AIKIDO HIBIKI
Meditation / Mindfulness (3)
One may have heard of an "empty mind" or "no mind" ('mushin'). Does this mean one is programming oneself to be like a robot, such that one doesn't need to think anymore?
Flow vs Stagnation. Excess vs Evenness
As live beings, we need circulation, movement, and rhythm. Stagnation and rigidity are more indicative of illness and death. Movement and rhythm can be alive and adaptive to the situation, or superficial and mechanical.
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We usually say we become stuck, fixated, attached, etc. when it's in excess eg too long, too much. We notice something, think something, experience something, but our complex minds sometimes "keep" that and "stay there" even though the moment has passed. When the moment to moment is changing and being responsive is crucial, "keeping" and "staying" is fatal. One is no longer sensing and unable to act.
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In a practice such as aikido, we cultivate a mind and body that notice and act accordingly, each moment to moment. A mind that is quiet and unmoving is one that does not become busy or excited or perturbed with every success or failure, every frustration or puzzlement - it simply stays the same and detached while paradoxically notices and lives in each distinct moment.