Sharon Friedman – Vigilance and Tranquility

Hello all. 

I was at a MA forum meeting today and we had three good teachers and a lot of good people to train and talk with. One thing which was unique to this meeting was training with practice swords of the European design and working “full speed” with them. The swords and lances were of a special design which is rigid enough to mimic the real thing but with a coat which made them less harmful. I found it very hard to leave my habit of working slower when with edged tools and learn a good lesson about habits and who serves who. there are two main fears in this type of practice. Hurting someone else and getting hurt and I was afflicted by the first due to my past using sharp steel and wood.  I was surprised by how rigid the practice of keeping the other safe is deep within me. I have something to think about during this Saturday Fast.