March has arrived, bringing signs of spring across Japan. As the fiscal year draws to a close [in Japan], many of us are likely busy preparing for new beginnings, both physically and mentally. When everything around us starts to move at a frantic pace, it is easy for our mind to lose its calm and composure.
Generally, when we tell ourselves, “to calm down”, it might bring to our mind a state of holding back on activities or staying still without moving. However, the “calmness” taught in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido does not simply mean the absence of movement.
Do you remember the spinning tops you played with as a child? When spinning powerfully, a top appears perfectly still from a distance once its center stabilizes. Yet inside, it is filled with energy. If its rotation weakens, the top begins to wobble unsteadily, easily toppling with even the slightest external impact.
In other words, that “stillness” does not refer to a lifeless, motionless state. When the center is established, energy remains stable. Koichi Tohei sensei explained that this state is “stillness at the pinnacle of movement.”
Let us apply this to our mind. When the mind appears to be still, there are actually two states that are qualitatively different.
One is a state of mental “freeze.” When we are faced with unexpected trouble and our mind freezes up, our field of vision narrows, and we lose the ability to grasp the surrounding situation. It is a state where our energy is not being utilized and stagnant. In this state, we are at the mercy of external influences and are unable to respond appropriately.
The other is the state of mental “stillness” we should strive for. This refers to a state of being full of energy, yet maintaining unwavering stability, like a rapidly spinning top. By calming our mind at the One Point in the lower abdomen and maintaining our center, we can respond calmly no matter how frantically the world around us moves.
What is important here is that a state of stillness does not mean becoming less sensitive. Actually, it is quite the opposite. The more the mind becomes still, the more sensitive we become, enabling us to grasp the surrounding situation more accurately.
When the surface of the water is as calm and still as a mirror, the moon in the sky and the birds on the branches are clearly reflected as they are. If water’s surface is rippled, the reflected image will be distorted. It is only when our minds are calm that we can grasp the true essence of things.
There is no need to forcibly suppress our emotions. If we calm our mind in the One Point in the lower abdomen, even when big waves arise, we will naturally return to our original calm state. Only then will we be able to face important situations without losing our composure and fully utilize our abilities.
No matter how hectic our days may be, we can maintain a sense of calm within ourselves. We can develop a deep sensitivity without being tossed about by the waves of emotions. The ancient saying “Bo-chu, kan ari” (“There is leisure even in the midst of busyness” = Even when we are busy, we can still find a moment of calm) means more than just carving out time amidst busyness.
True “calmness” is a state overflowing with energy.
Translated by Mayumi Case
Edited by David Shaner
Eastern Ki Federation
https://easternkifederation.org/
Original article in Japanese: 落ち着き (Ochitsuki)
March 1, 2026
https://shinichitohei.com/japanese/01-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%a9%e3%83%a0/36784/
