In this post, we will look further into the core of Hypnosis and the art of Aikido. The main focus is for us to know our human psyche better and orient us to change our behavior aiming for an enriched life. Although some points may be seen as technical, or even counter intuitive for some, I am hopeful that this type of inquiry may possibly bring an eye-opening moment even for hard-nosed managers, power-hungry dictators or even insensitive bureaucrats.
(Did I say too much?) Here, we will focus on two areas:
(Did I say too much?) Here, we will focus on two areas:
1) Use of "Unfocused gaze" or "Soft eyes" (use of peripheral vision) as a way of intuitively assessing the situation by picking up the non-verbal cues:
"Peripheral vision is known to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which decreases the heart and breathing rate. The therapist then enters a state of deep relaxation and becomes centred. At this point they become absorbed ‘in the moment’ and develop an almost spontaneous and unconscious response to the client’s behaviour where a conscious deliberation of which techniques to use becomes unnecessary. The therapist has, in effect, freed themselves of technique and acts intuitively to assist the client.
Similarly the therapist can track discreet physiological shifts and movements in their patient and use this to increase rapport. By matching the clients breathing rate, posture and voice the therapist can gain a stronger position of trust and influence at the unconscious level. Peripheral vision allows for an entire range of physiological subtleties to be observed without overt eye movements.
In the martial arts classic ‘The Book of Five Rings’, Miyamoto Musashi said a true swordsman must see far away events as if near and near events as if from far away. Specifically he highlighted two types of vision: ‘Ken’ and ‘Kan’. Ken can be likened to fovial or tunnel vision which observes superficial activity. However Kan is peripheral vision which perceives the underlying essence of things. For Mushashi, Ken is like seeing with the eyes whereas Kan is seeing with the mind.
The ‘Kan’ state is reflected in the aikido principle of ‘know your partners mind’. This basically states that knowing an attackers intention will provide a quicker and more effective defence than any rapid physical movement. In the same sense, intuitively perceiving the client’s problem will allow for a more appropriate and responsive intervention in hypnotherapy."
As mentioned at the end of the previous post, it points to the state of "no-ego," or having a "calm and quiet mind." while observing everything as they really are - not what they appear on surface. By cultivating our entire mind-body in this manner, we can become more intuitive and insightful in assessing the situation so that wisdom and compassion can be better manifested. (i.e., truth reveals on its own when the screen of our mind is thrown away)
2) The way to handle a difficult situation in a skillful manner:
Hypnotherapist, Erickson says: "There are many types of difficult patients who seek psychotherapy and yet are openly hostile... and unwilling to accept the therapy they have come to seek . . .[yet] such resistance should be ... graciously accepted, since it is a vitally important communication of a part of their problems and often can be used as an opening into their defenses."
In Aikido, this is called blending in which the energy of an opponent's attack is never resisted or rejected. The Aikidoist takes the mental position of welcoming the attack, both as an opportunity to restore harmony and as a chance to practice the art. An important reframing takes place in the mind of the Aikidoist: The usual notion of an attack being frightening... is replaced by an acceptance and appreciation.... In both cases, the practitioner views resistance not as a problem one wishes would go away, but rather as essential "raw energy" that can lead to ultimate solutions.
This acceptance of resistance means that one must remain flexible to adapt to what is occurring... Aikido is a process of not being drawn into a tug-of-war or a conflict. The Aikido solution to force-seeks-force may be stated as: Never put power at the point of contact. If an attacker grabs the wrist of an Aikidoist, the Aikidoist "gives" the wrist to the attacker. This causes the attacker to feel in control. He feels no force resisting him and so he does not experience a heightening of tension and conflict. His sense of power is not threatened. Yet, subtly, the Aikidoist is moving other parts of his body, radiating out smoothly from his hara [belly]. The result is that the at tacker usually feels totally in control until, quite suddenly, all balance is inexplicably lost, and he tumbles to the ground. (ibid)
What the above points to is the "Effortless effort" - following the Way. If we forget our ego, our mind play and be in the moment, connected to the primary (e.g., true self, heart), There is resolution.
Gozo Shioda and Art of Aikido (3 min.)
* Note: For those who know my New Manufacturing Challenge book, or New Shop Floor Management book, there are stories related to this. It is about empowerment and become the master of destiny. BTW, one well known exercise in Toyota is called "Maru-kaite-chon" or white circle on the floor, in which Toyota a manager is instructed by Mr. Ohno, the father of Toyota Production System, to stand for a day, two or a week, just observing the production line (until he gets it! to know where the waste is! and how to address it)
* In my video at youtube called "Ten-mei," (from 15.40 for about 4 min.), or "Order from Heaven," I described my experience of something like me being in Aikido with Taiichi Ohno, where he did not exert his energy, yet I was thrown out by my own effort, and came up with new insight and conviction to move forward - with the idea of being the master of my own destiny. This example may points a way of how we may breakthrough the impasse.
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