I read a great little pdf e-book yesterday from an Aikido player that after almost two decades of training now understands that one must lose technique in order to become one with energy. The book also outlines the path that every internal artist must take to get to the “good stuff”. This path includes courage, perseverance, frustration, dedication, frustration, learning, teaching, frustration… you get the point.

One of the many gems presented was to make friends with your frustration. When you are in tune with the truth you are accepting of whatever life is throwing at you and you can flow with any situation. This made me think of one of my students that is extremely hard on herself because she doesn’t always “get it” as quickly as she thinks she should. If she was more accepting of the facts as they are, instead of wishing that they were different, her experience would be more conducive to learning and she would be more content.

Another gem was the Aikido player recognizing the similarities between his art and Taijiquan. It was refreshing to read someone that has chosen a specific art being so honest about telling his audience that it matters not which path you take “up the mountain”, only that you chose one and do your best to get to the top (as all paths lead home).

On another point, it was also refreshing to read the Aikido players understanding that eventually technique bows to energy because just this week I had another student question why we must walk in the realm of the wisdom mind (technique/knowledge) instead of just remaining in the ancient mind (energetic reality). I responded that it is imperative to train our techniques in order to give Po (wisdom mind) something to play with when it eventually takes over for the left brain, logical, ego driven, everyday mind.
 
This little e-book was a short, yet worthwhile read and I’m sure I will revisit it in the future.

If anyone wants a copy, just e-mail me.

Peace
Rod