When I stopped fighting and started flowing

Before my relationship ended, I faced constant challenges. These came in the form of arguments, emotional blackmail, and the withholding of love.

One day I realized that I was putting all my energy into fighting against this tide. I was not flowing with the tide. I was pushing the river. I was going nowhere fast.

Then a little pocket book of knowledge came across my path. The book was The Art of Peace, by Morihei Ueshiba, translated by John Stevens. I still keep it close at hand because I can turn to it when I notice the urge to fight. A few excerpts:

P. 60 “A true warrior is always armed with the three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirror of bravery, wisdom, and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.”

P. 64 “To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.”

P. 70-71. “Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space.

“In the Art of Peace, we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control.

P. 89 “At the instant a warrior confronts a foe, all things come into focus.”

P. 95 “In the Art of Peace, we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.”