I recently got back on the mat after a fairly lengthy hiatus, peppered with a month on, 4 months off, 2 weeks on, a year off, etc. I've decided that moderation and consistency will best aid me in getting back on the mat. Now that I've been back a bit I'm finding a few things are improving in my life. Physically, I've had some issues with my neck, lower back and knee. The rolling around seems to be helping the back and neck. My teacher described the effect of this as kind of a constant massage of those areas. I'm actually feeling better now and am not having to constantly shift my weight when I sit or roll around restlessly at night because of lower back pain.

There also seems to be a connection between my frequency on the mat and how I relate to people and situations in general. Training helps me by keeping me honest and gives me a format to not train with preconceived notions about an attack, the technique or the outcome. This translates into being a bit more grounded and connected with people in general, allowing me to think in the moment and be in the moment as it were and thus, giving a more honest and heartfelt conversation to those I come in contact with.

I've also taken up ballroom dance and can't tell if the aikido is helping my dance, or dance is helping my aikido, or if both are complimenting each other. No matter though, it's all fun, right?

So I'm curious, my aiki tribester friends, what has aikido improved for you?

Regards,
Mark