Unexpected results of aikido training

Would anyone like to share their experiences with unexpected results (good or bad) from training in aikido?

I just had one about a week ago. I received my annual review from my boss, who actually criticized me for being so calm all the time and not displaying the same "intensity" as some of my coworkers. Basically, he thought I wasn't as busy or working as hard as them because I wasn't panicking or freaking out from the fast pace of work over the past few months. He's the type of person who likes to feel like he always has the dominant position, and does this by trying to keep his employees "on their heels" all the time when their around him(read: off balance). So in order to make him feel like he had me backed up in a corner, I apologized to him for not making it clear to him that I HAVE been at least as busy or busier than my co-workers and reminded him of all the projects that I had working on which were keeping me busy . This seemed to make him feel better and we moved on to another more meaningful (sic) topic. Blend and redirect, AMAZING!!! And yes, I am looking for a new job...

*claps vibrantly*

I really enjoy hearing the different ways in which people apply the martial "way" to thier daily lives outside of the dojo !

Uising the philosophy of Aikido in daily life is a new series of techniques that perhaps better demonstrates the philosophy, because we can directly relate to those examples.

Thank you very much BC !
Very enlightening post !

Norman Harvey
New England Aikikai

The ukemi has had the oddest hold on me... I tripped going down my stairs, and instead of landing on my face, I rolled out of it, making a dynamic entrance into the kitchen...

-Nick

One thing that was unexpected for me is that I'm now able to, for example, express my anger in a more honest manner. Rather than repressing it or exploding "inappropriately," I can now communicate my dissatisfaction (or what not) in a more constuctive manner.

How is this a consequence of my aikido training? I think I'm a lot more in touch with my own feelings through repeated encounters with them on the mat and am now able to deal with them better. Either that, or I'm just growing up...

-- Jun

Now that I think of it, I'm much better at surpressing and expressing my anger also. Rather than get angry at the world, like I used to, I realize many of the bad things that happen to me are my fault and/or could have been avoided, which I feel many people (especially those of my age group) have trouble doing.

Kanpai,

-Nick