Aikido training has taught me to see conflict as a tool to navigate conflict, growth, change, transition, empathy, and curiosity in a whole new language. Being a student of this art, I have met some of the most authentic people. I have also had a chance to meet myself. Being able to strip away layers of learned reactions, to open to new ways of interacting and perceiving information- both inside me and around me. These are lessons that I have raised my children with. These are lessons that have taught the young child in me to feel safe again, even if it’s only been at moments at a time some days. The overall outcome of this training is seeing the world as a active, living, adapting, flowing, combination of loving and taking care of the people around me/you. Being able to train with people who have changed my life gave way to me being able to hopefully offer someone else the same.
Being able to break down fundamental movements and add self study in the atmosphere of having to work on this training from home, alone but with online partners, has lead to the next level of curiosity in training. Can we really all take the time to figure out where we are in space, how to find some balance, and do the hardest work of being consistent? Showing up for ourselves so that when we can work with partner we’ll be so appreciative of their time, efforts, and their safety.
This challenging time has been a much needed reflection of who we are and how do we want to move forward. Take time to do your own healing. Be conscientious of how much or little you had done before or how much we still need to do. There is no end to this training. There is only fine tuning the elements that are awakened by doing the work in the first place. Even it starts with home practice. There is much to learn by having to deal with yourself first before partners. Learn how to let yourself learn. Be okay with imperfection but practice doing the right thing. Owning mistakes then trying again. Learning to get back up and keep going when you fall. Learning how to slow down your fall and keep yourself safe. Trusting that the work is different for all of us.
I wish you peace, safety, health, and compassion. I wish you time to explore new love and knowledge. I wish you time to just be. I wish you time to live. Be well.