Wendy Palmer provides unique insight into the practice of Aikido and its benefits to practitioners. She has brought the practices of Aikido into program work to benefit individuals far beyond the dojo. She explains that in moments of conflict the “body always wins,” and that the practice of Aikido is what she uses to transform the body into a positive resource for success.
It wasn’t until I was able to examine myself in the laboratory of the aikido mat that I began to see that there was something that I could actually do about my deep underlying sense of being trapped in my own existence. On the aikido mat, for the first time, I began to see that I could take responsibility for my own freedom, and cultivate my own happiness.
Palmer Sensei could be lumped into to a group of 1960/ 70’s aikidoist who have taken aiki-principles and applied them to leadership, personal growth, conflict resolution, and healing. What is unique about Palmer Sensei is that she maintains focus on the martial experience of the dojo, its value, and the potential outcomes of practice. Many utilize aiki-movements as a metaphor, separating out the martial practice. Palmer Sensei returns time and again to the concept that the mat is her laboratory. She reduces the aerobic rigor of traditional training to make the practices accessible but retains a focus on the value working through being in a situation of conflict.
The Practice of Freedom: Aikido Principles as a Spiritual Guide is the best overview of Palmer Senseis practices, experiences, and evolution within her work on and off the mat. The video at the top of this post is a short talk in which Palmer Sensei shares an overview of her practices.
This concept is pretty amazing in theory, this ability to relax and use mother Teresa or Dali lama as a tool to be less stressed is an idea that could change a lot. As I watched this video all I could think was, well how is this going to be the one idea that helps me through a stressful day? How is this going to stay with me? The idea is to have something to hold on to in your mind, like the ocean or the wind, and use this to help you. Well I found as she was speaking that as soon as she said ocean I began to think of currents drifting underneath me and the waves rolling, and this of all things relaxed me even more than I already was. Of course, like she said, using this theory in practice is what matters. I’ve used the breathing technique before while I was studying for a Russian test of mine and it really did help. This mind over matter/ or core over doubt kind of thing could be really useful in times of need. So relating this all back to my aikido class, I found that I was looking at aikido the wrong way. I didn’t like it before because what I wanted and expected was a martial art where I could kick some ass and be aggressive, and let my anger and frustration out that way. However now I see that aikido can be a way of letting out your frustration, pushing it away from you and centering yourself.