It's been a week since classes have been cancelled, as programs and classes were suspended at Gordon Head Recreation Centre from Tuesday, March 17. I hope that parents and students are keeping well, and finding new ways to navigate through what should be the Spring Break.

Having had to work from home this past week, I realize that this is forcing us to slow down, to take a step back and re-prioritize. With all of us at home, it certainly is a wonderful opportunity to re-connect, and re-discover ourselves as a family; reading, chatting, joking, spending time just hanging out, and playing games and board games. Of course, while working remotely from home, it is also a great time to re-organize the home and catch up on a lot of chores around the house.

I do hope, after perhaps getting over the re-adjustment of staying at home, that personal exercise routines return, and we remember to contact family, friends, loved ones, and acquaintances through the phone, text, email, or visual-calls; especially those whom we know are living alone.

Then, when you get the urge to practice at home, please don't take it out on your family members and practice on them. Mentally, slowly, and deliberately, go through the movements and techniques, and practice your suburi and weapon katas. The basic bokken and jo suburi can be found on our website.

For the Jo - http://ueshibaaikido.com/Jo.htm
The Bokken - http://ueshibaaikido.com/Bokken.htm

Harmonize with what is, and do what we can to assist in limiting the spread of the virus. Pray, support, encourage, and uplift each other. I look forward to seeing you once again soon.

With Blessings Always,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright March 2020: Rafael Oei)
First published on FaceBook

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