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Mushin & Zanshin “Mushin” is a Japanese word that is used to describe a special state of being that exhibits an unusually heightened state of awareness. A calm, stable state of mind without fear, anger, anxiety, hatred or any other negative human emotion that might take you outside the zone of peak human performance. It is a creative state-of-being without intellectualization that facilitates spontaneous 'right-action'. A more simple way to understand “mushin” is to recall the times in your life when you were possibly in danger, yet remained fully focused, calm, and totally alert. In this state-of-being, your rational mind did not get in the way of the spontaneous, natural actions that resulted from your state of "mushin" - which to the observer exuded a sense of vitality, together with a calmness, an awareness, and a connectedness which was clearly recognizable in your body posture and facial expression. The Japanese also call this state "mushin no shin”, or, “mind of no mind.” The Japanese term “Zanshin” can be defined as “the lingering spirit that resonates from action that emerges from a state of mushin.” “Zanshin” is a sustained or heightened state of awareness and mental focus that exists before, during, and after the execution of each martial technique or movement. This “lingering spirit” or state-of-mind does not allow even a single pause in our ability to remain spiritually connected to everything and everyone around us. To understand “Zanshin”, try to visualize the 'strong spirit' of a master Japanese archer who is in a state of “mushin”. Prior to the release of the arrow, he stands transfixed, bow drawn. As the arrow tears itself from the archer's fingers, his resonating spirit metaphorically propels the arrow much further than mere physical strength alone could possibly accomplish. Like riding the waves of an atomic explosion, the arrow is compelled forward from the epicenter of the archer's resonating spirit. “Fudoshin” is also a Japanese term that is used to describe a state-of-mind that is not easily thrown off-balance, and therefore appears physically and mentally stable – together with a flexible and free-flowing spirit that is able of receiving strong attacks while retaining composed and grounded to the earth – thereby being able to receive and yield as appropriate to any situation. It is also a very natural state that facilitates spontaneous 'right action'. In order to be able to conceptualize how your state-of-being, body, breath and spirit are inter-related, and manifest spontaneous 'right action'; consider how the emotion of happiness, and the physical act of smiling, are inter-related, and occur simultaneously. Picture how your posture, breath and resulting actions spontaneously and naturally change when you experience this state-of-being called happiness. Consider also its effect on your spirit. Consider how the physical act of laughing also occurs spontaneously when you get the punch-line of a joke. Picture what happens to your physical body:- your face, your breath, your body movements when the laughter erupts from within you. In a similar fashion, in a state of “mushin” there was no discernable gap between intuition and action. This action; spontaneous, natural and relaxed, will be totally appropriate for the given situation, just as the intensity of your laughter will be directly related to how funny you find the joke. Aikido-Yoga trains you to be able to get into this exulted state-of-being called "mushin" consistently enough for you to be able to experience its many astounding physical, emotional and spiritual gifts and benefits. Our training teaches you to enter into this creative state-of-being that contains all possibilities. Like a dynamic stillness that possesses within it the potential for all forms of movement – or like white light having the latent potential to burst into all the many and varied colours of the spectrum, or the void out of which the ‘big bang' manifested all manner of creation. In that moment of true freedom and empowerment - where unlimited possibilities exist - you feel fully alive, centered and energized. This is the pre-requisite state for spontaneous, creative experience. “The Japanese term “mizu no kokoro”, or, “mind like calm water” also attempts to describe this spontaneous, free state-of-mind as being like a smooth, calm lake that reflects whatever is before it instantaneously, without distortion. However, in short order after you commence your training, you soon realize that the harder you 'try' to achieve this heightened state-of-being, the further away its attainment seems to get. Your training therefore must, by necessity, start with simple yet fundamental skills; like correct breathing, correct alignment of the body, and where you place your attention. Once understood as something that you cannot force, but something that is bestowed upon you - more like a 'state-of-grace', then gratitude and awe will fill your heart as your soul's purpose is allowed full expression. It is from this place that true Aikido-Yoga techniques originate. It is from this place that your personal development will accelerate. It is from this place that your resulting contribution to the world will resonate, and naturally have a profound and lasting impression. The Japanese call this quality of the human spirit “Senshin”. It is a spiritual quality that transcends all the other states-of-mind described above. It is a quality of the human spirit that resonates with the universal quality that protects and harmonizes the universe. Once internalized, a spirit of compassion, contribution and benevolent service begin to emerge. This becoming more aware of the sacredness of all life means that more of this spirit is being brought into the collective consciousness of all humanity. This, then lays the foundation upon which a more enlightened planetary civilization can be built. Julius Aib,
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