We practice aikido on the mat, so that we can bring aikido off the mat. We learn how to connect, be sensitive to others, and to be present, on the mat, so we can do that off the mat. We learn mindfulness and presence on the mat, so that we can bring that in to our lives, off the mat. A dojo is not just a place where we practice aikido; we practice being better people, with more love and kindness, on the mat so we can live it off the mat. A dojo is a place where we build community together; a community of caring individuals, who watch over each.
A few weeks ago I brought my students to sensei Harvey Koningsberg's 30th anniversary in Woodstock, NY. Many of his students, I have known almost that long. When I came into the dojo, I felt moved by a sense of belonging: there were aikidoka from all over the USA there. We are familiar. We are family. We know one another on a deeply intimate level because of our practice, and that feeling extends off the mat, in to our daily lives. We are blessed with this practice.