Mindfulness and Aikido
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 3:40 am
Any practice that helps you connect with your body is a good support for mindfulness. I was lucky to start practicing Aikido in college, and almost 20 years later I still continue.
Now, I'm not a black belt (shodan), not even close. Work and family demand too much of my time to train as much as I would like. But even then, I remember clearly the moments during aikido where I've felt a total connection between body and mind. The Japanese have a word, Satori, to describe sudden moments of enlightenment. I've had a few of those on the Aikido mat...
Aikido is not competitive, it's all about aligning your energy with that of your partner. It teaches you to be aware of your body, and to calm your mind and concentrate.
Aikido means "The Way of Harmony with the Universe", and some people call it "The Art of Peace", or "Zen in motion".
Definitely worth a try if you're on the path and you're looking for a physical practice to support your spiritual development
Now, I'm not a black belt (shodan), not even close. Work and family demand too much of my time to train as much as I would like. But even then, I remember clearly the moments during aikido where I've felt a total connection between body and mind. The Japanese have a word, Satori, to describe sudden moments of enlightenment. I've had a few of those on the Aikido mat...
Aikido is not competitive, it's all about aligning your energy with that of your partner. It teaches you to be aware of your body, and to calm your mind and concentrate.
Aikido means "The Way of Harmony with the Universe", and some people call it "The Art of Peace", or "Zen in motion".
Definitely worth a try if you're on the path and you're looking for a physical practice to support your spiritual development
