So, two monks had a question for the head priest of the monastery.  One of them reluctantly enters his office and asks, “Father, is it okay if we smoke while we pray?” “No, of course not,” said the priest. The Monk goes outside to tell his friend the bad news. “Wait a minute,” said the friend as he walked towards the Priest’s office. He poked his head in and asked, “Father, may we pray while we smoke?” “Of course,” said the priest.

Are you having trouble expressing freedom when you practice Aikido? Then practice Aikido while you’re expressing freedom.

The flip side…
As Nage—the One Who Throws—you are also one who accepts
conditions as they are
Like a parent, a teacher, or an enlightened boss
you lead while listening
and act with a compassionate hand and ruthless intention
You are free to choose
an appropriate direction
And hopefully
just maybe
conflict will turn into dance
and freedom and responsibility will walk hand-in-hand 

As Uke—the Receiver—you are also the initiator
committed and sincere, firm yet loose
As attacker, you listen, feel, deeply
because you *are interested*
and not because Nage should *make you interested*
And hopefully
just maybe
the seeds of empowered freedom will sprout 

I saw myself clearly—as if I was naked to the world. I saw the things that the small Me within would do, say, and even scheme. In an instant, I saw how it played out, where it came from, how it made others feel. I saw how it served me throughout life—the good and the dreadful. I saw how it limited the much bigger Me. I felt relieved and disgusted all at the same time. Then I accepted it. Did I have a choice, really? And then a door appeared that screamed of freedom, and I walked through, always watching the small Me like it was a restless and lonely child.