What would you say is on your mind the most these days? I mean, if there was an app for that, and it could really measure exactly what your mind spends most of its time pondering, what would you say it thinks of the most? What does it wonder about? What questions does it ask most persistently?
Because, as any zen master worth her salt will tell you, our thoughts shape our reality. The questions we spend time asking and answering are where we are directing our work, effort, time and energy. But often, we go about our day not realizing what we are thinking. And then life happens and we don’t see the relationship between what we’ve been doing so much in our minds and what is happening around us.
The dojo invites us to slow down. Class in the studio is structured to help us build up greater self awareness and pay attention to how much we are really in charge of the outcome of whatever situation we find ourselves in – be it a lock to the wrist, an attack from multiple opponents or a new way to roll that intimidates us!
This time of year can be a hectic one, and it can be so easy to lose ourselves to the “hustle and bustle” mentality. I hope this little post here can be an invitation, just like a class at the dojo, for you to slow down. See if you can’t find time today to make a list of what matters most to you. If you can set a 10 minute timer and sit in stillness beforehand, even better. Want to do it right now? Go ahead, I can wait.
When you look at that list, the list of what really matters most to you in life, chances are, you’re going to see things that don’t just revolve around yourself alone. When we slow down and really look at our lives, it allows us to see how much the connections to others matter. For example, my lists look something like this:
What The App Would Probably Find My Mind Asking When I’m Rushing Around:
- How much on my to-do list can I squeeze into the next hour?
- Is this thing I’m doing for work done perfectly?
- Did I buy enough snacks at the store?
- Why is the house so messy when I just cleaned it?
What My Life’s Most Important Questions Really Are:
- How can I be as fulfilled, content and healthy as possible?
- How can I help my kids be the most fulfilled and healthy people they can be?
- How can I help other people’s kids be the most fulfilled and healthy people they can be through the work we do in the Ninja Kids Club?
- How can I inspire other adults to be the most fulfilled and healthy people they can be, using our martial arts school as a channel for this work?
It’s interesting to me that to answer the first question (how I can be most fulfilled), I have to start answering the other questions, the ones about life beyond myself. I think this is true of all of us: Finding a way to create connection with others that also brings us joy is the most important discovery of all. This reminds me of something Dr. King felt strongly: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?'”
That’s why this week, our dojo theme is Teamwork. We’re exploring how incredibly important other people are in our training. Whether we’re figuring out a technique with partners, getting help from a senior student, or learning by assisting someone newer, we couldn’t do this without each other.
We will be exploring our theme this week through the following techniques:
- Backward Ukemi
- Uke-Tori Responsibilities
- Escapes and Locks
- Kusari Fundo Kamae and Strikes
We’ve also opened registration for our Barefoot Boot Camp! Talk about teamwork – this is the way to get in shape or recommit to your workout routine with a super fun fitness class and a seriously supportive community. Learn more and sign up right here.
Thanks for reading everyone. We will see you in the dojo!
~Sensei Nesta