Equanimity

Equanimity is bigger than our usual small ego driven perspective. Our chase and hope of what we want and our clinging fear of losing what we have, is the basis of our habitual pattern of existence. There are eight variations of this in Buddhist teaching, Hope and fear, pleasure and pain, praise and blame, gain and loss, fame and disgrace. As long as we cling to one of these extremes the potential of the others is there continuing to be caught in this cycle of attraction and aversion. This is the same as dividing the world into for and against. Us vs Them etc... we can't retreat and just work on our self, we need to function in the world and work towards making it better for all beings, our training needs to develop as a benefit. Practicing compassion and abiding in Equanimity evolving past the little me who seeks only to help themselves and move towards unconditional commitment to ourselves and others. I think this is what Tohei sensei was talking about in Setsudo teaching the way of the universe is the ultimate purpose of my study.

New Beginings Revisited

On Sat we are meeting to continue what started back in December. A meeting to consider among other things a vision and mission statement. In order to do this a survey was sent out, I was surprised at my answer to the first question. You may be too.

If I were designing my ideal class at the dojo (for me to attend, not teach) I would prioritize these class components from 1 to 8 as follows… (1 is most important)
component example
___8_ Social interaction (making friends, attending functions)
____3 Aikido technique (learning and polishing techniques, rolling, etc.)
____1 Ki development (Ki meditation and breathing, oneness, ki healing, etc.)
____5 Practical self defense (Making sure you could use techniques on the street.)
____7 Exercise and fitness (Active, rigorous classes, flexibility, etc.)
____6Japanese culture (Maintaining a traditional dojo atmosphere, etc.)
2
____ Weapons (Jo 1, Bokken 45)
____4 Philosophical inquiry (Ki sayings, The Art of Peace, discussion of principles)

I would categorize some differtenly as I see my answer for #1 and #4 are closely related and #6 is required to accomplish these, #1,#3 and #5 are also interdependent. I found #7 to be some what misleading as I am for rigorus classes and flexibility, I don't think this is exercise for exercise sake. Also what is Ideal in an individual class does not translated to the Dojo as a whole, as needs with in classes change based upon the participants needs and abilities.

Thinking Bigger

A simple practice that has profound effects. This is something we hear all the time, move bigger, expand your ki... etc

How to change our usual perspective and to get away from our habit of thinking of for and against. When ever we feel pain stop breathe in, breathe it in and realize that others also feel pain in this way. When we connect to the universe in this way we can let go with out judging or allowing it to rise to the level of aggression. When we feel pleasure enjoy it. No need to be guilty, simply enjoy it and wish that others could also enjoy this same simple pleasure. Like the first sip of tea in the morning , you know, the cream is frothed ( I have become particularly found of green tea lattes) just right, you can feel it beginning to warm you as it goes down, the sun is coming up and the birds are singing, aaaaahhhh wouldn't it be great if every one could slow down and enjoy this moment. This right now , this is a way of practicing being connected, and gratitude. Which of course leads to compassion and a deeper connection.

Kakizome

This morning we had our kakizome session at the dojo. I enjoyed this very much, and I had a sample of how technical and how much thought goes into each stroke. Sensei reminded me that when i started Aikido i couldn't throw somebody with just one movement....brush work is the same. one has to follow particular patterns and rhythm, breathing and Ki extension are all things to consider when making a stroke on the paper.

I was humbled and inspired at the same time. I hope to pursue more Shodo in the future.