Morihei Ueshiba was a Japanese martial artist who is most noted for developing the discipline of Aikido. He studied both Shinto and Buddhist faiths lending credibility to the fact that Sensei (Great Teacher) Ueshiba attributed three incidences of spiritual awakening for the development of Aikido. Aikido, literally translated, means The Way of Spiritual Harmony and is based on the tenants of promoting spiritual and social development while protecting one’s opponent.

“Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.”  -Morihei Ueshiba

The concept is particularly insightful when considering the aspects of loyalty because the integration of spiritual and social development is a cornerstone of an overall culture of wellbeing. Further to the point, protecting an opponent offers greater understanding to working harmoniously in a culture that promotes faithfulness, constancy, and devotion, all various aspects of loyalty.

And then there are the characteristics of devotion, bravery, self-sacrifice, and trust that contribute to the strength and power of love. If we observe the people who surround us, we’ll find that they create a mosaic of these characteristics, making it safe to be our authentic selves as we share the various seasons of life.

Trust in the process of loyalty and love!