Falling For It, Redux
I dreamed that I stood on the ledge of a tall building, 40 floors up. I stepped casually off the ledge and fell, remaining upright, hands...
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durangosbkaikido
Oct 23, 20193 min read
Growth Through Subtraction
In the US, we have an independent mindset that defaults to “Yeah, but why should I?” Why should I obey this stupid law? Why do I have to...
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durangosbkaikido
Sep 27, 20198 min read
To See a Tree: Lessons from the Deadly Table
“I was having panic attacks,” Adele explains to the dinner party gathered at the local brewery. Around that large, high table we appear...
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durangosbkaikido
Aug 19, 20195 min read
Falling for It
“My ex-wife chose the paint colors,” Trebb explains as we set food and silverware on the dining table. He must have seen me eyeing the...
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philipriffe
Jul 12, 20193 min read
When I’m Ninety Six
As the milk for my morning’s cappuccino was frothing, I tore off yesterday’s page from our daily Zen calendar. Today’s quote was brief:...
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durangosbkaikido
Jun 16, 20194 min read
So Glad I Stayed
“Dude! That is so smooth!” My uke, Tim, makes this declaration while teetering on his toes, one arm so twisted his spine bevels. He looks...
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durangosbkaikido
May 15, 20192 min read
Remaining Mind
Zanshin translates as “remaining mind.” It does not mean the mind remains on the past or a few moments ago, or that thing you did well or...
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durangosbkaikido
Mar 8, 20194 min read
Know Your Limitations
Face down. Prostrate on my belly. With my head turned to one side, one cheek smooshed and spread like a pancake on the griddle. That’s...
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philipriffe
Feb 18, 20195 min read
Ain’t Gonna Study War No More
In my teens I was a pacifist. I registered for the draft when I turned 18. But it was a stalling tactic. The Vietnam War raged and I had...
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durangosbkaikido
Dec 29, 20183 min read
The Aikido of Hospice Care
“They tell me I only have weeks, or maybe months to live.” My friend has tears in her eyes as she tells me this. Her parents, primary...
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durangosbkaikido
Dec 6, 20183 min read
Agatsu: Victory of Self (or “Can You Fold That Hakama?”)
Since the day I started training in aikido 2 1/2 years ago, I have admired everyone in a hakama and wondered what it would be like to...
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durangosbkaikido
Nov 26, 20184 min read
The Wrestler’s Vessel: A father and son give thanks for family, respect, and Aikido
Jerry and Nate face off on the mats. Jerry offers his torso as a target. Nate surges forward, his fist a torpedo gunning for his father’s...
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durangosbkaikido
Nov 8, 20183 min read
Ai’s Wide Shut
“It’s like we’re psychic,” Holly marvels. “How did you know what I was thinking?” I ask. We repeat the experiment. She shuts her eyes. I...
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durangosbkaikido
Oct 15, 20182 min read
Immovable Mind
To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace. – Morihei Ueshiba A...
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durangosbkaikido
Sep 13, 20182 min read
The Caretaker’s Test
The above picture comes from Scott Carlton’s recent 5th kyu test—the first demonstration a person gives to establish their rank as a...
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philipriffe
Aug 1, 20184 min read
The Endless Accumulation of Fresh Starts
One Tuesday evening in August, 1992, I left work after a 12-hour shift, climbed onto my motorcycle, and headed for the dojo. My 4th...
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durangosbkaikido
Jul 25, 20182 min read
Practicing Aikido in the Present Moment
I didn’t know it would feel like this. It’s been two years now that I’ve been practicing aikido, and while there have been ups and downs,...
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durangosbkaikido
Jul 5, 20182 min read
Unity vs. Coordination
Aikidoka talk about unifying body and mind. It is a target we train for, but I still balk at the phrase. I couldn’t articulate why until...
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durangosbkaikido
Jun 25, 20183 min read
Aikido, App’d for Dating
I downloaded the dating app, entered a punchy profile, and uploaded some pictures. My index finger hovered over the submit button. I...
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durangosbkaikido
Jun 18, 20184 min read
Toward correct perception
On the path toward correct perception, is there ever really any room for regret? Recently Mark Sensei asked us to consider the difference...
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