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Beginner's Mind — Inaugural Issue
Issue 1   Autumn 1999 - Winter 2000

Inside... The Meaning of Shoshin by Ben Pincus Sensei, Chief Instructor, Aikido of Champlain Valley Dojo to Dojo by Sean Harrington Notes on Terry Dobson's Teachings by Ed Pincus Unlearning by David Mendenhall XX in Aikido by Maria Hazen Take Nothing for Granted by Spunqi Robinson ACV Kids! Contributors: Leela Christian-Tabak, Germaine Persinger, Blake Sullivan, Isabel Sullivan

Editor's Note Many years ago Terry Dobson's famous train story spoke to me about aikido in a way that inspired the beginning of a path... a commitment to change and practice, not just in aikido, but in all I do. A tall order, drawn as I am to the instant gratification our culture dishes up. Yet as weather, injury, work and travel conspire to keep me from practicing as much as I'd like. I find the prospect of lifelong practice a soothing balm to my burn of desire for getting on the mat. Editing Shoshin has been yet another exercise in 'ongoing process' and a great honor, both in the way it strengthens my connection to the dojo, and for the opportunity to view, read and publish such mindful and creative works of literature and art. Benjamin Pincus Sensei opens this inaugural issue with a look at the meaning of shoshin - beginner's mind - setting the stage for many articles which articulate how different individuals view their own learning process. Notes on Terry Dobson's Teachings by Ed Pincus, challenges our notions of form and style, while David Mendenhall's Unlearning looks at the myriad insights he's gained both on the mat and at home with his family. Spunqi Robinson crafts a jubilant account of her first few months of practice, and Sean Harrington grapples with changing styles and finding his "beginner's mind" in Dojo to Dojo. XX in Aikido presents Maria Hazen's thoughtful treatment of what it means to be a woman at ACV, and a description of her experience at a women-only aikido demonstration. Our ACV Kids section is full of the kind of wisdom and elegant simplicity that only children can produce. Spread throughout the publication are wonderful works of art by Leela Christian-Tabak, Heidi Albright, and Maurice Bissonnette. (Art work not available in online version at this time --ed.) A hearty thanks to all who contributed. Our next publication will be out in May. We'll be looking for your articles and art work by the beginning of April! Until then, I look forward to practicing with all of you. Best Wishes, Bruce Hennessey