Autumn reflections
by Fran Turner

Although it is the end of September, the leaves are still green, taking their time to shift into fall colours. My knee is also taking its time to heal. I didn't anticipate so much frustration when I started back teaching at the end of August. I had envisioned that following the three months after my surgery, re-entry would be smooth and that even if the power of my movements might be limited, I would be able to demonstrate most things as I taught. This has not been the case. After a week or so, my knee protested, swelling and aching. Needless to say, I was being overly optimistic, since I haven't been very conscientious about my physiotherapy. Nor does my body heal as quickly as it did twenty years ago.

The senior students are continuing to help out a great deal. It has been gratifying to hear other students comment on how much they have enjoyed their colleagues' teaching during my absence over the summer. Certainly attendance did not suffer while I was away. Those things comment on the maturity and skill not only of those who have been doing the teaching but also on every single member who plays a part in making the dojo a healthy and nurturing environment.

We were saddened when on my first day back teaching, Joseph Shaw was hospitalized with a second heart attack. Joseph's love for aikido is an inspiration to all of us. Although he is back home now, he continues to be troubled with angina. While one sometimes hears it said that aikido training is a matter of life and death, Joseph has experienced those boundaries in his practice. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Early in September I had the opportunity to teach a little and limp a lot at the fall camp weekend held by Ryurei Aikido in Ottawa. Peter Bussell Sensei who teaches Ki-Aikido organized the event and sought representation of other "styles" of aikido. I had the pleasure of working with a friendly and receptive group of students and of meeting George Simcox Sensei from Virginia who made the eleven-hour drive from Virginia to come teach for the weekend. Bill Bickford Sensei of Kingston was also there teaching, full to the brim with his love for aikido.

In a sense, the fall seems like the start of a year. The cooler temperatures and the gorgeous sunshine fortify us for the work in the months ahead. That work is to continue our practice wholeheartedly, whether we are just beginning aikido or whether we have been practicing for twenty years. There is always more room for refinement, whether it be refinement of irimi nage or refinement of our spirit.


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