I arrived at Bedford for Summer Camp 2011 feeling physically fit, excited and ready. Well, ok then, there was also that little bit of ‘healthy’ apprehension!
As we had been talking so much about The Peaceful Way since Spring Camp, I was really looking forward to spending the week exploring further what this really means in reality. I didn’t have to wait very long. The very first practice bounced straight into it with such strength and energy, it was hard to see how we would get through six days! A three hour practice, much of it spent practising Godan to music. Completely absorbed in the moment – one mind, no mind, doing not done, peaceful yet powerful. I could not see the people behind me in the kata but I knew instinctively we were completely in tune, connected and in the moment. When a new person was introduced to the group I could feel the whole group working together to connect with the new person, and the new person connected and joined it seemed effortlessly. When a group of people perform a kata, each putting everything they have into the kata – mind, body and emotion, a wonderful, elegant dance emerges. This must be The Peaceful Way?
‘The Spirit of the Dojo’ – what a powerful message this turned out to be for all of us. The realisation that we are the spirit of the dojo, we create the spirit, the energy and the discipline, sharing our knowledge and helping each other to develop – often without need for words. This must be The Peaceful Way?
As we lined up for the Shinai Seigan I reminded myself of the practices leading up to this moment, the learning, the state, the energy, the messages. I took my position. As I was attacked I realised how much time I had to react, so much time. It was almost as if the person attacking was attacking in slow motion. As the Seigan continued some people were attacking me faster than others, some closer, some heavier but each time I had so much time to defend, to impact their body. This must be The Peaceful Way?
Colin called me out with a shinai – I had no idea what he was going to do, or what he expected me to do, so I just went with it. Colin lifted his shinai to attack just as I lifted my shinai to defend – perfect movement, connection, harmony and elegance. I knew it was a special moment, and I could tell Colin knew because he smiled. This must be The Peaceful Way?
As we sat in the pub that evening discussing the days practice, comfortable and relaxed in the company of the group, sharing our learning, laughing and enjoying the moment, I was reminded how blessed I am to be a part of this community. This must be The Peaceful Way?
Now, as I look back on a truly magnificent Summer Camp I think I finally understand. The Peaceful Way is not one or the other of anything – it is not a description for some of the things we do or say. It is what we are, who we are, what we practice, it is us.