Aikido as a way of life.

 I hardly ever blame my uke anymore when my technique doesn't feel right.  My job as nage is to blend with what I am offered. Aikido training provides wonderful challenges. I am learning to adapt and not force my will on situations. In life, I am staying and practicing the same ideas. I may not be as open as I am in class, yet I am awake and aware. I am committed to my training on and off the mat. The world provides with me many wonderful opportunities to choose love and compassion.

 Water flows. Trees stand tall and bend with the wind. Uke follows. Nage leads. Aikido challenges us to relax and flow, to stand large and bend with the energy. Today I will go with flow and come from a strong centered stance.