I went rock climbing for the first time this spring, just recently. Though I've been climbing many times, I was surprised to feel the old fear return, with the companion feeling that the sport had somehow become more difficult for me. Taking a step back, between ascents, I started thinking of the theme of this issue, about the essence of climbing and other things in my life that are challenging and intense. The idea behind climbing is that one must move out of balance in order to come into balance in a higher place. The process of moving up continually involves this out-of-balance/in-balance duality. It struck me that this was the basis for my true learning and my wish to communicate with the world more positively - what psychologists call "cognitive dissonance," that place where contradictory notions blend to push you forward. True dialogue requires that we have the ability to hold two opposing ideas without judgement. On the mat, I'm at my best when I try to integrate martial and spiritual elements into practice. To me, much of the essence of aikido is this ability to see, and use, both points of view.

In this issue we struggle to frame these ideas. Ben Pincus Sensei writes passionately about his search for the meaning of our theme's paradox, while Laura-Rose Russell gives an emotional view into her inner struggle on the mat. Ed Pincus builds on his memories of the late Terry Dobson Sensei and the aikido of love and hate. In Aikido is my Middle Way, Sean Harrington shares insights about aikido principles applied to the real world, and David Mendenhall provides us with a poetic reflection of bokken training on a chilly March morning. A story of aikido in action, by nine-year-old Blake Sullivan, and art work by Julie Stanitis and Heidi Albright, round out the issue.(Art work not available in online version at this time --ed.)

Thanks to all of you who contributed, and particularly to Beth Whiting who did much of the layout for this issue. Our next issue will come out in September. All contributions (art work, poetry, essays, stories) are welcome!

Best Wishes, Bruce Hennessey

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