Benefits in Daily Life

In our daily lives, the mind/heart (心) is not just a tool for intellectual problem-solving; it is the seat of our emotional and spiritual stability. Cultivating a calm and expansive mind/heart transforms how we navigate the world, allowing us to:

• Navigate Challenges with Grace: A calm mind enables us to stay responsive and adaptable, even in the face of chaos. Like a spinning top that remains stable through continuous motion, our mind/heart helps us find balance amidst life’s turbulence.

• Experience Time and Space Differently: When our mind/heart is at ease, short moments become meaningful, and small spaces feel vast. This shift allows us to appreciate the present moment fully and find beauty in our surroundings.

• Direct Energy Effectively: With a calm and focused mind/heart, we align our intentions with action, directing Ki naturally and effectively. This clarity fosters harmony in relationships and purpose in decisions.

Table of Contents

• Benefits in Daily Life

• Reflections on Mind/Heart (心)

  • Willpower: Nen no Chikara: The Power of Now Mind

  • Closing Reflection

Reflections on Mind/Heart (心)

In Shinshin Toitsudo (心身統一道), the character 心 is often translated as “mind,” but it also means “heart.” It represents not only our intellectual, thinking mind but also our emotional, feeling heart. I often write it as “mind/heart” to capture this dual nature.

Soshu Koichi Tohei Sensei would ask, “Where is your mind?” Kaicho Shinichi Tohei Sensei reframes this as, “How do you feel?” These questions seem different but lead to the same truth: our mind/heart shapes how we experience and interact with the world. Our perception and mindset—not external circumstances—determine our experience. When we approach life with a calm and present mind, we gain the ability to transform challenges into opportunities and act with clarity and purpose. It’s not about rigid control but about awareness and connection.

Of course, there is a time for deliberate practice. In the dojo, on the basketball court, or on the driving range, we train carefully and intentionally, breaking actions into steps and focusing on the mechanics. This deliberate practice lays the foundation for natural performance. When the moment of action comes—whether in daily life or in sports—we can move freely and naturally. The training allows us to trust ourselves, letting go of overthinking and allowing our body and mind to act in harmony.

Using the mind/heart clearly does not mean thinking more or overanalyzing. For instance, in a golf swing or shooting a free throw in basketball, overthinking (bend the knees just like this, hold the arms at this angle, hold the ball/club just like this) in the moment disrupts execution. Instead, we set an intention and act naturally, trusting our training. Trying to control every detail in the moment invites tension and doubt. Instead, we focus on clarity of intention and trust the process, allowing our natural rhythm to guide us. Which is to say, Perform with Confidence.

Importantly, our focus should remain on what we want to accomplish, not on avoiding failure. This principle is crucial in maintaining clarity and effectiveness. For instance, when driving, if you fixate on a pothole in the road, you’re more likely to hit it because your attention unconsciously steers you toward the very thing you’re trying to avoid. The same applies to life—when we dwell on potential mistakes or obstacles, we amplify their influence on our actions. However, when we focus on where we want to go, our mind and body naturally align with our intention, creating a sense of flow and purpose.

This shift in focus is not about ignoring challenges but about choosing to direct our energy toward solutions and goals. By concentrating on the desired outcome rather than the fear of failure, we free ourselves from unnecessary tension and hesitation. It’s like aiming for the center of a target: our attention draws our movements toward the goal, and our actions become precise and deliberate. In this way, focusing on what we want to achieve fosters both confidence and clarity, allowing us to move forward with determination and grace.

Willpower: Nen no Chikara: The Power of Now Mind

In Japanese, the Shokushu “Willpower” is Nen no Chikara (念の力), which translates to the "power of now mind/heart."

• 念 nen, sense/feeling

  • 今 ima, now

  • 心 kokoro, mind/heart

• の no, of/possensive

• 力 chikara, power

It emphasizes the importance of living fully in the present moment. In this state, there is no room for doubt or hesitation. We focus our entire being on what is before us. This alignment allows us to harness our potential fully and act with clarity and decisiveness.

The "now mind" is not merely about awareness of the present; it is about fully embodying it. When our mind is scattered—pulled by past regrets or future worries—our energy is divided, and our actions lose their power. However, when we bring everything into the present, we unlock a reservoir of strength and purpose. This is not forceful concentration but a natural, relaxed focus that arises when we let go of distractions and connect with the one point in the lower abdomen.

Nen no Chikara also teaches us that willpower is not a finite resource. It grows and renews itself when we align with the rhythms of the Universe. Just as a river gains momentum from its source, our willpower gains strength when it flows in harmony with the natural order. Through consistent practice, we cultivate this "now mind," enabling us to face challenges with resilience and to pursue our goals with unwavering determination.

When applied in daily life, Nen no Chikara transforms ordinary tasks into meaningful actions. Whether delivering a presentation, engaging in a difficult conversation, practicing a technique in the dojo, or folding the laundry, the power of now mind ensures we bring our full self to the moment, acting with precision, intention, and calm confidence.

Mind vs. Ki

Ki (気) is universal, flowing through and connecting all things. Mind (心), in contrast, is individual, shaped by our unique thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. When our mind is calm and clear, we can direct the flow of Ki with intention and precision, creating a harmonious connection between ourselves and the world.

This relationship between mind and Ki can be thought of as a dance. Ki is the boundless energy of the universe, and the mind serves as its conductor, shaping its flow. A calm and centered mind ensures that Ki moves freely, allowing us to meet challenges with resilience and clarity.

Closing Reflection

In both Aikido and life, the state of our mind/heart shapes everything. By practicing calmness, anchoring ourselves at the one point, and harmonizing mind/heart with Ki, we gain the ability to move through life with stability, clarity, and joy. This practice is not confined to the dojo—it applies to every moment, deepening our relationships, enriching our experiences, and guiding us toward a life of harmony and purpose.

To live with a balanced mind/heart is to embrace life fully. It means stepping into each moment with awareness, resolve, and kindness, trusting that our inner state can transform our external reality. Let us make this our daily practice finding stability in motion.

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!