New Year's Resolutions and Training Goals by Lynn Seiser
[Discuss this article (0 replies)]
[Download this article in PDF format]
O'Sensei believed that the study of Aikido was somehow a cure for a
world of confusion, conflict, and chaos. A cure is a recovery or
relief, a course or period of treatment, a solution or remedy, to
restore, to rectify, and to prepare. It is a method or tool. Cures
depend on how they are used and applied. It is how we use the tools of
Aikido, both physically and philosophically, that facilitate a cure or
perpetuate the disease, to be a solution or continue the problem.
It is 2006, a New Year. With each New Year, many people make New
Year's Resolutions. Those are the things that we already know we need
to do, but never get around to, so we remind ourselves that we should,
with very little real intention of following through.
I am not very sure what happen to last year. It went by so fast. So
many things accomplished. Some I planned on, and some that just
happened in spite of my efforts. Others things were bumped in priority
or I just forgot to get around to them.
At the end of every year, I do an inventory. I make a list of all the
positives, meaning they happened the way I wanted them to. I also make
a list of the negatives, meaning they did not happen the way I wanted
them to. 2005 was a year of ups and downs, as all years are. Tears of
joy and sorrow were shed. Learning to accept what is, to forgive but
not forget, and to let go have been lessons practiced. The beginning
of any good plan starts with a realistic assessment and acceptance of
what is. That is point A on the journey. To get a direction, we need a
point B.
To get a point B, I make a list of what I want to see happen in the
coming year. I have found that a journey has a better chance of
success if it has some planning and sense of direction. I tend to be
holistic in my approach to life, so I want to include many different
aspects. The most precious gift I have is my family. They will always
be my top priority. When things are right at home, facing the world is
much easier. As I get older, my physical health becomes more a
concern. I notice that I injure easier and heal slower than I used
to. I love the old expression, use it or lose it. I may be wearing it
down, but I have not lost it yet. Professionally I am a
psychotherapist. I work with offenders and victims of violence,
trauma, abuse, and addiction. I am a martial artist. It is not what I
do; it is who I am. I have been training for almost 40 years and hope
to continue until 5 days after I am buried or 3 days after I am
cremated. All of these must be taken into account.
I tell my clients that the three most important things we have to
figure out is what do we want, what do we have to do to get it, and
then to do it. Once goals are set, we need a plan that is personal,
positive, and practical (practice-able) in the present. It sounds
simple, and in theory, it is. What is most surprising is how well it
works.
I am not going to disclose or discuss my family, personal, and
profession New Year's Resolutions and training goals. Suffice to say
they will always be a priority and I am deeply humbled by the joy they
give me.
I know where I am in Aikido and I know where I want to be at the end
of the year. How do I get there? Some of that is to continue doing
what I have already found and know to be successful. First, is to
continue training on a consistent and persistent basis with honest and
genuine intent and intensity. Without direct application and practice,
Aikido is just academic philosophical chatter. Second, is to continue
reading books, viewing videos, and participating in the Internet
Aikido community. I certainly know I receive more than I can ever give
back. Third, is to attend outside seminars including cross-training. I
love seeing things from a different perspective and focus. Fourth, is
to enjoy the year, the training, and the people I train with. I have
learned that to reach a goal, enjoy the journey getting there.
O'Sensei said to train in a joyous manner and in loving protection. I
hope in the New Year to communicate and train with as many of you as
possible.
Thanks for listening, for the opportunity to be of service, and for
sharing the journey. Now, get back to training. KWATZ!
[Discuss this article (0 replies)]
[Download this article in PDF format]
|