10/16/2026
How are you growing. Have you been reflecting on it this year?
As we progress, from Shodan to Nidan to Sandan etc. etc., remember that we are doing more than just “getting good” and increasing our repertoir, our ‘collection’ of techniques. We are evolving.
The aikido Path includes Self Cultivation.
Cultivation of our Body, Mind, and Spirit.
With aikido, the Body evolves over time.
We become constantly and acutely aware of our center and the power of our hips. We breathe, extending and expanding. We draw up and into an open posture, giving attention to a strong central axis with a solid, connected, grounded stance. We become unified, integrated and coordinated. We refine into an efficiency, assigning an embodied integrity to our outer structure.
We employ it on the mat and even when we walk. It becomes part of our everyday.
These external changes will eventually lead the us into an internal awareness…that dynamic dimension, infinite in detail and effect. Some of us may have already chosen to venture forward there.
With aikido, the Mind evolves over time.
We initially overthink, cluttering the Mind with too much information. As we organize and categorize the data, this orientation creates a framework friendly to the brain. We separate gross detail from the finer points, and we note repeating patterns.
We develop the agility to move from a diffused attention, to a focused attention, to a concentrated focused attention, and then into what Bruce Lee defines as a “laser focused” attention.
The Mind will then naturally evolve into observing the more subtle, unseen and “felt” nuance. In this phase, we may choose have an ‘empty mind’, to speak less and observe more. Our increased inner awareness prefers a quiet growth.
As the Mindset deepens, enhance the ability to observe, perceive, and discern.
The Spirit, as well, evolves over time.
Initially, we are solely concerned about the self. How can “I” get better, how can “I” win? As we improve, concern migrates from ourselves to our partner, our uke. How can I maximize the blend with my uke? How do I sincerely harness uke’s energy?
Our Spirit and concern expands as we physically and mentally expand. We may then ask, how can I help my fellow students, my teacher, and my dojo? How can I help my family, others, and my community? How can I be of service to the whole of humanity? Can I contribute compassionately to the “collective consciousness” (if you believe in such)…?
We move from a local knowing to a more global understanding.
Here the Spirit can potentially soar.
Aikido cultivates the Body, Mind and Spirit Maybe not exactly this way but perhaps within a pattern that rhymes. Be aware of more than just mechanically repeating and collecting technique. Aikido is a genius art, a conduit to help evolve past the mindset of winning, past the need for external affirmation. We detach from grasping for approval when we display our material collection of techniques. With Shugyo, we invest in “losing”, as we invite the challenge to move past our comfort zone. When we choose what seems “lesser” we actually become more. Can we transition off the mat to ease and comfort disquiet? Can we maintain our acquired foundational stance in the midst of human unrest, distress, and even chaos?
If we are committed to this discipline, bring attention to the Path. The Way. The “Do”.
How are we evolving?
This is not about judging, it is a self study.
Objectively gather your own information.
Take moment to review.
G.Breeland, 6th dan
