Trading places

For many years I was driving past homeless people, standing at the freeway off ramp, and just felt sorry for them. From time to time I would give them a dollar or some change, moving on without a second thought. Years past and I watched a documentary called Skid Row. It was filmed, mostly with a hidden camera at Skid Row, where 80,000 homeless people live in downtown Los Angeles. The movie captured the daily life and stories; some which are core shaking. Watching the movie generated many thoughts about how I would feel, if I were to live there, dealing with the poverty and crime, and living in such fragility and vulnerability. Since then I started feeling much more compassion and consideration to the situations and conditions these human beings face, right here, in our city, as well as in many places all around the world.




I guess that in my case I changed my opinion by reflecting, and seeing myself in a similar situation. Being considerate takes us into someone else's realm, puts us into their shoes and helps us feel what they feel, like an imaginary "switcheroo". It is a powerful tool for life, and a great practice to develop a loving and open heart. It may be used in different cases; with a group or an individual, whether it is with someone close to our hearts, or a stranger, an animal or someone's living space. Consideration is an ability to look through someone else's eyes, developing sensitivity and carefulness.

This can be practiced in Aikido daily training. One can be Nage (the person who apply the technique) without much consideration to Uke (the person who is taking the technique). The encounter may go smoothly, and the technique will be performed — yet, the more sensitivity and awareness we practice with our partner will enable us to have better "blending" in our encounter. An Uke, on the other hand, that chooses to be participating actively, with true intention of attack, and that trains with awareness to Nage, becomes a responsible part of the outcome of the encounter - staying connected and looking for openings throughout the technique. So, in our training we can trade places, not just physically, but in our awareness as well. This provides many opportunities to deepen our study about techniques, timing, distance and positioning, while observing from the different sides, and from various angles.

Trading places teaches us about others and our environment, perserves our minds' flexibility and clarity, while keeping our hearts filled of compassion and understanding.

Time to smell the roses

Being in a rush and feeling hurried has been part of daily life for most of us. Is it created by the abundance, or maybe the clutter we have in our life? Maybe it is the hunger for more stuff, new activities and greater stimulation? Do we really get to choose about taking the time to smell the roses? How important is it anyway?

Ten years ago I had quite a few things going on, all at the same time, yet, looking at my life nowadays, it seems like I have even more on my plate - running a business, practicing and teaching Aikido everyday, as well as having a family and a home to take care of. I've noticed that it is not always necessary for me to make a special time slot for relaxation, meditation or a quiet walk. In most cases I just have to allow myself a little more time, a few more minutes; then, I slow down and see what is around me, and simply have the time to enjoy it. Whether I water the garden, or walk my daughter to school - it is nice to have the time to look around and appreciate; listen to a hawk calling, examine a snail from up close with my child, or feel the warm rays of sun on my skin.

This little extra time helps us - allows us to be more present and aware, as well to handle unexpected situations better. This is something we see in the Dojo as well. One student arrives around fifteen or twenty minutes before class starts, changes at ease, goes onto the mat, stretches or practices rolls, maybe helps other students, sits quietly, or in meditation, until it is time for class to begin. The other, enters three minutes before the beginning of class, changes in a hurry and steps onto the mat at the very last minute, just as soon as the teacher does.

On the surface, there seems to be no difference between the two. They both arrived on time to class, and got to practice. On an internal level - the first student, allowed himself to be prepared for class. He is ready, both physically and mentally and will not need much of an adjustment time. The other, was basically "thrown into" the class, and will take some of the class time to center, focus, and to come out of the rushed mode he is in (sometimes without success). I have to admit I've been in both scenarios. We often hear the term "Martial sense" and I believe that readiness is one of its facets. Whether we are outside, smelling the roses, or getting ready for class - we choose whether to be in this space of awareness or not.

Being ready and present in the moment is our choice.
The time to smell the roses is usually in our hands.