Today’s message comes from Mark Leitzel of the Two Rivers Dojo based in Kalispell Montana, one of the participating dojos in International Aiki Peace Week. It was in response to the following question that we asked on Facebook:
'If you could explain one thing to the world at large about aikido, what would it be and why did you choose what you chose?’
We felt Mark’s reply was so good that we wanted to share it with you.
‘To the world at large? How can it be said any better that what O' Sensei said, "Aikido is a way to reconcile the world." It is becoming more and more clear that it is not about fixing or changing the world. It is about our own way of interacting with it, of harmonizing with even the most violent attack and coming to a place where we do not even any longer perceive "attack" just an earnest need for deep connection and Unity and then becoming the humble Host for this Banquet of Reconciliation and Peace. Again, O' Sensei said, It is not what I stand for (or against) but how I stand in relation to the world, and I stand in Harmony." Until we stand in harmony we train Aikido. After we stand in harmony, we train Aikido. Robert Nadeau Shihan says, "Aikido is self correcting . . . It corrects the self!" That is the best current explanation I know of the "one thing" about Aikido.’
Thank you for all your efforts,
IAPW Committee
*ps: please use the links at the top of this email to post this message on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and share it with your friends, colleagues, and students in person and by email!
