What does the 1st of December really mean?  How does each of use cherish the fact that we are Romanian... by a day off remembering our traditions, our true moral values?

 

Yesterday, December 1st 2010, I reminded myself what does mean to be a Romanian; to treasure your ancestors, and to thank them for your existence now on this charming land of ours. I participated as a spectator to the Aikido training at Fudo Shin Dojo, a practice transformed by Sensei Ghita Juhasz in a celebration of our National Day. The starting moment when the aikidoist showed their respects to the Founder O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, was followed by the singing of the national anthem, which calmed down a little bit the children and made our hearts startled hearing it. People of all ages were in the dojo, people so different but still united, at least for a few minutes, by a felling of fraternity and admiration, but which evolved during the event. We rediscover what Aikido mean watching an interview with Dan Puric, on his life experience and the connection with Aikido, perfecting yourself through Aikido practice, devoting yourself, trying to make from Aikido practice a Way of life.

 

The solemn atmosphere loosen up a little bit after the children start playing, amusing the parents. At the end Sensei Ghita Juhasz rewarded everyone with small handmade badges featuring the national flag, as a memory of a special day. It all ended with a piece of cake for all those who were present.

The felling that we did something special, we get out from the superficiality of everyday life for a day, and we cherish our national values was the simple thing that filled our hearts. Isn’t this the correct way to remind our new generation that we are proud to be Romanian?

 

Bianca Juhasz