Grounding

When I started my path in Aikido, I heard other students mention the word "grounding". At first I thought it was something we need to do, an action that needs to take place in order to achieve this state. Later, when I started my Zazen (Zen meditation) practice, I discovered that when we are still and quiet we feel grounded. Allowing the body to gently set into itself, and be relaxed, apart from rushing thoughts. The breath calms the mind and the body finds its center, and a root into the Earth.

What grounds us is not generated by taking action, but by our willingness to "drop it", and settle.

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Second Doshu, 1921-1999

In the past couple of years I start my day with a walk outside. The sights of nature and the outdoors' air relives some of my busy-ness, brushes off any unsettled energy, and simply puts the "stuff" to rest. I walk and focus on the wonder that surrounds me; a flight of a hawk, wind through the pines, or the smell of rain. Less time spent on "self" allows grounding to take place organically.

Back at the Dojo. A silent bow to the Shomen, deep breath, giving gratitude to O'Sensei, thanks to our teachers, appreciation to our classmates and the existance of the Dojo, as well as the blessing of the practice. Breathing in, breathing out. Slowly. Sitting in peace on the mat. The scent of a clean Gi, a new insence stick burning, the sound of water. Breathing. Grounding.

"Onegaishimasu". Now — let's begin.