10 Responses to “application, it's all about”

1.  Sophia  on 9/21/2005  

   I don't really know if I'm doing enough to get the message out there. I don't know what I can blame it on. Shyness? Fear of rejection? Fear that they'll look at me as though I'm crazy? I'm not sure.
   
   About the only thing I am doing right now is running a blog, but to how large of an audience does that get a message out to? Possibly only to those who think similarly. But how to get the message out to those who don't?

2.  Mark Walter  on 9/21/2005  

   Stacey - I hear you.
   
   One of our main projects at GRI is a large community service project - the local orchestra. Music is a great universal language. It is where we are focusing a huge amount of our attention and energy. Sensei was explaining to a student just last night about energy and this very subject. The student wants to 'run more energy'.
   
   It took me a long time to understand what this student is perhaps hearing for the first time from Sensei: If you want to run higher energy, involve your self in something that serves and benefits others with no benefit to yourself (that's higher than doing something that serves only you, isn't it?). Even better, involve yourself in giving to your community in a form that the point of eternal awareness can be expressed. (It doesn't have to be an overt, in-your-face expression. It's better if it can be done in a way that doesn't offend anyone - like music does.)
   
   Here is something I can say by way of sincere encouragement: Your new blog is a 'very' effective vessel. It is showing. :-)

3.  Amadeus  on 9/22/2005  

   Great words my friend and definately a challenge. Like Stacy, I question myself at how much I am doing of the eternal value. In politics, although there is a genuine sense of wanting to do good, there is a sense of it not being enough. It really doesn't seem like something that is of eternal value Like you said we know the buzz words, jargon and vocab, but that is about it. I will have to think a little deeper about this and get back to you. Great post!
   
   ~Amadeus

4.  isaiah  on 9/22/2005  

   "If you want to run higher energy, involve your self in something that serves and benefits others with no benefit to yourself (that's higher than doing something that serves only you, isn't it?)."
   
   Great advice, yes we should all practice "blissing others off"- but it is impossible to exert higher energy and not have a return of an even more substantial amount. When you give- you receive back experientially.
   
   Here's some ways I've found to give without others knowing.
   
   **Use a stranger's name when thanking them for a service. Simply expand your energy to want to know their name (because we are all in the same boat together, look at their name tag and thank them using their name for whatever they have done for you. Notice the reaction you will receive. This puts a smile on their faces every single time it is demonstrated.
   
   **Pay someone’s toll. Pay for the car behind you. Pay for the next 10 cars behind you. Each one will think the person in front of them paid. Think of how many people you have 'cause'ed to move into higher energy levels.
   
   **In the grocery store, leave your 'value'able money- off coupons on the shelves right next to the items the coupon is for, for the next person to use.
   
   **Leave a cashier's check made out for any amount and a note stating the check is a random act of kindness and is to be used for whatever needs may arise with the Humane Society, your local food bank, or someone who is in need.
   
   **Send a deli platter to your local fire department on a typical ordinary day.
   
   ** Send a bouquet of flowers to a retirement home.
   
   **Donate new children's books to the pediatric center of your local hospital or doctor's office.
   
   **Don't tailgate the car in front of you...and use your turn signal.
   
   **Refuse to participate in a conversation where another is being spoken ill of or where there is gossip about another involved.
   
   **Pray, meditate, and direct energy where and when you can.

5.  Anonymous  on 9/22/2005  

   This is called Kote gaeshi in Aikido. Looks good and properly executed. Perhaps the "nage" is using his upper body a bit too much. Using upper bodyweight instead of the whole body by sinking the "seika tanden" and staying straight. Everybody does it a bit different depending on his height and size. This is probably the way they do it in aikijujutsu. No matter. What's more important is being relaxed.
   No shoulder tension, to allow the flow of energy towards the uke's wrist or center.
   I'm not a real expert. I'm a guy who applies aikido in everyday life, opening or closing doors, evading a mock attack from everyone, almost as good as Ueshiba in this area, with a little difference: a Jackie-Chan twist to go with it. Not my teacher's favorite student, but almost, if I stay.
   Is it possible that some schools could be cultic?

6.  Gretchen Coleman  on 9/22/2005  

   Stacey, I think your blog is doing this. I am especially interested in the fractal art and how it could be a vehicle like music. Perhaps those of us interested in this medium could start a website for spiritually oriented fractal art. The idea just came to me so isn't real developed, but I think it could be done. Let me know what you think.

7.  RedBark  on 9/22/2005  

   Nice Blog,
   
   I just wanted to mention that there is a difference between "doing" something "good" because you think it is a good idea and doing it because a teacher has asked you to.

8.  Mark Walter  on 9/22/2005  

   Ah, Anonymous, so that's what it is... a Jackie Chan twist. Hmm, interesting. You know, I like Mr. Chan's twist and turns. Certainly more flamboyant than O Sensei, but effective in its own way. His casual, oops-how-did-that-happen?... but always time to help the little guy. Very humble. Nice commentary on the throw.
   
   Gretchen - cool idea. Your art is beautiful.
   
   Beard - very true. Nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by.

9.  Mark Walter  on 9/22/2005  

   Amadeus - yes, these are very challenging issues. I am not a giddy optimist in all this. I want to leave something of significant eternal value behind. Wouldn't that be the coolest? I think it is do-able and realistic, but it's a real stretch. I think certain martial artists can be particularly well-suited to the challenge.

10.  Mark Walter  on 9/22/2005  

    Isaiah - what a great list of 'quiet giving' ideas! You've given me food for thought. Thanks!

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