Exploring Distinctions

In February, I wrote a post (A Gentle Evolution) on a weapons session in our dojo and the progression in skill as students practiced. When I was reading Zen Body-Being (see previous entry), I found a description of sword practice that sheds some more light on this process.

I pick up a practice sword and randomly start moving it around the room. At first I may be controlling the sword too much, inflicting my will, using excessive strength. As I work with it, I begin to let it float and ‘have its own way.’ I become more receptive to the arc of its present movement, and to feedback regarding the most natural and effortless path I need to take to change its motion. This comes from letting the sword ‘have a say,’ listening to it, surrendering to it. As I begin to serve more than dominate, giving my energy to the sword rather than pushing the sword around, a shift in state takes place. I become much more receptive, open, present, and in-tune with the object, helping me step outside of my own ego.

Goals of aikido practice include increased awareness and sensitivity to both our partners and our ‘tools’ that we hold in our hands (tonto – wooden knife, boken – wooden sword, jo – wooden stick). This awareness happens, of course, as we become more centered and grounded in our movements. The increased awareness and sensitivity allows us to explore new dimensions in our practice, to distinguish portions of our technique that we were oblivious to before. This is one of the reasons why aikidoka continue to explore the same technique for years. It is never the same twice as we are continually developing our mind/body state and our awareness.

And, of course, the same concepts apply off-the-mat to our relationships. As our mind/body state of centeredness deepens, our awareness and sensitivity within our relationships heightens. There are always new facets of the relationship to explore and enjoy.

May you treasure and enjoy many years of exploration in your relationships!

Judy Warner