How Aikido Helps with My Hearing Loss
When one of our senses is affected, such as hearing loss, it can be a significant challenge to overcome certain tasks.
Often, we take our health for granted until we face such difficulties. It's important to realise that life is a precious gift, and we should appreciate our well-being more frequently.
It has been observed that when we are in good health and not disabled in any way, we tend to become self-absorbed and less compassionate towards others. However, there are individuals who, despite not having a disability, possess natural empathy due to their character or personal experiences with disability through loved ones, family members, or friends.
Life is peculiar in the sense that it is often through suffering that we learn to be considerate, loving, and respectful towards one another. There have been instances when I've contemplated whether I would have started practising Aikido if I hadn't been born with a hearing disability. Perhaps I would have mistakenly believed that I was self-sufficient and didn't require any external support.
However, I chose Aikido because, as a teenager, I lacked confidence and wanted to enhance my physical strength. Little did I know that the physical training in Aikido would also positively impact my mind and spirit.
It's worth mentioning that those who do not suffer from any form of disability tend to forget the challenges faced by others in leading a "normal" life. I consider myself extremely fortunate to live in a society where technological advancements are at their peak. I benefit from using digital hearing aids that assist me in coping with and hearing what people have to say, both in person and over the phone.
These hearing aids have evolved to such an extent that I feel more closely connected to my smartphone and computer than anyone else. I receive distinct ringtones for text messages, WhatsApp messages, and emails. Additionally, I am able to identify who is calling me in advance (my hearing aid can even announce the caller's name!).
However, despite the incredible advancements in technology, achieving "normal" hearing is not possible due to my severe hearing loss. Nevertheless, these technological aids provide me with the support I need to engage in normal conversations and participate in everyday activities, although certain activities such as parachuting or diving may pose challenges due to altitude and pressure on the ears.
So, how does Aikido help me with my hearing loss? Aikido has been tremendously beneficial and continues to shape my confidence and personal growth.
Over the years, I have come a long way from being a self-conscious teenager to a middle-aged man. The physical movements and the prominence of visual cues in Aikido classes allow me to feel accepted and "normal." When I immerse myself in practice, I experience a complete break from worries and stress that may otherwise occupy my mind, such as work, personal life, or financial pressures. During a class, my entire focus is devoted to Aikido, leaving no room for distractions. The joy I derive from training is abundant.
Aikido offers a sense of never-ending progression and improvement, much like the journey of overcoming my disability and embracing it without allowing it to become a burden.
In all honesty, one can learn Aikido by primarily relying on sight and physical contact. By observing an instructor's techniques and applying them with a partner through physical contact, you can absorb the essence of Aikido. Therefore, my other senses have become heightened to compensate for my hearing loss, enabling me to feel like a "normal" person. I feel completely in my element as I express myself through body and mind, performing techniques with my partners. My senses become alert and attuned to my body, and I feel truly alive during Aikido practice.
With focus and commitment, I have learned to cultivate determination and perseverance. In my case, my own disability has instilled in me a resolute drive to pursue my goals and continue practising Aikido with a beginner's mindset. I relentlessly work to improve my techniques, constantly seeking progress. This unwavering mindset has given my life a sense of purpose and has motivated me to help others reach their full potential, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. That's why I named my school Aspire Aikido London—a reflection of my desire to inspire and empower others.
Aikido has had a profound impact on my life as I navigate the challenges of hearing loss. Through this martial art, I have found a path to building confidence, embracing my uniqueness, and developing a deeper understanding of compassion and empathy. Aikido allows me to feel normal and accepted, offering a sanctuary where I can dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the practice and experience pure joy.
By utilising my senses of sight and touch, I have discovered a newfound appreciation for my body and mind, feeling alive and connected. Aikido has given me the strength to overcome obstacles and thrive, serving as a constant reminder that our limitations need not define us.
It is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.