Full Description
Real-life applications of Aikido for self-transformation, conflict resolution, and joy.
In addition to the physical practice, the modern martial art of Aikido also offers profound principles for transforming interpersonal conflict into peaceful interaction.
Illuminating the inner philosophical and practical aspects of Aikido, forty-seven-year Aikido practitioner and 6th-degree blackbelt Susan Perry, Ph.D., uses personal stories of joy, achievement, and hardship to demonstrate real-life applications of the transformational principles of Aikido. She introduces what Aikido is and where it comes from, providing a brief biography of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. She explains in detail how Aikido helped her resolve difficulties at work, as a student, and as a teacher/sensei. Through each story shared, the author offers a glimpse of the beginner's mind in action, the key to changing even the violent energy of an attack into peaceful interaction.
Presenting Aikido's step-by-step protocol for developing the receptiveness of the beginner's mind, a state essential to personal transformation, Perry explains how distraction and timing can be used to deescalate potentially violent or dangerous situations. She discusses the founder's philosophy of conflict, showing how Aikido can help peacefully resolve difficulties that arise with pushy, intimidating, and unpredictable people, those who are stubborn or don't listen, insincere people who want something from you, and chaotic situations. She explains how a deepening practice of the martial art leads to an aiki state of inner peace, fusion, and boundless joy.
Revealing how Aikido can help you face your fears and develop your heart and soul, this book shows how this martial art helps you embrace change, cultivate a strong center, and ultimately live a joyful life of engagement with the world.
Contents
FOREWORD by John Stevens
FOREWORD by John R. Perry, Ph.D.
PREFACE Aikido, Lighting the Way
Acknowledgments
Introduction
ONE Aikido
Embracing Change
TWO O-Sensei
Unifying Two Opposing Worlds
THREE Beginner's Mind
Discovering the Enemy Within
FOUR Centering
Finding My Warrior Nature
FIVE Awakening to Makoto
The Principle of Heartfelt Sincerity
SIX Honoring the Gems of the Past
Preparing the Path Forward
SEVEN The Practice of Purification (Misogi)
Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Opening Up
EIGHT The Way of Protection with Maai
Timing and the Power of Distraction
NINE The Sword of Truth
Cutting through the Darkness
TEN The Wizard's Magic Spear
Calling Down the Light
ELEVEN An Ocean of Energy
The World as Vibrations
TWELVE Symbolic Jewels
The Hidden Aspects of Inner Cultivation
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
