What does it mean to take a stand?
By Loren Crotty (age 13 ) 3rd kyu essay

Taking a stand is something that is important to me in my everyday life. I think that taking a stand is something to be done when you believe in something, or someone is pushing you around etc. I think that taking a stand means to hold your position mentally, and have your physical presence be alert, but not rigid, so that you can have a little give.

I don’t think that you should be so steadfast to your position that you are not accepting and or responsive to others thoughts, and energies. I think that taking a stand includes your mental position as well as your physical being. For me, taking a stand is an everyday thing. For example, people making fun of me. Eventually, I just have to draw the line and take a stand, because if I don’t the insults and derogatory comments will just keep coming. In taking a stand, I don't just go and try to beat them up or anything, I start by holding a mental line. That mental line is what really keeps the situation under control.

A mental line is what I think is the most important part of taking a stand. Without mental control, the body is useless. I am not saying that you have to totally think through everything and leave your physical presence out of it. The body is important, but can’t survive without the mind, and vice versa, so both have to work in unison. The mental line is your position, and opinions and centered-ness.

“Stand in the center of everything able to respond to, embrace and blend with anything offered, without conditions or preconcieved notions.” (The Essence of Aikido) This quote states almost exactly how I feel about taking a stand. I think that you should “Stand as firmly as god ” .(The Essence of Aikido) These quotes mean to me, to be centered and receptive. To be able to take an insult and blend with it instead of taking it and throwing it back or letting it get to you. The same with the physical aspect; if a fight breaks out, (which shouldn’t happen if the first place because you have blended with the energies) then you can blend and peacefully come to a conclusion. I believe that if you can center yourself well enough and blend with the energies well enough, a fight shouldn’t happen. This is something that I will hopefully, after years and years of training be able to accomplish. I cannot do it yet, but I am working on it when my brother and I argue or fight. This is something I can’t even hope to master in my near future, but I hope to master it someday. <br>

I also think that taking a stand sould be respectful of others, so that they are not offended, scared etc by your actions. Taking a stand is very important to me and is an essential part of my teenage growth. If I never learn to take a stand, and get a little rebellious, I will never amount to anything. I don’t think that rebellion is everything, and I don’t think that it should never be done. It is essential to state your beliefs and what you feel to be right. If not, then my life will be lived following everyone’s every order, which would make me less of an individual. Overall, I think that me taking a stand is a struggle to be an individual and to show that I am not just a little kid who can’t or doesn’t speak for himself.