The Gift
by Siamak Abdollahi
A good friend is a real gift, and it is an even greater gift when he introduces you to aikido. In November '95, I joined Shugyo Dojo with the help of my best friend. At first, it was hard for me to adjust to aikido's calm and relaxed atmosphere, because of my prior experience in karate, where I felt tense and rushed. Slowly, with the help of Sensei Fran and my friend Ramin, I'm changing. This article is an opportunity for me to thank Ramin for his support, his patience, and his practice in the early mornings.
In aikido practice, there is always talk of giving. The art of giving is very important for both uke and nage. As Ramin says, aikido is an attitude. Since I started practicing this art, it seems I ve taken a new direction, found a new way of looking at life. I have always tended to be a short-fused person, but lately I have felt much calmer and more in control. When something happens, good or bad, I feel as though I am looking at it from a distance.
A week ago I went to the post office to pick up some registered mail. As I was busy signing the book, this guy approached the desk and, by grabbing his mail, dropped all my envelopes to the ground. He then turned around and left the room. Two months ago I wouldn't have let him leave just like that. But I just turned and saw his angry face. It may sound strange, but his expression calmed me.
I feel as though aikido has opened a new door to my inner self, to parts of me that I hadn't been aware of. Every morning, at the warehouse, I open about 80 packages. One day last month, when I arrived, all the packages were stacked on a desk. Suddenly I had a feeling that the fourth package from the top was not mine. Sure enough, it had somebody else's name on it. I can't explain what had happened, but I think my sixth sense is somehow growing.
I wish my life gave me more time to spend in the dojo, but I feel good knowing the future is wide open, and I ll use it the best way I can.
Back