The Willingness to Wait

A willingness to wait often makes the difference in the art of aikido. A person rushes at you with an attack. For the ensuing throw to be successful, you must respond in a way so the attacker becomes receptive to your energy and you can take the lead in deescalating the attack. This requires synchronicity. If you act too soon, the attacker resists and attempts to regain control of the situation and escalate the confrontation.

The art of centering helps you wait. This integrated mind/body state increases calmness and awareness. It allows you to feel your partner’s energy and time your response for maximum effectiveness.

On the mat in aikido, the result of centering and waiting is a well-executed throw. In daily life, centering helps with waiting too – so you sense when in dialog to pause and listen. And, when you do speak, to do so with compassion and wording that encourages the other person to follow your lead so you can both, together, resolve your dispute.

Take a step today to become more centered in your life. How? Many books have been written on that and we will share those with you over time. For now, take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Do that a few times during your day and the rest will follow.