Mon 26 Jan 2009
Why Do I?
Posted by Rick Berry under Aikido, Off the Mat
[3] Comments
Why do I?
Train? Because I can. Heal? It’s a GOD given gift. Breathe? Because I must. A deeper question is why do I live?
I don’t know. I suppose the answer to that question would give me many other answers also. In fact, if I could just figure out some of the simplier things in life, it would be oh, so easier to get along. Don’t get wrong, I’m really enjoying myself. I’m just a little short in understanding why some people do the things they do. If I could just see a little deeper into their motivations it would be easier to step out of their way. As it is, I seem to be spending more of my allotted time on this planet practicing basic mental Aikido exercises when I could be showing my students more profound concepts. Of course that may be to answer to the whole thing; this may be the way it’s supposed to be.
Nah. I don’t believe in predestination. All the great books say we set up life by the way we think and live. And if that’s the case, why do these weird situations keep happening?
A book I’ve read states that it is fate. F.A.T.E. - From All Thoughts Everywhere. Which makes more sense than any other idea I’ve heard in a long, long time. Which makes it essential that we entertain strong, powerful and progressive thoughts to disrupt the destructive ones bombarding us. However, simply thinking is not enough, we must verbalize those ideas and also act on them.
Any sugesstions?
January 26th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
When I meet an intellectual road block, I go out and practice something I’m bad at.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
A friend showed me your site some time ago, and I have been enjoying it ever since. I wanted to start by thanking you for sharing your writings and reflections.
This entry in particular was very thought-provoking for me . . .
Growing up the daughter of two people who practice and teach therapy and counseling, I’ve always received interesting responses when I ask why people do the things they do, why their motivations don’t make clear sense, and why we’re all here. (I say “response” and not “answer” because I was often left with more questions than before). But this is some of what I have learned, both from my parents and my own experiences:
* When something doesn’t make sense, there is always something happening under the surface that makes perfect sense. No one may be conscious of it (including the people who are acting it out), but it’s there.
* Most people are operating with a survival strategy behind the wheel, and completely unaware of it. It could be something as simple as, “I’m ok . . . just so long as I am in control” or ” . . . if people need me” or ” . . . if I do not come into conflict with anyone.” This strategy is usually not anywhere near the level of conscious thought, but buried much deeper. And as you might imagine, the strategy will of course be useful sometimes– but only sometimes.
* Consciousness invites change. If a person were to become aware of their most basic motivations, they would probably be able to make a conscious choice whether to react according to their usual strategy, or whether to choose a different response.
* Having a narrow repertoire of actions brings with it the danger of reacting inappropriately to various situations.
On a more personal note, I have become very devoted to my martial art (Shorinji Kempo– not too different in spirit from Aikido) in part because, for me, practicing is a way of expanding my repertoire. I have been getting more comfortable in my body, more centered, more aware of energy, less prey to anxiety about whether I can stand my ground when faced with a challenge.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:51 am
Thank you for the kind words Darcy, they tell me to keep writing. Many are simply doing things because of peer pressure. Others are just unconscious. They don’t know what they are doing.