This fall I noticed that the kamiza in the front of our dojo was dusty - very dusty - actually there was enough dust to write 'clean me' in it if I wanted. I also discovered that my Monday schedule seemed to be landing me in the dojo early for my 5:45 class. Rather than falling into a role of asking others to fix the problem, slowly I found myself arriving early enough to dust the dojo before my class. And, I noticed I was actually looking forward to arriving early enough to dust the dojo. In fact, I noticed that dusting the dojo was becoming a very centering act for me. I have always appreciated that our dojo is a special space. Filled with good energy, it heals the stress from the rest of the day. Dusting the dojo gave me time to appreciate our place of practice and contribute to the environment where our practice takes place. Dusting the dojo was in fact as much a gift to me as a service to others. Funny how that always seems to be the case.

When our friend, Steve Ridley, died at the end of August, it left a gap in many of our members' lives - mine included. This past fall was a very difficult time for me. My sense of loss at times was overwhelming. All I could say to myself was practice, practice, practice. Monday was often one of the days when I would visit Steve and my twice weekly visits to him over the last two years had evolved into an intricate part of my personal centering practices. I suspect my grief this fall was as much for me as for Steve. My years of hospice work taught me well that death is often hardest on those who are left behind. No one would argue that Steve's passing was a gift for him as his quality of life had deteriorated dramatically in the last year. But it left a major gap in my life. I appreciate now that caring for the dojo has helped me heal from the loss of my friend.

As I start the new year, I still mourn the loss of Steve. But, I am looking forward. I appreciate that change is inevitable and one never knows what transition brings. I still miss my visits with Steve but I am grateful for my newfound practice in the dojo. And, I suspect, if Steve is able to see me, he is smiling. He never liked a dusty dojo either.

Judy

Special Tuesday Evening Classes - January 3, 2006

Gary Snyder, 5th dan, NYC Aikido Kokikai, will be coming through Rochester on Tuesday, January 3. He will be teaching the evening classes.

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Open to everyone
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Open to everyone
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Brown belts and up

Please try to attend. This is a special opportunity to train with one of Sensei's favorite senior students with whom he 'tests' his new ideas

Contribution to cost of workshop is optional. If you would like to contribute, please place your contribution in the due box.

Gary is driving up from NYC. If there is a bad snowstorm, you can call Judy on her cell at 802-9358 for word of any delays, cancellations. So far, it looks good!

The dojo will be open to all at 4:30 pm on January 9, 16, 23, and 30. You are welcome to come early for independent practice, to help us with keeping the dojo clean and orderly, or to ask questions about your practice/individual techniques. Judy will be hosting the 'open dojo' for these four Mondays.

No Open Mat - Sunday, January 1
Guest Teacher Gary Snyder - Tuesday, January 3 - See the bulletin borad for more details
Open Dojo - January 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 4:30 pm
Black Belt Practice - Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 am
Special Visitor-Rosalie Ridley - Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 am
Test Prep Classes - Saturday, February 4 and 25 at 11:00 am, Thursday, February 9 and 16 at 8:00 pm, and Thursday, March 2 at 8:00 pm
Winter Camp - March 10 - 12 - Lawrenceville, NJ - Watch the bulletin board for more details!
Summer Camp - July 13 - July 16 - Villa Nova, PA - Watch the bulletin board for more details!

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done,
cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the
rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.
~ Ellen Goodman