Return of a Prodigal

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[Susan Marie]

Hi There,

I have been reviewing this website for a while now and have finally decided to introduce myself. I first started training in aikido ten years ago, but dropped out because of various obligations etc. In all I had trained a few months here, a few months there, for over two years. Aikido is the only martial art that I've studied. I've trained in both Aikikai and Yoshinkan dojos. Up until this summer I had not trained for six years. I had tried to convince myself that I didn't miss it. However, I'm back now and find it even more fulfilling than during my previous training. This is because I have different motivations than I did before.

A year ago I decided that I'd grown tired of the rut I was trudging in and decided to really evaluate who I was and where I was going. Scary. Especially since I found I didn't know who I was or where I was going.

Months into this process I realized that aikido had become a part of me and that I DID miss it, so I decided to train again. Training for me is not about self defense anymore nor is it about physical fitness. I am striving for a deeper understanding of myself and aikido is part of this journey. I feel like I've returned home.

The following is an excerpt from The Art of Peace by O'Sensei which I find myself going back to time and time again.

"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."

The exploration continues.

Nice to meet you all. And thank you for having me.
Susan.

[DarkShodan]

I feel your words. Good luck in your seeking. Travel well. Let us know how its turns out.

[Janet Rosen]

Hi Susan.
I think for many of us, the original reason we started training is very different from the reason(s) we continue training. What you call "striving for a deeper understanding of myself and aikido is part of this journey. I feel like I've returned home" rings true for me; aikido for me is both a martial practice and a spiritual one that gives me the opportunity to work on being authentically me in connection with others.

[Lan Powers]

Very eloquent....welcome
Lan