Sisu Lab Aikido and the Power of Harmony: Richard Moon (6. dan Aikido) on Creating a Beautiful World
New episode on the Sisu Lab Podcast! In this conversation, I speak with my dear friend and Aikido teacher Richard Moon (6th dan black belt), who has practiced the art for more than 50 years and has applied its principles in leadership development and conflict resolution around the world.
We explore Aikido not only as a martial art but as "a way of being that can be used (also) for martial arts." It's an embodied practice for building innate capacities necessary for harmonious relating between people, who all have egos and differing agendas.
Beyond a practice that will give you a healthy and awake body, it's a practice that can develop inner balance, harmony, and increase emotional intelligence. The ability to not only endure pressure, but also act wisely under pressure. To transform our inner discord so that we don't transmit it to others when we are stressed. It's about getting aware of our energy and its impact on others.
In addition to applying and experimenting with a variety of somatic practices to explore their impact, Aikido is central to developing my ability to self-regulate my energy, calm my mind, and become aware of my own internal unprocessed stuff, so that it doesn't become the 'stuff' in my relationships. It has become one of the core ways to learn self-management, do personal development work, and, quite frankly, stay sane in these times. There are many ways to self-know; this one is dear to me, and I warmly encourage everyone to find theirs.
So, in this conversation, Richard shares insights from decades of practice on how the principles of harmony, connection, and awareness of our energy can transform how we meet challenges and live better. He talks about aikido as "harmonizing ourselves with the universe" - and explains what the heck that means in real life. : ) The conversation at times goes into anecdotes that might feel relevant to those already practicing aikido, but as you listen in, there are gems that I believe can be inspiring to anyone.
You can find out more about Richard's thoughts on Aikido via his YouTube channel at @moonsensei. You can, for example, start with this video, which is one of my personal favorites. Richard's book Quantum Aikido: The Power of Harmony can be found at www.quantumaikido.com. It's also available in Finland through Suomalainen Kirjakauppa. Links to show below!
Thank you again, Richard, for what you are and what you bring. For your Aikido on and off the mat.
I'll finish with words found in your email signature:
"Don’t Get Mad
Don’t Even Get Even
Create A Beautiful World
Joy is the Greatest Treasure"
Sisu is a reserve of inner strength but it's also a way for us to know ourselves and impact the world in a positive way. Cultivating these reserves of inner strength starts with self-care and continues through self-inquiry. its power then extends to the world through our inspired acts of deep courage and compassion.
Thanks for tuning in! You can find out more about sisu, find links to research, and check out Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu at www.sisulab.com.
Sisu is great, love is greatness.