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For the last couple of weeks I haven't been able to physicaly train so I have been reflecting on the psycological aspects of Aikido. One of the things I have been thinking about, and ultimately aspireing to, was the spliting of the mind.
When I was first introduced to this concept it was the idea that during some techniques it is necessary to split the mind of the uke in order to make the technique work as in Kokyo dosa or the heaven and earth throw. But recently I have come to realize that not only do I have to split ukes mind in some cases, I have to split my mind as well, and always.
What I mean by this is I have to split my mind to coordinate my right hand with my left hand. Then I have to split it again to coordinate my hands with my feet. Then I have to split it again to make my apendages work from my center. Then yet again to control my instinct to tense up while preforming a physical throw. Add to that the need to control my breathing, connect to uke's center, be aware of my surroundings, and extend Ki, my mind is now split in quite a few directions.
Of course I'm incapable of spitting my mind in that many directions. I'm still having trouble with two. I see other Aikidoka that seem to have this ability and am inspired to know that it is possible. At least to the extent that these Aikidoka can do it. I can't help wonder at the point when one is able to think about, and control all these things simultaniously, is this the point this person becomes enlightened?
03-04-2004 01:24 AM 