The Spirit of Innocence

The sun had not cleared the mountains as we ambled onto the shore of the glassy lake. The light was diffuse; the air had the snappy refreshing quality only altitude can create. The sand was chill, bitting our bare feet as we sat down to meditate. California gulls waddled round to look at us and fluff their wings in curiosity at the strange grouping of still sitters. Once the cold of the ground seemed to have throughly penetrated, we rose and walked into the lake, which was surprisingly warm compared to the beach. Just as our feet touched the water the sun crested the peaks, and the surface was gilded with dancing ribbons of light. The misogi practice (purification) connected us to the four elements, the Tahoe environment, to ourselves and to the spirit of Aikido.
Training inside on the mat during the weekend seminar was also wonderful and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the Kali knife fighting (we learned accuracy, coordination with partner, and practiced circular movement) and 31 Jo kata partner practice (my first time ever doing the 31 Jo kata, and what I gatherwas for many people first time doing it with another person. The result was a lot of discovery and re-wiring brain circuitry). The community as a whole was very welcoming; and it was lovely to get to know people off the mat in a beautiful setting. It was really neat to see friends from both dojos training, learning and laughing together-- really embracing one another. Overall, I had a lot of fun!
Richard Sensei focused a lot on being fully present and aware. He asked us many times to remind ourselves why we practice. During his last class he asked us to think of something we would like to bring into our lives as well as something we would like to cut out. It was challenging to think of something on the spot, however I decided my addition would be confidence and commitment to what I was doing (follow-through instead of giving up mid-way through). I would like to remove complaining (maybe to be replaced with constructive reflection?).
Linda Sensei shared some memories that stuck with her that her Senseis in Japan passed onto her. The first was never try to throw anyone (instead connect with them). The essence of the second was to embrace the entire Aikido community in its diversity. Before she bowed out, she asked us to train with the spirit of innocence. That is a concept I would like to remember. Innocence also has a connotation of joy or love for me. My interpretation of her words were to allow these feelings to penetrate my practice so that I could continue the process of discovery.
It seems workshops/seminars/retreats pass all too fast. Yet I also think I will be unpacking the lessons and techniques from this weekend for years to come.