Aikido as a way of life.

 First of all, I have to reframe the title. My mind would like to make the times difficult. Through the lens of my practice, I will define them as different. Our dojo has gotten smaller. Students have died, left for personal reasons or are practicing with us on zoom. We do have 2 students who are regularly coming to the dojo. I am grateful for all who train with us. Aikido practice cleans my mind, spirit and body of negativity. When I start to think things should be different than they are, I remind myself of what I am grateful for, such as: a beautiful dojo at my house, a partner to train with, commitment of 35 years, being able to move freely at 65, students, and a general sense of well being. Covid time has provided me with quiet time that  I might have felt guilty about and not taken for myself. When my mind wanders to self pity I can practice being centered and relish what is because I can't change most of it.  I can change how I view things and I am grateful that I ...

 So long ago and still I remember every detail of the day.

 At our dojo we believe that Aikido should be for anyone who wants it. We do charges dues but if someone wants to train and is having financial difficulty, they are welcomed. We ask that everyone be vaccinated if they are going to train at the dojo. 

We have class tonight at 6:30. We are on Zoom and in the dojo. I hope someone comes to class so I can train. I need a spirit cleansing.  I could train even if no one comes but the exchange of energy is really good for me and for them. Last Tuesday we had 9 people - so fingers crossed. See ya on the mat.  

 I got my shingles shot yesterday. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I didn't feel sick just uncomfortable. When I got up, I felt better because I could distract myself first by walking, and then by reading.  I took 2 Tylenol at 4 AM and went to sleep. This morning I feel as if my brain is trailing my head by about 6 inches.  So I get to practice this day, in this way. I will stay as centered as I can, take it in baby steps, one at a time and enjoy the pure joy of being alive. 

 Sometimes the best practice is just to keep quiet and hang on. Sometimes it is to speak up. Sometimes to walk away. Aikido training helps us to tune into our centers and respond naturally.  My best decisions come from my center not my brain. While I am centered, I feel in the flow of things. Life happens in a easy sequence. It's when I leave the now to romance self-centered fears or unlikely fantasies that I get a little wack-a-doodle.  My practice is inspired by O'Sensei, who taught about returning to center immediately when we became aware that we are not centered. No judgment needed. No harsh words of recrimination required. Just return to center and proceed with the day. How I love this practice. 

 Last night we had nine people at class. Ron couldn't train because he has as a bad case of shingles. His suffering from the shingles has been terrible.  Our training helps us maintain decorum when all could go to hell. We treat each other with respect and acknowledge that we experience the world in different ways.  I was grateful to be able to get on the mat and train. It clears me out of tiredness and negativity. I feel wrung free and ready to start over.  Today is a new day. I am grateful for what I learn on the mat that I can present to the world.