Aikido as a way of life.

I was explaining to a new student that as uke we get to be curious.  I demonstrated that when nage turns, I follow to see where they went giving nage motion and energy to work with.  Often an uke will just hang on to the wrist when nage turns or enters.  Nage does not have to do anything because the attack stops and there is no need to defend anymore. We work at simulating an open, inquiring attitude when we uke. Each time we step into the question. We don’t rely on what we think we know or what we expect to happen.  At work, I felt unheard and defensive. After class last Thursday it occurred to me that I could be curious about the situation. I don’t have to understand everything right away. I can stay open and follow. And most importantly just as in Aikido training I can celebrate the conflict. I don’t need to take it personally.  It is just another opportunity to be mindful and peaceful.  Such a challenge every day.  

Having a beginner in class is such a gift. As people who have practiced together for a log time we can go to sleep. You grab me I do this. You hit shomen, I do Tenkan.   It is all beautiful, graceful and lovely. I truly love it. A beginner brings back those eyes of: what if? How come? Literal questions and questions that rise from their movements. It gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the real and the now. To accept what is and move on. To enjoy the purity of movement not learned yet. Such potential is promised with beginners in class.