There are many reasons why a particular individual can't make it to class ranging from injury to out of town trips to scheduling conflicts, etc.  It is difficult to come to class regularly and it is easy to let a class slip by, then another.  But it is important to realize the power that developes from
repetition.  Tying your belt on just so, doing the warm up exercises the same each time, performing the waza over and over until they are reflexive, and bring yourself back to your onepoint time after time builds a strong mind, body, and spirit.  The Japanese word is joriki. JoriKI.

So let us, each one return to our practice, our onepoint, our breath again and then again.  This is important work you are doing.  Each of us must be like Daruma, the heavy bottomed figurine that always rights itself when it is tipped over.  Fall down eight times, get up nine times!"

" I began Aikido to gain some physical exercise and burn off the tension and daily frustrations we all sometimes experience.  Aikido offered a form of exercise that would be a source of self-defense and improve my physical health.  As I have practiced, and sometimes not practiced, Aikido has offered more than exercise and self-defense. I have a mental toughness that regularly gets me through those 60 hour work weeks, and allows me to endure
 those annoying co-workers/managers.  Aikido has helped me become a more balanced and stable person.."