References

References

Traditions and Paths as Gateways

Through my journey of exploration, these traditions have served as gateways to understanding. Each offers unique wisdom while pointing to the same timeless truth:

Aikido: Opens a dynamic gateway through partner practice, revealing how we meet challenge and conflict. Its flowing movements and emphasis on harmony bring immediate insights into habitual patterns of tension and reaction.

• Training at Ban Sen Juku under Tomita Seiji Shihan: https://bansenjuku.org/en/index.html

• Connected dojos:

  • Aikido Wondelgem: https://aikidogent.be/

  • Aikido Oostakker: https://aikidogent.com/

  • Aikido Lembeke: https://aikidolembeke.club/

  • Aikido Stekene: https://www.kengyudojo.be/

  • Aikido Leuven: https://aikidoleuven.org/

Iaido/Iaijutsu: The way of the sword provides a gateway through precise, formal movements. Its demanding precision naturally quiets the chattering mind, bringing one fully into the present moment.

• Currently preparing for yondan in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu under Benoit de Spoelberch Getsurinkai

Taijiquan: Offers a meditative approach through slow, precise movements. Its emphasis on softness and internal awareness shows how gentle attention supports the body's innate healing capacities.

• Trained with Liu Wai-sang and currently with his senior student Luc De Smet

• https://www.waisang.be/index.html

Mindfulness & Zazen: Offering direct gateways suitable for any setting through accessible practices, while zazen expresses the radical simplicity of Just Sitting.

• Completed basic training with Jen Bertels (2010)

• Currently in Edel Maex's professional formation (2024)

• https://www.levenindemaalstroom.be/

Self-Inquiry & Study:

• Early participant and continuing volunteer with School for Self-Inquiry:

  • https://www.schoolforselfinquiry.org/

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SchoolforSelfInquiry

• Member of Vereniging Leerproject since 1999: https://sites.google.com/site/verenigingleerproject/home

• Krishnamurti resources: https://www.jkrishnamurti.org/

• La Maison Retreat Centre: https://www.lamaison58.com/en/home

Through these various gateways, I've discovered that what matters isn't the path but the quality of attention we bring to each moment. When mental resistance drops away, life's intelligence operates freely - not through any method but through simple presence to what is.