..I think I get fat when I do Aikido... maybe it's just all that ki storing up at my one point!
Seriously though, I have used aikido esp. recently as a way to get myself back on track when I am incredibly stressed. A little while of ki excercises, jo kata and such in the woods restores me to balance and keeps me more centered to deal with conflict, confrontation, etc. A came from a very stressful, confrontational meeting tonight - my reaction to stress without balance is to lose my temper. I was able to remain calm and unflappable, which is quite and accomplishment for me. Tomorrow night, I'll be at the dojo so I can get more centered and hopefully avoid a nervous breakdown!