freejung's Journal: The Aikido of Politics

"The true Budo is Takemusu Aiki." -- O-Sensei, founder of Aikido

Budo means, roughly, the "warrior's way." Take is the warrior spirit, the spirit of dynamic energy and vigorous action. Musu is becoming. Ai is harmony. Ki is energy, or perhaps love, and is similar to the Force. So this statement means that the true way of the warrior is the way of love, a way which protects and nurtures all beings. The dynamic spirit of the warrior is turned not to distruction, but to the creation of harmony.

Aikido is the way of the peaceful warrior, and the coolest thing about it is that its philosophy is applicable to a lot more than just physical fighting. There is also social and political Aikido, which is what I am attempting to define and practice.

An Aikido teacher I had long ago once explained one of the basic techniques, Tenkan, thus:

"Suppose someone grabs my wrist. [partner grabs his wrist] So now there is a conflict here, you see? So the first thing I have to do is come around and see it from his point of view. [turns suddenly, so that he is standing shoulder to shoulder with partner, loostening partner's grip but not braking it] Then I lead him around to see it from my point of view. [turns around away from partner, leading him in a 180 degree turn] Then I show him the sky [raises hands to the sky], then I show him the ground [brings arms down suddenly and bends knees, knocking partner to the ground] which is a nice safe place where he can't hurt himself or anyone else."

I thought that was absolutely brilliant. In Aikido, every conflict is an opportunity to achieve a higher degree of harmony, if you approach it in a spirit of protective love for all beings. This applies to social conflicts too. So in this spirit, I want to advance some principles of political Aikido.

Step 0: Relax. I can't emphasize this enough. To practice Aikido, you must be completely relaxed, focused, and calm. In Aikido, whoever is more relaxed wins.

Step 1: see it from their point of view. This is by far the most important step, it is the basis of everything. It means turning around, and looking at the conflict the other way. It means turning around so that you are on your earstwhile opponent's side. Everyone has a legitimate point of view, even if they are off-balance (in Aikido, nobody is ever wrong, just off-balance). Let your partner know that you see it from their point of view. Empathize. Tell them you understand, and really mean it. Compliment them. Send them lots of loving, calm energy.

Step 2: help them to see your point of view. Once you have performed step 1, your partner will be really off-balance. They were expecting to get opposition, and instead they are getting empathy. This is weird. Now that you are standing side-by-side, your partner is ready to be led. Gently, but firmly, bring them around to see your point of view. Explain how it coincides with theirs. Show them each step of the turn, each link between their point of view and yours. On some level, all conflict is an illusion. Show them the illusory nature of the conflict.

Step 3: gently neutralize the attack. This is very difficult. It requires total relaxation and focus. You must softly push your partner into a position where they can do no further harm. How to do this will vary with the nature of the attack. The best way is to show them the futility of attacking in the first place. An enemy is always a potential friend. "A practitioner of Aikido becomes one with the Universe. When a man has the will to fight me, he is fighting against the whole Universe, and so he is already defeated." -- O-Sensei

I far prefer this method to the usual, confrontational mode of politics, and I think that if practiced correctly, it has the potential to be far more effective. I am trying to practice it. It is not easy. I would appreciate any help with this endeavor, including constructive criticism.

love and blessings,

freejung

Re:

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Actually...

[freejung]

I rather liked that rant. You tell 'em, Sam! There are exceptions to the political Aikido philosophy, and this may well be one of them. In fact, while I'm at it, I think I'll write a journal entry calling for the impeachment of Darth Rumsfeld.

Usually I advocate a calmer approach. But sometimes you just have to be outraged. When people supposedly representing you are torturing people, that's one of those times. So give 'em hell!