Day Ten, Training Day Seven

Quotes from O'Sensei:

The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.

The Art of Peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.

Contemplate the workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do not overlook the truth that is right before you. Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees --- should be your teacher.

Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.

Today practice started at 7:30am as it does every Tuesday and Thursday. Sensei Bernice Tom teaches this class as well as the following class that begins at 8:30am. Today was a special day as it was only the second day Amber and I trained together. It was the first day we both trained together in one of senseis classes. I was only able to do weapons this morning due to driving Taylor to the airport but I trained closely with Amber as Nick helped us with the techniques. I also attended training this afternoon. Sempai Don was the Instructor. It was a good class. Sempai Don teaches alot about koshi (our center) and how to use it not only in the dojo but in all walks of life.

Today marked Day seven of training for Justin and Day four of training for Amber. We are still new to the uchideshi program and the lifestyle of living in a dojo. However, I feel our transition is coming along and we are making the adjustment nicely. This adjustment has not come without bumps in the road but through adversities we find our greatest strengths. Aikido is teaching us both new ideas and philosophies and with an open mind and open heart I anticipate we will learn much more. I feel we will grow in these teachings in our individual lives as well as our relationship.