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Class today -- small but good. We talked about expansion and contraction and the decision to self defend and how that manifests in our lives.
And then after class we talked about how we are the experts in our own self defense and that nobody but the person involved knows what the right thing to do is a in a tense situation. As we pay attention to the now we are able to see and hear and perceive all the signs, signals and conditions and make the best possible choice in that moment.
People may say afterwards "oh you shoulda done this or that" but they don't know because they weren't there. Let's celebrate our self-defense choices and continue to train with our friends ever expanding the circle of love and peace that our training affords.
Class was poignant: during one exercise we had a tiny mat we had to keep our feet on and keep our hands just above. We had to work with what energy uke gave us. Anytime we reached out past the mat we got buzzed by observers. I got pushed over and shook up. I lost balance and came back. I self-corrected instead of trusting my helpers. I did my best and it was messy.
The next part of class we held a very large ball in both hands I suggested we use the ball as a symbol of a large orb of vitality. I wanted nage to really let their energy out and greet uke with fun and movement.
Then we did freestyle. We did 2 throws; small and constricted and 2 throws; large and free moving. I wanted nage to explore how both ways of throwing can change how we move. New habits provide fresh options. In freestyle we develop skills to take what comes and blend with it. The more relaxed and open we are the safer we become on the mat and in the world.
I got overwhelmed with an uke. I overreacted to a humorous comment from Ron. I blended and expressed my energy. The class was hard and large. It was small and constricted. But mostly it was shared. We did it together.
Again we faced who we are in the moment and accepted our ukes as they were. Feelings arose and we still moved. We still took good care of our ukes.
We stay again and again; getting a little stronger, a little braver, a little more trusting; a little more relaxed with each class.
Always traveling on the path, never
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10-29-2016 01:56 PM 
