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ABSTRACT
Aikido is most commonly translated from Japanese as ‘the way of
harmony’. In her article José explains her outside world, the
Appreciative Inquiry method that she uses in her work, and her
Inside world, Aikido, more specifically Yuishinkai Aikido.
Aikido is most commonly translated from Japanese as ‘the way of
harmony’. Do is the Tao, the way; Ki translates as ‘spiritual
energy’; and the most encompassing meaning of Ai is ‘harmony’.
Harmony is blended with our environment by changing difficulties
into joy and conflict into peace.
Writing for the February issue of AIP gives me the opportunity
to tell the story about my Inside and Outside worlds.
My Outside WorldThe Outside world for me is the world that I
work in, using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) method. Working with
executives and their teams in support of organization culture
transformation, strategic development and positive leadership
capacity-building. I see my role in these processes as an advisor.
Only at the beginning of 2009 did I discover that what I did in
organizations, workshops and advising meetings had a name and a
structure. And then I started reading all about AI, and did a
course on AI at the TNO organization in the Netherlands. 2009 was
an important year in my life. I discovered AI and Yuishinkai, which
brought East and West together in my research, counselling work and
workshops.
My Inside WorldThe Inside world for me is the world of Aikido,
and more specifically Yuishinkai Aikido. Through Yuishinkai Aikido
I can inquire about the possibilities of making contact that we
have through working with Ki (chi).
AikidoAikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei
Ueshiba (1883-1969). The art is young, but throughout his life the
founder lived as a true samurai in the ancient Japanese tradition.
He embodied a state of unity with cosmic forces that has been the
spiritual ideal of martial arts throughout Japanese history.
José W. OtteMBA is a researcher, consultant, speaker, trainer
and author on Appreciative Inquiry, positive change, positive
leadership and spirituality at work. She founded MIZU, specializing
in the combined application of Appreciative Inquiry and Aikido. In
2010, José is starting a PhD in Appreciative Inquiry. Contact:
[email protected] www.mizu.nl
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AI KI DO
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He practiced many different forms of martial art and Shinto to
build the existing form. Morihei Ueshiba insisted that ‘Aikido is
the study of the spirit’. For him, techniques were the means to
express the spiritual principles of Aikido. Although it is most
widely known as a martial art or system of self-defence, Aikido is
also a profoundly spiritual training or a means of personal
development; a way of making contact. Morihei Ueshiba’s vision
resulted in the creation of Aikido as a path to universal harmony
and world peace.
Central to Aikido is the idea of being in harmony, rather than
in conflict, with opponents. The movement and energy of attack is
redirected without the need for collision or use of force. The
physical practice of this fundamental principle leads to a better
understanding of people and nature, while teaching essential skills
for the resolution of conflict. The movements of Aikido are
designed on the principles of nature and flow in circles and
spirals. When Aikido is performed well there is great beauty and
composure in the movement of both partners. It is an art in the
true sense of the word.
We also find this in the constructionist principle of AI where
we learn that we are all interconnected (coming from the same
source, connected to each other by what others call The Collective
Field, or The Wave). The word ‘connect’ is important here.
In our modern, western world, my inside world Aikido is a way to
develop myself and my spirit. I practiced the Aikikai form of
Aikido for almost 20 years, until I had to find another school and
discovered Yuishinkai Aikido in the summer of 2009.
Yuishinkai AikidoYuishinkai Aikido was founded by Sensei
(master) Koretoshi Maruyama to promote universal values and
principles of peace throughout the world. Maruyama Sensei is widely
respected as a teacher who dedicated his life to communicating the
benefits of ‘positive mind’ through Aikido. I find AI principles in
much of the information produced by him.
On the website of the international Yuishinkai Aikido
organization, there is a Vision Statement which says that a vision
‘begins with intuition and dreaming, a cohesive image of an ideal
to strive for’. For me, this is about Western and Eastern method
coming together, and for my inside and outside worlds joining. The
same language is used in constructionist and poetic principles.
Sensei Koretoshi Maruyama, the founder of Yuishinkai Aikido
states that:
‘Words have a power of their own. The power of the spoken word
was recognized in ancient Japan as kotodama, or word-spirit.
Kotodama means: “to speak a word is to encourage it to come true”.
Your life energy responds to sounds and thoughts, as expressed in
the spoken word. When you fill your daily life with positive words
and thoughts, your life is filled with the power of Ki. In this way
you can keep mentally and physically healthy, and have a positive
influence on others as well. Words have real power, and can produce
practical results in your life.’
This is what we see in the Constructionist Principle of AI.
‘Words have a power of their own. To speak a word is to
encourage it to come true.’ Sensei Koretoshi Maruyama, founder of
Yuishinkai Aikido
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Movement begins in the centre of the hara, the ‘one point’,
where the aikidoka’s mind is focused. The spiritual content of
Aikido can be expressed in the word hara, which ranges in meaning
from ‘belly’ to ‘heart-mind’ or ‘soul’. Hara is not only the
physical centre of the body: properly understood, it is also the
centre of our spiritual energy.
The kotodama of hara is ha (eight) and ra (spiralling outward).
Much the same as the heart pumps out blood to nourish the physical
cells of the body, hara distributes ki to all parts of the body.
The process of ki distribution can be controlled by concentration,
or intention. Concentration and intention is ki directed to the
point of focus. In the centre of the brain is another
energy-producing centre, or hara, from which new consciousness
(word-soul) is born.
When these two centres are combined, great spiritual power can
be realized. By practicing Aikido day in and day out, these two
hara centres become united vertically; the will becomes rooted in
the body’s physical centre and the excess activity of the mind
ceases. Heaven (mind) and earth (body) are united through spirit
(the will). In this way the total meaning of hara, body-mind is
realized.
Koretoshi Maruyama sensei has written the following motto which
Aikido practitioners are encouraged to read aloud each morning and
night to keep the subconscious in a positive state of mind:
I am mind itself.
If I hold positive thoughts in my mind, good things are likely
to happen.
Holding negative thoughts in my mind works against my best
interests.
Therefore, even if my body suffers physically, my mind remains
optimistic.
Even if I encounter obstacles my mind is never defeated.
Today I fill my heart with thoughts of joy, gratitude and
hope.
I face each new day with a bright and optimistic spirit, which I
express in word
and deed.
I have faith in life, and life responds in kind.
Maruyama sensei also states that ‘Kan So (positive
visualization) enables anyone to positively affect their
lives.’
In AI, this is the participatory principle. And we also find
this in the circular process in an AI project.
AI and Yuishinkai combinedPerhaps it is more fair to say that my
purpose in life is communicating about intention. Connecting with
others works without effort through intention. Through the
combination of AI and Yuishinkai Aikido, I find that living centred
in decisive and compassionate action is now possible. I also feel
that through working as an advisor within companies, or advising
executives, I am more able to restore the circle as a natural
means, because all processes within AI are circular, as well as all
techniques in Aikido. Working with the principles of Yuishinkai
Aikido has given me the opportunity to inquire and learn more about
what Ki, or energy, and through that with intention, can do for us
as people, and for us in organizations.
AIP February 10 Otte: AI KI DO
Aikido is an art that is more like a way of life. The Aikido
practitioner lives a life of inquiry.
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Development comes through inquiry. And through inquiry comes
implementation. In both AI and Aikido inquiry is the first step in
the process of bettering our work and our lives. In Japanese, there
is a word for the way inquiry can help you be open and awake: Sho
Shin, inquiry with the curiosity of a child.
What the techniques of Yuishinkai Aikido add to AI projects is
the physical wake-up call. People wake up, return to the here and
now. AI projects get an extra dimension. Yuishinkai Aikido shows
what we can do with intention – practice on the mat shows how
intention can help us in our ‘normal’ life, or perhaps I should say
outside world.
Art that is a way of lifeAikido is an art that is more like a
way of life. The Aikido practitioner lives a life of inquiry. The
technique takes over ten years to master; however, it is possible
to teach and work with some of the principal techniques in AI
projects.
To show non-Aikidokas what the most natural posture is can be
done in a short session. However, as with AI it is important to
make the technique part of one’s life. That is why I always say
that Aikido is not a short term cure for misery. Aikido techniques
can be used to help AI practitioners give their audience more
energy that is more a way of life. Daily focus on that what we want
more of is important. To have the intention to do so is
important.
For me it is fulfilling to combine AI and Aikido. If that is
impossible, then the knowledge that I gained through Aikido is
still with me, helping me to say the right thing at the right time.
Through the exercises in the Yuishinkai Aikido lessons, I have
learned to truly connect with people. While AI has given me a more
theoretical structure to positive leadership and positive change,
Yuishinkai Aikido gives me the physical and mental backbone to
connect.
The combination of AI and Yuishinkai Aikido helps me in the
search for the possibility that individuals’ personal goals,
reflecting their concerns in life, can influence corporate goals
and so offer added value to an organization. For organizations, it
is vital to give employees opportunities to grow, to find those
goals. And by giving people this chance and challenge you might end
up with a company where this collective talent is then an added
value.
Many techniques and methods are being developed to find people’s
talents. Perhaps because only rational analyses and statistical
information are used, it often doesn’t work. Finding one’s talent,
or better finding one’s purpose is easily done using the questions
in an Appreciative Inquiry process. By adding the Yuishinkai
knowledge it becomes even more easy.
The purpose is loveTalent is not only what we do with our
brains. The real purpose is a mix of mind and body. The old Greeks
knew that. For them, human nature was mystical. Plato thought of a
perfect world of ideas that he would call heaven, in which human
purpose was clear. For him, our lives on earth existed to help us
deal with earthly challenges. Teilhard de Chardin talks about
purpose as being Love. According to him love is the most universal
and mystical cosmic energy. Through this feeling of love one can
experience oneness with the universe. In books on Aikido and in the
message Morihei Ueshiba gave the world, people interchange the
words ‘peace’ and ‘love’. I think that if Morihei would have lived
in another time, where
AIP February 10 Otte: AI KI DO
Sensei Koretoshi Maruyama
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Volume 12 Number 1 ISBN 978-1-907549-00-7
war was not such big influence, he would have chosen the word
love instead of peace. He called Aikido ‘the art of peace’.
KiBy opening and strengthening the energy channels of the body,
it is possible to channel energy freely through your body and help
others do the same. There are many forms of Eastern teachings
explaining to us what Ki is and how we can work with Ki: Reiki, Tai
Chi, Qigong and in Yuishinkai Aikido.
It is interesting to see that the way that the knowledge is
shared is changing. Twenty years ago, in order to learn about Ki
you would have to either go to a yogi (a teacher) in India, China
or Japan and live there for a couple of years. Then you would maybe
be allowed to bring the knowledge you gained with you to the
West.
Nowadays sharing knowledge is quicker and easier: a new form of
Reiki called Kundalini can be introduced in half an hour. The
initiation is an attunement where different energy centres
(Chakras) and energy channels are opened and strengthened. This way
you can have access to this energy and channel it through your
hands. You can then ‘switch on’ the energy just by intention. The
word intention in this paragraph is important. Intention is sending
Ki – energy to that what you focus on. Ki is the Japanese word for
energy. Most of us cannot see the energy – but through practice and
research everyone can learn more about energy and how it works for
you.
My dreamMy dream, or rather what I will be working on in the
near future: both in AI and in the teachings of Koretoshi Maruyama
sensei I learn to look with a positive mind to the future, and ask
the right questions to direct my life into the future that I
dream.
In my dream I see that I can help others to truly connect. My
work brings me to other countries in Europe: travelling is another
form of inquiry. I have a story to tell, but am eager to hear your
stories as well. Communication and connecting with others is my
dream, my purpose in life.
I have faith in life, and life responds in kind.
AIP February 10 Otte: AI KI DO
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AI Practitioner February 2010
International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry
Inside:
Back Issues at www.aipractitioner.com
20 Appreciating Action Learning by Geoff AllanCombining AI and
action learning sets.
Neuroscience: a New Friend to OD and AI by Richard CoeLooking
for answers about how the brain functions, especially in different
social circumstances and sensory environments.
25
AI KI DO by José OtteAI combined with Akido creates a connection
between East and West which can be used in organizations to create
positive change, positive leadership and organization culture
transformation.
29
Part 2: Combining AI with Other ModelsCreating a Bridge Between
Deficit-based and Strength-based Problem Solving: the Journey of a
Six Sigma Master Black Belt by David ShakedThe challenge of
combining the energy and creativity of AI and process mapping with
post-it notes and deep statistical analysis.
16
11 An Appreciative Approach to Inclusive Teambuilding by Bente
Sloth and Carsten HornstrupA leader talks about her journey towards
leading with a focus on inspiration, motivation, co-creating
learning and not least, creating a great work environment.
4 Introduction to The Inside and Outside Worlds of an AI
Practitioner edited by Geoffrey Allan, Steve Loraine and Anne
Radford
8 Part 1: Personal Challenges of Organisational
LeadershipFragile Practice, Humble Learning, Extraordinary Outcomes
by Joan McArthur-BlairEducation is all that matters. It is the
greatest gift a government can give people. Generative leadership
requires both humbleness and passion.
AIP February 10 The Inside and Outside Worlds of an AI
Practitioner
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AI Practitioner February 2010
International Journal of Appreciative Inquiry
Inside continued:
Back Issues at www.aipractitioner.com
43 The AI Circle: A Place to Develop Our Skills and Ourselves by
Jeanie CockellCreating a space for our internal selves to show up
(who we are) as we share our strategies for working in our worlds
(what we do).
Reshape to Reframe: Living AI in our Bodies by Roz KayOur mental
frameworks are deeply rooted and they shape our bodies in ways that
impact our listening, seeing, attention and more.
47
54 AI Research Notes by Jan Reed and Lena HolmbergResearch Notes
carries news of AI research which is about to start, is in progress
or has been completed. Contributions are from researchers around
the world.
59 About the May 2010 IssueGuest Editors: Loretta Randolph and
Neil Samuels This issue will be devoted to Individuals and
Organizations Flourishing Through Time.
IAPG Contacts and AI Practitioner Subscription Information60
39 ‘We’re in it Together’: Living Well with Dementia: Creating a
Regional Strategy for the East Midlands by Julie BarnesOn 2 October
2009, 180 people from across the East Midlands, UK and from all
parts of local health, social care and community services came
together with people with dementia and their carers to create a
regional vision for living well with dementia.
51 Confessions of an AI-coholic: The Road to LEAD by Ada Jo
MannLEADing from your strengths.
Part 3: Evolving Our Practice Through Reflection and Working in
New WaysIt’s Not the Events – It’s the Spaces In Between by Sarah
LewisA story about working with what you can, not what you
can’t.
34
AIP February 10 The Inside and Outside Worlds of an AI
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with AIP to bring AI stories to a wider audience
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Sue James, Australia
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Dayle Obrien, Australia
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Disclaimer: Views and opinions of the writers do not necessarily
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Purpose of AI PractitionerThis publication is for people
interested in making the world a better place using positive
relational approaches to change such as Appreciative Inquiry.
The publication is distributed quarterly: February, May, August
and November.
AI Practitioner Editor/PublisherThe editor/publisher is Anne
Radford. She is based in London and can be reached at
[email protected]
The postal address for the publication is:303 Bankside Lofts, 65
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