Quote:
“Nonresistance is one of the principles of aikido. Because there is no resistance, you have won before even starting. People whose minds are evil or who enjoy fighting are defeated without a fight.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba
My thoughts:
Another apology!!
I have been gearing up for a slight change to my life and routine, as I describe below. So this entry is a few days late. I think you will understand though. I hope you enjoy my reflection.
I have been fascinated with the world of Aikido for a long time. I hope to get to a place where I can actively learn and practice. From the outside looking in it has attracted me for a number of reasons, but the following is the main one.
There is a flow to aikido that is very beautiful. It’s emphasis on non-resistance makes for a wonderful metaphor for how we engage with obstacles. We move where there is space to move, and away from the threat. We do this not to run away, but rather to assert a non-violent end to the aggression. Aikido (Ai Ki Do) literally translates to “The Way of Spiritual Harmony”. We look to be in harmony at all times. As one resource I found states, “The philosophy of Aikido concepts deal with how you can learn to adapt, be flexible, stay calm, and blend with your life situation.”1
For a few months now I’ve been working to get my mindfulness coaching business up and running. While it has not been met with resistance per se, it definitely has NOT created opportunities for me to make a living, monetarily speaking. There’s been no energy moving forward.
I realized I was going to need to supplement, or shift gears altogether, in order to make ends meet and keep a roof over my (and my daughter’s) head. So I began Substitute Teaching, and oh my goodness it has been a ride!
First, the process went smooth and fast in order to get approved to start taking jobs. I began in a 4th grade class at a local elementary school this past Monday (February 12) and the very next day was in a 1st grade class at my daughter’s school! Within those first two days I was met with so much welcoming energy and support! While it has been a challenging shift, it has ABSOLUTELY been worth it. I have two days under my belt EVER in substitute teaching, yet in those two days have already gained friends and supporters to create a situation where I am going to be in THE SAME classroom at my daughter’s school for 7 days the remainder of this month.
The aikido of the moment tells me this is what I move towards, this attracting energy that allows me to be assertive and ACT. If I do so with kindness, wisdom, and humility it is likely to be met with more opportunity!
Intention:
“Today I will move towards the energy of opportunity, rather than forcing something that doesn’t seem available. I do so in the heart of NOT giving up, but rather insuring that I am ALWAYS looking for where I am needed and can be productive.”
Meditation:
Join me in this very simple meditation regarding energy and flow:
With an open mind and a receptive heart,
I follow the flow of energy.
Cultivation:
I consider cultivation as the opportunity to create moments to practice awareness and mindfulness with ourselves and ESPECIALLY our children. As a newly minted “teacher” this seems to be very appropriate. I encountered a young man this week that did NOT like my adapting his routine. And I understand it. Routines are comforting and incredibly important as we are teaching young minds. I also completely get why we would do that within a school setting.
And I wonder, while we are sculpting young minds to understand what it means to be educated within a system, we should also consider what it means to “learn to adapt, be flexible, stay calm, and blend” with whatever the moment asks of you.
Perhaps THAT is the key.
It is in the asking.
We encounter decision points every day. Maybe we cultivate our curiosity and gently ask what that moment needs from us. Often it will need what we have been conditioned and trained to provide, but sometimes it will be different. Can we arrive at those decision points with a softness that allows us to make a different decision if necessary. This is different for all of us, as our diversity in cognitive abilities and emotional development can vary, yet the opportunity is still there to try.
Appreciation:
I am grateful when things do not go my way, as I learn to adapt.
I am grateful for when I come face to face with an obstacle, so I learn how to gracefully move around it.
I am grateful for those moments when I am asked to compromise, as it teaches me how to be flexible.
I am grateful when the answer is no, because I am convinced that there is a YES if I ask a different question.
https://www.aikido-health.com/aikido-concepts.html