Starting the journey inwards

The journey inwards usually starts with an awakening. Sometimes we yearn for something that cannot be described in words, and at times we have clear goals, and can envision the benefits and even the feelings we will have by starting something new in our lives. Sometimes we awaken by meeting an inspiring person, by hearing an incredible sentence, or by visiting a special place, or when we encounter a life-changing event. The process may take a split of a second or a lifetime. Many are the paths, moving in their own pace and timing for every single person, into the internal landscapes.

What will we find in our journey? will there be mountains of beliefs and thoughts, or will we walk the plateaus of doubts and opinions, which we collected throughout the years? Or will we hit tall cliffs of fears and worries, or see our streams of dreams and rivers of yearnings? We might arrive some quiet corners, in which we will feel "connected" - connected to the endless web, where we are all tied together, with Karma wires and cosmic strings. The way is quiet, bright and secure. One may use a variety of navigation tools, yet with the use surrender and intuition one will securely travel the path.

When Aikido students start their practice, they may feel that there is an "added value", and even if one does not have an understanding of what is it exactly, it is very much felt. This is what many call "the mirror effect". We may feel it when practicing in an Aikido class, and being in an Aikido Dojo; created by the inevitable interactions between the students, teacher-student relationship, and within the space, on and off the mat.

Some students take the challenges of the first few months, consisting of "not knowing" and confusion, as an opportunity for self exploration and discovery. Some students just can't take it and will eventually leave. The will to learn something new requires surrender and trust in the process. I remember one student who, after finishing her fourth class, came to speak with me. She was saying that Aikido classes led her to believe she was dyslectic, and therefore she will never will be able to learn Aikido. This was quite a harsh judgment, especially after participating in only a few classes. Most people though find it intriguing, and enjoy the new challenges and the beginning of their self study.

More on "how to continue" on my next post...