Fresh Hope

 

 

I looked for support in psychotherapy and through various forms of physical and meditative practice, a journey which eventually led me to meet a man who, in hindsight, saved me from going off the rails completely: sensei Juo Ivamoto, a master of the Japanese martial arts of Aikido and Judo.

 

His capacity to absorb the many trials of life without losing the gentleness and flexibility which can often falter in our advancing years gave him an indomitable humanity and was of huge inspiration to me.

 

 

He reached deep into the arrested wounds of my heart and gave me fresh hope. Looking at this old and seemingly frail man move I was reminded of the grace and strength of the wild animals I used to observe and admire in my childhood.