By Dolano Arthur

As we enter 2025, many of us grapple with a pressing question: How can we thrive amid life’s uncertainties?

In her book, “The Shambhala Warrior,” author Joanna Macy offers profound insights into self-defense — not against external threats, but against the limitations inherent in our own minds.

This prompts us to consider our personal power: Is it solely held by leaders and authorities, or does it reside within each of us? If we possess this power, how can we begin to dismantle the internal barriers that hinder our potential on both individual and societal levels?

If the roots of conflict and destruction stem from ignorance, awakening to self-awareness is crucial. We must first assess the harmony in our home lives. The cooperation and understanding we cultivate in our personal spaces can then be scaled to larger contexts, influencing our interactions with the world.

Self-improvement doesn’t have to be a solemn endeavor; it can be a playful journey. Embracing levity can transform perceived failures into opportunities for joy.

Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes fluidity and connection, serves as a valuable metaphor for this process.

With aikido we learn to maintain a soft extension of energy while remaining receptive. Extension is not about creating a hard barrier. Rather, it involves allowing energy to flow outward while maintaining a sense of receptivity. As beginners, we may find it challenging to throw an opponent without compromising our posture. Those who resist falling often become rigid, leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks. Laughter frequently fills the dojo as we witness our own silliness — this shared experience acts as valuable ego medicine.

Those who progress with aikido gradually learn to manage fears and build our capacity to take the weight of our partners while maintaining balance. This journey requires years of practice and self-awareness. It’s not merely about standing upright; it involves understanding our energetic and psychological responses to stress.

Each person has a unique response to conflict, whether they tend to fight, collapse or freeze. Aikido encourages us to broaden our behavioral repertoire, thereby enhancing our ability to respond under pressure. We begin by learning to recognize our physiological responses to stress.

For example, when faced with a punch, our instinct may be to pull back and tense up. However, with practice, we can learn to shift.

Over time, we become attuned to subtle signals in our bodies, such as the hair on the back of our necks standing up or a rising heat. Instead of succumbing to tension, we learn to deflect incoming energy, redirecting it constructively. This process begins with monitoring our internal states. Aikido teaches us to adopt a posture of receptivity, allowing us to observe our opponent’s movements while remaining grounded.

Developing this awareness involves tracking our internal sensations before they manifest as reactions. As we notice these signals, we learn to breathe, assess surroundings and prepare for action. Maintaining calm enables us to deflect potential conflict rather than confront it directly.

The ability to redirect energy instead of collapsing, freezing or running away under pressure is vital. With practice, we can transform our reactive selves into individuals who embrace curiosity and openness. It fosters engagement and the ability to create opportunities for collaboration.

Ultimately, thriving in 2025 requires us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Aikido training can profoundly impact our confidence, strength and overall disposition. By energizing our nervous systems and building resilience, we cultivate a calm, open presence that enhances our interactions with the world.

As we learn to navigate our internal landscapes, we gain the ability to remain present in conflict. This presence not only aids our personal growth but also contributes to a more harmonious society. By transforming the challenges of life into opportunities for development and connection, we can truly thrive in the years to come.

Aikido offers a deep and profound way to build confidence, strength and a calm, open disposition toward the world. It energizes, stimulates and soothes our entire nervous system, fostering stamina and resilience. This empowering art form leaves us feeling grounded, open, and receptive.

Dolano Arthur, of Corte Madera, is part of the Aikido of Tamalpais leadership team. He is chief instructor for Aikido Kids of Tamalpais group.