The Experience

If you are a martial artist, you know that when you walk into the dojo you feel an experience. There is excitement in the air, the scent of hard work and diligence, a sense of comradery, and a feeling of belonging. The whispers of the students as they breathe in their martial art practice or the tapping of pads during sparring engage you as you enter what is known to all as “the dojo.”

The truth is, it is not just a dojo. It is an experience that reaches all of your senses while offering you self-improvement and a chance to grow and learn. The dojo is not the only place where this happens, though.

You should feel this experience not just when you walk into the dojo, but when you walk into your own home after a long day, or when you step into a garden in your backyard, or when you sit in your car ready to embark on a new journey or a new day.

Life offers sights and sounds in every moment, some so small that you miss them if you do not take a moment to take notice.

Slow Your Pace

As I sat outside during the summer, I listened to the birds chirping. I saw nature and even the rare but green lush in the desert caused by summer monsoons. Yes, even in the desert, life turns green with a little water. I felt the warmth of the patio on my feet. I embraced my thoughts as they ebbed and flowed in the quiet of the backyard.

The point is, that we too often rush through the sights and sounds of life. In comparison, the dojo forces the martial artist to slow down and take in the moment, at times. Part of the practice is to sit in quiet reflection. As the class begins to move about, you hear the swoosh of crisp uniforms as bodies sway in motion while stretching or warming up. You hear the exhale of breath as the class prepares for what is ahead. The sounds are encouraging and invigorating.

Intentions

If only we apply the same principles to life. If only we notice our own breath and intentions before we do anything else. Would it make a difference? I cannot tell you how you would feel, but I know mindful intentions about the day ahead make all the difference in the world to me.

Stop right now while reading this. What is the first thing you see, smell, or notice? Is it positive or powerful? Or, is it instead, a negative reminder of something? Can you focus your thoughts on what is simple, strong or subtle? Take a moment to meditate. You may feel like a minute of quiet lasts an eternity. In that minute, however, you can seek peace and allow it to settle over you. You may realize things are going to be okay if you take just a minute at a time.

I love the sights and sounds of the dojo. They seem to center me on what is important. They eliminate the stress of daily life and give me the opportunity to rejuvenate. I feel empowered by those around me, all striving to become better today than they were yesterday.

I want that in my life, don’t you? The dojo is only one place to find your cadence or your experience. Life offers a vast array of sights and sounds to inspire and motivate you. All you need to do is take notice and enjoy the experience.

xoxo

Andrea

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Pick up my motivational books and listen to my podcast here:

The Martial Arts Woman book: https://amzn.to/3inNiuQ

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://amzn.to/3irRjyy

How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program: https://amzn.to/3zf0aJB

The Martial Arts Woman Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrea-harkins