Practicing Love
One of my horsey friends, Lisa Illichmann, posted this earlier today in a discussion thread about some ongoing hatefulness or other in the popular media. … Read more …
Meditation in the New Dojo
The same ocean breeze is here, warmed and softened as it made its way inland up nine miles of wide river valley, Still familiar, but … Read more …
Rediscovering Joy
Amazed at the joy available in Aikido. I mean, WTH? Breathless, smiling-for-no-reason joy.Joy for no reason. Excited-to-get-up-in-the-morning joy.Joy in everything. Full of energy, comfortable in my … Read more …
Getting Back to Work
A few months ago I said I felt “Like Bread Dough,” letting things settle in as a new 5th kyu. I decided to allow myself … Read more …
“When we live in our bodies we understand that it’s more satisfying to be than to have. When we’re embodied, love becomes more important than … Read more …
A Tree in a Hurricane
I’ve had a bit of a scare recently. I will not be fine (who among us will be, really?), but I’m a lot better off … Read more …
Life lessons from last night’s class, in which Sensei focused on good ukemi in freestyle:
- Be present in your body.
- Don’t go, or take a fall, in anticipation of what you think is coming.
- Feel what’s actually happening.
- Stay soft and responsive.
- Spring back the moment the pressure is off.
- Keep your integrity.
- You have more power in the situation when you have a solid base.
- Keep moving. Do something. Don’t just stand there and wait for the attack to come.
- By choosing how you invite the attack, you will be better able to deal with it.
- If your balance is really taken, go with it. Make the new direction yours. Own it.
- Keep your center, and be ready to respond to openings for reversals.
Important points to take to heart, in Aikido and in everything.
Along those same lines, via my friend William Cummings on Facebook yesterday:
“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles , but most of them never happened .”
– Mark Twain
Like Bread Dough
I’ve really been enjoying training lately, even though I have been at the dojo somewhat less to make time to work with Rainy, my horse. … Read more …
