A black belt. I've worn one on the mat for over 15 years now, but I still pause when I put it on, and contemplate for a moment what it means. Even more so when I prepare to put it around a student's waist after the completion of the long process of earning it. The moment when it's first put on is the culmination of years of classes, effort, correction, more practice, more correction. It's such an accomplishment, such a pinnacle. You've made that elusive goal.
At the same time, it's a beginning. A beginning of more practice, of a different mindset, of perhaps teaching. From that perspective, you're back at the bottom, at the beginning, looking up at a new path to a different pinnacle.
Enjoy the photos of Grace & Megan's pinnacle, because they accomplished all the hard work and demonstrated the skills of aikido so beautifully last Saturday.
Now they are at the beginning.
What goals are you achieving, projects are you accomplishing, that put you at the beginning? Starting over is a precious gift, and the specialness, the uniqueness of each accomplishment is the door that opens to the next challenge.
At the same time, it's a beginning. A beginning of more practice, of a different mindset, of perhaps teaching. From that perspective, you're back at the bottom, at the beginning, looking up at a new path to a different pinnacle.
Enjoy the photos of Grace & Megan's pinnacle, because they accomplished all the hard work and demonstrated the skills of aikido so beautifully last Saturday.
Now they are at the beginning.
What goals are you achieving, projects are you accomplishing, that put you at the beginning? Starting over is a precious gift, and the specialness, the uniqueness of each accomplishment is the door that opens to the next challenge.
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