View Single Post
Old 11-03-2003, 04:59 PM   #13
Janet Rosen
 
Janet Rosen's Avatar
Location: Left Coast
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 4,339
Offline
Quote:
Kevin Leavitt wrote:
I think what you are trying to train is the ability to have the "two brains" work in harmony.

We train in the Army to make things such as putting your weapon on your shoulder, breathing, arming and firing an automatic response. One that needs no thought...it just happens.

I think aikido does both....it trains the reptilian brain, and it trains the conscious brain to work together.
I agree. "Reptile brain" is not quite how I conceptualize it. "Muscle memory" makes more sense to me, since I'm not sure how playing piano, driving a car, shooting a gun and doing ikkyo relate to primitive neurological events.

And, yes, the idea is that by having a range of possible responses at our disposal, we are free to analyze the specific situation and make better decisions.

Janet Rosen
http://www.zanshinart.com
"peace will enter when hate is gone"--percy mayfield
  Reply With Quote