The long haul

"The mind takes perseverance
as something extremely bitter."
~ Sri Chimnoy

Lately, I talked with some of my students about dealing with issues arising in their practice, and in their lives. I listened to stories that revealed their difficulties and challenges. I asked them about their actions and their solutions, if they had any. I showed interest in how they were dealing with the situations. It seems to me that the worst enemy we have is our own mind. It provides us with the doubt that we will never get to the other side. It also makes up excuses as for how we can't, and won't, and shouldn't.

These students often miss classes, or decide to take a break from their practice. I see them struggle within - most of them like Aikido very much, yet many things just get in the way. I would like to explain here about the proper way of non attendance and leave:
The Dojo is not a gym. There should be a relationship between students and their teacher. The traditional conduct will be to inform the teacher when you are not going to show up to classes that you usually attend. In cases you didn't inform your teacher, it is proper to apologize the next time coming to the Dojo. When a student doesn't show up for a while, the teacher usually does not contact the student, in order not to embarrass or to put any pressure. Students who decide to take a leave of absence or to quit, should let the teacher know of their intention. I assure you, that even when a teacher is not happy with this type of announcement, he or she will accept and respect the student's will.

On the other hand, we have to remember that perseverance is our best bet to achieve a long term feeling of wholeness, accomplishment and contentment. It is also a sure path to acquiring a skill. Franklin D. Roosevelt said: " When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." The big things are not what we stumble on - it is the little stuff. The aches and pains, inconveniences, single encounters that didn't go according to our plan, have the power to activate in our mind a sweet persuasion, saying "quit", "stop", "take a break", "it isn't worth it", "you can't do it", and "maybe later". The mind's ways are slick and smooth. We tend to believe what our mind tells us, after all - it is the voice of logic...

When we feel we reached this point, we should ask ourselves: what is our heart's true conviction. When that is clear, we can then see the outside conditions that influenced us or pushed us away from it. Keeping our vision clear, will help us persevere, in spite of our mind's advice. A deep look inside, and listening to our heart - clears the path, no matter if the weather is stormy, the fog is thick, and our feet are bruised.

A teacher's heart should be open to the students. The Kanji in the word "Sensei" (先生) literally means: "life" and "future" or "one who is ahead". Having been on the path longer - means they have had more opportunities to test their perseverance. Knowing the Way is deep and long, the teacher has compassion for the students and willingness to help - so we can all continue learning together, going for "the long haul".