I think that an honest assessment of one’s environment and how we as individuals fit within it may be one of the most important factors in personal security. Without that clarity, generalized caution can escalate into paranoia or create negative social situations that could have been avoided otherwise. Confidence and presence can go a long way. In my own experience, whether I’m in a very safe area where I’m assuming the worst, or in a rough neighborhood where I know trouble has occurred before, issues often surface or become apparent when I’m too tense and misread the environment. On one hand, I can come across as unfriendly and unapproachable (inappropriate to the time and place). On the other, I can look like I don’t belong there, which may make me stand out unnecessarily (inappropriate to the time and place). The culture of training we participate in will influence our mannerisms and our solutions to problems that might pop up so it’s important to train thoughtfully and with purpose.

Lately it’s being conscious of how I grip and reach for things. If it requires my palm then I try and connect with the ulna/lower part of the hand and if it’s just my fingers I generally try to hold things with less effort. I realized incoming pressure from partner practice was causing my grip to tense up on whatever was in my hand at the time so that’s been the focus.

@Joanne Hunter picture a very earthy and smooth green tea flavor wise, with a light froth.

There is a lot to be said for posture and where people perceive their “center”. Being mindful of stride, foot placement, and center of balance has been something I’ve been more aware of lately especially as I walk uphill for work. I sort of shifted my perception of where my center was and it helped me adjust my posture (shoulders over the ribs, ribs over the hips, and feet underneath the hips, etc) and suddenly walking felt very easy. With that in mind I took it to practicing shikko waza and drawing. Fun stuff :)

Movement is life, so they say 😂