While debriefing with Aki Fleshler Sensei after a seminar at Multnomah Aikikai, he said to me “trust the process.”  I had of course, heard the phrase before.  But, I became curious as to where it had originated.  As it turns out, the phrase is credited to former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinke.  As a lifelong basketball fan, I was intrigued.  “Trust the process” has come to refer to the strategy to finding the best way to acquire top talent for the team by getting as many “assets” as possible even if it means losing more games to get a higher draft pick - in other words, short term pain for long term gain.  

 So what does trust the process have to do with Aikido?  

As we begin a new year of training, it seems appropriate to bring a fresh perspective and resolve to my aikido practice.  In fact, these principles can be applied to any aspect of our lives:   

• Commit and work hard.

• Be in the moment.  Focus on the present.

• Be curious.

• Enjoy the journey.  Don’t focus so much on the goal that you don’t enjoy the path.

• Go with the flow instead of resisting.  Be flexible.  Bruce Lee:  “Be like water.”

• Be resilient.  Believe in yourself.

• Let go of control.  Embrace the unknown.  Learn to live with uncertainty.

• Reframe failure as an opportunity for growth.

• Help and serve others.

In gratitude,

Paula Amato

(Paula is a 6-year member of Multnomah Aikikai)