| "We can change our circumstances by a mere | | | | graceful movements belie the power behind them. |
| change of our attitude." | | | | Aikido is based on principles such as centered |
| - William James, 19th Century American psychologist | | | | response and utilization of energy, and it has practical |
| and philosopher | | | | applications in the world of conflict resolution and |
| I've noticed I often take myself, my work, and my life | | | | self-management. Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of |
| way too seriously. I blow events out of proportion, | | | | aikido, called it the Art of Peace, and said that we |
| demand perfection, and generally behave as if my | | | | must "always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant |
| needs are at the center of everything. | | | | and joyful manner." Aikidoists try to remember this as |
| I agonize over small decisions, worry about personal | | | | we throw each other around the mat, smiling and |
| interactions, wrestle with each word of a simple e-mail, | | | | having fun while we work to perfect our technique. |
| and wake up at night with my heart pounding in | | | | As we push on into the first decade of this new |
| anticipation of tomorrow's presentation or with angst | | | | century, it is likely that life will become even more |
| about what happened today. Was I good enough? | | | | complex than it already is. Here are some suggestions |
| How can I get this right for a change? Why did I say | | | | that might help when you become separated from |
| THAT?! The minutest detail is not too small to escape | | | | your perspective: |
| scrutiny when I'm in this frame of mind - when life | | | | - Acknowledge - Often all it takes to change your |
| becomes very, very serious. | | | | current stressed out state is to notice it. As you bring |
| When this happens I lose my self, my center, and my | | | | your awareness back to the present moment, you |
| perspective. I step out of the precious present moment | | | | regain a sense of perspective and possibility. |
| and into anxiety about the future or the past. I forget | | | | - Center - Breathe. Smile. Be. |
| that there's nothing I can control except right now, right | | | | - Call someone and talk about it, better yet laugh about |
| here, this moment and my availability to it. | | | | it. |
| Happily, remembering this personal truth is what shifts | | | | - Read a poem. |
| me back into the present. I begin to breathe again and | | | | - Listen to music. |
| slip seamlessly into the realization that right now, at this | | | | - Take a walk or go for a run. |
| moment, I am okay. Sanity returns as I focus on what | | | | - Dream up some practices of your own. |
| is at hand. | | | | Use your growing awareness to lighten up, smile, live |
| Vibrant and Joyful | | | | and love in a vibrant and joyful manner. And stop |
| I practice a martial art called aikido, whose flowing and | | | | taking yourself so seriously! |