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Mushin & Zanshin “Mushin” is a Japanese word that is used to describe a special state of equanimity without fear, anger, anxiety, hatred or any other negative human emotion that might take you outside the zone of peak human performance. A creative state-of-being without intellectualization that facilitates spontaneous 'right-action'. The Japanese term “mizu no kokoro”, or, “mind like calm water” attempts to describe this state-of-mind as bing like a smooth, calm lake that reflects whatever is before it instantaneously, without distortion. A simple way to understand “Mushin” is to recall the times in your life when you were fully focused, calm, aware and totally absorbed in the present moment. In this state-of-being, your mind does not get in the way of your ability to fully experience the present moment. Like being absorbed in nature, being with a loved one, or being fully involved in a highly stimulating event, this centered state-of-being can only exist outside of the rational, anxiety ridden, calculating aspects of the mind which tend to dominate the human psyche. It is a state where breath, body, spirit, and a heightened state of awareness all co-exist together in perfect balance. The Japanese call this state "mushin no shin”, or, “mind of no mind.” Actions resulting from "Mushin" create a feeling of vitality, calmness, awareness, and connectedness which is clearly recognisable in body posture and facial expression. The Japanese term “Zanshin” comes closer to a true definition of this state. “Zanshin” can be defined as “the lingering spirit that resonates from action that emerges from a state of Mushin.” In fact, “Zanshin” is a sustained or heightened state of awareness and mental focus that exists before, during, and after the execution of each 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 'resonating spirit' of a master Japanese archer who is in a state of “Mushin” before, during and immediately after the spontaneous release of the arrow. Prior to the release of the arrow, he stands transfixed, bow drawn. As the arrow tears itself from the archer's clenched 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 by the archer's resonating spirit. “Fudoshin” is a Japanese term 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 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 consistently enough for you to be able to experience its many astounding physical, emotional and spiritual gifts and benefits. "Mushin" describes a state-of-being that liberates you from a controlling, dominating mind full of negitive emotion and anxiety. You enter into a 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. 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 internalised, a spirit of compassion, contribution and benevolent service begin to emerge. This becoming more aware of the sacredness of all life means introducing more of this same spirit into the collective consciousness of humanity, and this lays a foundation upon which a more enlightened planetary civilization can be built. Julius Aib,
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