Dobson learns his greatest lesson about martial arts and conflict.īrilliantly read by former #Harvard Professor, Richard Alpert (later to be known as Ram Dass), I have linked to an audio version of this short story below. In preparing his assault on the aggressive man, another solution presents itself, and Mr. Dobson, is a white #Aikido master who has been looking for an opportunity to test his skill outside of the dojo. This is a story about an aggressive man on a subway who is belligerent with fellow passengers and who is clearly struggling with mental health issues. Returning to the #murder of Jordan Neely on the #subway, I can not help but think of the classic story from American aikido pioneer, Terry Dobson.

My father, reflecting on the most challenging times of Matt’s illness, shared at the funeral a comment that has always stayed with me: “The exact time when person is most difficult to love, is the time that they are in need of the most love.” That medicine kept him alive for another 15 years - yet, like most pharmaceuticals, there were side effects which contributed to other health issues and ultimately to a fatal heart attack. Eventually he was able to find the medicine which could keep him mostly balanced. About 20 years ago, my step-brother, Matt, was diagnosed with #schizophrenia. Like many of us, this is a subject that hits close to home. From my limited perspective, what seems to be lacking in any incident involving those who struggle with mental health are two primary things: Understanding and Compassion. Mental and emotional health issues impact our society and lives those dear to us the other 11 months of the year as well.

May, as friendly reminder, is Mental Health Awareness Month.

A white man with specialized training in violence, and a perceived position of authority, murders a black man who is clearly struggling to find his way. The similarities to the murder of George Floyd three years ago this month are striking. “I don’t have food, I don’t have a drink” a 30-year-old black man and screamed on the #NYCSubway on Monday shortly before being murdered by chokehold by a 24-year-old white Marine Corps veteran.

Way of the peaceful warrior audiobook