If you’ve ever read the Carlos Castenada books (The Teachings of Don Juan, etc.), there is a great passage in one of them where Don Juan compares the mind to a table top. We usually walk around with a cluttered table top, maybe even stained and full of crumbs. The clear, calm, peaceful mind is a clear table top.
Training in the dojo has a lot to do with breaking down old patterns of moving, responding, and thinking in order to instill more effective methods of interacting with the world. Humility is a major part of this training- relinquishing the ego so you don’t react with a need to defend it; training a constant sense of respect for the people around you (without whom, training would be impossible).
We train this humility and respect with our first step into the dojo. We leave outside conflicts outside and acknowledge the special place where we learn Aikido. Part of that humility and respect is keeping the place in good shape. Cleaning the dojo is like cleaning the table top, refreshing the energy in the dojo is an act of humility, yes, but gratitude as well. The dojo is what we make it and if we take our training seriously it is up to us to prepare the space. Like keeping a clean gi, keeping a clean dojo is a great way to train awareness, extension, and connection. It is our center as a community.
Dojo Cleaning: May 27- 6:30. Please make it if you can or inquire if there is something you can do at a different time that will be helpful.
Many Thanks.
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