In The Gift of Danger, author Mary Stein recounts her experience of taking up aikido in her mid-fifties and learning what it rally means to face danger-both external and internal. In this powerful collection of short essays, Stein undertakes a life-long practice of sensitivity, wholeness of response, and vigilant attention. As she practices an active and spirited defense on the mat, she also uncovers a lifetime of habitual tensions and emotional reactions, of flight and ineffective fight. Above all, she learns that the sense of danger, far from being something to avoid, presents us with opportunities to challenge ourselves and put training and theory into practice. Appealing to the widespread longing for a more authentic life, free of fear, stress, and tension. The Gift of Danger demonstrates how the practice of aikido can show us what is really needed in our lives. "This is the story of a remarkable woman who at the age of eighty is committed to facing her fears and learning about her potential. Mary Stein invites yuo into her home dojo to follow her on an inspiring journey of self-discovery."-Wendy Palmer, author of The Intuitive Body and The Practice of Freedom "This youthful octogenarian describes her steady progress in the martial art of peace with an insider's eye and attention to detail. By the end of the book readers will begin to grasp the subtleties of aikido's approach to conflict resolution and diescover new tools for handling life's daily challenges."-Stanley Pranin, Editor, Aikido Journal "A book of exquisite delight, guidance, and wisdom that redefines courage as a day-to-day dance with all the forces of life."-Jacob Needleman, author of The American Soul and Why Can't We Be Good

Contents Indroduction The gift of danger A sincere attack An attentive response Mutual assistance Morote-dori Posture Falling Another look at aggression Questions of style Culture shock When something shifts Resistance There's always an opening About competiton Uchi-deshi Coaching Toward seeing more Add it to your curriculum Settling down Finding a rhythm Hands that do not grasp Open yur heart Limits Testing Stretching the attention A good day to go al out Opposites Ikebana Remembering the return Bigger steps The best part Repetitioin Taking charge Off the mat Casting off Zanshin What moves in the silence Encounters About the author