November conjures up all kinds of emotions; from the celebration of All Hallows' Eve through the Feast of All Saints, All Souls, and Remembrance Day. We remember our loved ones and reminisce with nostalgia. Faced with another year coming to an end, bathed in the bronze and golden glow of leaves that fill the landscape, we remember that one day we too will leave life behind. Nothing is more powerful than that.

Like a single cut of the sword, every decision made cannot be taken lightly. The quality of our practice in the Dojo stems from this and determines one's progress in the art of peace. From the approach to the dojo door to getting onto the mats, greeting each other and leaving the mats, each gesture and response is best made when it comes from the heart.

When approached from a deeper level acknowledging the transience of life, practising lethal techniques while nurturing peaceful stillness will transform the care brought to each practice so that each response to an attack is measured to ensure control. The care and precision made in each movement and technique should also be applied in daily life. Just imagine what you would be doing if you knew you'd have to catch a flight out of town in a few days... What decisions would you be making, what loose ends would be tied up, and what sort of running around would you be engaged in; and for what purpose?

Living life and making decisions from the standpoint that there is a vast unseen reality that existed before I did and will be there long after I am gone enriches my life's experiences and colours the decisions that I make. It certainly puts a lot of things in perspective as I treasure the moments I have with the people in my life.

Have a most meaningful Remembrance Day!

See you in the Dojo.

In peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright November 2013: Rafael Oei)

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