow in the other direction. If you put a hand under uke's arm near their wrist and a hand on their shoulder then walk forward slowly in centered way, you will notice that uke willingly walks with you. When we do this exercise in class with a new student they are always surprised at how it feels (which is lovely) and how well it works. No one likes to be told what to do but when asked politely and gently, most people will go with the flow. Insisting, knowing, forcing doesn't work for me. Letting, understanding and blending are better options. Today I choose to be in the flow. 

 My home is surrounded by trees and rocks on top of a small hill on a quiet road. I have a view, a lovely yard, woods, wild animals and a place to park. I have clean water, heat, a washer and a dryer and AC. There is a dojo attached to my house.  Sometimes I forget that I am living in such a beautiful spot with all the amenities I need. This moment I am filled with peace, gratitude and awe at the gifts that are available for me. I am choosing to stay in the flow of the universe, accepting what is and being of service to those I may help.