Positive mind
Hi friends,
One of our principles in Kokikai Aikido is "Develop your Positive Mind."
This principle is probably the least cited in aikido classes. I've heard "correct posture" way more often than I've heard "positive mind" from instructors. Although, Sensei tells us, "I can do it; you can do it."
Developing a positive mind, to me, is starting from the baseline that you might be able to be good at something. It's about getting out of your own way, not tearing yourself down with bullying commentary or apologizing too much for things you don't need to be sorry for.
If you're not busy mentally tearing yourself down, you might be able to see how you can do better. It's not about already being good, it's about believing you can become better. "Don't beat others, beat yourself."
On a more geographical note, I'm greatly enjoying the sun and warmth in Florida. Check out some of the neat birds I've seen:
Sandpipers
Yellow-crowned night heron
Common gallinule - this one is like a chicken that lives in the marsh!
For more Florida road trip details, check out my latest blog post:

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You are welcome here if you're LGBTQ+, an ally, or just curious about a nonbinary writer's experience. I share relatable weekly true stories about what it's like to be trans and nonbinary, hiking, travel, martial arts, and building community! Click to read Amplify Respect, by Rey Katz (they/them), a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
Take care,
Rey