Welcome to Ki Moments, September,

and the rhythm of school, work, and the glorious end of summer. I am reminded on this beautiful New England day of a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese monk and teacher:

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.

Take a health break. Stand or sit a little straighter. Allow space to come into your mind and body. Let awareness dawn.

This moment is a ki moment.

Good ki!

Judy Ringer

Manners, Aikido, and Ki Moments

In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, columnist Peggy Noonan discussed the disappearance of manners in our culture. The article was provoked by news stories of Steven Slater, the JetBlue flight attendant whose claim to fame is the rudeness with which he addressed passengers at their arrival gate before taking the emergency chute to the tarmac and driving home. Peggy's article got me thinking about manners, ki moments, and the contribution we each make in creating our culture.

Manners do seem in short supply. The culture shift is often blamed on frayed nerves, economic pressure, new cultural models that view "manners" as old-fashioned, and the fast pace of technology.

In Aikido, etiquette represents respect and safety. Because the martial arts are by nature physical and because we can inadvertently injure, we place a great deal of importance on observing dojo (school) norms, such as thanking and bowing to each other frequently and deliberately. We remind each other——and ourselves—of our positive intent. Proper etiquette is a distinguishing characteristic of a good dojo.

In everyday life off the mat—in our homes, schools, and workplaces, on airplanes, trains, buses, and in our own vehicles—manners also communicate respect and safety. They provide structure in an otherwise high-speed, pressurized world—a structure that helps us stop before we do harm. Manners elevate the user and the receiver, and represent who we are as a person, team, community, or society.

In return, when we feel etiquette has been breached, we can speak up. Yes, it takes time and clarity of intention to create an intentional culture, but I feel more energized, not less, when I'm respectful and ask for respect, whether it be from the home repairman, my family, or my coworker.

I think Steven Slater had a rough time that day. But he missed a Ki Moment. By acting in a courteous manner, I think he could have shown everyone on that airplane how to be safe, respectful, and powerful. And he would have elevated all who witnessed the exchange. He might not have made headlines, but then true power often does not.

Each culture has its own etiquette. What contributes to safety and respect in your workplace? In your home? How do you help co-create your environment, and how can you invite more intention around these ideas?

Upcoming Public Programs

Please join me for learning, adventure, networking and fun.

Aikido, Conflict, and Relationship: Getting on the Mat
Half-Day Workshop with Judy Ringer
Pegasus Conference, Cambridge, MA, November 7

20th Pegasus Conference

Nov. 8-10 Boston, MA

I'm once again honored to be a featured speaker at the annual Pegasus Communications Systems Thinking Conference.

I'll be presenting "Aikido, Conflict, and Relationship: Getting on the Mat" an out-of-the-box training combining aikido, communication, conflict transformation, and relationship management – perfect for kinesthetic learners who want to immerse themselves in the educational experience.

It's a pre-conference program and takes place on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 1:30-4:30 pm, at New England Aikikai in Cambridge, MA. You can choose to attend this half-day workshop as a stand alone program or sign up for the entire conference.

The Conference theme this year is, "Systems Thinking in Action: Fueling New Cycles of Success," with keynote speakers such as Peter Senge, Frances Moore Lapp̩, and Daniel Kim. It's a wonderful conference Рconsider it for yourself and your organization.

Until September 30, you can still register for $200 off the full registration rate. Learn more at Pegasus.com

Read a description and sign up for my workshop on the "Pre-Conference Workshops" page.

Unlikely Teachers 

Have you read my book, Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict? I'd love to know what you think!

Submit your review on Amazon.com! The more positive reviews, the more Amazon will promote Unlikely Teachersso that others can benefit. Thanks!

Contact Information
Judy Ringer
Power & Presence Training
76 Park Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
voice: 603.431.8560
website: www.judyringer.com

Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, a Portsmouth, NH company specializing in unique workshops to help you and your organization manage conflict, communicate effectively, and co-create a more positive work environment.

E-mail Judy at judy@judyringer.com for a free initial meeting to discuss your training needs. Ki (from Ai-ki-do) is Japanese for life energy. Ki Moments is a complimentary monthly "e-zine" with tips and how-to articles to help you manage the key moments in your life.

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