Ki Moments Blog

Support for life’s “key” moments.

Showing posts with the tag “Staying Present”

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  • November 5, 2019

    Sitting Off the Mat: Practicing Spiritual Aikido

    Sitting Off the Mat: Practicing Spiritual Aikido

    Always practice The Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner.

    ~ Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei

    Silence.

    I'm sitting off the mat at Portsmouth Aikido, as 27 people line up in seiza (kneeling position) to await the seminar instructor. This is the dojo I founded 25 years ago and that is now impeccably managed by its new owner and chief instructor, Aaron Cass Sensei.

    For about five minutes, it is completely silent. I sit quietly, alone, in a spectator's chair on the sidelines, taking it all in: the mat, the beautiful space, the Japanese calligraphy adorning the walls, the flowers on the kamiza (spiritual center of the dojo), the pictures of Kanai Sensei who helped us found the dojo and of O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido.

    I sit there in peace, noticing everything, both outside and inside....

  • October 1, 2013

    Staying Present When Things Are Going Well

    Staying Present When Things Are Going Well

    It might not seem like such a big deal--staying present when things are going well. I mean, easy, right? Maybe and maybe not. “The tension was mounting on the teebox at the par-5 eighth hole at Conway Farms,” PGATour.com reported on Sept. 14, just before Jim Furyk became the sixth player in PGA Tour history to break 60 [The 8th was his 17th hole that day].

  • August 20, 2013

    Relax Your Mind

    Relax Your Mind

    As you know if you’ve been reading my recent posts, I’ve added Bikram Yoga to my life. I find, like Aikido, the practice of Yoga offers many lessons on and off the mat.