this and that

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[Paula Lydon]

~~I've been working with the ideas of non-resistance and non-contention, thinking for a time that they were one and the same. Now, it seems to me that non-resistance is something my mind is telling my body to do and non-contention is an aspect of my mind. It's amazing to me how many threads are attached to that instant of contending with another or not~~

A thought moving into a new year :)

[Ed Shockley]

I'm not sure I get the distinction that you are making but I do agree that the two ideas are subtly different. I worked with a Tohei student yesterday on morotedori kokyu-ho and he asked me to let my arm go limp. He then let it go a few times to see if it fell to my side. He then had me do the technique using that lifeless (wrong word) quality to create the necessary kuzushi for the technique. That is my idea of non-resistance. It is wholly different from filling my "unbendable" arm with ki energy then moving in tandem with an uke until I divert his motion into the river of my own ki.

[SeiserL]

It's amazing to me how many threads are attached to that instant of contending with another or not.
IMHO, There is also a difference between the connection which can still be non-resistant/contention and the attachment most of us have to being right in these threads. Guess we need to practice more on and off the mat.

[Paula Lydon]

~~Haha, Lynn, I wasn't thinking of these online threads! That's very subtle and funny; one more 'thread' of attachment, so true :D

~~Hi Ed! I've also been training much lately with a group more along Tohei sensei's ways and they've shown me different avenue through my mind and body than what I was used to. Expanding my ideas and sensations of Aikido. By keeping a more relaxed quality and less attachment to outcomes, I find I'm able to remain more calm on and off the mat, not be jerked around by situations as much. Thanks! :cool:

[Ed Shockley]

Your comment, Paula, suggests that what I experienced is indeed a very different and fruitful window into Aikido. I believe O'Sensei said something along the lines of "don't judge." I embrace that philosophy and try desperately to absorb the varied interpretations that I encounter. Some, like Tohei, are so subtle that I only have an intellectual concept until I can practice extensively with students and Sensei versed in this style. I do now, inspired by your experience, intend to seek out more expert training in this interpretation so that I can ultimately include it in my own work. I don't believe most of usually stray from the lineage that we inherit from our instructors but I do think the contrast of surrendering to new visions at the very least refines our understanding and at the very best becomes applied in appropriate situations.