Opportunity Knocks

In November I broke a finger during an aikido demonstration. My hand was put in a cast that extended above my wrist and restricted my movement. I was instructed to refrain from aikido and running – two of my favorite centering/stress release activities. Much of my work took twice as long as previously as I picked gingerly at computer keyboards. I quickly realized that I had the makings of a great ‘story’ and a choice - play victim to my injury or find a ‘sword’ to cut through my story and stay on purpose.

It just so happens I had the perfect sword. For more than a year, I have followed the blog/podcast of Leroy Sievers, a journalist diagnosed with multiple cancers. About the time I broke my little finger, Leroy was recovering from complications of back surgery. Barely able to walk, he had an antibiotic pump in a hand and drains in his back. Sort of puts a broken finger in perspective, wouldn’t you say?

Any time my finger hurt or I grew frustrated with my restrictions, I thought of Leroy and used Tom’s Three Deep Breaths. No surprise, I began to transcend my situation and see opportunity in my injury. Instead of running, I began walking and found myself in awe with the beauty of our woods in winter. Stepping back from my aikido teaching, I had time for some dojo administrative projects. Intellectually I always knew that my injury was nothing compared to the injuries flashing across my TV screen from the Middle East and elsewhere. But, moving from intellectualizing to actually living a practice is a big step. My ‘swords’ of Leroy’s image and Tom’s Three Deep Breaths helped me cut through my ‘story’ and even enjoy my challenge.

As 2008 begins, I hope you find swords for your own stories so this year is both powerful and positive for you.

This story appeared in this month's Centering Hints, published by Aiki Works. If you would like to receive these hints every month, please click here.