Benefits in Daily Life

Gratitude is a practice that shapes both our inner and outer worlds, offering profound benefits for daily life:

• Fosters Emotional Balance: Gratitude helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack, cultivating resilience and clarity in the face of challenges.

• Plants Seeds for the Future: Every grateful thought or action sows seeds in our subconscious mind, shaping how we perceive the world and influencing the reality we create.

• Strengthens Relationships: By expressing gratitude, we plant seeds of encouragement and positivity in those around us, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding.

• Transforms Challenges into Growth: Gratitude allows us to reframe difficulties as opportunities for learning and growth, helping us navigate adversity with grace.

Table of Contents

• Benefits in Daily Life

• Reflection of the Week: Gratitude

  • Ways to Practice Gratitude in Daily Life

Reflection of the Week: Gratitude

Soshu Koichi Tohei Sensei’s words remind us that our lives are not isolated; they are deeply interconnected with the world around us. Every thought, word, and action we engage in sows seeds within our subconscious mind. These seeds take root, bloom, and bear fruit, shaping how we perceive the world and how we respond to it. When we choose to sow seeds of kindness, positivity, and gratitude, we cultivate a future filled with harmony and growth. Conversely, if we sow negativity or malice, we reap the consequences of those choices in our lives and the lives of others.

This process is not limited to our inner world. The seeds we plant in our own subconscious minds also influence the subconscious minds of those around us. Every interaction we have leaves an imprint, planting seeds of its own. Our words and actions, whether intentional or careless, contribute to the environment in which others grow. A smile, an act of encouragement, or a moment of empathy can plant seeds of confidence and connection. On the other hand, anger, judgment, or indifference can leave seeds of fear or discord.

In this way, the seeds we choose to sow—and the sprouts we choose to nurture—become our contribution to the development and creation of the Universe. By consciously cultivating a mindset of gratitude, compassion, and positivity, we create ripples that influence not only our immediate surroundings but also the broader fabric of existence.

Guiding the creation of the Universe is not about grand gestures; it is about the choices we make in every moment. These choices are the way we align with the Ki of the Universe, contributing to a world that reflects harmony and balance. When we sow good, we reap good. When we live with gratitude, we plant the seeds for a future rich in connection and mutual understanding.

Ways to Practice Gratitude in Daily Life

1. Begin and End Each Day with Gratitude
   Each morning, take a few moments to acknowledge what you are thankful for—your health, your loved ones, the opportunity to train in Shinshin Toitsudo, or simply the fresh start of a new day. At night, reflect on the events of the day and find at least one thing to appreciate, even if it was a small kindness or a lesson learned from a challenge.

2. Express Your Gratitude
   Share your appreciation openly with others. Whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you” to someone who helped you or a note of encouragement to a friend, expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and builds a positive ripple effect in your community.

3. Embrace Gratitude in Difficult Times
   Life is not always smooth, but challenges offer opportunities for growth. When facing adversity, pause to consider what the experience is teaching you and what strengths you’re developing. This perspective shifts the focus from frustration to learning, fostering resilience and a deeper appreciation for the journey.

Gratitude is a practice that enhances both our personal lives and our Ki Aikido training. By cultivating an attitude of appreciation, we deepen our connection to the Ki of the Universe and bring harmony to our interactions with others. As we move through the week, let us remember Soshu Koichi Tohei Sensei’s words and live with gratitude in all that we do.

Upcoming Events

January 10 - 12, 2025 EKF New Year’s Seminar “Shugyo Tassai Kigan Shiki”
Northern Virginia Ki Aikido in Merrifield, Virginia
Details coming soon.

July 24 - 27, 2025 International Ki Conference taught by Kaicho Shinichi Tohei Sensei
Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina
https://internationalkiconference2025.com/

I look forward to seeing you on the mat (and in daily life) soon!