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In Aikido, I’m training and learning the 13 basic techniques of the bokken, the wooden sword. Sensei Bobby patiently guides and inspires. I was happy I could finally do all 13 for the first time after several months of practice. Bobby asked, “Do you know all 13 now?” I said, “Yeah, kind of. Still working on it.”
I told Bobby that I know moves 10 through 13, and 1 through 5. I drop out and lose track of the other techniques. He said, “Forget about the ones you know. Work on the ones you don’t know.” I got it. That would make a difference.
To concentrate and work on what I don’t know or am not good at probably goes for more than just Aikido training, I suspect. So I continue to practice and to train. I’m getting it.
When I sometimes listen to others, I often presume I know something about them, like what they might say. I presume that they might know something about me. Actually, what I don’t know about myself has value when I listen to others. Others listen for things in me that I have no clue about, or no clue that I do. Others listen to the other versions of me that I don’t hear.
So what are those different versions of me out there? I try to listen for versions of me in others, perhaps they are the possible greater version of myself.
Sensei Bobby is that for me. I listen to Bobby as my greater version; someone who inspires me to become greater than I know myself to be.
I discover me in what “I don’t know”, what I don’t even hear. Again, give up: “I know.” Surrendering to “I don’t know anything” transforms into the mastery conversation be it: Martial arts or Life. Bruce Lee said, “Empty your mind.” Learn humility. I get that I still have a lot to learn.
In the mastery journey whatever I do know is not very useful because what I know sources from the past. Mastery creates what’s possible from nothing. “I don’t know” is exactly the right space to be. As Sensei Bobby said: “Work on what you don’t know.” I work on the greater version of me from “I don’t know.” Sensei Dan constantly told me, “Have no preconceived notions.” Create thine own self.
So I listen for the possible greater versions of me in others. How many versions of me are out there? Who knows? Rather who really cares? Sensei always said, “Just train. Make it work.” Cheryl said, “Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself.” My spiritual twin Dolph Lundgren said, “You have to love yourself.” Amen. Amen. They’re all the greater versions of me, whom I work to become in my unique expression.
Sensei Dan and Mom are the greater versions of me. On that Sunday Aikido class training with Lukas, Sensei said, “You’re a better teacher than me.” Mom said to me, “I’m proud of you.” My greater versions inspire me to become the greater man.
I give up knowing everything about me, because really I don’t. Listen for the surprise of you within others. Listen for the surprise within you as well. The surprise only occurs from what we don’t know. Surprise like mastery only occurs from nothing.
I never thought I’d say, “You just have to be kind to people.” I remind myself, “Be kinder to Jon.” That defines me. That’s Cheryl’s version in me. She’s the greater version of me, who inspires me to be greater than I know.
I’m grateful in listening for the greater versions of me in those like Cheryl, Bobby, Sensei, and Mom. They inspire me to be greater than I know. I love them. And the world is greater for them as well.
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