Although I moved away from Bucks County, you all are my brothers and sisters whom I have not left. In the neighborhood of our hearts you are right around the corner. Distance and time between us will always be naught.

Tonight I reflect upon how gracious and forgiving this teaching of 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, to relinquish our tenacious clinging to a separate identity, to yield to the Harmony available at all times. We are taught to pour ourselves into our training, to hold nothing back. Constantly we are faced with the habitual ego and repeatedly it is wounded. Yet over and over and over we get up once more, reach out and grab hold the tiger’s whiskers yet again. What a paragon for the path of letting go of self, much fodder indeed. We get pumped up with pride by our accomplishments, by the kiSpirit; life force; vital energy; strength; sensitivity (chinese = "chi") that runs through our guts and limbs, and by participating in the elegant and steeling etiquette.

Noticing how slow and unconscious those others are. I am an AikidokaOne who does Aikido, look at me I’m getting somewhere! And boom! Down again. Each time shedding a thin film of this cloudy veil, as we rise back up with humility. Each time a bit of the tarnish rubbed from our hearts and we become more able to feel the Truth, to be present, to let go. We strengthen one another through this practice and our repeated efforts. You have all reinforced my spirit with your earnest commitment, and taught me how to apply the essence of aiki in daily life.

Exploring a rather labyrinthine web forum on Buddhism, a questioner had asked if there were any practioners of Aikido out there and if Aikido was any good in a street fight. Most thought it wasn’t. I did wonder how many Buddhists actually get into street fights! But regardless, it provided a delicious snack of irony. For it seems to me Aikido helps to fell the potential for pedestrian conflict right at the root. Your practice, our practice, is teaching me to see openings all around, openings into which one may position sensitivity, compassion and guidance — a kind word, humor, a kernel of insight or even the simple wisdom of silence. How that can change the course of things, directing toward the expansive.

The county I have moved to is set to undergo a major gas drilling campaign, which threatens to disrupt the beauty, ecology and serenity of the area, jeopardizing aquifers, streams and rivers, and damaging natural habitat. Recently I’ve encountered neighbors who are under the spell of money they may receive by leasing their land to gas companies (the oil and gas industries by the way are exempt from the Clean Water Act).

A rudimentary understanding of blending and merging is showing me in this instance and others that it’s possible to engage in dialogue with those whom I vehemently disagree, and in this way, perhaps, to have an influence in weighing the bigger picture. Not fanning the sparks of conflict, better encouraging aiHarmony; coming together; integration; unification; unity-ki. Easier said than done, of course. Not only for myself but for all, I am grateful for your continuing dedication to this jewel of practice. Together, near or apart, let us continue to pour ourselves out completely, exposing those greedy nooks and crannies within to the openness of the great Circle as we aim toward Harmony within and without.