"Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer"

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, offers profound wisdom in urging us to approach life without fear and hatred. To look upon the world with fear is to shrink our experience, to limit joy and potential, imprisoning ourselves within imagined dangers or the realities of sorrow and uncertainty. Loathing, too, draws boundaries, alienating us from others, from the planet, and from our own existence. When rooted in fear and disdain, our perception of life becomes narrow; every challenge is viewed as a threat, every difference as a reason for suspicion or withdrawal.

Yet Ueshiba’s encouragement is not one of naïve optimism or denial. He acknowledges that the world can present difficulties, pain, and unexpected trials. The key lies in the spirit with which we greet these offerings. Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward in spite of it, to open ourselves to experience with courage. To bravely face what the gods offer is an invitation to accept that we do not always control the circumstances of our lives, but we do have agency over our response.

This approach calls for presence and acceptance. Whether the gods, fate, nature, life, deliver joy or hardship, we are urged to greet each moment with equanimity. Rather than resisting, complaining, or despairing, we acknowledge the fullness of the human experience. By doing so, the richness of life unfolds, and we discover resources within ourselves that remain hidden when we turn away in fear or loathing.

Embracing challenges transforms them; trials become teachers instead of punishments, and pain is woven into the tapestry of wisdom. Ueshiba’s message is to live with an open heart, to participate wholly in life, welcoming both joy and adversity. In this way, we forge resilience, compassion, and a deeper sense of purpose on our journey through the world.