©™ 2003 - 2009: OWH Industries - Ueshiba Aikido : Victoria, Canada
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Ueshiba Aikido e-Reflections
ISSN 1712-2341
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Apr 12, 2009

"Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world;
illuminate the Path according to your inner light. "

Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei


What we do when no one is watching reveals strength of character. Even the person who complains or discredits another draws attention to himself and reveals the kind of person they are. No matter what situation or circumstance we find ourselves in, how we respond reveals the person we are: whether it is to the current outlook or how we respond to training in the Dojo.

A student once asked why we were repeating a technique over again, since it had already been done. It brought to mind a time when one of my children said, when asked, that they had already brushed their teeth... yesterday. In the same vein, why then do we dust our furniture and vacuum when we did it yesterday or last week? Why take a bath when that was done the day before? Why wash the dishes after use when it had already been done, yesterday?

Through our thoughts and actions, we constantly re-commit ourselves to what we believe in, or cherish. Whenever a couple says "I love you" or demonstrates their love for each other, it comes from more than a feeling. It is a re-commitment to each other, and to their marriage vows. Imagine what would happen if one of them stopped saying "I love you" or stopped demonstrating their commitment to love, especially through "bad times", because it had already been said and done before.  The greatest demonstration of unwavering love was through forgiveness shown, even after being severely tortured and left hanging to die.  No excuses, and no blaming.

The little things that we do, especially through rough times, will illuminate the path we are on.  This is the way of Aiki in daily life, serving and harmonising in the Dojo that is the world.

Have a most meaningful and glorious Easter!

In peace and harmony,
Rafael Oei Sensei.
(© Copyright April 2009: Rafael Oei)

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