In addition to my love for Aikido and Yoga, I’m a singer. Currently I’m collaborating on a new CD with guitarist Woody Allen, who is featured on my Simple Gifts CD. Woody plays many instruments, including the ukulele.

A small instrument with only four strings and a narrow two octave range, the ukulele has most often been used as a joke instrument in the U.S. (ever heard of Tiny Tim?), except in Hawaii where it’s held in high regard and a symbol of the culture.

Perhaps because of my recent re-introduction to the ukulele through Woody, I noticed a recent newspaper article about Jake Shimabukuro, perhaps the most well-known ukulele player alive today. I was fascinated to learn he began playing at 4 years and that he believes the instrument is the key to world peace. He makes a strong case, too! …

Stretching to the edge of discomfort, I shift into Triangle pose, struggling to keep breathing, hips forward, head turned up, one arm reaching for my toes, the other for the ceiling, all while trying not to over-stretch and go over my edge into pain and possible injury.

Triangle is challenging for me, as is the entire practice of yoga, and every moment presents opportunities to stay present and learn important lessons.

Here are five life lessons I’ve learned (so far!) on the yoga mat…

If you’re a faithful reader of Ki Moments, you know that I consider respect an important aspect of managing conflict effectively. And that I’ve written over the years on the blog and in my book, Unlikely Teachers, about the bowing ritual in Aikido and its applications off the mat in terms of how we embody respect in daily life.

One such application comes into play when we engage others in conversation, especially if the conversation is a conflict conversation. Do I just go up to that person and jump in or is there a better way?

On the Aikido mat, regardless of one’s rank, there is always a sensei (teacher) with more experience, wisdom, and perspective, to whom the student looks for continual improvement. I am lucky to have such mentors in my life.

After last month’s Ki Moments post, I received a reminder from my first Aikido sensei, Tom Crum…

Savoring is usually applied to eating good food. But savoring food is just the start: you can savor anything, and you should. It’s wonderful. And it changes everything.

Savoring can teach you to be mindful, to stop procrastinating, to finally exercise, to eat less and more healthfully, to live life in the present, and much more.

Let’s look at how… in this guest post by Leo Babauta.

Judy – I read your Clear Communication article today. What happens when the other person just isn’t seeing or acknowledging my intent, despite trying multiple ways to state it clearly? What if that person continues to come back in defense no matter how much centering I do? What then? When is it time to just let it go, stop trying and just move on? Are there some conversations that just won’t work no matter? It does take 2, correct?

Sincerely,
Sincerely frustrated :O

It Takes Two, Correct?

I hear this question a lot. Workshop participants, Ki Moments subscribers, and coaching clients all want to know: “it takes two, correct?”

I wonder, when we say this, if we are expecting more from the other person than they can give.

Being curious means that you are ready and willing to learn and explore and that your mind is open to new possibilities. What an incredible place from which to learn and gain knowledge.

Ki Moments can occur any time. Moments when you realize you have a choice to extend your ki, your energy, in a purposeful way. How we communicate in conflict situations, for example, can influence our relationships and our environment in powerful ways.

It’s not enough to read a book about conflict or communication skills; we must engage these ideas with continued practice. As we experience using the new skill, we improve. Over time, ineffecitve habits are replaced with effective ones.

Practicing new conflict and communication skills requires risk-taking. You experiment, learn, and gradually become more proficient. Start with these five practices for clear communication.

Walking through Market Square the Sunday before Christmas, I happened into an afternoon service for New Frontiers Church, a relatively new spiritual community in my home city of Portsmouth, NH. I was curious because they rent space in my church—North Church—and so I wandered in.

The speaker was telling the Christmas story from Mary’s point of view and asking: “Do you know the story you’re in?” Mary understood that she was part of a bigger story, he said, and he asked us if we understood that we are, too.

I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” again this year. It’s a powerful reminder for me about how we make a difference, even if we think we don’t.

Unlike most of us, George Bailey is given the gift of seeing how the “little things” he does affect others and impact their lives for the better. He didn’t understand this until his guardian angel Clarence came to his aid.

If you had a guardian angel that came to Earth like Clarence—what would he show you? How might you live each day if you could know the greater significance of each of your choices?