I have bad feet. I have always had bad feet. Being flat footed makes my arches hurt, my ankles hurt, my knees and often my hips and back. I’ve had more than five different types of orthotics over my lifetime. I go to podiatrists, chiropractors and massage therapists. Yet, I chose a job where I’m on my feet most of my day. I chose hobbies that stress my ankles and knees. Here I am at AikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy.", sitting seizaFormal sitting position, listening to SenseiTeacher; anyone who gives guidance along the way; literally "born before" talk. I love listening to Sensei talk. I want to absorb as much of his wisdom as I can. I try to let go of the ache in my knees and my ankles. I try not to think about it. I try not to squirm. I hate my feet.

When someone asks me what aikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy." is, I wonder the same thing. It’s quite a curious phenomenon to spend so much time engaged in something and hardly feel satisfied in comprehending the scope of the experience. It’s so much more than a martial art that my response usually starts with a smile.

If we are training sincerely the conceit of inferiority can be as paralyzing as the conviction of mastery

Both are delusions that create limits and remove us from directly experiencing the reality of the present moment.

I have had this phrase rolling around in my head now for over a decade: aikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy." is for life. At first glance it seems contradictory. Aikido is a martial art and that means physical conflict to me. Given that we live in an advanced society that frowns on resolving personal differences through physical confrontation, the contradiction comes into focus. How can I apply a method of resolving physical conflict (aikido) in a world where physical conflict is rare?

One of the things you often hear in the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall is “don’t get stuck”; as if we had some choice in keeping our assemblage of parts from getting frozen in place. Our stiffness in body and mind can be a perennial source of frustration.