Being Superconnected: A First-Person Inquiry into the Influence of the Embodied Principles of Aikido on the Practice of Leading Self

This study focused on the influence of the embodied philosophy and principles of aikido on the practice of leading self. Inspired by the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, who noted the aim of aikido “is to carry the training into everyday life. If it stops with technique, it has no real value” (Saotome, 1993, p. 237), this inquiry explored the value of aikido beyond a martial art and in the context of leadership development. Through first-person action research methodology involving journaling and meditation, focus group discussions with two feedback partners, and semi-structured interviews with two subject matter experts, key findings revealed relational principles of connection between self, people, place, path, and instances of unhooking, which interconnected with the emergent themes of embodied practices of leading. This research adhered to Royal Roads University ethics requirements and advances people’s understanding of embodied knowing and contributes recommendations for the practice of embodied leading.

Author dc:creator

• Qureshi, April, Ria

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• WALINGA, JENNIFER

• School of leadership studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/ir-19753

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28129