Leonard Sensei Interview
I just read about the first fourth of George Leonard Sensei's interview. I certainly plan to read the rest, but he said something that I feel is oh so important. He said that in Aikido, we get intrinsic reward, not extrinsic. I think this is paramount because when people receive extrinsic reward or satisfaction (a trophy was the example he used,) the intrinsic rewards tend to fade. This is a psychological phenomenon. I've gotten a few trophies, varsity letters, and so forth, and it felt good to get them, but they are a poor substitute for loving the game, sport, or other activity for its fundamental essence.
I highly, no--higher than highly recommend Leonard's books "Mastery" (he made me realize I'm a dabbler oftentimes) and "The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei." And if you see Leonard Sensei, encourage him to keep writing!
"Expect nothing. Be ready for anything!" --GL
Drew
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