The underlying principle that points to a true expression of Aikido is non-resistance, and that implies receptive values. That doesn’t mean we don’t take action, but simply that we’re not in opposition to what is. Aikido is obviously an art form that is expressed through the body, which gets information from our sensory awareness. That means feeling. Feeling is a physical form of receptivity that’s always relevant to a centered and appropriate expression of any action quality (yin or yang, doesn’t matter). And, awareness of what you feel is the only real and effective instrument for gauging actual improvement. In other words, if you want to get better at aikido, be receptive, place your awareness in the body, and feel. For some people this can be very scary as their awareness is absorbed in the doing of the technique—the mechanics of form. Over the long term, though, mechanics ultimately have little to do with Aikido as non-resistance (a tough pill for some people to swallow, including me many years ago). There’s nothing wrong with practicing mechanics, but mechanics doesn’t speak very deeply to the qualities and appropriateness of aikido form as it’s unfolding.  It’s an inorganic level of dealing with organic conditions. I know of only one way to include solid mechanics in an organic process of being non-resistant and effective. Feel what’s happening now, act on that information, and trust. If I’m an average example of how that process goes, then expect some train wrecks before awareness and action connect more consistently, but don’t abandon it because it’s uncomfortable or scary. You’re a warrior for god’s sake, and it just so happens that aikido’s path is most effectively and dimensionally practiced from the inside out. Feel. It’s good.