It took me a while to warm up to IaidoThe art of drawing the japanese sword. In my experience the Way of sword drawing can be a lot like seeing yourself lit up with fluorescent lights and reflected in a department store dressing room mirror. You would never know you had so many flabby spots, wrinkles and blemishes. Am I really that clumsy, that out of control? Why can’t I execute a simple movement that I’ve seen a hundred times? Will my arms and hands ever be strong enough, my hips flexible enough? I’m not supposed to be bored, it’s not very zenA school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition. or martial. Ouch my kneecap, ouch my elbow… will I be ok if I keep doing this? My fears and insecurities ebb and flow with each batto and noto, and would eventually drown me were my head not made of wood.

A couple years ago I was living in an apartment on a farm. The owners had some peacocks who would wander around the property, eating bugs and doing peacock things. At night they would fly up into a tree to sleep, safe from predators.

There was a week during the winter when we had especially harsh weather. The sun was hiding, the wind was blowing, it was cold, and freezing rain and sleet were plentiful. Everything was covered in a layer of ice, including the peacocks.

What you don’t realize is that most of your life is unconsciously determined.

- Milton Erickson

So starts one of many books about the teaching stories of Milton Erickson. With his unique way of working with people, Erickson told stories that communicated on many levels and helped people change their lives. He often felt his stories were more potent when the listener didn’t take them as lessons at all but rather developed amnesia about them and completely forgot them.

I think we all realize how special our DojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall is.

I remember Chiba SenseiTeacher; anyone who gives guidance along the way; literally "born before" saying years ago that you should have one thing in your life that has ‘no holes’ in it.