This article is an excerpt from A Mystic in Corporate America. Though originally written about 15 years ago, the premise seems to be as true and relevant today as then, especially in light of the current roster of presidential candidates. This article suggest that leaders voluntarily engage in the humanizing and enlightening activities of various dojos and zendos. First, I describe my own experiences practicing zazen and aikido, and then extrapolate what I experienced and learned to a curriculum for leaders.

 DOJOS & ZENDOS

In the winter of 1969 I cinched up my Aikido gi for the first time, bowed, and stepped onto the mat in a small dojo, practice hall, in Arcata, California, a little town on the northern coast. The sensei, teacher, was a big burly man who looked like a meat packer or longshoreman. Instead, he was a psychologist by profession, and a man of very gentle disposition, although he could throw my ass across the room while barely touching me. (more…)