Heart of Courage |
Aikido Practices of Love in Action for Women |
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Aikido is a noncompetitive martial art, which cultivates harmony of body, mind, and spirit. In this retreat for women only, we co-create the "dojo" of Aikido (the place we practice) to grow our capacity to "walk our talk," access unconditional self-acceptance, and shift conditioned patterns of reactivity into joyful expressions of response—all while focusing on the development of peace and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.
Through individual and partner work, we explore practices central to Aikido: centering ourselves, connecting with others, being instruments of love in action, and shifting from a culture of "power over" to one of "power with." Engaging in these practices, we learn new ways to become fully present.
Women of all ages are welcome and no experience in Aikido is necessary. We do not practice the rolling and falling skills of Aikido; rather, our playful activities include movement, meditation, conversation, and being in nature.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- translate the word Aikido and explain the value of body-mind-spirit integration;
- describe and demonstrate a 4 step process for centering;
- demonstrate a simple 3 step process for teaching a child how to center;
- describe how the instinctual reactions of fight flight and freeze differ from the cultivated response of centering; explain how centering can be useful for both patients and professionals; give examples of each;
- practice centering during a conflict or stressful situation;
- compare engaging in an activity using muscular effort with using energetic extension;
- identify 3 physical behaviors which express awareness, confidence and calm; explain how the way someone walks in the world affects their well-being and personal safety;
- describe 3 types of meditation and list 3 benefits of practicing meditation;
- examine the role of exercise, meditation and supportive community in both physical and emotional health;
- describe how posture and breathing affects one’s physical and emotional health;
- explain how cultivating self-acceptance decreases stress and increases well-being; describe 2 practices which cultivate self-acceptance; and
- apply self-acceptance in the midst of a difficult situation.
CE available.
Michelle Manger Keip, R.N., has been practicing Aikido and teaching life skills for more than 25 years. She is the author of Shape, a children's Aikido book, and a contributor to Warrior Mothers. She is an instructor with Kidpower International and the creative director of Wellspring Aikido Arts. |
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