As we age our perspectives change in the sense that we more carefully consider what did and what did not have importance in how we have lived these many years. We may find ourselves counting the days, months, years doing something with that something being marriage, how long we've spent time in the gym or at the dojo, how long we've had a particular job. What we count can vary of course based on our life choices.
So the question becomes, why do we not count time off? Why do we not count the days and the weeks off during which we did nothing but relax? And should we (count time off) or not? I for one would suspect that counting time off isn't much done for the simple reason that deep down in the inner recesses of who we are that some part of us understands that time off, the days, weeks, or months of "nothingness", of not putting in the time really isn't helping us learn, grow, progress, or reach that goal we claim to be striving for. In short, they don't count, they aren't helping us, and they aren't the ones (the days, weeks, etc.) that matter. Only activity and positively working forward count for us in the longer term.
When we steady pursue that goal (training in martial arts is the closest example since that is after all what we are talking about here) we slowly build momentum which will give us the opportunity to stay mentally focused, physically healthy, and additionally maintain the relationships we develop through our study. Maintaining momentum also helps in gradually digging into the deeper thoughts behind technique and heiho (strategy) and the relationship between the two.
Some people train every day and allow themselves no time off while others train two to three times a week. Whatever training schedule you pick and how you maintain your personal momentum really doesn't matter as long as you do (maintain it). But remember, the days off don't really count for much of anything other than falling backwards and retarding your path forward.
L.F. Wilkinson Kancho
The Aikibudokan
Houston, TX
July 18, 2023
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