Emotional Aikido

Picture by Brit. License by Creative Commons.

When life’s challenges come up, one of my favorite mottoes is “centered, creative and constructive.” I’ve taught a few classes in Emotional Aikido, so I try to envision myself as a calm and alert aikidoist…assessing the situation and deciding the best course of action based on my values. It never hurts to have a role model, even if you have to create it yourself.

Lainey Wells at My Unexpected Life reminded me of this image in her May 30 post. She discovered a pot pipe in her son’s room, obviously used. Even though she’s upset about it, she’s doing her best to keep her composure and is planning constructive action with her ex-husband. They will try to make sure he won’t spend the summer hanging out with his friends, but instead will try to get him into a challenging personal development program such as Outward Bound.

In the meantime she will have to confront her son and make it clear there will be no pot smoking in her house.It won’t be easy but she’s approaching the problem in the spirit of true aikido…with love and respect for her son and focusing on the ultimate goal of helping him to become a competent, responsible adult. She promises to keep us posted. We’re rooting for you, Lainey!